(from the 2005-6 Core Guide)

The Writing Intensive Requirement
Students entering in Fall 1999 and thereafter must complete two (2) Writing Intensive courses.
Students should consult with an advisor.

Writing Intensive (WI) courses are designed to pay special attention to the particular approaches to verbal communication that are used regularly in the disciplines, professions, and businesses that students are preparing to enter. These courses will include at least 15 pages of writing, in several assignments, with opportunities for revision and response.

Some speech-oriented classes are included here as well, if they include a substantial writing component. Because oral communication is a natural dimension of verbal discourse, the WI courses will include opportunities for discussion and - when feasible - various forms of oral presentation.

Writing Intensive courses are offered throughout the undergraduate curriculum (major, electives, other core courses, and labs). The Writing Intensive requirement may be met by

1. the successful completion of two courses designated Writing Intensive (WI) by the Core Curriculum Committee, regardless of the number of credit hours attached to those courses (some designated combinations of courses constitute one WI course); or
2. the successful completion of two sequences of courses designated by the Core Curriculum Committee as providing Writing Across the Major (WAM); or
3. the successful completion of one Writing Intensive course, regardless of the number of credit hours attached to that course, and one sequence of courses designated Writing Across the Major; or
4. other writing experiences approved by the University Core Curriculum Committee.

Students should consult with an advisor for specific instructions.

A complete listing of Writing Intensive courses can be found starting on page 13 of the Core Guide. Core courses are designated by (WI) throughout this guide.

**ViEWS - Visual Expression, Writing and Speaking
(For students entering in Fall 2005 and thereafter.)

Virginia Tech affirms its commitment to ensuring that every graduate is able to effectively use a variety of spoken, visual and written communication strategies which are necessary for success as a student, for employment, and for life as a responsible citizen. For students entering in Fall 2005 the writing-intensive (WI) and writing across the major (WAM) requirement is being transitioned into the ViEWS (Visual Expression, Writing and Speaking) requirement. The ViEWS requirement, unlike the WI requirement is the responsibility of the department to certify.

The responsibility for deciding how to implement curriculum to recognize communication needs and requirements will now be placed at the department level rather than at the university level. Departments may choose alternate curricular methods for addressing broader message development and presentation skills. Students should consult with the department to determine how this requirement will be meet in their particular major.

Some departments will continue with the existing WI and WAM because it best meets their disciplinary demands and student needs. WI and WAM courses will continue to be listed in the University Core Curriculum Guide. Other departments have chosen alternatives to meet the requirement by specifying a given number of credit hours, either within or outside of the department; by keeping or modifying current WAM proposals; while others have identified a series or sequence of courses.

Students should consult with an advisor for specific instructions.