Comments on: Say Anything Thursday

By: Karen J. Weyant

Karen J. Weyant — Fri, 02 Sep 2011 22:26:51 +0000

I agree with Kristin -- those looking at applications want everything on the syllabus, including the attendance policy.

Good Luck!

By: Kristin

Kristin — Fri, 02 Sep 2011 08:50:28 +0000

I've created more academic applications than I like to think about and I've also served on the other side of applications on the hiring committee side--I'd be happy to e-mail back and forth if you think that would help.

But my short answer would be that they want the real syllabus complete with all the policies. Those policies give a unique window into who you would be as a colleague and a teacher.

For example, do you allow revisions? If so, what happens to the original grade?

I've always been a writing-is-a-process kind of person, as are many English department members. I always replace the old grade with the new grade, if revisions are done. But if you were in a hardcore, grades should distribute along a bell curve shape, kind of department, my approach wouldn't work as well (I had a boss once who insisted that my grades distribute that way--luckily she went to law school before my next annual evaluation).

Good luck with the job search and the readings!

By: Kathleen

Kathleen — Thu, 01 Sep 2011 22:04:49 +0000

Well, I do hope the President comes to your reading and you all go out for gelato afterwards!

Actual syllabus, I'd say, since you've tested it out and know how it works and can answer questions about it in an interview! Ethics, grading, and all! Best wishes with that!

By: Michael

Michael — Thu, 01 Sep 2011 18:03:37 +0000

Slacker!? Ha Ha!

Funny but I can't see that.