English '57 Writing Series

Instructor, Dr. Lynn Ludwig, English Department

In this independent "create your own writing course" (English 157, 257, or 357), you explore one or more kinds of writing in one-on-one sessions with a peer consultant. You meet weekly and receive one pass/fail English credit as you improve your writing skills.

We designed the course to let you explore your writing talents and interests. With the help of your consultant, you design the content of the course. You may concentrate on any type of writing you choose. At any time during the course, you may change directions and explore another type of writing. You may take up to three credits among English 157, 257, and 357.

In this course you can - 

• Improve your essay writing skills.
• Get some constructive criticism on those poems you've been writing and only showing to friends.
• Learn how to write an effective business letter or resume.
• Concentrate on writing research papers in your field.
• Try out that idea for a science fiction novel or play you've always meant to write!

What to do:

1. Stop by the Tutoring-Learning Center during the first week of the semester and arrange to attend an orientation session.
2. At the orientation meeting, the instructor will answer any questions you have about the course, and you will decide on what kind of writing you plan to do. Since the course is pass/fail, why not take some risks and push yourself a bit? Even if you don't meet all your goals, you won't hurt your grade point average.
   
3. We will then match you with a peer consultant qualified to help you with the kind of writing you want to do, and you will schedule weekly half-hour sessions with your consultant at a mutually convenient time (Please note that if you'd later like to change whom you meet with, you need only let the receptionist know.)
4. The contract you develop in your first meeting will be in your folder when you come in for your first session. You can then describe to your consultant what you want to do this semester, and how you hope to benefit from it.
   
5. Make sure to attend regularly. If you miss two or more sessions, you risk losing your slot. If you are ill and cannot attend a session, please call the Tutoring-Learning Center (x3568) to let us know. We will then schedule a make-up session for you.
   
6. Be sure to bring new or revised writing to each of your sessions. By putting sample copies of your writing in your English '57 folder, you will make it easier to keep track of your progress during the semester. If you wish to have these copies back, you may pick them up after the semester is over.
   
7. At the end of the semester, your consultant will summarize your:
   
   • Attendance at tutoring sessions,
   • Consistency in bringing in new or revised writing, and
   • Progress in completing your independent writing contract.

Using the summary and samples of your writing that you have placed in your folder, the English '57 instructor will determine your grade for the course.

Most of all, remember to have fun!

We designed this course to let you grow and explore your writing style. We hope that you will further develop your ability to express yourself as well as to inform, educate, entertain, direct, and persuade others.

Good luck in your writing this semester!

If you want more information on the English '57 Series courses, please contact Prof. Lynn Ludwig (lludwig@uwsp.edu).