V's Pick #24: Composition in the University by Sharon Crowley

Crowley aims to uncover the deep and dark secrets of Compositions' history in the English Department, or as she calls it, "the toad in the garden." Being the oldest course in university history, there's a lot of secrets and this book reads like an academic detective novel.

Prior to reading this, I never thought about English Departments using Comp as a Cinderella course. I knew that there were (are) many issues with the abuse of labor, the lack of care taken in hiring and training and of course, the conflict with requiring the FYC course in the first place. However, I never thought of Comp as being "used" by the ED to further its aims.

Crowley suggests that Comp is the reason EDs started as well as why they remain. She argues that without the Gen Ed FYC course, EDs would lose the power-hold they have over the university and all those with Lit PhDs would be flipping burgers at McDonalds. Okay, so she doesn't say THAT exactly, but it's what she means. Scandalous!

If you're going into grad school for Lit or if you're planning on teaching in the University English Department, this book is a must-read.