RWS 1301/1302 Enrollment and Course Information
To save yourself some time, check the FAQs below to see if the answer to your 1301/1302 question is there. These answers apply ONLY to RWS. 1301/1302. If you do not see the information you need, click on the link to Esther Al-Tabaa’s email: eal-tabaa@utep.edu and send your question. You can also reach Esther at 915.747. 6254
To better help you, whether you e-mail, phone, or come in person, please provide your first and last name spelled correctly, ³ÉÈËÍ·Ìõ ID#, the exact nature of your enrollment problem (for example, error messages when you try to enroll), and contact information.
Q1. How do I get into a full class?
Answer:
There are no overrides on filled RWS 1301 or 1302 classes; in other words, we do not allow instructors to add students above the allowed number. This means that you must find another open section. You can easily find out which classes are still open by going into Goldmine, click on “Registration,” then select the correct term, select “Rhetoric and Writing Studies” under “Subject,” enter 1301 or 1302, in “Title.” Click on “Search.” A listing of classes appears. Read across to see which have open slots. You may also come into the office for help finding an open class. Enrollment pitfall: It is possible that a slot or two could become available during the first week of class as students drop, but it is risky to wait so long to enroll in one of these possible slots. You may be completely shut out of all classes if you use this strategy. If you somehow manage to get into a filled 1301 or 1302 you will be disenrolled.
Q2. What does an error message mean when I try to enroll?
Answer:
If you get an error message when you enroll, please note the exact wording of the message. If you try to enroll and get messages of Engineering Cluster (EC) or Learning Community (LC), those classes are reserved for engineering students or students enrolled in a learning community. Look for another open section. You can also enroll in a learning community to get into an LC class. See the webpage for more information. Enrollment pitfall: It is possible that some of the reserved slots could open for the general student population just before classes begin, if the reserved seats do not fill; however, they probably will not. It is safer to select another section rather than wait for something that may never happen.
If you get an error message of Department Hold (DP) , it means that class is not open at the present time. If it becomes necessary to create more classes, some DP’d classes may open near the beginning of the term; however, they may not. If you can find another class, it’s safer to go ahead and enroll rather than waiting for a DP’d class to open. Enrollment pitfall: If you are already enrolled, you can go through the drop-add process if the DP’d class opens, but doing this is risky. Students have been completely shut out of all English classes when attempting to do this.
There are many other types of holds that can prevent you from enrolling until you have them lifted by the appropriate department.
Q3. What if I scored low on the placement test?
Answer:
If your English test scores place you in an Engl. 0111 lab, you must go to Advising to be enrolled in a 0111 lab. If you think you have been incorrectly placed, you can take the test again. See your advisor. Enrollment pitfall: If you have low test scores, failing to co-enroll in a 0111 lab with your RWS 1301 class will cause you no end of grief.
Q4. My first language is not English. Will that make a difference in RWS 1301/1302?
Answer:
RWS 1301 and 1302 are written English classes. RWS 1302 can be especially difficult without good written English skills. If your written English skills are weak because English is not your first language, you may have the option of taking RWS 1301 and 1302 in the where ESOL instructors may be more helpful to you. Another option is to postpone RWS 1301 and/or 1302 for a semester while you improve your written English skills.
Q5. Are there some other options to fulfill my RWS 1301/1302 requirements?
Answer:
RWS 1301: Rhetoric and Composition I Options
In addition to regular RWS 1301 classes, the English department also offers RWS 1611. This 6 credit hour course combines the essay writing of RWS 1301 with the public speaking of Comm. 1301 and fulfills both requirements. You may enroll in RWS 1611 even if your placement scores indicate that you need to enroll in a 0111 lab. Enrollment pitfall : Space is limited to 1-2 classes, only. Enroll early.
RWS 1302: Rhetoric and Composition II Options
You have the following options to fulfill your 1302 core requirement. These options will help you find a better fit for your major and your schedule. The requirements and focus of all these courses are the same: conducting library research, critical analysis of sources, and literature review and documentary.
1. Hybrid 1302 classes
Hybrid 1302 classes are taught partially in the classroom and partially over Blackboard (Bb). You must have regular access to a computer, an internet connection, and have a basic understanding of MS Word, using the internet, saving files, sending and receiving e-mail, instant messaging, downloading and printing files. You will be required to submit much of your work over Bb. Your instructor will meet with you in a face-to-face classroom once a week and conduct the second class session over Bb. If you have trouble getting to campus or you like using the computer, you may prefer a hybrid class. Enrollment pitfall: The absence policy in these classes is strict. You may be required to be on-line at specified times. Hybrid classes require good time management skills and a high degree of personal responsibility.
2. 100% Online 1302 classes
We also offer a limited number of 100% online sections of 1302. Like the Hybrid sections, you must have access to a computer, internet connection and other software programs used in the scourse. You will be required to submit all of your work via the learning platform (Blackboard, Moodle, for example). If you like the flexibility of the online environment, can work independently, have good time management abilities and can take responsibility for your own learning, this may be the right course for you.
Think carefully when choosing between these classes and formats. A good fit between you and the class will increase your chances of success.