The Writing Program offers courses in four modalities (in-person, hybrid, online asynchronous, and online synchronous), but not all courses are offered in every modality, and not all modalities are offered every quarter. Students should consider which modalities are best for them prior to enrolling and consult the schedule to see which which modalities are offered in any given quarter.
In-Person
These courses meet in-person on campus, either two days per week (Tue-Thu/Mon-Wed) or three days per week (Mon-Wed-Fri) (see UCSC approved teaching blocks). The structure of in-person courses differs from instructor to instructor, but most classes offer a mix of live activities, and students receive regular feedback from their instructor and have opportunities to interact with their classmates. The meeting time and location are listed in the course schedule. Office hours are held in-person and/or online.
Hybrid
Hybrid courses contain an in-person component that meets on campus, and the number of in-person meetings will be at least 50% of the contact hours. In-person meeting times are listed in the course schedule. The non-in-person portion of the course varies by course and instructor, and it could take a number of forms, including: online asynchronous instruction via Canvas and/or another platform; synchronous instruction via Zoom or another platform; and/or other campus engagement, such as attending campus talks or meeting with other students outside of class. Students might have online meetings with their instructor and/or peers.
Online Asynchronous
Online asynchronous courses are fully online and do not meet in-person. Like in-person and hybrid courses, online asynchronous courses require regular engagement with course content, the instructor, and peers. Work is due weekly (i.e., work is not self-paced). Students receive regular feedback from their instructor and usually have opportunities to interact with other students. Depending on the course and instructor, the course includes one, but likely not all, of the following: one-on-one online meetings between instructors and students via Zoom or another technology; weekly online group community meetings that include the instructor; and/or weekly online group community meetings that do not include the instructor.
Online Synchronous
A limited number of courses are taught in online synchronous format. These courses meet regularly (two or three times a week) for synchronous class meetings on Zoom. The structure of the course differs from instructor to instructor, but most classes offer a mix of live activities. Students receive regular feedback from their instructor and usually have opportunities to interact with their classmates. The meeting time is listed in the course schedule. Office hours are held online.
