Please provide detailed answers to each question. Do not refer us to your syllabus. Supply all information on this page.

Equivalent of at least 15 typed pages – two or more pieces of writing submitted in multiple drafts (Upper division courses only may use a single project) – how will this requirement be accomplished?

Students complete a semester research project and initially submit their results and interpretations as two 8 to 12 page reports. The final report is composed of revised versions of the two initial reports and is typically 15 to 25 pages in length. In addition, labs in the first and fifth weeks culminate with students writing summaries of their data and interpretations; these summary statements are typically one to two pages in length.

Opportunities for serious revision – how will this requirement be accomplished?
The first part of the semester research project is submitted as a report about half way through the semester. I critique, grade, and return this report before the second report on the rest of the semester project is assigned. The final report is composed of revised versions of the first two reports that are combined into a seamless document describing the entire project.

Instruction in writing techniques specific to the discipline – how will this requirement be accomplished?

I provide written comments for each student on their summaries of the first and fifth labs. I lecture on method the method of scientific writing when I assign each of the three reports for the semester project, and provide students with handouts detailing the style, content, and grading rubrics for each of the reports. In addition, I provide students with copies of “Writing in the Geological Sciences”; a set of departmental guidelines developed by the Geology faculty for all writing in our department. The first two semester project reports are given detailed critiques and are returned together with a detailed grading rubric that summarizes the key writing issues that each student needs to address. Finally, students who want extra guidance are given one-to-one tutoring as needed.

The writing component should form a significant percentage of the course grade. Attach the course syllabus and send to the College Writing Committee, 114d Old Main.

Signature: __________________________________ Date: __________________