Writing Across the Curriculum
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.
- 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.
Writing Across the Curriculum Roundtables - Spring 2022
Do students write in your classes? Do you ever feel like you could use support in teaching writing? Are you interested in talking with other faculty about assignment design, peer review, and grading? If so, consider participating in this semester’s Writing Across the Curriculum (WAC) roundtables.
WAC roundtables are a chance for faculty to discuss their teaching practices, workshop ideas and materials, and participate in conversation with faculty from different disciplines who assign writing in their courses. Each month will offer ideas and strategies related to a specific aspect of teaching writing. Both in-person and online sessions are scheduled, and faculty are welcome to attend on the days and in the formats that work for them.
February: Assignment development and design
- Online 2/14 from 1:45-2:45pm
- In-person (UC 126) 2/15 from 10:45-11:45am
March: Peer review goals and strategies
- Online 3/14 from 1:45-2:45pm
- In-person (UC 126) 3/15 from 10:45-11:45am
April: Grading effectively and efficiently
- Online 4/11 from 1:45-2:45
- In-person (UC122) 4/12 from 10:45-11:45am
Please consider participating! We are better teachers when we learn from one another. If you have questions about these opportunities, please email Kacey Ross.
Last updated July 26, 2022
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