Guidelines For Writing Across the Curriculum
The Writing Across the Curriculum program requires all students to take five designated Writing Courses (WAC), from at least two divisions, and one Senior Writing Experience (WS). In order for courses to be designated WAC
or WS, faculty must submit proposals that describe the writing requirements for
each course for which they seek approval. The primary concern of the Writing
Board is that these courses emphasize the importance of writing in the thinking
and learning process, that writing be an integral and clearly evaluated part of the course,
and that students receive constructive feedback on their writing between
assignments. WAC courses should include written assignments that require
critical thinking, sound evidence and reasoning, and well-crafted rhetorical
structure. The descriptions below offer guidelines for the WAC and WS
designations. The Writing Board feels that
challenging, engaging assignments --- along with faculty feedback on them --- are the most effective ways to help students improve their writing.
WAC and WS courses are normally certified for individual instructors. Recertification is needed every four years.
The following information is offered to guide faculty in filling out the Request Forms.
WAC: A WAC course requires students to complete three or more significant writing assignments
that receive constructive written faculty response between due dates.
Assignments should require critical thinking and rhetorical structure. Kinds of assignments may vary greatly depending on the discipline. They could take the form, for example, of
essays, research papers, responses to readings, summaries, logs, lab reports, legal briefs,
or problem sets. These could vary in length from 3-4 page assignments to much
longer papers assigned in several segments or required drafts.* The
Writing Board will consider WAC certification for a course with only two writing
assignments if they are substantial in nature, if there is intervening faculty
response, and if there is a clear sequential relationship between the
assignments.
Faculty might also consider the value of peer critiques and group or individual conferences to improve student writing.
- * WAC course possibilities:
Four analytic essays with faculty response but without rewrites, 4-5 pages each
Two or three position papers with faculty response and with rewrites, 4-6 pages each
One longer research paper with two or three segments or drafts, each receiving written and/or oral evaluation, building to a final paper of 15 to 20 pages.
Click here for Request Form for WAC Designation
WS: Senior Writing Experiences will normally involve theses, special seminars, research projects, project reports or independent studies. Whatever the form, this course should include regular meetings between student and faculty member, the submission of segments or drafts for written response by the faculty member, and rewrites with written and/or oral evaluation throughout the term of the project.
Click here for Request Form for WS Designation
Requirements:
A student will be required to complete the following writing requirements.
1. Preceptorial and Sophomore Seminar
2. 5 WAC courses from at least 2 divisions (Divisions III and IV are considered as one division)
3. Senior Writing Experience