Online AWD

Online ENGL 3301, a version of Advanced Writing in the Disciplines run through Blackboard, is offered each fall, spring and summer to students on co-op*. Students must petition to be admitted to the course. Before you petition, use this information to think about whether the distance-learning version of the course is the right one for you.

The online AWD course curriculum is the same as that of a classroom AWD. As in the classroom, you'll write a series of short assignments leading up to a 5-6000 word recommendation report. You'll also do a lot of research-related assignments and peer review.

The course is run through a Blackboard site, where you will find a detailed syllabus, writing and research resources, an outline of each week's assignments and discussion boards on which to post your completed assignments. There are no requirements to be at the computer at a certain time (e.g. you'll never have to log on at 4 p.m. on a certain day), but the course is not self-paced. Everyone must meet approximately 3-7 deadlines each week, and work at the same basic pace. You will get individual feedback on many of your posts from your online instructor throughout the semester.

What you gain in taking the online course is the ability to take the class while on co-op and the experience of online communication; what you lose is face-to-face contact with your instructor and access to some of the resources NU has in place to help you with the AWD course, such as the NU Writing Center and specialized instruction from the university library.

Online AWD students need to be strong writers, good time managers, and self-motivated workers. There are a lot of deadlines in the course, and because some of the work that is done orally in classroom AWD sections must be done in writing in the online course, you'll find yourself doing more writing in the online version of the course.

* Students who are not on co-op, but who can make a convincing case for needing the online course may also be admitted. Online AWD is not, however, a way to add an overload course in a busy term if you're on campus, you must take a classroom AWD course.

Applying

Students must apply at least two weeks before the start of the start of the term in which they wish to take Online AWD. It is recommended that you apply earlier as the class fills quickly.

If you would like to apply to take Online ENGL 3301, submit the following items, at the same time, to Linda Collins in 406 Holmes Hall:

A completed Online ENGL 3301 Application Form (pdf)
A copy of your transcript (official or unofficial)

*Note: The Department will notify you within 3 weeks of the receipt of your application and let you know if you have been accepted.