Upon recommendation from the Task Force on General Education, Provost Rita Cheng announces a pilot project to advance students' writing skills in the disciplines. Departments are encouraged to submit proposals for reform an existing course in the major as a writing-intensive course appropriate for the discipline.
The goal of the project is to advance student written communication competency in the discipline such that student writing reflects the traditions and the expectations of the discipline in which he/she is majoring. The expected outcomes are:
- Students are better able to communicate as scholars in their chosen disciplines.
- Students are better prepared for research, graduate education and professional practice in the disciplines.
- Employer satisfaction of student communication skills raise to a higher level.
- Students’ perspective of their education at UWM is improved.
In this project, it is envisioned that the selected junior or senior level Spring 2009 courses in different majors will have a writing-intensive component. Students will complete writing assignments appropriate to the discipline and the course throughout the semester. Students will receive prompt feedback on their writing and will improve their writing through draft-feedback-revision cycles as needed. Instructors will undergo professional development in the Fall semester and in the Spring semester through CIPD on teaching a writing-intensive course. CIPD staff will consult with the instructors on developing tools for assessment of writing and for providing effective feedback. The Writing Center will be available to assist students during the course of the Spring semester. In addition, a consultant with writing-across-the-curriculum experience will be available to assist instructors in the construction of appropriate assignments and assessment of writing. Instructors are expected to participate in professional development programs tailored for this project and write a reflective report at the end of the Spring semester. It is expected that the department and the school/college will make a commitment to continue to offer the course as a writing-intensive course. A modest stipend/S&E fund is available to instructors in addition to professional development.
Targeted Courses:
Any junior or senior level group section course in the major (lecture, seminar, lab) where it is appropriate to incorporate writing-intensive component.
What to submit?
Please submit a short narrative that includes the following information:
Course number and title
Instructor for spring 2009
Anticipated enrollment
Nature of planned writing assignments
The proposal should be accompanied by a short statement of support from the Department Chair and the Dean. Proposals due on November 7.
Faculty and instructional academic staff are encouraged to submit proposals by November 7, and direct questions, to Associate Vice Chancellor Dev Venugopalan, Chapman 240, 229-5561, dv@uwm.edu.
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