Certain courses can be designated "W" as part of the College's Writing Across the Curriculum program. The most recent disciplinary outline for disciplinary course authors who wish to have their courses so designated should be available in each Dean’s office. Writing across the curriculum courses are currently not reviewed by the College Senate Curriculum Committee. Thus, it is inappropriate to include the W on course revisions or new course proposals. Departments who wish a course section or multiple course sections to be designated as writing across the curriculum should send a memo to the Dean explaining why a particular course should receive a "W" designation following the outline for creating WAC courses. After receiving approval from the Dean, the memo should be forwarded to the Associate Vice President for Assessment in Academic Affairs for approval.
What should a "W" course include?
Like most courses offered on this campus, these include both formal and informal writing. Writing across the curriculum courses, however, emphasize writing as a major course component for both instruction and evaluation.
What is the difference between courses that simply have written assignments and writing across the curriculum courses?
"W" courses are not "term paper" centered. Writing across the curriculum courses are those in which professors employ writing-to-learn techniques as a major means of delivering instruction. Such courses include teaching students to use writing as a tool in their overall learning process. Students can bolster their general academic abilities greatly by taking these courses.
What are the guidelines for constructing a writing across the curriculum course?
A writing across the curriculum course includes several assignments using formal writing. Formal writing in this context means writing that is intended to communicate with a reader; has been revised; and meets standards for minimum proficiency.
The formal writing requirement should be substantial enough to insure that the “W” course functions effectively as part of a total writing program.
See the College Writing Program’s Guidelines and Learning Outcomes for Writing Across the Curriculum (W) Courses or see pages 27 - 28 in the 2007 - 2009 BSC Undergraduate Catalog.