What is Writing Across the Curriculum (WAC)?

Writing across the curriculum is an educational initiative that emphasizes the importance of writing as a fundamental skill for students across all disciplines, not just within English or composition courses. The core idea behind WAC is that writing is essential for academic success and critical thinking, and therefore should be integrated into all areas of study. WAC programs encourage universities to build a culture where writing is consistently supported throughout a student's academic journey. This involves educating faculty across various departments on how to design effective writing assignments and assess student writing. Resources like the Statement of WAC Principles and Practices, from the International Network of WAC Programs (INWAC), provide guidance for institutions looking to develop or enhance their WAC programs, helping them to align their pedagogical practices with the goals of improving student writing and critical thinking skills.

The origins of WAC can be traced back to the evolution of the American university system in the 19th century. As higher education expanded beyond religious studies to include a broader array of disciplines, and as universities became more accessible due to legislative acts like the Morrill Acts, there arose a need for formal writing education. This led to the introduction of composition courses as a staple in American universities. However, it became clear that composition courses alone were insufficient to fully equip students with the writing skills needed for their specific fields of study. In response, WAC programs began emerging in the 1980s to address this gap by promoting writing across all disciplines, ensuring that students develop the necessary communication skills for both academic and professional success.