The Writing Program consists of two parts:

• Writing Courses
• Writing Center

• Composition Sequence
• Creative Writing
• Expository Writing
• Professional Writing

Composition Sequence

The following on-line resources form the backbone of the composition sequence. All students should read them carefully as they address the types of writing, skills the students will learn, and the types of assessment all composition courses will provide:

• Composition Sequence
  Explains the purpose of the Comp sequence, the steps in the writing process, and components of  good writing
  
  
• Composition Skills
  Explains the general skills (critical reading and collaborative learning among them) you will develop in the Composition Sequence
  
  
• Composition Goals
  Details the types of writing and outcomes for the composition sequence

Course Outlines

You should understand these general requirements. However, individual instructors have the freedom to select their own readers, design their own writing assignments, and tailor their other class assignments. So even though they all use the same basic requirements to develop their classes, techniques, methods and assignments may vary greatly from class to class. Even the design and presentation of these documents may be different.  Be aware that many sections have on-line course pages.  Just look at this example:

Brock - Introduction to Poetry Writing
http://itech.fgcu.edu/faculty/jbrock/2300.html

Comp Sequence Success

Buy The Everyday Writer
You might consider purchasing this book now. Composition instructors will refer to it and may ask you to read certain sections of the book. Unlike many textbooks you'll use at the university—those you use for a semester and then sell back to the bookstore—The Everyday Writer by Andrea Lunsford is a "keeper." That's because it's not just a textbook, but a reference work you can use for writing throughout your university and professional careers.

Ask Questions
If you're curious or unsure about a writing assignment, ask your instructor. This is a great way to head off trouble. Part of every instructor's job is to be available outside of class to meet with students. E-mail is another great way to keep in touch with your instructor.

Write...and You'll Learn
Think of writing not as a chore or something to get through, but as part of learning. In fact, writing is learning. Instead of thinking, "I need to get through this writing class so I can get to the important courses," think about your writing class as another place to learn. Our composition classes are designed so that you'll learn not just about writing, but about areas that interest you as well and areas you may know little about.

Apply Knowledge to Other Courses
By doing well (participating in class discussions, activity engaging the assignments, etc.) in your writing classes, you'll develop a pattern that will stay with you in the rest of your classes.

Go Easy on Yourself
Don't be too hard (or too easy) on your own writing. It takes time and practice to write well. In fact, some professional writers say that even though they've been doing it for years, writing continues to be a challenge. It might not always be easy, but it can sometimes be fun.

Be a Good Thinker
Good writing involves good thinking. If you work to develop your thinking skills, you'll also develop your writing skills.

Remember, Writing is a Process
Writing classes at FGCU teach the process of writing. That is, we're concerned about how you come up with ideas, compose essays and revise them. Chances are, if you are concerned only about finishing the paper, you won't do as well as if you think about writing the paper.

Set Your Own Deadlines
Give yourself time by setting up your own deadlines that fall before the "real" deadline. This is something professional writers do.

We offer...

Individual Attention
One great thing about the Writing Center is that we provide individual attention. Those of us who work in the Writing Center and teach writing classes know that one of the ways students learn is to sit down for a one-on-one conference with their writing instructor. The Writing Center offers sessions designed around this model.

Assistance
Even though it's a great place to come for assistance, we haven't designed the Writing Center to be a dry cleaning service. That is, we won't take in your messy writing and make it clean. We will, however, help you become your own cleaning service, providing everything from strategies that may help generate ideas to tips on revision to probing your work to add polish.

We're Here for All Writers
The Writing Center is a place for all students to come for writing assistance. Whether you're having difficulty coming up with an idea, looking for ways to develop that idea, or want strategies to become an effective editor of your own writing, we're here to assist you.

But why should you come?

Everyone Needs Help
Don't be offended if your instructor refers you to the Writing Center. Even professional writers need the advice and input of other writers. Writing Center Assistants can give you that input.

It's Free
The writing center is free, so take advantage of the services we offer.

Where to find us

Location
Reed Hall, room 237