MSEN 380 Communicating Materials Science and Engineering
College: College of Engineering
Department: Material, Science and Engineering
Type: W
Status: Approved
REPORT ON RECERTIFICATION OF W COURSE: MSEN 380
CERTIFICATION PERIOD: 1/1/23 to 1/1/27
We recommend that MSEN 380 Communicating Materials Science and Engineering be certified as a writing (W) course. We have reviewed a representative syllabus and have determined that the course meets or exceeds the following criteria: (1) 70% of the final grade is based on writing quality; (2) the total number of words is 3000; (3) the instructor to student ratio is 1:25; and (4) the assigned writing is appropriate to the major.
MSEN 380 is a 1-credit course. Each section has a graduate student assigned to assist the instructor. Students write two memos, and the first one of 500 words is incorporated into the second of 1000 words after revisions. They also write a set of instructions and a press release. For the first memo, they get formative feedback on a draft. For the second memo and for the instructions, they may edit and resubmit their work to replace their first grade. Instruction includes review of examples and exiting exercises. They also edit each other’s work in low-stakes exercises.
CERTIFICATION PERIOD: 1/1/23 to 1/1/27
We recommend that MSEN 380 Communicating Materials Science and Engineering be certified as a writing (W) course. We have reviewed a representative syllabus and have determined that the course meets or exceeds the following criteria: (1) 70% of the final grade is based on writing quality; (2) the total number of words is 3000; (3) the instructor to student ratio is 1:25; and (4) the assigned writing is appropriate to the major.
MSEN 380 is a 1-credit course. Each section has a graduate student assigned to assist the instructor. Students write two memos, and the first one of 500 words is incorporated into the second of 1000 words after revisions. They also write a set of instructions and a press release. For the first memo, they get formative feedback on a draft. For the second memo and for the instructions, they may edit and resubmit their work to replace their first grade. Instruction includes review of examples and exiting exercises. They also edit each other’s work in low-stakes exercises.