English 5223 Writing Program Administration Spring 2004

Blackboard Online Course

Instructor: Mary Stanley Telephone: x3621 e-mail: stanlemf@nsuok.edu

Office: Seminary Hall 343 Office Hours:

Catalog Description of Course:

English 5223: A study of theoretical and practical aspects of writing program administration and writing lab management, which may include documentation and records, budgeting, evaluation, legalities and consensus-based management among other topics

Course Purpose:

This course is designed to help students prepare for administering a writing program or some component of such a program at the university or high school level.

Expected Course Outcomes:

After the course, students will:

· Identify and define the academic organizational structure, parameters, and issues for a writing program.

· Understand the various components of a writing program administration such as curriculum audience, design, implementation, and assessment; special audience needs; training of instructors; political and organizational issues; and special programs such as writing centers and WAC programs

· Demonstrate in-depth knowledge of one or more such components.

· Distinguish between curriculum needs for basic, composition one, and advanced composition curriculum

· Be able to prepare a management plan and operations budget for a Writing Center.

· Be able to plan writing center tutor training.

· Define and discuss appropriate graduate assistant training

· Define and discuss the special needs of ESL and developmental English students and students with learning disabilities.

· Able to define and discuss implementation of a Writing Across the Curriculum Program (WAC).

· Identify and address possible political and legal issues in writing program administration.

Instructional Materials: (required textbooks)

Ward and Carpenter, The Allyn & Bacon Sourcebook for Writing Program Administrators, Longman

McAndrew and Reigstad, Tutoring Writing A Practical Guide for Conferences, Boynton/Cook Heinemann

Instructional Procedures:

This course will be conducted online but in a seminar fashion. Students will learn about all aspects writing program administration but also gain in-depth knowledge of at least one major area. These expected course outcomes will be realized through a variety of instructional strategies designed to complement students’ life experiences. These strategies include, but are not limited to the following: expository-discussion, demonstration, inquiry, and group activities.

Student Performance Activities: (Attendance/Punctuality).

Consistent and punctual online posting in response to assignments and the meeting of class deadlines are essential to success in this course. Weekly discussion posts will be evaluated for both quality and quantity; there will be a semester research paper and a final exam composed at least three essay questions.

Assignment Due Dates:

Posting assignments are due each Friday, preferably by noon. Quizzes over assignments may be given without prior notice. The research paper is due _______ , and the final exam will be posted the last week of class.

Student Evaluation:

Grades will be based upon formal written examinations, periodic quizzes, written assignments, research paper, meaningful, weekly class discussion/participation postings, and the final exam.

Weekly discussion postings 30%

Semester Paper 50%

Final Exam 20%

1. Class participation in the discussion boards means interaction with other students and the instructor--not simple presence. Class comments should reflect our readings and honest consideration of the viewpoints of other students. Students are expected to deal with one another and the instructor in a professional, courteous manner.

2. Students wishing to visit with the professor should come to Seminary Hall, Room 343, or contact me through e-mail

3. The last date to withdraw with a W is November 8, 2002.

ADA Compliance:

If any member of the class feels that he/she has a disability and needs special accommodations of any nature whatsoever, please advise the instructor of such disability at the first class attended.

Inclement Weather/Disaster Policy:

The following are basic premises for the inclement weather policy at Northeastern State University

1. Classes are expected to be held if at all possible.

2. It is the student's responsibility to receive the information when weather is questionable.

3. Neither students nor faculty are expected to risk life or limb.

4. Faculty members are obligated to hold classes if the University is not closed, unless the faculty member is unable to get to campus.

Policy: During times of inclement weather, decisions concerning day classes will be made by 6:00 a.m. in order for the media to be notified and for students to receive the announcement before they leave home. Decisions concerning night classes will be made by 3:00 p.m.

The automated attendant message on 918-456-5511 will be modified to include information concerning campus operations during inclement weather. All media will be notified.