Writing Across the Curriculum

Writing Across the Curriculum

WAC refers to the notion that writing should be an integral part of the learning process throughout a student’s education and across the entire curriculum. WAC practices are based on two premises:

  • Writing is highly situational and tied to a field’s discourse and ways of knowing, and therefore writing in the disciplines (WID) is most effectively guided by those with expertise in that discipline.Hand with pen
  • Students come to the classroom with a wide range of literacy, linguistic, technological, and educational experiences and can learn to become more proficient writers.

For students, WAC promotes engaged learning, critical thinking, and greater facility with written communication across rhetorical situations. For teachers, WAC promotes thoughtful pedagogy and curriculum design as well as community that transcends disciplinary boundaries.*

WAC at UCCS aims to:

  • Sustain the writing of students across their academic careers
  • Increase student engagement with learning
  • Increase student writing proficiency
  • Create a campus culture that supports writing

WAC for Students

Rhetorically-based First-year Writing Courses

Writing Intensive Courses

Writing Portfolio

Rhetorical analysis

Develop critical thinking

Submitted when students have earned 60-90 credit hours

Academic argument

Practice core writing skills

Scholarly research

Develop information literacy

Assess writing competency

Critical reading

Learn disciplinary specific writing conventions and ways of knowing

 

WAC for Faculty

Department Consultations

Individual Consultations

Professional Development

Writing Resource Hub

Departmental support for incorporating writing across the curriculum

One-on-one faculty support for incorporating writing into courses

Workshops and seminars to enhance teaching practices

Coming soon

 

For more information or to schedule a consultation, email Kacey Ross or call her at (719) 255-4208.

*Adapted from the statement on WAC Principles and Practices.