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Center for Teaching, Learning & Technology

Writing Across the Curriculum
also known as:
Writing in the Disciplines (WID), Writing to Learn (WTL), Writing-Intensive Classes (WIC), and Communication Across the Curriculum (CAC)

Writing Across the Curriculum has been part of college and university life for quite a while now, but faculty also continue to face significant problems with integrating more effective writing into their courses. Large lecture classes make reading and responding to the writing activities daunting; some faculty even fear that they are not qualified to evaluate writing assignments. The links below offer suggestions to faculty on just these issues and many move. Some links demonstrate effective writing-to-learn activities that don't require a faculty reader; others explain why WAC/WID is so important.

General WAC Resources

WAC Clearinghouse (Colorado State)
An extensive collection of resources devoted to Writing Across the Curriculum, including full-text online books and journals, bibliographies, and even an archive of teaching activities.
Writing for Learning - Not Just for Demonstrating Learning (Peter Elbow, Umass)
Elbow reminds teachers that the act of writing itself helps students learn as they puzzle out possible problems, focus their thinking, and create plans for research.
Writing in Large Classes: Don't Be Overwhelmed with Grading (Kathleen McKinney, Sociology)
McKinney offers both general and specific tips for teachers, emphasizing as well the effective use of TAs as writing coaches.
Writing to Learn Suggestions (Sacred Heart)
This site offers several introductory suggestions about WAC/WTL, and includes classroom applications from professors in eight different disciplines.

Designing Effective WAC Assignments

Designing Writing Intensive Courses (IUP)
Helping Students Evaluate Written Sources (Lisa Hinchcliffe, Milner Library)
In-Class Writing to Learn Activities (Western Washington)
Using Writing as Tool for Learning (George Mason)
Writing to Learn in Managerial Accounting Classrooms (Barbara McElroy & Carol Coman)
Writing to Learn Mathematics (Bernadette Russek)

Assessment Rubrics for Writing Assignments

Discipline-Based Writing Rubric (Western Washington)
Student Writing (National U)
Grading Student Writing
Commenting on Student Writing
Suggested Criteria for the Evaluation of Student Work (Claire Lamonica, English)
WPA Outcomes Statement

Other Resources

Annotated Bibliography on WAC (Indiana)
Annotated Bibliography on WAC (Pitt)
Managing and Evaluating Student Writing (Ferris State)
Using Writing to Learn Mathematics (A. Edgington & R. Dick, Louisville)
WAC at Cleveland State