A 12 Step Program, I Mean, Guide, for Creating a Course Policy Sheet

STEP 1. Include the following information near the top:

STEP 2. List the textbooks (required and recommended; I always recommend access to a good dictionary) and other materials (computer disks, spiral notebook or loose leaf paper, etc. I even specify blue or black ink for in class writing because reading pink gelly ink hurts my eyes. And because I'm persnickety.)

STEP 3. State the purpose of the course and the course competencies.

STEP 4. Explain how grades will be figured. If you are evaluating portfolios, they will probably represent between 50-70% of a student's final grade. The rest of the grade is usually determined by informal writing (daily writing, journals, sketches, etc.) and participation (discussions, group work, attendance, etc.)

STEP 5. State your attendance policy. The writing program's official policy is that students automatically fail if they miss 7 or more classes (for classes that meet 3 times a week), but fewer absences can still adversely affect a student's grade if that's what you decide. State whether missing a conference will constitute an absence (or two). (This would also be a good time to decide how you are going to keep track of attendance.)

STEP 6. Explain the kinds of essays that students can expect to write during the course. GIVE THE DATES THAT MAJOR ESSAYS ARE DUE.

STEP 7. Explain other types of writing that students can expect to do. REMIND THEM TO SAVE EVERYTHING.

STEP 8. Explain format requirements for all work submitted to you (typed or computer printed in standard MLA format, etc.)

STEP 9. Give your policy on late work.

STEP 10. Include a reminder about disruptions from cell phones, pagers, and the like. If your class meets in a computer classroom you might consider having a policy about appropriate and inappropriate times to use the computers.

STEP 11. Give misc. info--about setting up an email account, using the writing center, etc.

STEP 12. State any disclaimers. For example, you might remind students that turning in all work and attending class do not guarantee they will pass the course.

That all sounds a bit dictatorial, but the policy sheet is really a contract between you and your students. I've even heard of some instructors giving syllabus quizzes or including a statement that students have to sign and turn in saying they have read and understand the course policies. That said, your syllabus also represents you and sets the tone for your class. You should make it your own. For example, include a favorite quote or cartoon about writing, or be humorous (if you are.) You will see how unhumorous I am in this sample.

English 101 Fall 2000

Section 25 MWF 12:40-1:30 LA 206

Section 29 MWF 1:40-2:30 LA 202

Welcome to English 101--English Composition. During the next 16 weeks we will practice strategies for invention, development, and revision of writing. We will also work to develop our own voices and refine our ideas to communicate clearly with others through our writing. Writing is something that one usually becomes better at with practice. Therefore, we will do copious amounts of writing; you can plan to write at least 10 pages per week.

Texts and Materials

The Working Writer--Toby Fulwiler

Portfolio Keeping--Nedra Reynolds

Pocket Keys for Writers--Ann Raimes

The Mercury Reader (available August 28th)

3-ring binder and paper, computer disks

Goals and Objectives

The BSU English department expects students who pass English 101 to demonstrate the following abilities as writers:

  1. Produce focused writing that has a clear purpose.
  2. Use revision to extend thinking about a topic (not just to "fix" mechanical errors).
  3. Make assertions that are supported by appropriate evidence gathered from experience, reading, observations, or conversations with others.
  4. Articulate the choices they make, illustrating their awareness of a writer's relationship to the subject, a text's purpose, and audience.
  5. Use a variety of strategies for generating ideas for writing, planning, and organizing material, for identifying purpose and audience, and for providing useful feedback to peers during the writing process.
  6. Produce prose without mechanical errors that distract readers from attending to the meaning and purpose of the writing.

For more information about these objectives for English 101, visit the English department Website at http://english.boisestate.edu/writing

Requirements and Grading

The good news is, there are no exams for this course. However . . .

Papers--you will write at least five essays this semester including a library research paper. Your grade will largely be determined by the evaluation of a portfolio of your best polished writing at the end of the semester. This means that you have all semester to experiment and improve, but deadlines for drafts will also be enforced. Save everything. Make sure you back up all of your papers to disk (preferably more than one).

Informal writing--you will regularly reflect on your own writing and respond to class activities and readings. Your "notebook" represents 25% of your grade.

Writing groups--you will meet regularly with groups of your peers to share and discuss assignments for this class. Your active and enthusiastic participation in group activities is mandatory to success in this class.

Conferences--you will have the opportunity to schedule individual conferences throughout the semester. Some classes will be cancelled to accommodate these conferences. Missing a scheduled conference constitutes an absence. I am also always available to answer questions and give feedback during office hours or via e-mail. Please do not call me at home.

Grading--

Writer's portfolio=60% (20 pages of polished writing due December 15)

Writer's notebook=25% (informal writing produced throughout the semester)

Writer's work habits=15% (participation in discussions and workshops, turning in drafts, etc.)

Policies

Attendance--It is strongly suggested that you make every attempt to regularly attend this class. More than three absences will adversely affect your grade. Should you choose to be absent seven times you will automatically fail this course. It is your responsibility to see me about what we discussed in class should you be absent.

Late work--Because of our tight schedule NO LATE WORK WILL BE ACCEPTED. Please plan accordingly.

Disruptions--Please turn off all electronic devices before class starts.

Computers--it is mandatory to success in this class that you are able to use a personal computer and the Internet. Plan to frequently use our course Web site. If you are not comfortable with basic computer skills, please see me and I will be happy to walk you through everything that you need to know. As you will notice, our class meets in a computer lab. Do NOT use the computers during class except when you are instructed to do so.

Writing center--I strongly suggest that you visit the writing center throughout the semester. You can make an appointment in person (LA 200) or by phone (426-1298). The writing center is open from 9-7 Monday through Thursday and 9-4 on Fridays and Saturdays.