Questions and Answers About Writing in WI Courses and Writing Across the Curriculum — Page 1

What is the Writing Intensive course requirement?
The policy requires students to take two Writing-Intensive (WI) courses in addition to the two foundation courses in composition. At least three credit hours of Writing-Intensive course work should be in the student’s major.

What does the WI policy entail?
Writing Intensive Course Policy Premises:
• Writing improves with practice in diverse settings.
• Writing engages students and improves their learning of content.
• Writing develops thinking skills.

Guidelines
• Equivalent of 15 typed pages.
• Two or more pieces of writing; as an option in upper division courses only, the instructor may assign a single project that the student submits in multiple drafts and the instructor responds to in multiple drafts.
• Instructors evaluate all final drafts before the end of the semester.
• Excludes any writing required for final examination.
• Instructor gives students opportunities for serious revision.
• Instruction in writing techniques specific to the discipline and clarification of requirements and methods of preparation for assignments.
• Evaluation of writing includes written and oral comments, conferences (for students who need them), and grades.

Class size
Maximum of 25 students.

Nature of Course
Each academic department designates some course sections as WI.

Assessment
Academic departments assess the writing proficiency of their graduates.

Requirement
At least two WI courses, at least three credit hours of which are in the student’s major.

Prerequisites
One composition course – required.
Two composition courses – strongly recommended.

Texts
Encourage students to use the Simon and Schuster Handbook for Writers.