Kirk Astle

Kirk Astle analyzes power formations through literary analyses of fictional representations as well as rhetorical analyses of non-fictional and professional texts. Having (re)written policies and curricula to accommodate growing levels of scale and greater accessibility, as well as to eradicate exclusionary educational practices whether conscious or unconsciously crafted. Dr. Astle finds oppressive formations can be eroded and replaced with increasing degrees of effective, constructive, and just discourses and practices. Dr. Astle’s background is in comparative literature and the teaching of writing. He has taught literature and writing for almost 30 years and has served, in various roles, as a college administrator for eight of those years. He has taught at colleges and universities across Michigan, including Prison Education Programs inside three Michigan prisons. He is currently an Assistant Professor in the Writing, Rhetoric, and Cultures department at Michigan State University, teaching First-Year Writing classes, a course in Writing Public Policy, a course in Prison Writing as Social Justice, and a community engaged course through which undergraduates are trained to assist incarcerated writers. Education: PhD, Michigan State University; MA, Northern Michigan University; BS, Northern Michigan University