Graduation Writing Assessment Requirement (GWAR)
Course Approval Sheet
Department Chemistry and Biochemistry College_Science and Engineering__
Course Number_390__ Course Title_Contemporary Chemistry and Biochemistry Research
Contact Person Jane DeWitt_ _ Phone X _8-1289__
This proposal is a: (please check one)
_____ Minor Modification to an Existing Course
_____ Substantial Modification to an Existing Course
X Completely New Course
Relationship of course to major(s). Please indicate how this course fits in the major.
Chem 390 will be a junior level writing course required of students.
Prerequisite: A prerequisite for the course is the completion of English 214 or its equivalent with a grade of “C-” or better. X Yes _____ No
A grade of C or better in English 214 and a grade of C or better in Chem 321 or 335. Junior-level standing.
Please attach a course syllabus to this form.
Please indicate how this course meets each of the GWAR criteria:
(Note: You may respond either in the blanks below or on a separate sheet attached to this form.)
Criterion #1 - Class Size: Courses satisfying the GWAR should have an enrollment of 25 students or fewer.
We will limit the maximum class size to 25 students.
Criterion #2 - Number of Pages/Words: The overall assignments for the course will include a minimum of 15 pages, meaning the equivalent of 4000 words, of formal writing that demonstrates upper-division written English proficiency within the given discipline.
In addition to twelve in-class writing assignments (6 - 10 pages total), students will write a review of recent scientific literature from a list of topics provided by the instructor (10 pages) and a research proposal that originates from this review (5 pages). Additionally, students will give an oral presentation on a research article and learn how to present data in a manner that is consistent with professional standards.
Criterion #3 - How Writing Will Affect the Final Grade: At least 60% of the grade in GWAR courses must be based on written assignments and take-home essay exams (e.g., exams designed to allow for revision), which are evaluated for both content and quality of writing.
85% of the grade in the class will be on writing assignments; 10% on an oral presentation (which includes written visual aids); 5% on other writing-related activities.
Criterion #4 - Revision of Assignments: GWAR courses must include substantive revision of major, graded, written assignments in response to feedback.
Students submit two drafts of both the research proposal and the review paper. The drafts will undergo peer and instructor review and feedback will be provided. Students will be expected to revise each draft in response to the feedback and self-review.
Criterion #5 - Types of Assignments: GWAR courses should include a variety of writing assignments that are distributed throughout the semester, rather than concentrated at the end.
Students will attend research seminars and write summaries of these seminars or of research articles on a weekly basis; students will work in-class on writing parts of the research paper, data presentation, oral presentation, and research proposal throughout the semester.
Criterion #6 - In-class Attention to Writing: GWAR course syllabi should reflect significant class time devoted to instruction in writing conventions within the given discipline.
Students will spend time in class evaluating examples of written work, formally discussing elements of writing conventions, and working on writing assignments. Peer-review of short writing assignments, the research proposal, and the review paper will be performed both in and out of class.
Criterion # 7, Number of Units: GWAR courses should be at least 3 units.
3 units
Department/Program Chair/Directors
Jane DeWitt____________________________________
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