Faculty and researchers: We want to hear from you! We are launching a survey to learn more about your library collection needs for teaching, learning, and research. If you would like to participate, please complete the survey by May 17, 2024. Thank you for your participation!
First Year Writing Course syllabi: Send an electronic copy (.doc, .rtf, or .pdf) to
FYWP@uml.edu by the deadline announced prior to the start of each semester.
Be sure to name the file distinctively, including your last name and the course number!
A strong syllabus is one that clearly articulates your expectations, as well as our program goals and learning outcomes. Below, please find some sample text for the various syllabus requirements. We ask that you consider the following examples so that your students can clearly understand your policies and requirements, i.e. attendance policy and grading policy. In the event of a student dispute, the First Year Writing Program would like to easily defend and uphold your established policies. A clearly stated syllabus protects everyone. Therefore, we encourage you to establish a foolproof attendance policy that articulates how a student’s grade will be affected by absences as well as a clear grading table that articulates the grade percentage breakdown of: class participation, attendance, homework, and the weight of each paper. If you have any questions, please feel free to contact Katherine at Katherine_Conlon@uml.edu or 978-934-6403. She will be happy to review your syllabus and offer suggestions at any time.
Below are links to examples of the information students need. Required items are noted in red. If you have ideas about other categories to add, please let us know!
• Course and section numbers/days/times/location:
ENGL 1010-246 College Writing I
Fall 2018
Prof. Nomen Nescio
TR 12:30-1:45, Dandeneau 413
Because room assignments must necessarily be made very close to the start of the term, you might not know your classroom when you send in your syllabus for duplicating. That’s OK! It’s a good idea to leave a space for students to make a note. Because rooms do change during the period just before the semester begins, it’s also a good idea to check your SiS account on the first day of your course to be sure you’ve seen the most recent update.
• Contact information & office hours
• Credit hour statement text:
This is a 3 credit course, as defined by federal regulation. You should expect to complete 6 hours of out of class work each week for approximately 15 weeks, for a total of 90 hours outside-of-class work.
This is a 4 credit course, as defined by federal regulation. You should expect to complete 8 hours of out of class work each week for approximately 15 weeks, for a total of 120 hours of outside-of-class work.
Required Texts
This section of the syllabus should include a complete list of books required for the course. The selection of course books should clearly indicate the Program’s emphasis on academic writing. For example, while reader/rhetoric texts and writing handbooks are both appropriate, typical choices, texts reflective of disciplines other than writing are not appropriate. For CW I syllabi in Fall and CWII syllabi in Spring, the list should include the custom handbook as the required text.
• Attendance policy (examples)
The faculty senate just passed an attendance policy statement for student athletes. Please consider this statementwhen writing your attendance policy.
• Classroom conduct and behavior policy
• Breakdown of course grade by percentage weight of major assignments (including 4 formal essays)
• Numerical equivalents for letter grades
• Statement on evaluation of student work
• Additional Recommended Information, (not required)
Exposure to research (sample text) (College Writing II course)
Each student will be expected and encouraged to engage in research and with researchers outside of the academic classroom. There are many opportunities to meet with highly trained, professional researchers on the UML campus, and being exposed to these people is a fundamental aspect to your own development as a researcher. You will need to attend at least one symposium, lecture, thesis defense, or other element of the research experience as well as engage with these researchers in a meaningful way.
