Writing 100 Class Website

Where is my class?

The classes will located be as follows:

Frequently Asked Questions

 
Technical Details:
When's the first class and where do I go?
I'm waitlisted. Now what?
I just want to write poetry. Why do I have to take the other three genres?
Do I have to buy all the books for each section?
Should I buy the textbooks for all four genres in September?
Why a different instructor for each genre?
Who are the instructors?
When can I talk to my instructor?
Can instructors comment on assignments before due dates?
What does the Coordinator do?
If I disagree with a mark on written work, what should I do?
How do I get my grades?
 
In the classroom:
Do I have to come to class?
I often miss my bus. Can I come late?
Why is being late such a big deal?
What if I have to miss a class (or more)?
Can I make special arrangements for taking exams and handing in assignments if I have a disability?
What about e-mail?
Can we submit assignments electronically?
Are laptops okay in class?
What's the work supposed to look like when we hand it in?
Why can't we spend more time in workshop mode?
How can I get an "A"?
Can I write science fiction and fantasy?

Moving on:
Do I need a certain grade to take workshops next year?
What happens if I score below a "B"?
I'm not a Writing student yet. How can I continue after WRIT 100?
If I get the grade of B (or above) in WRIT 100 can I take the workshops if there are spaces available after the Writing major students have registered?
Can I already be working on assignments to prepare for WRIT 100?
I have second-year standing from another institution. Why do I have to take WRIT 100?
I'm at Camosun. Can I take WRIT 100 before I transfer to UVic?

Technical Details

When’s the first class and where do I go?
 
A01 - Engineering/Computer Science Building 130
A02 - Cornett Building A128
A03 - Fine Arts Building 103
A04 - Fine Arts Building 104

These rooms are only for the first quarter of the class. For a complete schedule of rooms and classes, please see the grid at the top of this page.
 
The computer will say you have a course conflict between the course and the tutorial. You only attend the tutorial, NOT the class, therefore there is no conflict. Attend the tutorial you have registered for.
 
So the Department can solidify class lists quickly, you must be present at the first two classes. Students who are absent from the second class of their tutorial section will be dropped.
 

I'm waitlisted. Now what?
After the first class, should a space become available, waitlisted students will be contacted and invited to join the class.

If you do get into a class, check with the instructor for the outline and any missed handouts or assignments. If you decide to drop the course, please remove yourself from the waitlist to speed registration for others.
 

I just want to write poetry. Why do I have to take the other three genres?
It's never a bad thing for a writer to be versatile. Also, exposure to the workings of other genres can do strange and wonderful things (Joan MacLeod began as a poet and novelist; Lynne Van Luven's PhD was a study of English-Canadian drama; Lorna Jackson's next book is creative nonfiction; Bill Gaston's MFA thesis was a book of poems).
 
Also, potential traffic jams in the workshops—most often fiction—mean that keeping an open mind can expose you to the unexpected rewards of a new art form, and it might also speed your passage through the program.
 

Do I have to buy all the books for each section?
It may be possible to buy books from students in other sections. Instructors will try to facilitate a means to contact students and purchase their texts for those who want to. This is a year-long course and the cost of texts is comparable to classes in other faculties.
 

Should I buy the textbooks for all four genres in September?
Only buy the texts for the genre that you are in. If the professor of the genre changes they may use a different text. Once a student finishes a genre they may sell their used texts.
 

Why a different instructor for each genre?
Writing 100 accommodates 140 students. By using instructors who are also practitioners in the genre they teach, we keep class sizes relatively low, thereby allowing students to receive some feedback on their writing in first year. This way, we’re also able to introduce students to a variety of practicing writers/mentors; this apprenticeship is one of the key features of our program.
 

Who are the instructors?
A pool of Faculty members, Sessional Instructors, and Graduate students teach Writing 100. All are experienced, active professional writers. Most write in more than one genre.
 

When can I talk to my instructor?
Each instructor has scheduled weekly Office Hours when students are encouraged to visit them on the second floor of the Fine Arts building. No need to book an appointment. If the scheduled hour conflicts with your timetable, arrange another time to meet.
 

Can they comment on assignments before due dates?
Instructors can’t read all student work before it’s handed in. As well, no student should receive help that would unfairly improve their grade. But you’re encouraged to meet with instructors for general comments and problem-solving. Bring specific examples to Office Hours; for example, “Is this metaphor clear?” or “Am I allowed to punctuate dialogue this way?”
 

