English 1000: Course Overview
Sample Syllabus
Resources
Preparing for Basic Writing
Basic Writing Placement Process
Instructor Resources
About Us
Basic Writing Faculty and Staff
WMU Writing Center
Center for Academic Support
Basic Writing @ WMU
What should you expect from English 1000? Write, write, and write some more.
The phrase 'basic writing' can be really misleading. It makes people think that the purpose of this course is to work on grammar drills, spelling, and and other 'basic' activities. Those things have a very limited place in our course. Not that grammar doesn't matter. What matters more, though, is the ability to think through a writing situation and then develop ideas in ways that reach specific audiences -- and for specific purposes.
English 1000 is a course that immerses people in the practice of writing. Writing is a skill that develops not from grammar exercises or talking about writing. People become better writers by writing -- informal writing such as journals, letters, notes -- and more formal writing, such as memoirs, essays, and arguments.
English 1000 consists of three main activities: whole group meeting, writing studio, and individual consultations.
Whole Group Meeting: During this required hour of class, instructors explain assignments, teach writing process strategies, lead discussions and group work, and facilitate learning.
Writing Studio: During this required hour of class, two consultants and the class instructor supervise groups of 5-6 students. The Writing Studio focuses on responses to students’ work as well as further discussion of assignments as needed. Students share their work and questions as they learn to discuss and utilize writing processes. Students learn from all group members as well as from the consultants and instructor; therefore, students are expected to actively participate in the small group work.
Individual Consultation: During these individual meetings, you and a consultant discuss your writing decisions, class progress, etc. You may meet this requirement in two ways:
(1) Ideally, you will meet with one of the two Writing Consultants assigned to our class. Weekly, consultants offer two hours for 20-minute individual appointments for our class.
(2) If you are unable to meet with our class consultants, you must call the Writing Center (387-4615) to arrange and attend an appointment with a Writing Center Consultant. Writing Center Consultants offer 50 minutes of time per meeting.