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Laurie Cubbison

Professor

Writing, Lang and Lit, School of

Address:

CHBS Building 4103
PO Box 6935

Headshot of Laurie Cubbison

Hi! I have been at Radford University since 2000 and currently serve as Associate Director of the School of Writing, Language and Literature (SWLL), where I have been referred to as the "infomancer" due to my management of information and data for SWLL. My field is rhetoric and composition, with a focus on teaching and curriculum design for first-year writing, and I am particularly interested in popular narrative and narrative theory.

Relevant Courses

Principles of College Composition (ENGL 111): In ENGL 111, the foundational writing course all students are expected to take, we use an approach that emphasizes developing good writing and study habits that prepare students for their college careers.

Critical Reading and Writing in the Digital Age (ENGL 112): In ENGL 112, I emphasize researching "wicked problems" (complex issues that are difficult to solve and lack easy solutions), including working in groups to present at the Wicked Festival each semester.

Introduction to Literary Criticism (ENGL 420): In this course intended for English majors/minors, we explore the philosophies behind the study of literature, including Aristotelian poetics, New Criticism and Post-Structuralism, as well as the influence of Psychoanalysis and Marxism on literary theory.

Teaching College Composition (ENGL 651): In this graduate-level course intended for first-year graduate teaching assistants (GTAs) in the English master's program, we study pedagogical theories of writing, and students develop a curriculum for teaching ENGL 111.

Service Roles

School of Writing, Language and Literature (SWLL) Associate Director: In this role, I work on information management for SWLL, with such tasks as assigning students to advisors, developing and conducting program assessments and serving as a resource for scheduling courses.

First-Year Writing Program Mentor: I work extensively with the mentoring program for the graduate teaching assistants (GTAs) and graduate teaching fellows (GTFs) working within the ENGL 111 and ENGL 112 courses. In addition to mentoring graduate students in their own teaching, I also teach the composition theory and pedagogy courses for the graduate teaching assistants.

Select Publications & Presentations

  • Cubbison, L.B. "GenAI as Patchwriter." Conference on College Composition and Communication. (Apr. 12, 2025). Baltimore, MD.
  • Vernon, L. (Presenter), Cubbison, L.B. (Presenter), Gainer K.D. (Presenter). "Exploring Writing Possibilities in the Age of Generative AI." Empowered Educator Conference. (Feb. 14, 2024). Cengage, Online.
  • Cubbison, L.B. "Artificial Intelligence in Business, 'The Power of What If.'" Virginia 811, Roanoke Higher Education Center. (May 24, 2024). Roanoke, VA.
  • Cubbison, L.B., Gainer, K.D., Vernon, L. "What Remains of Writing in the Age of Generative AI?" Corridors: The Blue Ridge Writing and Rhetoric Conference. Virginia Tech Center for Rhetoric in Society. (Sept. 23, 2023). Blacksburg, VA.

Education Experience

  • Ph.D. in Rhetoric and Composition, Purdue University
  • M.A. in Creative Writing, Eastern Kentucky University
  • B.A. in Speech Communications and English, Muskingum University

Other Interests

I'm a science fiction and fantasy fan, as well as an avid knitter. I also love all sorts of puzzles, from jigsaw puzzles to the New York Times word puzzles.

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