Dietrich School students are required to complete two writing-intensive courses after fulfilling their Composition requirement, at least one of which must be in their major. W courses are offered across a wide range of departments and disciplines, and when an approved W course is offered in an online format, it satisfies the writing requirement just as the in-person version does. When you are ready to register, this handy guide walks you through how to browse your W course options in PeopleSoft.
Here is what you can expect when you enroll in a writing-intensive course: writing is woven into the fabric of the class from the first week to the last, not saved for a single high-stakes assignment at the end of the term. Over the course of the semester, you will write and revise a total of 23–25 pages (5,750–6,250 words), receiving feedback from both your instructor and your peers along the way. Class time is devoted not only to course content but to the craft of writing itself, with instruction and discussion focused on helping you develop as a writer. W courses are capped at 25 students or fewer, ensuring that your writing gets the attention and feedback it deserves.