Kristie S. Fleckenstein

Indiana professor presents Nov. 10 writing workshop

(Nov. 7, 2003)--Kristie S. Fleckenstein, assistant professor of English at Ball State University, Muncie, Ind., will conduct a workshop, "Imaginative Teaching: Integrating Imagery into Writing and Reading," from 3:30 to 5 p.m., Monday, Nov. 10 at the University Center Pecan Room (2.01.26) on the UTSA 1604 Campus.

The workshop, sponsored by the UTSA Department of English, Classics and Philosophy, is free and open to all.

The purpose of the workshop is to explore ways imagery can be integrated into classrooms to help students achieve personal, artistic and civic goals through new forms of literacy.

According to Fleckenstein, the art of imagery plays an essential role in reading and writing, although traditional practices in both literature and composition classrooms focus on the art of language.

The workshop will cover techniques to establish a working definition of imagery, evolve practical ways to use imagery to enhance invention and revision, uncover the role of imagery in reading interpretation and expand students' concepts of imagery.

Fleckenstein is author of the new book, "Embodied Literacies: Imageword and a Poetics of Teaching," published by Southern Illinois University Press.

In her book, Fleckenstein describes the concept of "imageword" -- a fusion of image and word -- which is used to reassess language arts education and promote a new vision of reading and writing in the classroom, reconfiguring what teachers do when they teach, how they teach, what they use to teach and how they teach ethically.

Fleckenstein earned a doctor of arts degree in rhetoric and composition at Illinois State University, a master of arts degree in literature at Indiana University and a bachelor of arts degree in English, journalism and secondary education certification at Central Michigan University.

Her research interests include modern rhetorical theory, contemporary composition, theories of technology, feminist studies, imagery and emotion in literacy.

For more information, contact Sue Hum, assistant professor of English, classics and philosophy, at 210-458-5339.

--Tim Brownlee