Faculty Offer Diverse Perspectives on What Constitutes 'Good Writing' and Effective Writing Processes
Swarthmore faculty members have shared their insights on what defines 'good writing' and how individuals should approach the writing process. Eric Song, Professor of English Literature, emphasizes the need for writing that sounds like real human communication, contrasting it with managerial or overly self-conscious styles. Steve Wang, Professor of Statistics, advocates for separating editing from writing, suggesting quick first drafts followed by thorough revision. Mark Kuperberg, Professor of Economics, advises students to 'write as you read, not as you talk,' highlighting the importance of mimicking well-written texts. Alba Newman Holmes, in the writing pedagogy course, focuses on developing resourceful and adaptable writers rather than a fixed notion of a 'good writer,' emphasizing curiosity, openness, and engagement. Natalie Mera Ford, Assistant Professor of English Literature, defines effective writing as that which keeps the audience engaged and takes them somewhere meaningful. Sibelan Forrester, Pro...
