The Writing Intensive Course: Guidelines

What Makes a Course Writing-Intensive?

Class size or instructor/student ratio. Most guidelines insist that WI classes include no more than 15 to 25 students.
Who teaches? Most universities and colleges insist that regular (i.e., full time, tenure-track) faculty teach a WI course.
Required number of papers or words. Generally, although some schools prefer a word-count, a WI expectation is 20-25 pages, and the instructor decides how those pages should add up.
Revision. Specify how many papers should go through a complete revision, and make clear that feedback and revision must involve more than pointing out and correcting surface errors.
How writing will affect final grade. Stipulate that grades on written work make up a certain percentage of the course grade. A total of 70% of the grade devoted to writing would be good; 20% is too low for students to take it seriously.
Types of assignments. Writing should be spread throughout the course in a sequence of related assignments rather than concentrated in a large term paper.
Assignment-related instruction and evaluation of papers. Demonstrate, in workshops for example, collaborative work, directed lessons on research techniques, checklists for feedback on drafts, and minimal marking.
Support services. Make use of available consultation with the FYE faculty, or require that students use the tutoring services in the Writing Center.

Stetson University

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DeLand, Florida 32723 29.034476-81.302825