Course Description
An introduction to the principles and practices of writing in the disciplines. In the lecture, students will investigate academic, professional, and public genres. In discussion, students will evaluate writing in specific contexts and develop expertise in critical reading, rhetorical analysis, peer review, and revision.
Athena Title
Writing in the Disciplines
Equivalent Courses
Not open to students with credit in ENGL 3700, ENGL 3700D
Non-Traditional Format
The W suffix is used for courses taught as writing intensive, which means that the course includes substantial and ongoing writing assignments that: a) facilitate learning; b) teach the communication values of a discipline—for example, its practices of argument, evidence, credibility, and format; c) support writing as a process; and d) prepare students for further writing in their academic work, in graduate school, and in professional life. Writing instruction and assignments are integral to the class’s learning objectives, and the instructor (and/or the teaching assistant assigned to the course) will be closely involved in supporting students as writers. More specifically, writing-intensive classes: • involve students in informal writing assignments that promote course learning; • stage and sequence assignments to encourage writing as a process of creating and communicating knowledge; • maximize opportunities for guidance, feedback, and revision; • teach the writing conventions that are inseparable from modes of inquiry in a discipline; • make writing a substantive component of the overall course grade to underscore the value of writing to the course, the discipline, and student learning.
Prerequisite
(ENGL 1101 or ENGL 1101E or ENGL 1101S) and (ENGL 1102 or ENGL 1102E)
Grading System
A - F (Traditional)
Course Objectives
Students will identify and compare conventions of effective writing in the disciplines (i.e., arts, humanities, social sciences, and sciences). Students will discuss writing, reading, and thinking practices and processes. Students will analyze academic and public textual artifacts. Students will practice writing in field-specific genres. Students will employ peer review to engage with feedback in writing. Students will revise their writing based on feedback and self-assessment. Students will evaluate their own writing, reading, and thinking practices. Students will create toolkits to support the continual development of their communication skills. Students will work collaboratively to assemble writing resources for specific audiences.
Topical Outline
Transfer of Writing-Related Knowledge and Skills Writing as a Process Revision Grammar and Error Reading in the Disciplines Analyzing Texts in Different Fields and Contexts The Academic Dialogue Writing in the Disciplines Working with Sources Argumentation and Evidence History and Application of Genre Form and Conventions Style and Language Use Writing for a Public Audience Rhetorical Flexibility