Writing at Ohio State

In 1988, the University Special Committee for Undergraduate Curriculum Review stated the importance of writing instruction in any student’s course of study:

“The abilities to read and listen with comprehension and critical acuity are requisite to the gaining of knowledge in a university setting. The ability to express oneself with clarity, both orally and in writing, provides the deepest proof of understanding. Only through such expression can one demonstrate the powers of careful thinking and critical analysis.”

"Further, we recognize that writing especially is a primary tool in learning itself, not just a means of expressing learning that has taken place. Writing is a powerful mode of thinking; writing involves making choices and then ordering those choices effectively." (Model Curriculum [doc], "Writing and Related Skills," p. 6)

To meet these goals, Ohio State’s General Education curriculum has a three-tiered system of writing courses that students must complete before graduation. These courses provide a solid anchor for writing instruction across the curriculum, and should be reinforced in courses throughout students’ programs of study.

WAC provides support to instructors and supervisors of these writing courses, and promotes writing instruction in classes throughout the curriculum.

[doc] - Some files on this page are in Microsoft Word .doc file format. These require the use of Microsoft Word to open. If you need them in a more accessible file format, please contact cstw@osu.edu.