Writing in the Disciplines (WID) courses at Rhode Island College integrate writing into disciplinary and professional contexts, helping students learn how writing functions within a field while using writing as a tool for learning course content.
WID courses build on the outcomes of the college’s First-Year Writing program, and extend the knowledge and skills students gain and develop through General Education. WID courses deepen students’ understanding of their fields while enhancing communication skills essential for academic and professional success.
WID at RIC is administered by the campus Writing Board, a cross-disciplinary group of faculty who review WID proposals, collaborate with departments/programs to assess WID, and offer professional development on writing pedagogy. The Writing Board views writing as crucial to learning and knowledge creation, and emphasizes the importance of evidence-based approaches to the teaching of writing.
These guidelines are designed to support effective writing instruction across various disciplines.
RIC faculty seeking assistance with creating and designing WID courses have numerous resources available to them.
Writing in the Discipline (WID) descriptions and designated WID courses.
Course size is one of the most significant conditions shaping how writing can be taught, supported, and assessed.
Take a look at Rhode Island College's landing page for all things writing. Here at RIC, we value writing as a means of communication, a key component in critical thinking, an area of research and inquiry, and an essential tool for activism and advocacy.