The First-Year Writing (FYW) learning outcomes acknowledge that ideas, evidence, research methods, organization and style vary depending on writing context and that it is important to teach this by developing students' discursive awareness.
Writing at USD offers FYW in place of the past ENGL 121, Composition and Literature. FYW Fulfills the core curriculum requirement for lower-division Written Communication. The course develops skills in reading and critical analysis of multiple discourses. Students will develop writing within multiple discourses, and the transfer of those writing skills to multiple disciplines and occasions. Students will also practice the entire process of writing, from initial conception, through drafts, to revision and editing.
All undergraduate students must take FYW during their first year of attending USD. Students are encouraged to use the USD Writing Center, staffed by trained peer-tutors.
All incoming first-year students must complete the survey to assist them in selecting their FYW course and understand the expectations for college-level writing.