First-Year Writing Courses

Please select one of the following topics to learn more, or simply scroll down the page to read about each topic.

WRIT 1122: Rhetoric and Academic Writing

WRIT 1133: Writing and Research

WRIT 1622/1633: Advanced Rhetoric and Writing and Advanced Writing and Research

WRIT 1733: Honors Writing

Course Policies

Information for Transfer Students

AP/IB credit for WRIT 1122

Information for Off Sequence Students

Selected Student Essays from Spring 2007

WRIT 1122: Rhetoric and Academic Writing

On completing this course, students are expected to have enhanced the following skills: analytic and critical reading strategies; a basic understanding of rhetorical
situations and rhetorical analysis; the ability to write for specific audiences and discourse communities, in a voice effective for those situations; the ability to write texts that are organized, coherent and substantive, demonstrating rhetorical, linguistic and analytical competence. The course will provide instruction and practice in academic and civic writing that exhibits conventions of effective writing and presentation for well-educated readers. Students complete at least 20 pages of revised and polished writing, in multiple assignments, as well as numerous additional exercises.  more about WRIT 1122

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WRIT 1133: Writing and Research

This course builds on the writing and rhetorical skills learned in WRIT 1122 by shifting attention from general rhetorical strategies to specific rhetorical strategies that
shape different kinds of academic inquiry. Through introduction to quantitative, qualitative, and textual research traditions, students will identify how written
reasoning varies in terms of the questions posed, the kind of evidence used to answer them, and the nature of the audience or forum for the result. In addition, the
course will teach how to shape research into substantive academic arguments, with attention to the ethical consequences of their rhetorical choices. Students will be
asked to develop their linguistic, design and reasoning competencies, with added consideration of citation conventions. Students will complete at least 20 pages of
revised and polished writing, in multiple assignments, as well as numerous additional exercises, in projects requiring library-based research as well as other types.
Prerequisite: WRIT 1122.  more about WRIT 1133
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WRIT 1622: Advanced Rhetoric and Writing

A writing course for advanced first-year students, emphasizing rhetorical strategies for different academic and civic audiences and purposes; critical reading and analysis; and research. Course sections focus on a coherent set of texts, usually on an issue or theme; contact the Writing Program for specific information each quarter.  Prerequisite: admission to Honors Program; score of three or better on AP Language and Composition or Language and Literature exams, or four on the IB English; or permission of the director of writing. Return to Top of Page

WRIT 1633: Advanced Writing and Research

A continuation of WRIT 1622, this is a writing course for advanced first-year students, emphasizing rhetoric strategies for different academic and civic audiences and purposes; critical reading and analysis; and research. The course has a significant research component. Course sections focus on a coherent set of texts, usually on an issue or theme; contact the Writing Program for specific information each semester. Prerequisite: WRIT 1122 or 1622, plus one of the following: admission to the Honors Program; score of three or better on AP Language and Composition or Language and Literature exam, or four on the IB English or specific permission of the director
of writing. Return to Top of Page

WRIT 1733: Honors Writing

Honors Writing is designed for students who will benefit from a particularly rigorous and in-depth experience with language. This class offers a theme around which students read serious and challenging texts and write at least 25 pages of polished prose, with additional less formal writings. The course offers advanced instruction in rhetorical theory and practice, as well as writing in multiple research traditions in the academy. Class is a highly participatory discussion format, and students will have latitude in choosing and directing much of their work. Topics vary from section to section. Prerequisite: admission to the Honors Program and either WRIT 1622 or 1122; or permission of the director of writing, in consultation with the director of Honors. For more information, see a Letter to Honors Students.
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Course Policies

In order to support the best learning and teaching conditions, The University Writing Program has adopted a minimal number of policies that govern all of its courses, for more information, click here.  
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Information for Transfer Students

Transfer Credit for WRIT 1122 or WRIT 1133
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AP or IB Credit for WRIT 1122

Students with a score of 4 or 5 on the AP English Language exam receive credit for WRIT 1122.  They must still complete WRIT 1633 or, if they are in the Honors Program, WRIT 1733.  Non-honors students may substitute WRIT 1133, if they wish.

Students with a score of 5 on the AP English Literature exam receive credit for WRIT 1122.  They must still complete WRIT 1633 or, if they are in the Honors Program, WRIT 1733.  Non-honors students may substitute WRIT 1133, if they wish.

Students with a score of 3 on the AP English Language exam, or students with a score of 3 or 4 on the AP English Literature Exam are eligible to enroll in an Advanced Writing Seminar, first WRIT 1622, then WRIT 1633 or, if they are in the Honors Program, WRIT 1733.

Students with a score of 5, 6, or 7 on an IB English exam receive credit for WRIT 1122.  They must still complete WRIT 1633 or, if they are in the Honors Program, WRIT 1733.  Non-honors students may substitute WRIT 1133, if they wish.

Students with a score of 4 on an IB English exam are eligible to enroll in an Advanced Writing Seminar, first WRIT 1622, then WRIT 1633 or, if they are in the Honors Program, WRIT 1733.

As of October 15, 2010, the Writing Program is aware that there is a discrepancy between the AP Literature Policy above and the policy published in the DU Bulletin.  We have conveyed to the Office of the Registrar that the Writing Program wishes to grant credit for WRIT 1122 to students with a 5 on AP Literature; the Registrar’s office has indicated that granting such credit is acceptable.  Students should examine their APRs to verify that all credits or waivers have been awarded. Return to Top of Page

Information for Off-Sequence Students

All first-year students should complete WRIT 1122 in the winter quarter and WRIT 1133 in the spring quarter.  Students who don't, for whatever reason, are "off-sequence."  So are students who haven't completed the old ENGG requirements.

Policies for Students Who are Off-Sequence in First Year Writing
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First-Year Writing Student Essays

A World of Difference: Selected Essays from First-Year Writers at the University of Denver, Spring 2007
Editor: Heather Martin
Designer: Rebekah Shultz-Colby
PDF of Publication
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