PE How to meet the FW requirement at UHM

The Foundations-Written Communication (FW) Requirement:

Which Course Is Best?

For students who do not have SAT, ACT, or COMPASS scores on file; includes native speakers of English and some non-native speakers who are exempt from the ELI

Your Options

The English Department at UH Mānoa offers students several options for fulfilling the FW requirement. Please read the guiding statements of each option to make the decision that is best for you.

English 100 (includes English 100A, Honors English)

English 100 with a mentor

English 101+English 101L(English 100 with a tutor)

English 100 credit via submission of a collection of your writing*

If you agree with most of these statements, register for English 100 (click here for descriptions of each English 100 section):

· My grades in high school English averaged B or better.

· In high school, I wrote several essays per year.

· I have had successful experiences with writing for academic and other audiences.

· I generally enjoy reading and writing.

· I am confident with regard to most of the rules of writing—commas, apostrophes, and so forth.

· I’ve used computers for drafting and revising essays.

· I consider myself a good reader and writer.

If you agree with these statements in addition to the English 100 statements, register for an English 100 section with a mentor (click here for descriptions of each English 100 section, including which have mentors):

· I am willing to meet with a mentor 3-6 times outside of class.
· I am interested in developing an e-portfolio of my writing.
· I want to work with an experienced student who can help me get adjusted to a new place while I am also getting adjusted to a new level of writing.
· I would appreciate a mentor who can help me see how the writing in English can prepare me for the Writing Intensive courses I'll be taking later.

If you agree with most of these statements, register for English 101 and English 101L (click here for descriptions of each English 100 section, including which have a 101 component with a tutor):

· My grades in high school English averaged a grade of C or lower.

· In high school, I did not do much writing.

· I do not have much experience with writing for an academic audience.

· I generally try to avoid reading and writing.

· I am unsure about the rules of writing—commas, apostrophes, and so forth.

· I’ve used computers, but not often for writing and revising.

· I don’t think of myself as a strong reader and writer.

· I believe a writing tutor will help me become a better writer in college.

If you agree with most of these statements, consider submitting a collection (Note: You must email mwp@hawaii.edu for deadlines.)

· My grades in high school English were A grades.

· In high school, I wrote several essays per semester.

· I took Advanced Placement courses in English or composition.

· I have had successful experiences with writing for academic and other audiences.

· I read and write for my own enjoyment.

· I am confident with regard to the rules of writing—commas, apostrophes, and so forth.

· I use computers for drafting and revising essays.

· I am a good reader and writer.

· I know how to evaluate sources, use outside sources in my writing, and cite sources correctly.

* evaluation and award of credit to be determined by English Department faculty

Unsure?

If you are unsure about which choice is right for you, or if you feel uncomfortable making this decision on your own, you may do one of the following:

1) Contact the Directed Self-Placement advisor, Professor Erica Reynolds Clayton (eclayton@hawaii.edu), to discuss your placement options.

2) Submit a writing sample (either expository or academic) to the Mānoa Writing Program. (Trained writing instructors will assess your writing sample and discuss with you which option they believe will serve you best.) Email your writing sample to mwp@hawaii.edu, or send/deliver it to:

University of Hawai‘i at Mānoa

Mānoa Writing Program

2545 McCarthy Mall

Bilger Hall #104

Honolulu, HI 96822

Your Decision

If you choose to take an FW course, please register for the course as soon as possible. Sections fill up fast, and students who do not fulfill their FW requirement in a timely manner may have a hold put on their registration. (Note: If you get a prerequisite error when you try to register, please email mwp@hawaii.edu. Provide your name, UH ID number, course, and semester for which you are trying to register so that we can give you clearance in MyUH.)

If you choose to submit a collection of your writing, email mwp@hawaii.edu with your decision. A formal invitation with deadlines and submission details will be sent to you.

updated May 27, 2008

Mānoa Writing Program · 2545 McCarthy Mall, Bilger Hall 104 · Honolulu, HI 96822 · (808) 956-6660 · mwp@hawaii.edu

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