Program description from University Catalog Degree Requirements

FAU implemented its Writing Across the Curriculum (WAC) program to strengthen the teaching and learning of writing in undergraduate education. The WAC program satisfies the College-Level Communication requirement (formerly Gordon Rule) for writing and communication by mandating that:

  1. Writing counts for at least 80 percent of the course grade in ENC 1101, ENC 1102 and ENC 1102-substitute courses. For the 2000-to-4000-level WAC courses, writing counts for at least 50 percent of the course grade;
  2. Writing assignments engage students in intellectual activities central to the course objectives;
  3. Some class time is devoted to discussing strategies for improving student writing;
  4. WAC courses include at least one substantial revision of a graded paper;
  5. Substantive feedback be provided on all writing that leads to a grade.

A small number of WAC courses have been certified to substitute for College Writing 2. These 1000-level courses have the same requirements as ENC 1102, but are taught by specially trained faculty who use disciplinary readings. The current courses that substitute for ENC 1102 are listed in the University Catalog (linked here) and are identified as WAC (formerly Gordon Rule) courses in the course schedule. WAC courses in the 2000, 3000 and 4000 level are also listed in the University Catalog and as WAC (formerly Gordon Rule) in the schedule.

The University's WAC program promotes the teaching of writing across all levels and all disciplines. WAC asserts that writing-to-learn activities have proven effective in developing critical thinking skills, learning discipline-specific content and understanding and building competence in the modes of inquiry and writing for various disciplines and professions.

Faculty who teach WAC classes have been specially trained to develop courses that provide frequent and significant opportunities for students to write, revise and discuss their writing. As more courses become WAC-certified, students will have increased opportunities to develop their writing and critical thinking skills from the freshman year through graduation, whatever their major course of study. For more information, contact the University Center for Excellence in Writing by clicking here or calling 561-297-3498.

For a list of WAC courses offered through the Harriet L. Wilkes Honors College, see that section in the University Catalog.