Checklist for a Strong WIC Proposal

1. The course syllabus clearly indicates that the course is writing intensive, that students will be using writing to learn the subject content, and that the course satisfies the WIC requirement for the major.

2. The syllabus clearly states learning outcomes, including writing outcomes. Suggested writing outcomes include knowledge of disciplinary genres, uses of writing as a critical-thinking tool in the field, ability to take a document through the writing process (including revision), and knowledge and use of conventions of the field and of Standard Written English.

3. The syllabus indicates that students working on formal writing assignments will be guided through the writing process, will have opportunities to receive feedback, and will have reasonable time to revise their drafts.

4. The course proposal is specific about how the course will involve informal, ungraded writing-to-learn exercises throughout the term (for example, brief in-class freewriting or reading response journals).

5. The proposal is specific about how students will be introduced to writing in the profession or the discipline.

6. The course proposal includes a full syllabus and the handouts (i.e. the written instructions) which students will receive for formal graded assignments. The assignments are clearly developed, indicating the purpose and task of the assignment, format, schedule (topic, drafts, peer review, final draft, etc.), and criteria for evaluation.

7. At least one formal graded assignment asks students to integrate information from more than one outside source and document the borrowed information according to the conventions of the discipline.

8. The course requires at least 5000 words of writing (including drafts, in-class writing, informal papers, and polished papers); 2000 words of this total should be in polished papers which the student has revised after receiving feedback and criticism. Word counts are specifically addressed in the proposal.

9. Grades for writing form at least 30% of the overall grade for the course.

10. Individually written papers constitute at least 25% of the course grade. Team projects may be used in a WIC course, but students must also fulfill the WIC requirement for amount of individual writing (see #8).

11. The course is restricted to manageable size (no more than 25 students) and is at least three credit hours.