They must be skilled in the retrieval, interpretation, and development of technical information by various means, including the use of computer-aided techniques. Must have the knowledge and skills to be able to recognize, define and solve problems by applying sound scientific and engineering principles. WAC is also founded on the idea that communication skills are teachable and require consistent practice if they are to be developed. Just as a good skier learns to ski well by skiing often and learning from mistakes, a good writer learns to write well through practice and reflection. Those who have achieved a high level of performance in playing a sport, a musical instrument, or anything else know that to be good at something takes consistent self-discipline and training.
Writing is no different.
One does not typically learn to be an excellent writer in one course just as one does not learn to be an excellent skier or tennis player in a handful of lessons. Therefore, a sequence of writing-intensive courses should occur throughout the undergraduate curriculum. WAC is also in place at CSM because writing fosters learning and critical thinking in the content of any discipline. Research and practice confirm that writing is a tool that can enhance the learning and critical thinking skills students need in all fields of study. Writers will take writing-intensive courses at the junior and senior level within their own disciplines so they can become familiar with the techniques and writing conventions common to their specific discipline.