Course Description
This eight-week sprint course will prepare you to be a paid consultant in the Howe Writing Initiative (HWI). By the end of the class, you will know strategies for effective consulting and for effective business writing.
With these goals in mind, we will use each class to (1) better understand best practices for writing center consulting and (2) learn and discuss key business writing strategies and genres (such as memos, letters, resumes, reports, and other genres we see most often at the HWI). Together, we will think more capaciously about ways to help all writers approach constantly shifting professional communication expectations. We will also consider the dynamics of cross-cultural communication in writing center contexts.
In addition to reading and writing assignments, beginning the second week of class and continuing through finals week, you will observe and then consult one hour per week in the HWI. Your time in the HWI is part of this course. Because the writers who visit the center will be counting on you and because consulting is so rewarding (both for the consultant and the writer), you will need to plan on attending all sessions for which you sign up in the HWI.
In all aspects of the course, we will think deeply about our responsibility in creating more equitable, empathetic, and helpful learning spaces for all students in the FSB.
Policies
Texts and Materials
Late Work
All assignments are due on time. I will only accept late work if you make arrangements with me in advance of the deadline (if possible).
Grading Scale
A+ 100-97 % A 96-94 % A- 93-90 %
B+ 89-87 % B 86-84 % B- 83-80 %
C+ 79-77 % C 76-74 % C- 73-70 %
D+ 69-67 % D 66-64 % D- 63-60 %
F 59-0 %
Attendance
As a sprint course that only meets once a week, attendance at each class meeting is crucial. Each absence will result in a half letter grade reduction of your final grade, unless you discuss with me in advance (if possible) a pertinent reason for missing. I also expect that you be in class the whole time. Tardiness (or leaving early) is not acceptable and will be counted as an absence if it becomes a problem.
Email
Email is the best way to contact me. Please feel free to email me at any time with questions or concerns you may have regarding the class; I will do my best to get back to you quickly (usually within 24 hours).
Academic Integrity
Plagiarism consists of knowingly copying and/or reproducing the work of someone else without supplying appropriate credit. In cases involving deception (e.g., buying an online paper or copying others’ work without giving them credit), consequences can result in failing the assignment or, if serious enough, failing the course. If at anytime you are unsure about what constitutes plagiarism, please schedule a time to meet with me. For further details about Academic Integrity at Miami University — including a detailed list of examples of academic dishonesty and procedures and penalties for dealing with instances of academic dishonesty — visit the Undergraduate Academic Integrity website.
Respect/Community
During our course, remember that our classroom, the HWI, and online spaces should be handled with respect and concern for everyone. When communicating (with other classmates/consultants, with student writers, or with me), personal insults or attacks on an individual person’s race, class, gender, sexuality, or disability will not be tolerated.
Access/Accommodations
I am committed to maximizing your learning potential and making this course as accessible as possible. If there is any way that I can adapt this course to better meet your unique needs as a learner, please let me know. If you have a documented disability, I am especially interested in providing any accommodations that have been best determined by you and the Office of Disability Resources (http://www.units.muohio.edu/oeeo/odr/; 513-529-2541) in advance.
This eight-week sprint course will prepare you to be a paid consultant in the Howe Writing Initiative (HWI). By the end of the class, you will know strategies for effective consulting and for effective business writing.
With these goals in mind, we will use each class to (1) better understand best practices for writing center consulting and (2) learn and discuss key business writing strategies and genres (such as memos, letters, resumes, reports, and other genres we see most often at the HWI). Together, we will think more capaciously about ways to help all writers approach constantly shifting professional communication expectations. We will also consider the dynamics of cross-cultural communication in writing center contexts.
In addition to reading and writing assignments, beginning the second week of class and continuing through finals week, you will observe and then consult one hour per week in the HWI. Your time in the HWI is part of this course. Because the writers who visit the center will be counting on you and because consulting is so rewarding (both for the consultant and the writer), you will need to plan on attending all sessions for which you sign up in the HWI.
In all aspects of the course, we will think deeply about our responsibility in creating more equitable, empathetic, and helpful learning spaces for all students in the FSB.
Policies
Texts and Materials
- The Longman Guide to Peer Tutoring, 2nd Edition (provided on loan from HWI)
- ESL Writers: A Guide for Writing Center Tutors, 2nd Edition (provided on loan from HWI)
- Laptop computer or ipad/tablet
- You must also use and check your Miami email account frequently ([email protected]) and the course website (bus203.weebly.com)
Late Work
All assignments are due on time. I will only accept late work if you make arrangements with me in advance of the deadline (if possible).
Grading Scale
A+ 100-97 % A 96-94 % A- 93-90 %
B+ 89-87 % B 86-84 % B- 83-80 %
C+ 79-77 % C 76-74 % C- 73-70 %
D+ 69-67 % D 66-64 % D- 63-60 %
F 59-0 %
Attendance
As a sprint course that only meets once a week, attendance at each class meeting is crucial. Each absence will result in a half letter grade reduction of your final grade, unless you discuss with me in advance (if possible) a pertinent reason for missing. I also expect that you be in class the whole time. Tardiness (or leaving early) is not acceptable and will be counted as an absence if it becomes a problem.
Email is the best way to contact me. Please feel free to email me at any time with questions or concerns you may have regarding the class; I will do my best to get back to you quickly (usually within 24 hours).
Academic Integrity
Plagiarism consists of knowingly copying and/or reproducing the work of someone else without supplying appropriate credit. In cases involving deception (e.g., buying an online paper or copying others’ work without giving them credit), consequences can result in failing the assignment or, if serious enough, failing the course. If at anytime you are unsure about what constitutes plagiarism, please schedule a time to meet with me. For further details about Academic Integrity at Miami University — including a detailed list of examples of academic dishonesty and procedures and penalties for dealing with instances of academic dishonesty — visit the Undergraduate Academic Integrity website.
Respect/Community
During our course, remember that our classroom, the HWI, and online spaces should be handled with respect and concern for everyone. When communicating (with other classmates/consultants, with student writers, or with me), personal insults or attacks on an individual person’s race, class, gender, sexuality, or disability will not be tolerated.
Access/Accommodations
I am committed to maximizing your learning potential and making this course as accessible as possible. If there is any way that I can adapt this course to better meet your unique needs as a learner, please let me know. If you have a documented disability, I am especially interested in providing any accommodations that have been best determined by you and the Office of Disability Resources (http://www.units.muohio.edu/oeeo/odr/; 513-529-2541) in advance.