What does the Coordinator do?
Joan MacLeod is the WRIT 100 Coordinator. She meets with students when they have unresolved conflicts with instructors, or questions about WRIT 100 or the program in general. The Coordinator also helps instructors to provide the large number of WRIT 100 students with consistent and fair policies to make the learning and teaching environments productive and efficient.
 

If I disagree with a mark on written work, what should I do?
First, take a day away from it. Then, have another look and reflect on your instructor’s or the TA’s comments. If you’re still unclear as to how/why the mark was assigned, schedule a meeting to discuss things, either with the instructor or the TA marker. These meetings take place in person and are not conducted via email. Instructors may choose to let the mark stand, raise it, or lower it. If you’re still unsure, visit the Writing 100 Coordinator. She won’t change the grade but may help to show you where improvements can be made to the writing.
 

How do I get my grades?
Each instructor will either post grades for sections once all work is marked, or return assignments noting the section grade. Given the volume of marking, this can take up to two weeks, so please be patient. Your final grade in W100 will be available online by the end of April.
 

In The Classroom

Do I have to come to class?
Students are expected to attend all classes. Your participation mark will suffer if you choose not to. As well, lecture material will appear on exams so attendance will ensure you know the material. Students who don’t attend regularly have trouble writing according to instructors’ guidelines and standards; as well, exam marks are typically low.
 
You must be present at the first two classes to stay enrolled in the class. You’ll be dropped from the course if absent from the second class to make room for waitlisted students.
 

I often miss my bus. Can I come late?
You are expected to arrive on time. Chronic late arrivals will not only influence your participation grade, but will be considered disruption; instructors may choose to deny these students entry. A late arrival may be treated as an absence if attendance has already been taken. If assignments are due and you arrive late, instructors may not accept your assignment or may enforce late penalties. If you are late for a workshop class, you may be excluded from workshop and will not receive participation credit.
 

Why is being late such a big deal?
Writing classes require a professional environment, and punctual arrival shows respect for your classmates and instructor. Instructors have very few W100 classes in which to teach a lot of information. When students arrive late, the class focus shifts, concentration is lost, and instructors have to contend with this distraction while trying to get the day’s work covered.
 

What if I have to miss a class (or more)?
Arrange with another student to take notes for you and to gather any handouts from that class. If the absence is for medical reasons, submit documentation promptly to your instructor in order to be excused from class. If the condition is ongoing, check in with your instructor, and also let other section instructors know of your condition when you begin their classes. It’s your responsibility to inform us of anything that might be hampering your success in the course.
Note: Students who are absent due to travel plans or employment are not excused from class; due dates and exams will not be rescheduled to accommodate them.
 

Can I make special arrangements for taking exams and handing in assignments if I have a disability?
Inform instructors of any special needs that might have an influence on your learning in the classroom. If you are requesting academic concessions, we will need documentation from the Resource Centre for Students with a Disability (www.rcsd.uvic.ca) or from a medical doctor or counsellor. Possible concessions are made at the discretion of the instructor.
 

What about email?
Use email for information, clarification, or other brief messages. Do not use email for sensitive matters with the potential for conflict, such as extension requests, grade concerns, etc. These are best handled face to face–not at class time, but during Office Hours. That’s also the time to discuss philosophical concerns or to brainstorm assignment ideas or to talk about your writing. Email should not be used to explain your artistic intentions or writing ideas. Be courteous, brief, and professional.
 

Can we submit assignments electronically?
Certain instructors will specifically ask for exercises or
assignments to be submitted using Moodle or other instructional platforms. Otherwise, all assignments are due in class, at the beginning of class, handed in by the writer. Read each course outline and assignment carefully; respect the instructor's instructions regarding submission.
 

Are laptops okay?
Laptops may be used for note-taking, but the classroom is a professional working environment. If you use your computer for anything other than class work, you are contravening classroom etiquette and causing disruption. If you’re downloading music or visiting via Facebook you’re not a functioning part of the class community. As well, instructors are distracted when students’ attention is not focused on class work. Some instructors will conduct occasional checks; if you’re found to be misusing your computer privileges, expect to lose them.
 

What’s the work supposed to look like when we hand it in?
All writing to be workshopped or handed in must be professional and presentable: double-spaced and printed in 12-point font (no smaller); it must conform to the assigned length, and include a word count. Instructors may refuse to mark work that doesn’t meet these requirements, and you will not be allowed to resubmit that work. Correct spelling and attention to other technical matters indicate that you are serious about writing and that you understand the need to respect readers’ time by presenting a clean document. Credibility is lost when typos persist; your marks will reflect this inattention to detail.
 

