D. Battles
Below is a sample break down of class time, for the Winter term, allocated for writing instruction at the 300-level. This is just a model for you. While the research skills vary from one discipline to another, you can find a list of the shared Learning Objectives for writing at the W2 level, along with some basic exercises and lesson plans for teaching research writing skills at the Writing Webpage (writing.hanover.edu).
How it works: For this 300-level W2 course, students complete two short research papers, and a longer final research paper, each designed to gradually build student expertise in researching writing, targeting specific methodologies, within the discipline. The earliest paper assignment has the most scaffolding, providing students with a list of required sources, and clear parameters for investigation, so students can focus more closely on reading comprehension, sources use, and writing itself. Subsequent papers provide some scaffolding (e.g. sources) while requiring students to assume more responsibility for, say, finding two of their own scholarly sources, and working with the text in the original language (Middle English). For each paper, we devote an entire class period to a Thesis and Topic Sentence Workshop, Additionally, students receive models for a "Sample Research Paper Body Paragraph," and a "Sample Introduction," which we go over in class, so they are clear on how to craft the paper. Students also meet for one-on-one guidance on papers, as needed. This in-class work is gold when it comes to the quality of the student writing, and you will really enjoy grading these papers. Believe me.
Grading Procedures:
Short Research Papers (2): 25% (10%; 15%)
Long Research Paper (1): 20%
Written Responses (2) 10% (5% each)
Class Participation: 15%
Midterm: 15%
Final Exam: 15%
The Plan:
Week 1 (1/6-1/10): Introduction and Overview
M: course content
W: course content
Week 2 (1/13-1/17): Content
M: course content
W: course content
F: course content
Week 3 (1/20-1/24): Content
M: course content
W: course content
F: course content
Week 4 (1/27-1/31): Content and College Writing
M: Thesis and Outline workshop for Short Research Paper 1
W: "Sample Research Paper Body Paragraph"; in-class writing of one Body Paragraph.
F: course content
Week 5 (2/3-2/7): Content; College Writing
M: course content; distribute "Sample Research Paper Introduction" and review in class.
W: course content
F: course content (Short Research Paper 1 due)
Week 6 (2/10-2/14): Content
M: course content
W: course content
F: course content
Week 7 (2/17-2/21): Review and Midterm
M: course content
W: Midterm Review
F: Midterm Exam
Week 8 (2/24-2/28): Winter Break!!!
Week 9: (3/2-3/6): Content; College Writing
M: course content
W: Thesis and Outlining Workshop for Paper 2
F: course content
Week 10 (3/9-3/13): Content
M: course content
W: course content
F: course content
Week 11 (3/16-3/20): Content; College Writing
M: course content
W: course content
F: in-class research methods day; Short Research Paper 2 due
Week 12 (3/23-3/37): Content
M: course content
W: course content
F: course content
Week 13 (3/30-4/3): Content
M: course content
W: course content
F: course content
Week 14 (4/6-4/10): Wrap-up; College Writing
M: course content
W: Writing Day for Research Paper 3
F: Oral Exam Review; Research Paper 3 Due