Student Learning Outcomes

As writing professors, we realize that all of listed student learning outcomes (SLOs) are very similar. We also know
that you develop the skill of effective speaking and writing throughout the writing process and its pointless to try to
think otherwise. The writing department developed these SLOs to help students, colleagues, and other departments
to develop a better understanding of the concepts taught in freshman year writing so these skills will continue to
develop and flourish throughout life.
Rhetorical Knowledge
Rhetorical knowledge is the ability to analyze, put together, and develop ideas.
By the end of FYW, students should be able to:
Understand how to use audience, purpose, and concepts to develop and analyze tests
Evaluate how genres influence readers and writers experimentation with conventions (mechanics, structure
and style)
Develop the ability to shift voice, tone, formality, design, medium and layout to accommodate varying
situations and contexts
Critical Reading
Critical Reading is the ability to analyze, synthesize, interpret, and evaluate ideas, information and texts which will
allow readers to differentiate between claims and evidence.
By the end of FWY, students should be able to:
Use reading for inquiry, learning, and discovery
Perform self evaluation
Find and use primary and secondary research materials such as journal articles, essays, and books (for
credibility, sufficiency, accuracy, timeliness, bias
Composing Processes
Strategies that writers use to think of, create, and perfect projects.
By the end of FWY, students should be able to:
Have flexible strategies for writing, editing, and collaborating
Utilize social interactions in the writing processes such a brainstorming, responding to others writing and
being receptive to other peoples reviews
Knowledge of Conventions
Formal/informal guidelines shape readers/writers expectations of whats right or appropriate which defines genres.
By the end of FWY, students should be able to:
Show how negotiate different conventions in genre
Discover why genre conventions for structure, paragraphing, design, formatting, tone, and mechanics vary
Respect the concept of intellectual property to understand and practice proper citation
Develop knowledge of linguistic structures (grammar, punctuation, spelling) by composing and revising
Critical Reflection
The ability as a writer to articulate and understand what youre thinking and the choices you make
By the end of FYW, students should be able to:
Demonstrate writing skills in various situations
Be rhetorically aware regarding writing conventions and using it for reflection
Evaluate your writing skills in regard for your knowledge of conventions

Understanding that evaluating their own writing is a necessary part of learning, thinking and
communicating