Seminar Topic
Students in graduate programs are expected to demonstrate excellence in writing. However, research indicates that graduate students' writing is less than excellent. This seminar focuses on improving graduate students' writing skills. Weekly topics include practical application of writing, sentence structure, word choice, grammar, punctuation, mechanics, and APA style. We will discuss research and current issues about writing.

• Prepare for weekly meetings by accessing the links on the (schedule). Complete all required materials prior to class meetings.
   
• We rely on e-mail in this course. Check your NEO account daily or weekly. Some weeks may have specific directions about the administration of this course. For more information about NEO, review the help section when accessing NEO.

American Psychological Association (2001). Publication Manual of the American Psychological Association (5th ed.). Washington, DC: American Psychological Association.

Course Requirements:

• Active class participation from all students.
• Weekly online quizzes (must achieve 80% or higher on all quizzes).
• At least four projects (see syllabus) and in-class exercises.
• Your writing skills will be improved in the course.

• Professionalism: There is no excuse for substandard work at the graduate level. You may have fantastic ideas, but if your work is substandard, colleagues will think your ideas are substandard too. Always let the quality of your work be an accurate reflection of your professionalism!
   
• Academic Integrity: Faculty and students at Texas A&M University have a responsibility to maintain academic integrity. Read about academic misconduct at: http://www.tamu.edu/aggiehonor/Student%20Rules/definitions.html. You should know your Student Rules.