The Essay: Theory and Pedagogy for an Active Form

Heilker's main thesis is that the "Essay" is a lost writing art form in composition courses today. Composition teachers are wrapped up in teaching their students the thesis/support form of writing, that they completely leave out the "Essay." The word "essay" comes from the French word "essai" which means: trial, attempt. The "essay" is a way for an author to "attempt" and "try" new ideas; a way for an author to come up with a statement but constantly reflect and bounce around different concepts. Heilker uses this deeper meaning of the word "essay" to introduce a new form of reflective writing to writing teachers. It's a fantastic book, and a must-read for any ELA/English/Rhetoric/Composition teacher.