Propose a FIQWS:  Topic Instructor

Who teaches/proposes a FIQWS?

A FIQWS topic is proposed by a Topic instructor.  Normally this is a Full-Time faculty member, but a very limited number of FIQWS are also taught by adjuncts with strong connections to the college.  Once your FIQWS has been accepted and scheduled, we will match you with a composition instructor with whom to collaborate.  You can also request a specific composition instructor at the college.

The FIQWS Collaboration

The topic instructor designs the topic, topic syllabus, and required assignments for the class. The composition instructor works together with the topic instructor to develop in-class and at-home writing assignments to support the scaffolded assignments leading to the research paper, and to provide additional writing practice throughout the semester based on the composition requirements. The final grade will be based 50% of on the work done in the topic section and 50%  on the work done in the composition section.

Choose a Topic

Choose a topic that can be introduced to a new Freshman without prior knowledge, or without specific skills particular to your field. The best topics are interesting to the faculty member, and have a hook for the student.  A surprising number of students also gravitate to “classic” subject matter in FIQWS: well-known writers, intellectuals, scientists and artists.

Consider your Material

Remember that FIQWS courses are not meant to comprehensively “cover” a body of material:  they are meant to introduce critical thinking, to teach research and the writing of a research paper, and to engender academic excitement in the student. It is thus better not to overload your course with too much material. Please remember this is a 100-level course.

Much of your time will be spent introducing the discipline from which your topic comes: if you teach a music FIQWS, you will use your topic as a way of introducing the analysis of music.  If your FIQWS focuses on literature or film, much of your time will be spent talking about how to draw meaning from those media.  Allow time for this process.

Include FIQWS Requirements

Required Assignments
In FIQWS, you must assign a 7-10 page research paper, executed in incremental assignments throughout the semester.  These will include a thesis statement, an outline showing the use of evidence to support an argument, and a bibliography. These assignments should be graded both by you and the composition instructor. As the topic instructor, you should also assign regular readings, and assignments that relate to your topic in particular.

This grid should give you a basic structure for creating assignments for your course:

FIQWS Topics Section
FIQWS Composition Section

Develop Assignments Together
Develop Assignments Together
In-Class Diagnostic Assignment
In-Class Diagnostic Assignment
A Description (related to Topic)
Argumentative Essay (related to topic)
Compare and Contrast essay (related to topic)

Scaffolded Assignments composing research paper: Scaffolded Assignments composing research paper:
Thesis Statement
Thesis Statement

Paper Outline (*Thesis Statement plus 3 support statements)

Introduction paragraph Introduction paragraph
Topic Sentences Topic Sentences

How to make MLA Cited References
1st Draft
1st Draft

Final Paper (with citations) 7-10 pp. Final Paper (with citations) 7-10 pp.

Other Requirements

1. College Skills: The course also requires that students be taught basic college skills, such as the importance of attendance and the timely submission of work, and that they be encouraged in time management and good study habits.  This is reinforced through email and text message contact with each student.
2. Library Visits: Two library classes, taught by library faculty in the library, are required. One of these will focus on research strategies developed specifically for the topic of the FIQWS in question.  
3. Both FIQWS instructors join to meet with each student at midterm to give them a short midterm evaluation.  Class may be cancelled for these meetings.
4. Finally you will be asked to attend one or two FIQWS workshops each semester, to discuss the course and to share you experiences in teaching it.
   

Obtain Your Chair’s Permission to Teach in the FIQWS Program

Your chair does not have to review your course proposal, because it is not a course in your particular department.  But your chair does have to release you to teach a FIQWS in a particular semester, so that your department can plan its offerings.  You cannot teach FIQWS without your chair’s permission. Please submit this Chair Approval Form to avasovic@ccny.cuny.edu when you submit your FIQWS form to the committee.

Fill Out and Submit Your Course Application Form

FIQWS is administered by the Faculty Council General Education Implementation Committee.  You need to complete the Course Application Form, and submit it to the committee by emailing it to Ana Vasovic:  avasovic@ccny.cuny.edu

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