IDPT110: College Writing is part of the College's Program in
Writing as outlined in "A Wooster Education" and replaces English 101 (Composition). It is designed specifically for students who have been determined to need
intensive, individualized instruction in grammar, syntax, development, and formatting in
order to fulfill the College's Writing Proficiency Requirement.
The primary objectives of College Writing are:
- to improve students' ability to competently and confidently employ the grammar and syntax of the English language;
- to improve students' understanding of and ability to construct an expository essay as well as other genres used in academic communication; and
- to improve students' ability to self-critique and self-edit their writing.
In College Writing, students compose essays and other academic documents in an environment that emphasizes the process of writing (drafting, writing, revising) and the importance of peer-editing. In addition, students receive individualized instruction and ample opportunity to share their written work with both the course instructor and their peers in order to receive supportive individualized feedback and to effectively learn to critique their own writing. In this way, they begin to become better, more confident writers and to be prepared to write at a level more conducive to a successful Wooster education.
Students' placement in College Writing is based upon a series of testing instruments including standardized test scores, timed essay tests, portfolio review, and adviser evaluation. Students required to enroll in College Writing must do so before they may take their sophomore-level W Course and must complete College Writing by the end of their first year.
