WAC Defined
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.
WAC at Purdue Global (PG)
The writing across the curriculum initiative at Purdue Global is integrated into several key areas, including the continuous evaluation and enhancement of cornerstone writing courses such as CM107: College Writing I and CM220: College Writing II, as well as other specialized writing courses and micro-credentials. The WAC Advisory Committee plays a crucial role in ensuring consistency across the university in writing expectations, academic integrity, and assessment practices. Additionally, the WAConcierge service supports faculty, staff, and administrators by providing resources and guidance as they work with student writers and develop their own scholarly projects.
Purdue Global is committed to embedding WAC principles throughout the university, including the integration of General Education Literacies (GELs) and Professional Competencies (PCs) that assess writing and communication skills across all programs. This approach is further supported by initiatives such as the annual PG Literary Festival, the publication of The Gauge literary journal, and collaborations with the Academic Success and Writing Centers. These efforts ensure that WAC is not only a part of students' educational experiences but also a fundamental aspect of the university’s commitment to personalized and inclusive learning, preparing students for success in their academic and professional careers.
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CTL043: Writing Across the Curriculum
A Purdue Global Center for Teaching and Learning (CTL) Workshop
This PG CTL course provides faculty and staff with an understanding of writing across the curriculum. Practitioners will learn about the philosophy behind WAC and its emergence in higher education, its primary objectives, and their implementation at Purdue Global.
It addition, understand how to assess writing and ensure academic integrity, particularly given the emergence of new artificial intelligence (AI) writing tools; explore how WAC can prepare students for success academically and professionally, particularly in a globalized society; and learn about WAC support for non-student stakeholders.
Workshop Outcomes
Learn the philosophy of WAC
Understand the role of WAC at Purdue Global
Explain to students the benefits of WAC
Learn how to create WAC-friendly assignments
Assess writing using WAC principles
Recognize the relationship between academic integrity and effective writing
Consider the impact of AI tools when designing writing prompts
Understand the role of AI detectors when grading assignments
Identify WAC support for appropriate AI use guidelines and grading approaches
Determine appropriate uses of AI for curriculum development, scholarship, and writing
Understand the role of globalization, diversity, and inclusion in WAC
Determine available WAC resources for students and faculty
Locate WAC support for professional development and scholarship