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Writing Intensive Courses

The goal of the Writing Intensive Courses is to provide students with an opportunity to develop their writing skills in formats important to their programs of study. Students concentrate on writing in English 101 and 102, and write in many other courses. The Writing Intensive Courses build on the skills emphasized in English 101 and 102 by including instruction on how to write for a particular discipline.  In each major, students will take one Writing Intensive Course at the 200 level and one at the 300/400 level. Types of assignments in Writing Intensive Courses will vary by major. However, all Writing Intensive Courses should include the following components.

200 Level Writing Intensive Courses

  • The courses will include instruction on how to do the writing assignments so that students understand how to write for a particular discipline
  • In at least one assignment, students will write a rough draft and receive feedback on the rough draft before turning in the final draft
  • Students will complete 10-12 pages of finished drafts. At this level, students will probably complete several short assignments rather than one long assignment
  • Effective writing, including good organization and correct grammar and spelling, will be an important component of the grade on all written assignments
  • Course objectives should reflect the Writing Intensive component of the course
  • Class size will be limited to 18

Recommendations: Several short assignments scheduled throughout the semester may be more effective at this level than one long assignment. In general, students should complete English 102 before taking a 200 level Writing Intensive Course.

300/400 Level Writing Intensive Courses

  • Assignments at this level will consist of advanced writing in the discipline that require analytic, critical thinking
  • The courses will include instruction on how to do the writing assignments so that students understand how to write for a particular discipline
  • In at least one assignment, students will write a rough draft and receive feedback on the rough draft before turning in the final draft
  • Students will complete a minimum of 15 finished pages of writing
  • Effective writing, including good organization and correct grammar and spelling, will be an important component of the grade on all written assignments
  • Course objectives should reflect the Writing Intensive component of the course
  • Class size will be limited to 18

Recommendation: At this level, if appropriate for the discipline, students will probably complete a complex, lengthy assignment. If appropriate, students may be assigned a research paper that requires multiple sources.