Diagnostic Writing Assignment

Much of the work we will complete this semester will be done in small workgroups of 5-6 students. In order to place you in the group that will best help you to achieve your goals for this course, I’d like each of you to write a short paragraph (half a page or so should suffice) in which you answer the following questions:

1. What is your current level of comfort with poetry? You might want to list any previous courses you’ve taken or other knowledge about poetry that you might possess. (It’s OK to say that you’re currently terrified of poetry; that’s why we’re here!)

2. Why did you register for this course? What do you hope to get out of it? (Note: “It’s required” isn’t a very good answer since there are dozens of courses that could have fulfilled this requirement.)

3. Do you write poetry yourself? If so, are you hoping this class will improve your work?