Writing Program

Acting Director: Marcia Curtis. Associate Directors: Professors Anne J. Herrington, Charles Moran. Junior Year Director: Linda LaDuc. Assistant Directors: Peggy Woods, Patricia Zukowski.

The University Writing Program, an aspect of the English Department, operates under the aegis of the University Writing Committee, appointed by the Faculty Senate. The Program's primary function is to help students acquire the writing skills they will need to cope with the writing tasks they will perform in their academic work, in their lives, and in their careers.

To this end the Writing Program offers a Freshman Writing Program, which includes courses titled Basic Writing (ENGLWP 111) and College Writing (ENGLWP 112 and 113). Entering freshmen take a placement examination which places them in Basic or College Writing or exempts them, without academic credit, from the Freshman Writing requirement. College Writing is the only University course that satisfies the Freshman Writing requirement. The Writing Program placement exam is given during summer and transfer counseling periods.

All those entering the University as freshmen are expected to fulfill the Freshman Writing requirement during their first year. Those who do not may be required to take equivalent courses through the Division of Continuing Education or at another approved institution at their own expense. Transfer students who enter the University are expected to fulfill the Freshman Writing requirement during their first semester, so that they may then fulfill their Junior Year Writing requirement in timely fashion.

The University offers a Junior Year Writing Program that is part of the student's major. Students will normally complete this departmental program during their junior year, in conjunction with the academic work that leads to the completion of the major.

Students are exempt, with credit, from the Freshman Writing requirement if they received a total of 1460 or more on the SAT Verbal Aptitude and the SAT II Writing Subject Test, or if they received a 4 or 5 on the Advanced Placement Language and Composition Test. If they received a 4 or 5 on the Advanced Placement Literature and Composition Test they are not exempted from the Freshman Writing requirement but will receive three English credits.

For information about any matters relating to the Writing Program, its courses and policies, please stop by the Writing Program Office in Room 305, Bartlett, or call (413) 545-0610.

The Courses

(All courses carry 3 credits unless otherwise noted.)

ENGLWP 111 Basic Writing (U)
(both sem)

An entry-level course in writing designed for freshmen who, through their performance on the Placement Exam, demonstrate the need for intensive work in writing. Taught on IBM-compatible PCs in the Writing Program's word-processing laboratory. Meets for five class and laboratory hours. Does not satisfy the Freshman Writing requirement. May not be taken Pass/Fail.

ENGLWP 112 College Writing (CW) (both sem)

An entry-level course in writing. Emphasis upon the writing process: prewriting, revising, editing. Minimum of six finished essays required. Prerequisite: satisfactory performance on the Placement Exam or in ENGLWP 111 Basic Writing. Satisfies the Freshman Writing requirement. May not be taken Pass/Fail.

ENGLWP 113 College Writing (CW) (both sem)

Special sections of College Writing taught in the Writing Program's word-processing laboratory on IBM-compatible PCs. 3 class hours. Prerequisite: satisfactory performance on the Placement Exam or in ENGLWP 111. Satisfies the Freshman Writing requirement. May not be taken Pass/Fail.