What is a Writing Intensive Course?
To ensure PVCC students engage in deliberate and ongoing writing experiences to enhance writing skills, PVCC will require that each student take a Writing Intensive (WI) course before graduation. The courses are designed to make writing an integral part of your learning experience.
In a WI course, you will participate in the following activities:
- Write at least 4,000 words (or the equivalent of 20 pages)
- Write throughout the semester
- Engage in both graded and non-graded writing activities
- Engage in writing-to-learn and writing process activities as an integral part of this course
- Receive and implement feedback from the instructor and from peers for at least one writing assignment
- Revise and resubmit at least one formal (graded) writing assignment;
- Discuss writing during class time
- Writing assignments will account for at least 30 percent of the grade.
How do I know if a course is Writing Intensive?
- WI courses will have a clear WI designation in PVCC's Schedule of Classes.
- A PVCC counselor can help you determine if a course meets your WI requirement.
- There will be a WI statement on your instructor's syllabus.
- Your instructor will discuss the writing intensive nature of the course during class time.
How will my work/writing be assessed?
- Instructors in all WI courses will use PVCC's Writing Rubric (link here) to assess papers written for the class.
- Students receiving below a "C" on a formal writing assignment in a WI course will be required to work with a tutor in PVCC's Writing Center before resubmission of revised paper.
- In WI courses, written assignments will account for 30 percent of your grade.
- You must earn a passing grade in the course in order for it to meet program requirements for graduation.
