Guidelines for Faculty

Writing 2-3 is a course designed to help students become better thinkers, readers, researchers, and writers. With these aims in mind, faculty should note the following guidelines:

1. The readings for Writing 2-3 should be challenging and provocative, but they should not be so challenging that students have inadequate time to write. Instructors should include readings from a variety of disciplines. Readings should also be chosen with the idea that students require models for good writing.
2. Instructors should devote substantial class time to writing workshops, in which they model ways for coming up with topics and structuring arguments.
3. Writing instruction should include peer critiques of student work.
4. Instructors should require revision and should provide guidance and feedback throughout the revision process.
5. Instructors should schedule conferences with students, individually or in small groups, outside the classroom.
6. Attention should be given to developing the skills of conversation and critical thinking.
7. Instructors will design a research assignment and will, in conjunction with the library, provide instruction and support throughout the research process.

Grading Policy

WRITING 2

A grade of ON is assigned unless a student has done work resulting in a D or E. Students with a grade of ON are guaranteed to receive a grade no lower than C- for Writing 2, even if they receive a grade of D or E for Writing 3.

If a grade is D or E, that grade should be assigned at the end of fall term.

If a grade is E, the student cannot take Writing 3 in the next term and must either enroll in Writing 5 or take Writing 2 the following year.

WRITING 3

A student will receive a grade that will be applied retroactively to Writing 2 unless a student's grade is lower than C-.

If a student's grade is D or E, the instructor must assign a final grade for Writing 2, not to be lower than a C-.

If a student fails Writing 3, s/he is allowed to retake Writing 3 if the instructor is willing; otherwise, the student must take Writing 5.

For questions concerning the goals of Writing 2-3, and for discussion of the methods you might employ to meet these goals, you can contact either Karen Gocsik, Director of Writing 2-3 and Executive Director of the Writing and Rhetoric Program, or Christiane Donahue, Director of the Institute for Writing and Rhetoric.