COLLEGE WRITING PROGRAM
[THE FOLLOWING IS AN EXCERPT FROM THE COLLEGE W RITING HANDBOOK, 12TH EDITION, 2002.]
For further information about the FDU Writing Program, contact Susan Gerson, Director of College
Writing at 973-443-8710 or email, gerson@fdu.edu
ENGW0198 Fundamentals of Writing (3 credits, NOT counted towards graduation)
The placement test taken during freshman orientation determines the course placement. If students need
to review the fundamentals of writing such as sentence structure, grammar, and punctuation they will need
to take this preparatory course. This course earns a letter grade and registration credit but does not count
towards graduation. This course will help strengthen fundamental writing skills and teach students to
generate and organize ideas when writing short (3-4 page) papers. They will learn to brainstorm, organize,
revise, proofread, and edit papers as stages in the writing process. During the semester students will write
5-6 revised papers and 3 in class timed writings in preparation for the final exam. This course meets three
times a week.
Students who pass the course will be placed in ENGW1100 the following semester. Grades for this class
are weighted in the cumulative average for the semester.
ENGW1100 Writing Skills Workshop (3 credits, counted towards graduation, but NOT towards the
Written Communication Req.)
Writing Skills Workshop gives students with acceptable writing skills an opportunity to strengthen critical
reading and essay writing skills before entering ENGW1101. Students in Writing Skills Workshop write 5-6
revised essays each semester. Usually these essays are 4 pages in length. ENGW1100 students write at
least 20 pages of revised writing and 3 in class timed essays in preparation for the final exam. This course
earns 3 credits toward graduation.
Students in ENGW1100 take a common final exam on the first scheduled day of the exam period. Students
who pass the course will be placed in ENGW1101 the following semester.
ENGW1101 College Writing Workshop
This is the first half of the basic freshman year writing program at Fairleigh Dickinson. Required of
all students, this course trains students for writing in the academic world by giving instruction and practice
in writing essays, usually one a week.
By the end of the course, students should be able to formulate a strong thesis, organize and
develop writing to fulfill that thesis, and integrate material from readings to provide support for their thesis.
They will get experience in structuring an essay according to various rhetorical modes. In addition, students
will learn techniques for revising papers, for overcoming writing anxieties, and for finding an appropriate
voice and tone for their writing.
Students must pass a proficiency examination (a question answered in response to a short essay)
and a portfolio review at the end of the course.
ENGW1102 Research Writing Workshop
As the second half of the College Writing Workshop sequence, ENGW1102 is designed to teach
students how to write research papers for their college courses. They will be expected to write longer
papers in ENGW1102 than in ENGW1101. According to the instructor's discretion, students will write five or
six papers based on library and other research.
Research will involve library materials and first-hand data gathering, with emphasis on evaluating
sources, writing summaries, using paraphrase, citing sources properly, and using the Modern Language
Association revised style for documentation. In addition, students will learn how to use various library
resources including the computerized catalogue and CD ROM databases and the Internet. They will also
learn how to identify, evaluate, and use Internet resources. All ENGW1102 courses meet once a week in a
computer classroom.
NOTE: Students may opt to fulfill the second part of their Written Communication requirement by taking a
course designated as “Writing Intensive” in lieu of Research Writing Workshop.
Becton College Statement on Standards for Written Assignments
The Demanding Curriculum Guidelines emphasize both the importance of setting high standards for
students and the value of written assignments in the process of learning. Therefore, the Writing Committee
of Becton College recommends that professors reinforce the goals and vision of this document in their
responses to students' written work. Carefully prepared work will demonstrate that students have the writing
skills necessary for successful careers.
Students should be expected to write clearly and carefully. Their work should demonstrate concern
for the presentation of their ideas; they should revise and proofread assignments before submitting them.
Written assignments should be coherent, organized, and free of errors in grammar, spelling, punctuation,
and documentation. Typographical errors are unacceptable. Therefore, professors should make it clear
that they will not read work that does not meet these standards. Unacceptable work will be returned
immediately for revision and resubmission. Later in the semester, professors may fail assignments
without returning them.
Most students are capable of identifying and correcting errors in assignments that have been
executed in haste. Students who need additional help in recognizing errors or improving their writing should
be advised to go to the Academic Support Center. All students should be encouraged to find a peer editor
or ask an Academic Support Center tutor for help in proofreading.
Special Programs in College Writing
Honors--Students accepted into the Honors Program are grouped together in a special section that takes
the place of the customary college writing course. Students receiving B+ or better are exempt from
ENGW1102.
Freshman Intensive Studies--Just what the name suggests: an intensive program to assist students
during their first academic year at Fairleigh Dickinson. Students are grouped together for English classes
and are given the opportunity for tutoring and an individually designed writing program.
English as a Second Language--A series of courses for international students that emphasizes writing
skills, grammar, reading, and fluency in spoken American English. Course placement is determined by
testing.