Workshop

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Workshop Process and Guidelines

Workshop will take place during weeks 14 and 15, starting with a mock workshop during week

13. Workshop participation is worth up to 20 points, separate from your final draft score. Workshop

dates will be randomly selected during week 12 (see schedule on Brightspace).

4-6 (max) pages of your final manuscript must be posted to Brightspace 48 hours in advance of your workshop (you may, of course, post earlier if you choose).

 Manuscripts for Tuesday workshops are due to Brightspace no later than 12:30pm (afternoon) the Sunday before your workshop;

 Manuscripts for Thursday workshops are due to Brightspace no later than 12:30pm (start of class) the Tuesday before your workshop.

 If you submit your work less than 48 hours ahead of your workshop, you run the risk of your colleagues not having time to read your manuscript. We need to respect each other’s time, and in order to do so, we need to respect our deadlines. Drafts submitted later than 9am the day of the workshop or that are not submitted for workshop at all will result in a score of 0 on the final piece, regardless of work submitted. No exceptions.

Posting Directions:

1) Login to the class Brightspace site.

2) From the table of contents, click on “Workshop Drafts”.

3) Click on the forum labeled with your workshop date.

4) Click “create thread”.

5) Title your thread with your first and last name and the title and genre of your piece.

6) Attach your piece to the thread as a .doc, .docx, or .pdf file (use the “add attachments” link

below the text box).

7) Click “submit”.

8) Check to make sure it worked OR email Prof. Ritt with any problems ASAP.

To access other participants’ drafts:

1) Open the forum for the appropriate workshop date

2) Open your classmates’ threads

3) Download the file and either print a copy or bring it electronically to class with you. You

must have a copy with you to refer to during the discussion or you will forfeit your

participation points for that session.

4) Tip: If you choose to print the files, print 2 pages to a sheet and/or double-sided to

conserve paper.

5) Come to class prepared to share feedback in person; there is no need to leave discussion

board feedback unless you are absent for the in-class workshop.

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Workshop participation points are earned as follows:

 20 points (or 5 points per session) for your attendance, attention, and participation

during the discussion of other students’ pieces.

o Everyone should comment at least once per workshop session and ideally once

per piece in order to earn participation points. Be prepared to say something

constructive about each of your colleagues’ drafts.

o Points will be deducted from students who are obviously not paying attention,

frequently out of the room during discussion, or otherwise not participating. You

are responsible for bringing to class a copy of all pieces being discussed.

(Either print or digital. Printing tip: Print 2 pages per sheet to save paper).

o If you must be absent during workshop, see directions above.

If you are absent for workshop:

1) Log in to Brightspace and read the assigned pieces if you have not already done so.

2) On the Discussion Board, open the thread corresponding with the classmate(s) whose

workshop you missed.

3) Post a reply comment in the thread of at least 3 sentences with your feedback for the

writer. Keep in mind the guidelines for giving constructive feedback as given on the

“Workshop Directions” handout.

4) Post your comments no later than 1 week after the workshop. Feedback left after that time

will not be graded.

5) NOTE: If you are absent for your own workshop, you forfeit all 20 workshop participation

points and may not reschedule your workshop.

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Workshop Participation Guidelines:

Workshop participants must be mindful of showing respect to both the author and the work.

 An effort should be made to balance praise with constructive criticism. Look at the piece

as a reader and a fellow author, and consider what is working well, in addition to how the

writing might be made more clear, more emotionally affecting, more descriptive, etc (as

fits that particular piece). You can use the “Praise/Question/Polish” format to help guide

your commentary.

 Be as specific as possible: Point us to particular words, lines, or paragraphs to help

illustrate your point.

 Focus more on the writing than on grammar (unless a certain grammatical choice strongly

influences your perception of the piece).

 Start by limiting yourself to two comments per piece, thus allowing everyone a chance to

talk. (If more time remains after everyone has had a chance, you may add more ideas).

 You should be prepared to make at least one comment on each piece presented.

 The easiest comment to make is often the first one! If you’re shy about speaking in class,

considering volunteering to open the discussion.

 Inappropriate comments directed toward the author or the writing will not be permitted.

Any participant deemed by Prof. Ritt to be outside the bounds of good citizenship

will be asked to leave and will forfeit their workshop points for the day.

The author may not talk during their own workshop. Your job is to listen, reflect, and take notes.

 Be sure to bring a copy of your own manuscript so you can follow along and take notes.

 After your workshop, you’ll have time allotted to respond to comments or ask specific

questions if you wish.

 NOTE: While you may not talk during your own workshop, you are still responsible for

reading and being prepared to comment on the other pieces that are being workshopped

that day.

After your workshop:

 You’ll want to take time to review the comments on your work, including the copy from

Prof. Ritt, and consider what revisions you wish to make.

 You are not obligated to make specific changes suggested by anyone, but it’s still wise to

consider any points of confusion or suggestions the group offered.

 Feel free to work together outside of class, go to the Writing Lab, or visit Prof. Ritt’s office

hours for more feedback as you develop your work towards the final draft stage.

Final drafts of the final manuscript are due on the last day of class. No late papers

will be accepted, and extensions cannot be used. See Prof. Ritt with any questions.