The study of writing emphasizes frequent practice and feedback. In the course students write several essays that receive instructor response. They generate their own topics, use writing to discover and compose meaning, and revise and edit their writing in order to communicate purposefully with an audience. Students practice various ways to generate content for their essays and learn how to use feedback to help them revise. They explore and communicate their own ideas about a variety of subjects, including but not limited to personal experience.
Students practice using both narrative and non-narrative strategies of development.
The course focuses on skills, strategies, and processes rather than on specific subject matter. Activities are various and interactive, with emphasis on active participation by students both as individuals and in groups. When appropriate, instructors may lecture and lead discussions. Ample opportunity is provided for the composition of multiple drafts in response to peer and instructor comments. At least one of these essays will be based on personal experience.