College: Agriculture and Life Sciences
Department: Agricultural Economics
Type: W
Status: Approved
REPORT ON RECERTIFICATION OF W COURSE: AGEC 429
We recommend that AGEC 429 Agricultural Policy be certified as a writing (W) course for four academic years (1/18 to 1/22). We have reviewed a representative syllabus and have determined that the course meets or exceeds the following criteria:
- Percentage of final grade based on writing quality: 35
- Course content appropriate to the major
- Total number of words: 2500
- Instructor to student ratio for one section: 1:17
Since original certification, the course has not changed significantly. Undergraduate assistants working in the departmental writing center and a Graduate Assistant Teacher help with each section of the course. There are three writing assignments: (1) an agricultural policy paper for an interest group; (2) a paper or agricultural or food policy and (3) two problem sets. Formative feedback is given on drafts of all papers. For instruction, students read “General Writing Guidelines for AGEC Undergraduate Students,” participate in class discussions of common errors based on drafts, and lectures on writing topics such as plagiarism, citing sources, and writing a conclusion.