Writing Across the Curriculum (WAC) Requirements
A course approved for the WAC requirement must meet all of the following criteria:
Require students to write between 3,000 and 5,000 words (10-20 pages, double-spaced, in 12-point font, with 1” margins) in writing assignments (which may include drafts).
- Final versions of at least one assignment should total at least 2,000 words (eight pages).
- Teach students writing-to-learn strategies that foster students’ experiences in learning and writing-to-communicate strategies that foster students’ respect of readers’ experiences. Whenever possible, planning assignments (e.g. reading logs, pre-writing strategies) and peer reviews should be included.
- Assign writing complex enough to require substantive revision for most students. The instructor should give feedback to assist students in preparing subsequent papers or drafts of papers. This feedback should not consist entirely of mechanical correction of punctuation and grammar.
- Provide instruction in discipline-appropriate forms of texts, arguments, evidence, style, audience, and citation.
- Assign writing throughout the semester.
- Where appropriate, address the needs of students regarding library competency.
- Assign writing in English unless the course is specifically geared to improving writing at the 300-level in another language.
Additional criteria for WAC:
- In order to receive a C or better in the course, students must write at a satisfactory skill level (C or better). If the student’s writing is weak, but shows understanding of the course material, the student may be assigned a D, in which case WAC credit will not be received for the course.
- Maximum enrollment for this course is 35 or 45 with a graduate assistant.