Writing at UTK
–UTK Undergraduate Catalog
When will I have to write in courses other than First-Year Composition?
All UTK faculty expect good quality writing from students. This includes not only formal out-of-class papers, but also in-class writing assignments and essay exams.
Writing is expected in many other courses besides first-year composition--there are writing requirements in all colleges and all majors!
What are Communicating Through Writing Courses?
To complete General Education requirements, all UTK students must take one “Communicating Through Writing” course (labeled with the abbreviation “WC” in catalog course descriptions) in order to graduate. Over 65 courses are designated as WC courses (see the Undergraduate Catalog for the current list), and they are offered in a wide variety of disciplines.
At least 5000 words of formal and informal writing are assigned in WC classes. Students are strongly encouraged to make use of the feedback offered by The Writing Center when they are enrolled in WC courses.
What are “Writing Emphasis” Courses?
The purpose of Writing Emphasis courses is to help students learn course material through writing, develop critical thinking skills, demonstrate the ability to sustain an argument, and strengthen existing writing skills. Writing Emphasis courses require at least 2,000 words of written work, normally comprising one sustained essay or report of at least 1,000 words plus additional writing assignments such as in-class essay exams, journals, book reviews, etc.
The lists of requirements for each major identify whether students must take a Writing Emphasis course. Catalog course descriptions identify which are Writing Emphasis courses, and they may be found all across the curriculum in all colleges and departments.