Southeast approaches writing in the disciplines (WID) differently from many other institutions. While other institutions have designated WID courses, Southeast integrates writing throughout the University Studies program on the basis of the written communication objective.
Some faculty may be more familiar with the term "writing across the curriculum" (WAC). Many WAC models, however, delegate the teaching of all writing skills to an English department or to a WAC program. In these models, students rarely learn how to write from experts in the various disciplines. In a WID model, however, writing instruction is disseminated throughout the curriculum and the various departments and programs at an institution. Therefore, because Southeast's WID program is integrated in all University Studies courses, all Southeast faculty are responsible for writing instruction.
Writing Assignment Checklist
Does the Assignment Include the Following?
- Goal of this assignment for student learning relevant to this course (review previous knowledge, build new knowledge, show understanding, synthesize material, etc.?)
- Topic and thesis
- Instructions for the assignment (use explicit language like “explain” or “compare and contrast” rather than “consider” or “discuss”).
- Who the audience is -- their interest, background, and needs
- Sequencing and deadlines, and policy on late work
- Sources and documentation required, and policies on quotation, citation, and plagiarism
- Minimum and maximum length, and policy on work not conforming to these
- Format and method of submission
- Your specific preferences or pet peeves – e.g. “Avoid passive voice”
- Scoring rubric
- Examples of student work on similar assignments receiving a range of grades
Adapted From
- http://www.wooster.edu/writing_center/facchecklist.html
- http://web.mit.edu/writing/Faculty/createeffective.html
Alternatives to Term Papers
Alternatives - Lawrence U. Library
Designing Assignments
MIT Writing Center: Creating Writing Assignments
University of Maryland Writing Center
Ferris State University
Cal State Chico
Princeton (PDF)
Study of Best Practices in Writing to Learn
Helix: A Journal of Interdisciplinary Research
Helix is a publication of undergraduate and graduate research from across all disciplines at Southeast. The journal is intended to provide students with the opportunity to develop researched writing skills and to gain experience in preparing and submitting manuscripts for publication. Students of all levels, including graduating seniors, are encouraged to submit their researched writing for consideration. Helix is published annually each fall semester.
For full information, submission guidelines, and past issues, please see Helix: A Journal of Interdisciplinary Research. Any questions about Helix or its associated contests can be directed to slscott2s@semo.edu.