Writing Intensive Courses
Beginning in Fall 2005, Virginia Tech instituted a new university-wide program designed to ensure that each of its students achieves fluency in visual, written, and spoken communication. That program -- known as "ViEWS" (for Visual Expression, Writing and Speaking) -- replaced what was earlier known as the Writing Intenstive (WI) Requirement. The WI requirement asked that you complete two courses officially designated "WI" by the university, with requirements varying from major to major.
If you entered Virginia Tech at any point between Fall 2005 and the present, you will complete the ViEWS requirement. You should speak with your in-major advisor about how best to do so.
If you entered VT between 1999-2005, you will be required to complete the Writing Intensive Requirement. Again, you should contact your individual advisor to determine the requirements for your major.
Should you need to select a WI course outside your major and your major does not require a specific out-of-major course, you can choose from the following ENGL courses. However, once those courses fill, you will have to place your name on a force-add list by submitting an online form. Then someone from the Professional Writing Program will determine whether you can be placed in a section.
ENGL 3534: LITERATURE AND ECOLOGY
Study of the poetry, prose and dramatic literature that tresses human cooperation with nature conceived as a dynamic, interrelated series of cyclic feedback systems. Included are ways esthetic values (literary themes, form, vision, perception, language) intersect with selected ecological concepts such as biocentrism, the food chain, energy transfer, Gaia theory, and ecofeminism; selected works by contemporary ecologists and environmentalists, and a study of the origins of ecology in the Greek :hp1.oikos :ehp1. or home. This is a writing intensive course. Pre: 1106. (3H,3C)
ENGL 3754: ADVANCED COMPOSITION
Advanced training in writing analytical and critical essays. Practice in addressing a range of audiences and in using varied styles and organizational patterns. Workshop and conference for students in arts and humanities, as well as for technical and extension students who wish to address non-specialized audiences and to practice forms outside their own fields. Junior standing required. (3H,3C)
ENGL 3764: TECHNICAL WRITING
Principles and procedure of technical writing; attention to analyzing audience and purpose, organizing information, designing graphic aids, and writing such specialized forms as abstracts, instructions, and proposals. Junior standing required. (3H,3C)
ENGL 3774: BUSINESS WRITING
Extensive practice in forms of persuasive and informative writing such as memos, case analyses, reports, abstracts, and letters. Designed for students in all curricula. The College of Business. Junior standing required. (3H,3C)
Two additional courses, ENGL 2604: Introduction to Critical Reading and ENGL 4784: Senior Seminar, are designed specifically for English majors.