This is a mandatory conference, not an optional one. Please call x-4557 or e-mail me in advance if you cannot make your appointment. Please note the penalty described on the syllabus for an unexcused absence from a conference (2 absences and lowered grade). Conference signup sheets are on my office door NOW. First come, first served!
The rough draft conference has proved, in recent semesters, to be one of the most valuable parts of the writing process. It lets me give you full feedback on what you=re doing, and lets you ask all the questions you want, so that you can write the best possible final report. The conferences will be held in my office (228 Banc). The requirements are as follows:
!Bring TWO typed copies of the rough draft of paper 5, including all the preliminary and final parts. It doesn=t have to be on a nice printer, or on fancy paper. But if it=s handwritten, I can=t look at the format very well and help you see what you=ll need to do. If you can drop a copy by my office the day before so that I can look at it overnight, I can give you even more help, but this Apreview@ is purely optional.
!The draft should have all its parts, including references, even if they are still sketchy (though by this point they should not be). Don=t bring in a blank sheet of paper labeled AConclusions.@ This is a waste of time and paper for both of us. Look at the handout on classical arguments to see the parts of the paper you need to have and to make sure you have drafts of all those parts (introduction/narration, confirmation, refutation & concessions, conclusion, documentation).
!Bring any raw materials that you have questions about and any sources for which you have questions about MLA documentation (references in the final copy must be perfect!)
!After we finish discussing Paper 5, I will ask you about your portfolio--what you're planning on for contents, what you've gotten done so far, etc. If you have revisions you want me to look at, bring them along--I'll cover as much as I can in a half hour conference. (Hint: It's not a good move at your conference to say "I haven't started on my portfolio yet.")
List your questions here so that you don=t forget to ask them.