School of Humanities

The ability to express ideas clearly and effectively in writing is essential to success as a student and citizen.

Students learn and practice these skills throughout their academic career at Purchase College, beginning with College Writing (WRI 1110) in their first year.

Student Learning Outcomes/Students will learn to:

• Produce coherent texts within common college-level written forms;
• Demonstrate the ability to revise and improve such texts;
• Research a topic, develop an argument, and organize supporting details;
• Develop proficiency in oral discourse; and
• Evaluate an oral presentation according to established criteria.
• Think critically, by identifying, analyzing, and evaluating arguments as they occur in their own or other’s work; and develop well reasoned arguments
• Master information management in order to perform basic operations of personal computer use;
• Understand and use basic research techniques; and locate, evaluate, and synthesize information from a variety of sources.

College Writing is taught in small sections in a seminar/discussion format that requires students to achieve proficiency in speaking and listening as well as writing and reading.

Entering students may only be exempted from College Writing by achieving an AP score of 4 or higher. For additional information, refer to the college policies.

English as an Additional Language

Courses in English as an additional language (EAL) are also offered under the auspices of the college writing program.