Course Texts Policies

The DRW requires that every lower-division course include both a grammar/style/usage handbook and a textbook (also known as a rhetoric) approved for that course unless the instructor has been given a variance by the Associate Chair. A list of approved texts can be found on the Approved Textbooks page. The AD library also includes many of the approved texts.

If you would like to use a textbook, a handbook, or a course packet that do not appear on the Approved Textbooks page (or if you would like to use an online resource or even to be excused from having to require a textbook/handbook), you may petition the associate chair for a variance. To date, several lower-division courses have been allowed to use texts not listed on the approved list. You can find a list of those having received variances here. When requesting, please provide the associate chair with:

• A copy of (or a link to) the material that you would like to use.
• An explanation of the course in which this material will be used (including any supporting documents, such as a syllabus or assignment description).
• A brief explanation of why you find this more suitable than the books on the approved list.

As you prepare for an upcoming semester, be sure to place your book orders at least six weeks prior (though eight to ten weeks is preferred) to your course’s first day to allow the Co-op time to order and receive your course texts. Make a list of your book titles, authors/editors, and ISBN numbers. Book orders can be placed through the University Co-op in four ways: (1) You can order from the Co-op online here; (2) Toward the end of each semester, the Co-op sends to the department paper order forms that you can fill out and submit to the DRW Office, or to the Co-op; (3) You can go to the Co-op’s Requisitions Office in the basement where the textbooks are housed. There you can place your order through a representative; (4) You can place your order through a representative in the Requisition Office by phone at 800-255-1896, ext. 8101. You may choose a book source other than the Co-op, such as Amazon, Abebooks, or any number of online stores. You can also use university bookstore alternatives, such as Beat the Bookstore (499-1559) in Dobie Mall.

Keep in mind that a course packet of collected readings may prove desirable as a course text. There are several copy shops in the campus area that commonly print course packets for our department. You may shop around for price, but also consider the convenience to your students, many of whom live on campus. It may be difficult for them to make it to a shop far from campus. Also, be sure to fill out a copyright form or check the appropriate box on your copy order form so that the printer is required to seek copyright for appropriate items in your packet. In order to submit a copy packet, simply gather, in your desired order, the various materials you want included in the packet. Create a table of contents page if you’d like. The printer can number the pages in the packet for you if you want to include page numbers on the table of contents page. Typically, the printer can print an initial copy so that you may review it before final printing. Printers close to campus include the following:

The University Co-op
2246 Guadalupe St.
476-7211

Note: As the Co-op is very thorough in regard to copyright payment, and applies a usual bookstore mark-up, their packets are usually far more expensive than other printers.

I.T. Copy and Printing
512 W. MLK Blvd. (Across from Taco Cabana and Jimmy John’s, beside the Fire Station)
476-6662

Speedway Copy and Printing
2025 Guadalupe St. #140 (in Dobie Mall)
478-3334

Jenn’s Copy and Binding
2200 Guadalupe St.
473-8669
2518 Guadalupe St.
482-0779

Finally, keep in mind that you can make course material available to students through Electronic Reserves. You can find more information about this service offered by UT's library system here.