Course Definition
For a course to be designated Writing Intensive, it must be approved by the WAC subcommittee of APACE. The WAC program provides guidelines to help departments and instructors tailor WI courses to disciplinary needs.
The WAC subcommittee of APACE is aware that what works in one discipline will work less well in another and therefore it has approved a wide range of courses that look substantially different one from another.
Nevertheless, there are some common elements. WI courses incorporate revised assignments, sequenced assignments, peer review, and student assistance from a writing consultant. We keep a list of exemplary WI courses for ideas and encouragement.
The incentive for getting a course designated WI, apart from the satisfaction of using innovative pedagogy and creating a valuable learning experience, ranges from recognition by the University for teaching excellence, to improved support and training for your teaching assistantships.