Why can't we spend more time in workshop mode?
Each section of Writing 100 is brief and intense. It is primarily a lecture course. In order to prepare students for second-year workshops, instructors must make sure that key concepts, terminology, and elements of craft and technique are introduced.
 

How can I get an "A"?
Instructors assess written work according to demonstrated technique and creativity. You likely won’t shine in all four genres, but a high level of technical and artistic achievement in 3 of the 4 will be necessary for an A grade. Take a close look at the course’s Grading Grid, especially when assignments are returned to you. The Grid is a guide to standards in W100. A meeting with your instructor during Office Hours might help you to understand the specifics of your own work in relation to the Grid. Regular attendance, classroom engagement, keeping up with assigned readings to prepare for class, frequent drafting and re-drafting, and study groups to prepare for exams will all contribute to success in W100. Don’t underestimate the number of hours outside classroom time needed to perform at the highest level, typically thought to be 3 hours for every hour in the classroom. That’s about 8 hours a week for Writing 100. Some instructors have posted examples of successful student writing so you can get a sense of A-level work in the Department.
 

Can I write Science Fiction and Fantasy?
The Writing program is committed to teaching students the craft, mechanics, and culture necessary to enter the publishing industry by producing the highest quality literary writing. Our students may go on to publish commercial writing, but as part of a Faculty of Fine Arts, our role is to prepare them for a writing life at the highest artistic level. In Writing 100, the expectation is that students produce new writing that reflects concepts and techniques learned in class. For some, it’s a good time to leave the comfort of what’s familiar and to risk new forms and ideas. Read widely, especially journals suggested by your instructors. These will suggest what your contemporaries are writing, especially the subjects and styles suited to contemporary literature. If you’re wondering if you’re on the right track, talk to your instructor about what you have in mind.
 

Moving On

Do I need a certain grade to take workshops next year?
Students must attain an average grade of B+ (77%) in the combined 4 genres. Marks between 76.5 and 76.9 will be reviewed by the Coordinator, in consultation with Writing 100 instructors. If your scores on written assignments are low, and you achieve a B+ average because of high exam grades, a Writing Major might not be the best choice for you. Workshops do not include exams; those grades are based almost entirely on written work.
 

What happens if I score below a B+?
Students who don’t achieve the necessary B+ and still wish to pursue a Writing Major will need to take all four genres of W100 again and raise their grade. It is possible to take the Department’s lecture courses concurrently.
 

I’m not a WRIT student yet. How can I continue after WRIT 100?
Students who want to continue in Writing must submit a re-registration form requesting a change of faculties to Fine Arts and their area of interest to Writing by March 31. The switch will depend on achieving a grade of B+ or better in WRIT 100. If students decide over the summer that they want to continue and take workshops, but they are not declared Writing Majors, they won’t be able to register for September workshops, but may still register for our lecture courses. Workshops are few in number and typically only 15 students register in each one; they are only open to students doing a Writing Major.
 

If I get the grade of B+ (or above) in WRIT 100 can I take the workshops if there are spaces available after the Writing major students have registered?
No. You must be registered as a Writing major to enroll in the workshops. There are, however a number of electives open to non-majors. They are listed at http://finearts.uvic.ca/elective/
 

Can I already be working on assignments to prepare for W100?
All writing for Writing 100 is new work (not written in high school), unpublished, and work that hasn’t been workshopped or edited before. Instructors design exercises in order to help students achieve mastery of certain techniques and to support lecture topics. The course is not meant to test what you already know but how well you incorporate new knowledge creatively and expand your artistic vision. Students should read widely in all four WRIT 100 genres. When course packs and texts are available in the bookstore, do a preliminary scan and read what you can.
 

I have second-year standing from another institution. Why do I have to take WRIT 100?
Post-secondary institutions establish guidelines for transfer credits with other institutions. The courses or program you've taken don't supply the necessary pre-requisites that WRIT 100 does. WRIT 100 level transfer credit does not satisfy the WRIT 100 requirement or the grade requirement. Transfer credit will be used as electives in most cases. If you have questions about transfer credit contact the Fine Arts Advisor.
 

I’m at Camosun. Can I take Writing 100 before I transfer to UVic?
The Department of Writing has an arrangement with Camosun College that allows students with a letter of permission to take Writing 100. Once you have the letter (speak with your academic advisor at Camosun about how to arrange it), you will register through Admissions at UVic as a visiting student on a letter of permission and receive a UVic visiting student number.
Please note: You will have to apply to UVic through Admissions again by March 31 if/when you transfer to UVic. Only Writing majors are permitted to take workshops in second year.