Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Should I take English 105, 205, or 305? How are the
courses different? Will 105 be too basic for me, or
305 too advanced?
English 105, 205, and 305 are all designed
to help individual writers gain more control over the
writing process and improve largely at their own pace.
All of these core WP courses emphasize analysis, argument,
and style.
English 105, Expository Writing, is a
good course for any writer who wants to polish his or
her basic skills and practice writing in a supportive,
less pressure-packed environment. It is particularly
appropriate for freshman and sophomores who, although
they may be good writers, have had little experience
with college writing or complicated resources, like
those in the University Library.
English 205, Intermediate Composition,
is a cornerstone course in the Writing Program. Appropriate
for students in any major or year, this popular course
is generally taken by students who have had some experience
with writing and with college courses. Like English
105, English 205 is a workshop in which students share
drafts of works in progress. Some English 205s have
a special focus or theme.
English 305, Advanced Composition, is,
as its name suggests, a course for juniors or seniors
with previous writing experience at the university level.
However, it is not designed primarily for English or
Writing majors; upperclassmen from every major and school
are welcome and likely to find this course collegial
and beneficial, particularly if they will be writing
an honors thesis or considering graduate or professional
study.
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Can I take a writing course more than once?
Yes, students can take each writing course
twice for credit, as long as they take it with a different
instructor (and can therefore demonstrate that the course
content is different). This flexibility in University
requirements ensures that students who desire ample
help with their writing will be able to receive it.
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How do I know if I've completed my writing requirement?
Students can check their electronic degree
audit information on the Registrar's Office website
at the beginning of sophomore year for confirmation
that they have completed the WCAS writing requirement
during freshman year. Any student who has questions
about the writing requirement can call or write Robert
Gundlach, Director of the Writing Program at 847-491-7414;
r-gundlach@northwestern.edu
or Jacquelyn Bailey, Program Assistant for the
Writing Program at 847-491-7414; ja-bailey@northwestern.edu).
Transfer students can also check with a WCAS College
Adviser.
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What should I take if I'm interested in creative writing,
such as fiction or poetry?
The Writing Program offers a variety of
courses in expository
writing and other kinds of non-fiction writing. These
courses are designed to reach students who want help
with writing basics as well as emerging writers who
recognize the value of producing writing in a workshop
setting. Some writing courses have a special focus,
which is more "creative," such as autobiography
or creative non-fiction. However, students interested
in fiction and poetry should contact the English
Department. They should particularly investigate
that department's Major
in Writing.
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Where can I get help on my papers?
Northwestern's Writing
Place is a peer tutoring center located in the Core
Library area of the main University Library. The Writing
Place offers a variety of writing consulting services
for undergraduate and graduate students.
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How can I get help on writing proposals, statements for graduate school, etc.?
In addition to going to The Writing Place for help you can check the Resources page on this site or the resources on NuWrite a site that provides resources for students and faculty about (a) core skills in writing, (b) writing in specific disciplines, and (c) teaching writing in a variety of courses.
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