Due diligence and disclaimer:  
Required Information:  “For each … major out-of-class writing assignments, include the following:”  

Purpose and Goals of the Assignment: 

• To help you become a better writer, that is, to get good grades on your writing assignments (in the short-run) and in the long run, to help you use writing a thinking/ language tool.  To that end: 
• Unless otherwise specified on the specific “assignment sheet, ALWAYS assume that what you are required to write is a “position paper” or an ‘expository essay.” 
• How this assignment will help you do all these (above mentioned) things:  by encouraging you to explore information, knowledge, wisdom; what these qualities are, and knowing the relationship between. 

Audience 

• Always assume (unless otherwise specified) that the audience is your “peers.”  Don’t “dumb-down” your writing without thinking about why you would do such a thing.  Above all, don’t try to “inflate” your writing to “appeal” to a “smarter audience.” 
• Use good sense, depending on the genre in which you are writing.  You probably wouldn’t write a letter to your mother beginning “Dear Mrs. Mom,” and you probably wouldn’t begin a cover letter for your resume with “Yo Homie!” 

Sources and Documentation 

• Specified with each individual assignment, the general guideline is:  “whatever it takes.”  Part of your evaluation will depend on your judgment of sources. 
• Links are usually provided for each assignment.  Document them on your “Works Referenced/ Cited” page in the appropriate style. 

Evaluation Criteria 

• The syllabus explains the “weight” for each assignment.  A “2” is a “C.” a “3” is a “B,” a 3.3 or greater is an “A” paper. 
• Think about what you read, read about what you think.  This will be reflected in your writing. 
• Use the on-line forum to explore ideas and concepts.  “14 thoughtful and insightful posts” are required. 

• --presentation and structure:  (Did you follow the assigned style with correct grammar, spelling, punctuation?) 
• --clarity, rigor, and persuasiveness of your argument: (Did you say what you mean and mean what you say?) 
• --your use and knowledge of the assigned material: (Did you think about what you read, read about what you thought?) 
• --your own originality:  (Did you simply copy and paste quotes… or did you articulate your own ideas in your own voice?) 

Formatting and Length 

• Specified on each individual assignment.