FAQ - Frequently Asked Questions

That depends.  All students should review their own course recommendations provided by the TMC Academic Advising Office. 

• All incoming TMC first-year students will take DOC 1, DOC 2, and DOC 3.
• Transfer students should consult with Marshall Academic Advising about their particular requirements prior to enrolling in any DOC course.

Yes, because the courses build upon each other, students must take the DOC sequence in order — DOC 1 in the Fall, DOC 2 in the Winter, and DOC 3 in the Spring.  The prerequisite for DOC 2 is completion of DOC 1 (with a grade of "D" or higher) and satisfaction of the Entry Level Writing Requirement.  The prerequisite for DOC 3 is completion of DOC 2 (with a grade of "D" or higher). 

Students who are placed into AWP 3 (Analytical Writing) are allowed to take that class concurrently (during the same quarter) with DOC 1 if they wish.  If a student prefers to complete AWP 3 first by itself, that student will not be penalized for waiting until their sophomore year to take DOC 1, DOC 2, and DOC 3.  

No, students who are placed into AWP 4A and 4B (Analytical Writing and Academic English) must successfully complete those courses and have their Academic History be updated to show satisfaction of the Entry Level Writing Requirement before they can enroll in DOC 1.

Rather than putting yourself on a waitlist, you should look at all the sections which have openings, and go ahead and enroll in whichever one fits your schedule. The only way you will get into a class that you are waitlisted for is if someone who is in the class drops it, and since DOC classes are relatively small, the chances of that happening are slim. Keep in mind that you often won’t be able to create your "ideal" class schedule, and in order to take the classes you need you may be inconvenienced to some degree. 

All enrolled students will be able to access the syllabus, assignments, additional material, and notices via Canvas by the start of the quarter.

DOC lectures meet three times a week in large rooms that can accommodate the approximately 300 students enrolled in each one. The lectures are taught by instructors who have earned PhD degrees, so students should refer to them using the “Dr.” title. DOC lectures are designed to provide students with context for course readings and assignments, and to facilitate discussion between students and lecturers about critical reading, writing, and course materials. 

DOC sections meet once a week in DOC 1 and twice a week in DOC 2 and DOC 3. Fewer than 16 students are enrolled in each DOC discussion section, and sections are taught by graduate student Teaching Assistants (or instructors who hold a Masters or PhD degree) in smaller classrooms. DOC sections supplement DOC lectures: they are designed to provide students with further guidance on course readings and assignments, and to facilitate discussion between students and teaching assistants about critical reading, writing, and course materials. 

See the current quarter’s section schedule under Specific Information on the course page (for example, https://marshall.ucsd.edu/doc/doc1/index.html#Specific-Information-for-Fall-Q).  These lists with the names of the Teaching Assistants assigned to each discussion section will posted at the beginning of the quarter. Students should choose their DOC section based on its day and time.  The TA assignments are never finalized until the week before each quarter.  TA office locations and office hours are posted under Course Contact Information on Canvas.

Both the Teaching + Learning Commons Writing Hub (located in Geisel Library) and Language Arts Tutorial Services at the Office of Academic Support + Instructional Services (located in Center Hall) provide free writing tutoring for all students. Make an appointment with one of their writing consultants for individualized feedback on any writing project at any stage of the writing process, including DOC 1, 2, and 3. Visit the Writing Hub website and the OASIS LATS website to find their consultation hours and to make an appointment.

To begin a grade review process, please email docinfo@ucsd.edu and ask for instructions. The DOC Directors handle all grade review requests for the DOC program, and should there be a reason to initiate a change in a course grade, it can be done through the end of the following quarter.  Please keep in mind the Dimensions of Culture Program does not “round up” students’ grades as that would constitute artificial grade inflation and is not an ethical practice.  

Office: McGill Hall 2126

Phone: 858-534-0635

Please email questions or a request for an appointment to: docinfo@ucsd.edu
     Use your @ucsd email account, and include your PID in your message.

The DOC Program will continue to operate in a hybrid model. DOC Staff will be in the office Monday, Tuesday, and Wednesday and will work remotely on Thursday and Friday.