Incoming freshmen will not be able to test out of College Writing completely, after AU changed the program requirements due to a perceived lack of writing and research expertise among students who placed out of the class.
In the past, a 4 or 5 on the Advanced Placement Language and Composition or Literature and Composition exams or a score of 5 or higher on the International Baccalaureate English A1 exam was sufficient for students to test out of both semesters of College Writing, according to College Writing Director John Hyman.
Beginning in the fall, those who score a 4 or 5 on the AP Language exam or a 5, 6 or 7 on the IB English exam will receive three College Writing credits and must take a new course, LIT-106 “College Writing-Intensive.”
Students in the University Honors Program who have achieved these scores and need their three remaining writing credits can take the new class, LIT-132 “Honors English-Intensive.”
But students who score a 4 or 5 on the AP Literature and Composition Exam will receive six credits toward General Education classes LIT-125 and LIT-120. These students will still have to take the full six College Writing credits.
“The language exam, it might be argued, seeks to test writing skills more than the literature exam,” Hyman said.
The new intensive courses will be shortened from the current College Writing track, from two semesters to a single semester, according to Catherine Schaeff, associate dean for Undergraduate Studies.
The regular College Writing track will remain a two-semester requirement.
Hyman said AU officials saw that students were not well served by testing out of the class. He said Career Center officials noticed scholarship applicants were missing some important writing skills.
“We were hearing from teachers of upperclassmen, from the classes in their major and a significant number were wondering about the writing and research skills of students, enough that we were beginning to become suspicious,” Hyman said. “These weren’t just random anecdotes. It was more than just a little evidence that something was wrong.”
Of the upperclassmen who tested out, only some knew how to assess a database, assess credibility of source material and incorporate that material into their writing, Hyman said.
“We were not fulfilling our responsibilities to have students reach their highest ability while here at the University,” Schaeff said.
Hyman said the courses should help students transition from high school-level writing to college-level writing, which has been a problem in recent years among students who tested out of the College Writing track.
“Any writing class is going to be beneficial,” said College Writing Instructor Kristina Oakes. “High school writing is different from college writing, because those AP tests specifically test a particular style of writing which doesn’t translate into college-level paper writing.”
College Writing Instructor Kelly Joyner said AU is trying to improve the writing skills of upperclassmen so everyone can be on the same page.
“This isn’t a punitive thing,” he said. “It will best serve those who take it seriously.”
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Sound Off
“Rigorous AP courses are labeled ‘Advanced Placement’ for a reason. Kids opting for AP Language are looking to work and learn hard, and they are well within their rights to expect a reward for their drive. Eliminating incentives for incoming freshmen to push themselves in high school to achieve hardly seems wise for a school looking to attract ‘writing wonks.’” Thomas Montesano, freshman in SPA
“It’s pointless. Everything you learn in College Writing you’ve already learned in high school AP classes, so now you’re just rushed to get credits at the end.” Eliza Madden, sophomore in SIS
“I think it’s counter-intuitive. The AP program is designed as a freshman writing course, so it should be accepted.” Chelsey Helling, junior in Kogod
“It doesn’t seem like a bad idea. Writing you do at the college level is different. The emphasis the administration is placing on research skills is important, because when I came in I didn’t know how to search databases ... The administration is just trying to make sure you’re able to write argumentative pieces. That can do nothing but serve you well.” Erin Lockwood, senior in CAS
