Working Definition of Written Communication Skills:

The ability to communicate clearly in writing is an essential skill for both academic and professional success. Competence in written communication requires an understanding of writing as both process and product. Writing as a process refers to familiarity with and mastery of the stages of composition. As a product, effective writing demonstrates an awareness of the role audience, context, and purpose play in determining rhetorical choices. Further, effective writing demonstrates the ability to state and develop a "thesis"; write unified and coherent sentences and paragraphs; and edit for correctness in grammar, punctuation, usage, and mechanics. Finally, it is expected that a course coded for written communication will familiarize students with and allow them to demonstrate writing competence through the conventions and formats used in a particular disciplinary field (e.g., laboratory report, critical review, research report, etc.).

Written Communication Skills Area Course Requirements:

In addition to completing E120 English Composition, students will complete two additional courses in this skill area, with at least one course at the upper-division level. Students who pass E220 Argumentative and Research Writing with a "C" or better will complete one additional course in this skill area at the upper-division level.