The Writing Program at SPU supports students in all disciplines and majors by providing instruction in the technical, stylistic, and communicative requirements appropriate to writing in academic and professional contexts.

These courses have a substantial writing component. Faculty members spend at least one class period (and often more) providing instruction in writing, and they evaluate written work for both content and form—not only for what is said, but also for how it is said. These courses also provide opportunities for revision.

Students will take:

• WRI 1000 Academic Inquiry and Writing Seminar (5 credits) in their first year.  This course requires a grade of C- (1.7) or higher.
• Writing in Your Major in their second year (or later in their first year, after WRI 1000 Academic Inquiry and Writing Seminar). (minimum of 5 credits; most majors require their own courses that fulfill this category)
• Advanced Writing in Your Major in their third or fourth year. (minimum of 5 credits; many majors offer multiple courses in this category)

Note: Students admitted as Juniors or Seniors complete 10 credits in the Writing Curriculum: 5 credits of Writing in Your Major and 5 credits of Advanced Writing within Your Major. In some cases, students admitted as Juniors or Seniors will have Writing in Your Major met by a transferable academic writing composition course of at least 4 quarter credits.

Post-Baccalaureate Students

Unless stipulated by your major or minor, you are not required to fulfill Writing requirements if you are a post-baccalaureate student.

Courses that fulfill Academic Inquiry & Writing 

Students must achieve a grade of C- (1.7) or higher in this course.

Courses that Fulfill Writing in Your Major 

Writing in Your Major courses (typically 2000– and 3000–level) build on the academic inquiry and writing skills of WRI 1000 Academic Inquiry and Writing Seminar by applying college-level research and writing principles within a specific disciplinary context. Students learn to develop complex research questions and lines of inquiry; write in appropriate disciplinary genres; understand the proper use of primary and secondary sources; evaluate, summarize, analyze, and synthesize research; revise to develop and deepen ideas; and complete an amount of writing that meets the disciplinary-specific course standards.

Courses that Fulfill Advanced Writing in Your Major 

Advanced Writing in Your Major courses (typically 3000– and 4000–level) build on your earlier work in WRI 1000 Academic Inquiry and Writing Seminar and Writing in Your Major courses by providing advanced instruction in the technical and stylistic requirements of writing appropriate to a particular discipline. These courses prepare students to produce writing, through multiple drafts, that is expected of academic and professional writers in their chosen major.