Student Learning Outcomes

The writing staff at UNC Charlotte acknowledges that the following outcomes are all related to
each other and often happen at the same time. Thinking critically and analyzing rhetoric
(elements of communication) happen throughout all writing. With this fact in mind, we have
tried to separate concepts for students to know of their existence so they can apply them
wittingly to their own pieces.
Rhetorical Knowledge Rhetorical knowledge means being able to identify and use writing
strategies. Students will learn to write with purpose, understanding how genre, audience,
purpose, and context impact their own writing choices the choices of other writers.
By the end of First Year Writing (FYW), students should be able to:

Use elements of communication to understand and write a range of texts with purpose in
mind
Determine how genres and writing mechanics are related
Shift voice, tone, formality, design, medium, and layout intentionally in their own writing

Critical Reading Reading critically means examining and evaluating ideas in a reading. Writers
separate fact from opinion when reading critically. They do this by evaluating sources and
evidence and making connections between texts.
By the end of FYW, students should be able to:

Use reading to ask questions, learn, and discover

Critically examine their own work and the work of others and be able to explain the
writing moves of the author(s)

Determine the credibility, accuracy, timeliness, and bias of works

Use a range of texts including primary and secondary sources

Composing Processes Composing processes allow writers to complete writing pieces. They do
not follow a set pattern; instead, a writer may research a topic before doing a draft, then revise
the draft after further research. Composing processes are also flexible and are changed based off
the purpose of a piece.
By the end of FYW, students should be able to:

Practice flexible strategies for drafting, reviewing, collaborating, revising, rewriting,

rereading, and editing
Appreciate social actions in writing such as peer
Write to increase their own understanding of topics and create logical arguments

Knowledge of Conventions Conventions are the formal and informal rules that define genres
and shape the expectations of writers and readers.
By the end of FYW, students should be able to:

Investigate why genre conventions vary

Understand and correctly use citations of other documents in their own work
Understand grammar, punctuation, and spelling, through practice in writing and rewriting

Critical Reflection Critical reflection is the ability to say what one is thinking and why. This can
be seen by explaining thoughts to peer reviewers.
By the end of FYW, students should be able to:

Reflect on their writing in various situations

Demonstrate awareness of elements of communication, including grammar and structure,
in their own writing
Demonstrate the necessity of reflection in learning