About the First-Year Writing Program
Elmhurst University Department of English

Elmhurst University faculty consider writing as a foundational proficiency for college-level work and beyond. Writing is a unique mode of learning and a fundamental means of collaboration, creative expression, and critical inquiry across academic disciplines.  Students are expected to address the writing proficiency early in their studies, no later than the end of sophomore year.

The First-Year Writing Program at Elmhurst University is a two-course sequence:  English 105 focuses on written fluency, revision, and connecting reading with writing, while English 106 focuses on academic literacy, using writing to learn, synthesizing sources, and building persuasive arguments.  

ENG 105 Composition I: builds foundational college writing skills, especially fluency and revision.

ENG 106 Composition II: builds on that foundation with more academic writing, research, source use, and argumentation.

Prerequisites

ENG 106 usually comes after ENG 105 or an equivalent placement/credit option, such as the Elmhurst writing placement test or qualifying ACT/SAT scores. In other words, ENG 105 is the entry-level course in the sequence, and ENG 106 is the next step.

If you are placed into ENG 105, you are starting the writing sequence. If you place into ENG 106, Elmhurst is saying you are ready for the more advanced second course right away.

For further information about the First-Year Writing Program at Elmhurst University, please contact Bridget O'Rourke, Professor of English and Writing Program Director  (orourkeb@elmhurst.edu)

To learn more, please contact Bridget O'Rourke, First-Year Writing Program Director, at orourkeb@elmhurst.edu, or schedule an in-person or Zoom conference on Calendly.