What is a WL course like?

In WL courses, teachers use writing as a way to stimulate your thinking about the subject matter. The writing might be informal -- such as in-class "debriefings" in which you write down what you consider the most important issues covered that day or ask questions that still remain on the material. Or the teacher might ask you to write responses to what you read in the textbook or in other outside material. Some teachers have you keep a journal of ideas on the subject matter. The purpose of this informal writing is to help you engage with the ideas discussed in class and to encourage you to do your own thinking on the issues that are raised.

Most WL courses also have you do at least some formal writing. This could be a three-page essay on some specific topic, a ten-page research paper, or a series of lab reports. Each teacher decides what kind of formal writing assignment is appropriate for his or her class. Formal writing usually involves writing several drafts of the essay, editing for correct and clear style, and typing the final draft. Many teachers encourage use of the Writing Center for formal writing.

In a WL course you will usually be expected to talk, to generate ideas, and to work with your classmates on assigned tasks. See the list of faculty for some specific assignments certain teachers have recently given.

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