Date of Award

Spring 2020

Degree Type

Dissertation

Degree Name

Doctor of Education (EdD)

School

Education

Committee Chair

Dr. Lilian H. Hill

Committee Chair School

Education

Committee Member 2

Dr. Thomas O'Brien

Committee Member 2 School

Education

Committee Member 3

Dr. Kyna Shelley

Committee Member 3 School

Education

Committee Member 4

Dr. Holly Foster

Committee Member 4 School

Education

Abstract

Transgender students face challenging and unique experiences in academic classrooms on college campuses. This qualitative study, which used queer and transgender theory, sought to examine the realities of transgender students’ experiences within the English Composition classroom in the Rocky Mountains. English Composition is a class nearly every undergraduate student must take, no matter their major. It acts as a microcosm of the college population. Composition classes are generally small (20-25 students), offering a more intimate setting than other general education classes in college. Additionally, personal writing is expected, as is sharing work with classmates for peer-review sessions. Within this context and this setting, I gained valuable information about the experiences of transgender students within this academic setting. Currently, little research on this student population exists within the geographical locale of the Rocky Mountains. Findings of this study can be used for other disciplines within the classroom setting and help to educate administrators and other staff members working directly with transgender students. Information from this study can help colleges and university instructors serve the transgender college population more appropriately.

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