|
1. Just what does
"Writing Intensive" mean?
Writing Intensive is a kind of class that provides chances to learn course
material through writing. Instead of just memorizing information, reading
about ideas, or listening to lectures, you also write about them which
dramatically increases your ability to understand what you are learning.
2. Do you have
to write a lot of papers?
No, not necessarily. Teachers of Writing Intensive courses design all
kinds of interesting assignments and projects: in one American History
course, students read and analyze children's books for historical accuracy;
in another American History course, students interview a relative to find
out how historical events shaped real life in a different time period;
one Calculus teacher has students design a cylindrical can; in a Biology
class, students can research a claim from a commercial to find out if
it is scientifically valid. These are a few examples. Ask the teacher
if you want to know ahead of time.
3. Why would I
want to take a Writing Intensive course?
Because it's good for you. No, really, it is. Studies show that when people
write about ideas, they learn better, more deeply and permanently. Oh,
also because starting in Fall, 2002, new students seeking an AA degree
must complete a Writing Intensive course.
4. How will I
know a course is Writing Intensive?
It's labeled in the class schedule as "WI."
5. Is there any
prerequisite?
Yes, complete English 101 with a C or higher.
6. What benefits
are there for students?
You get feedback from your instructor on drafts of your work and time
to make revisions. You get assistance and support with your writing.
7. If this is
so great, why did you call it "Writing Intensive?"
Good question. The name "Intensive" is somewhat misleading because
it implies that it might be more difficult. It's not. This is just what
most colleges call this kind of experience. We wanted you
to know what Writing Intensive means, especially if you are going to transfer
to a 4-year school. By the way, if you took the same course from this
instructor but without the WI designation, you'd probably do the same
assignments!
8. When should I take a WI course?
Talk to an adviser about when in the sequence of your coursework it makes
the most sense. Some people might choose to take the WI requirement in
a course they find hard because it will help them learn the material.
On the other hand, some take it in a course they really like because they
want to write in that subject.
9. What do students
who have taken WI courses say about them?
"I believe
this course has put me on the right path to the successful completion
of an engineering degree and a successful engineering career." ---
student in WI Calculus
"Writing
always makes me understand and learn better."
----student in WI Psychology
"Writing
has a lot to do with learning. You have to know how to write well to get
anywhere in life." ----student in WI Calculus
"I think
the writing intensive course helped my writing skills and helped me understand
the course better."
----student in WI Speech
"The WI course
helped me understand the material and expectations of the instructor more
thoroughly."
----student in WI Psychology
"I learn
best as I write instead of just listening."
----student in WI Psychology
|