Student DirectoryHome | Individual Tutorials | Policy Writing Modules | Links
Policy Writing Modules
Introduction
In the Writing Center's policy writing modules, students will acquire a more thorough understanding of the practice and demands of policy writing by participating in small workshops led by a writing instructor and focused on the students' own work. The modules offer students a great opportunity to strengthen their writing skills under the close supervision of an expert in the policy writing field.
In the modules, students learn the constraints, conventions, and forms of various genres of policy writing, focusing in particular on the policy memo. The modules will operate according to the workshop format, that is, students will produce their own written work and critique the work of their peers in class and be critiqued in turn. Through this intensive process, students will become aware of their strengths and weaknesses as policy writers and will develop strategies for improvement.
When will the modules be offered?
Three modules will be offered in the first half of the fall semester, 2012, and three in the latter half. Each module will meet once a week. For a complete schedule of the fall writing modules, please refer to Wolverine Access. We will poll students during the fall semester to determine whether there is sufficient interest to offer modules in the winter term.
Who may enroll?
The seminars are reserved for first-year Ford School graduate students. Students may sign up for only one module, as well as the waitlist for one additional module. Modules are offered on a first-come, first-serve basis.
How do I enroll?
For the first time this year, sign-up for the policy writing modules will be conducted through Wolverine Access. If you have any questions about signing up for a module, please email: fspp-writingcenter@umich.edu.
Will my work be graded?
Your work will be graded on a pass-fail basis. In addition to receiving feedback from your module peers, you will also receive comments from your instructor, focusing on formal, structural, and stylistic concerns.
What is the relationship between the writing modules and policy classes?
There will be no formal link between the writing modules and policy classes. In the modules, you will not workshop your papers from specific Ford School classes; you will be asked to complete assignments in addition to your regular Ford School coursework. That said, as the module assignments are developed in coordination with Ford School coursework, your coursework will benefit from your work in the modules.
