Writing Requirements

The University Writing Requirement

The Department of English oversees the curriculum and administration of the Freshman Writing Requirement on behalf of the University and the departments that the course serves.  Essentially all WU students are required to take Writing 1 during their first year of study. Students enrolled in IPH/Text & Tradition, Pathfinder, or Law & Society programs take a linked Writing 1 course.  In order to fulfill the first year writing requirement, students in all sections must earn a C+ or better in the course.  Students who earn a grade of C or lower will take additional writing coursework recommended by the Writing1 Team. (In most cases, they will be required to re-take Writing 1.)

Advanced Writing Requirement

Students have two ways of satisfying the Arts and Sciences advanced writing requirement in English. 

1. Taking an L14 literature course with a writing intensive component.  These are specially designed for English majors (see Undergraduate Majors). 
2. Taking an advanced (300 level) L13 writing course in argumentation or expository writing.  (This second type is discussed here.)