what constitutes a writing intensive course

by Granville Marquardt 8 min read

In order for a course to be certified as writing-intensive, it must:

  • emphasize writing and at least one other mode of communication (oral or visual)
  • base at least 30% of the course grade on written work
  • include assignments in which students use writing to learn course content and/or learn disciplinary ways of thinking and communicating
  • offer direct instruction in forms and strategies of written communication

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A writing intensive course is more than simply a course that assigns considerable writing. It is instead a course in which students are provided with explicit opportunities, though targeted instruction, to improve their writing. The writing in the course must be tied to the course objectives and course outcomes.Aug 18, 2010

Full Answer

What majors are the most writing intensive?

  • Students should write throughout the semester, not just at the end and not just for end-ofsemester term papers. ...
  • Some amount of class time must be devoted to preparing students to complete writing assignments successfully. ...
  • In upper-level classes particularly, students should receive instruction in how to write for the specific discipline. ...

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What are the best writing courses?

  • Creative Nonfiction: Write Truth with Style. ...
  • Malcolm Gladwell's Writing MasterClass. ...
  • Daniel José Older's Storytelling 101: Character, Conflict, Context, Craft. ...
  • Roxane Gay's MasterClass on Writing for Social Change and Creative Writing: Crafting Personal Essays with Impact. ...
  • Steven Heller's The Designer's Guide to Writing and Research. ...

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Which is the best creative writing course?

Creative Writing 101 covers both fiction and nonfiction prose. Some creative writing courses work best for seasoned writers, but Creative Writing 101 is ideal for new writers who need to learn the basics of fiction writing and character development.. The instructors for Creative Writing 101 are published fiction and novel writers.

Are creative writing courses worth it?

Therefore, one of the greatest benefits of creative writing courses, I believe, is the feedback and support throughout the ups and downs. Fresh eyes are invaluable. Six years later, our course still meets up at the beginning of each month to share and critique our latest work.

What is considered writing intensive?

Writing-Intensive Courses are those in which writing is used as a central mode of learning as well as of evaluating student performance. Students in these courses are expected to write regularly, and their grades in these courses are linked to the quality and content of their written work.

What are writing intensive courses examples?

Examples of Writing-Intensive CoursesSenior or Honors Thesis: For a thesis, a student writes a significant research paper. ... Methodology Course in Major: Many disciplines require a methodology course in data collection, archival research, observation, interviews, or hands-on practicums.More items...

What makes a course intensive?

Intensive courses, also known as time-compressed courses, accelerated courses, or sometimes called summer terms, are intense individual courses of study that require maximum progress of learning in minimal time.

What are writing intensive courses QCC?

Writing Intensive classes are designed to build writing abilities: in small classes, faculty members design assignments to help students grow as writers while they learn course material. In WI classes, students will be expected to complete a series of short papers as part of the course requirements.

Why do colleges require writing classes?

General first-year writing courses like ENG 102 - the "composition" courses everyone's required to take when they get to college - are intended to lay a good foundation for the kind of writing you do as a college student. They introduce general concepts and practices - like revision, citation, and genre, for example.

What courses should I take to become a writer?

A high school degree or equivalent is the minimum educational requirement to qualify for a majority of writing jobs. Coursework in English, reading and writing are important. Future writers can also write for their yearbook or school paper to develop skills.

What is a writing intensive course BMCC?

What is a Writing Intensive (WI) course? WI is a special designation given to courses that use the writing process to help students master course material and improve their writing skills. They are taught by professors specially trained to aid student success.

What are writing intensive courses Rutgers Newark?

Each writing-intensive course requires students to undertake substantive writing assignments that are evaluated not only on content but also on issues of grammar, organization, and rhetoric. Writing-intensive courses emphasize drafting, revision, and critical feedback.

How many writing intensive courses are required for graduation Lehman?

four coursesStudents must complete up to four courses designated as writing-intensive, three prior to earning the 60th credit and one following.

How many writing courses are there at RIT?

Per University Policy, there are Three required Writing Courses at RIT, First Year Writing, General Education Writing Intensive, and Program Writing Intensive: First Year Writing plays an essential role in students' transition from secondary to post-secondary education. The first year experience is designed to develop students’ proficiency in ...

What is RIT writing sequence?

The RIT Writing Sequence. RIT's is a Writing Across the Curriculum (or WAC) Sequence. WAC has a 30+ year history in US higher education. Throughout its history, WAC has shown that effective writing instruction extends throughout all years of a student's undergraduate education, and spreads out across general education and in all the major programs. ...

What is the purpose of first year writing?

First Year Writing plays an essential role in students' transition from secondary to post-secondary education. The first year experience is designed to develop students’ proficiency in analytical and rhetorical reading and writing, and critical thinking.

What is writing intensive?

Writing-intensive courses incorporate writing into the broader pedagogical goals of the course, such that students both improve their compositional skills and deepen their learning through frequent writing assignments and timely faculty responses. The learning objectives pursued in the course should shape the writing-intensive structure.

What is the Standing Committee on Writing and Speaking?

The Standing Committee on Writing and Speaking presents these guidelines for writing-intensive courses to all faculty members for use in developing new classes or strengthening the writing pedagogy in existing courses. They may be used in General Education, in other programs, or in any department, particularly in tutorial ...

Can TFs teach writing intensive courses?

They may be used in General Education, in other programs, or in any department, particularly in tutorial and “capstone” research experiences. Concentrations and programs are encouraged to offer writing-intensive courses, but not all may have the resources to do so. However, faculty and TFs teaching writing-intensive courses may avail themselves ...

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What is the writing in a WI course?

Writing assignments in a WI course may be designed as a means to achieving mastery of course content, as a means to enable students to develop professional output , or as a balance between the two.

What is explicit writing instruction?

Explicit writing instruction must be integral to the course, as part of the course content and as a significant, recurring activity. Through instruction, students should learn about writing, including its disciplinary structures and functions, and should practice writing in a variety of modes and settings appropriate to the discipline. The forms and types of writing instruction that will be used in the course should be explained in the syllabus or supporting teaching materials.

What should instructors provide for writing assignments?

Instructors should provide substantial feedback on writing assignments, and allow revision in response to that feedback. Continuous, focused feedback building systematically over the course of the class is encouraged, as is a variety of modes and purposes of feedback.

What is the role of writing in the academic experience?

Writing is at the center of the academic experience and is the responsibility of the entire academic community. By participating in the production and interrogation of a discipline’s discourse, students advance their understanding of that discipline.

GFWI: Foundational Writing Courses

A Foundational Writing-Intensive Course is built around casting thoughtful academic writing as a critical component of the thinking and learning processes.

GMWI: Writing Intensive Courses in the Major

Upper-level Writing Intensive courses are offered in the student’s major as part of the major requirement. Such courses aim to sharpen the student’s skills through frequent writing assignments.

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