Classes will take a variety of forms including lecture, workshops, group work, and in-class writing and will reflect a decided focus on collective learning. However, you will also write and read outside of class on your own. My goal is for you to become a more confident writer, and this can only happen if you participate in all class activities, complete assignments on time and ask questions when you do not understand something.

Since our focus is on writing as a process, I will evaluate and make extensive comments concerning each piece of writing you submit, but I will not assign grades to individual papers. Instead, I will give you a midterm "so far" grade which, in combination with the comments I make on your papers and our discussions in conferences, should give you a sense of how you are doing in the course. Your final grade will be based on your timely and successful completion of all course requirements, your active class participation, your willingness to revise and rethink your writing (25%), and your mid-term (25%) and final (50%) portfolios of polished writing.

4-5 essays (20 pages of revised writing), in-class writings, group activities, one-on-one conferences with me, writing portfolios (collections of your work), and a journal (details will be given in class)

All work for this class MUST be done in the spirit of the UNCG Academic Integrity Policy, which can be found in your student handbook and online. Do not plagiarize! (Dont even think about it.)

You are expected to be here and to be on time. This course involves a great deal of in-class and group workthe sort that is impossible to make up outside of class. If you miss more than three classes (excused or unexcused), I will suggest that you drop the course. Excessive tardies and absences will significantly and negatively affect your grade, and if you miss work, YOU WILL NOT BE ALLOWED TO MAKE IT UP. (Read that sentence againI am serious!). If, however, you know that you will have to miss class, make arrangements with me prior to your absence. Deadlines will be adhered to strictly, and late work will be accepted only in the most extreme circumstances.