NCSU First-Year Writing Program FAQ

Welcome to the North Carolina State University First-Year Writing Program! We understand that you may have some questions about which First-Year Writing sequence to take and which classroom environment suits your needs. It’s our hope that this FAQ will help you better understand first-year writing at North Carolina State University.

What is my first year writing requirement and how can I fulfill it?

Your GEP first-year writing requirement consists of our English 101 course: Academic Writing and Research. There are four different possible ways to fulfill this requirement:

• Take our two-course sequence English 100: Introduction to Academic Writing and English 101: Academic Writing and Research.
• Take only English 101: Academic Writing and Research
• Non-native speakers of English may choose to take a foreign language section of English 101 (FLE 101) or foreign language sections of English 100 and English 101 (FLE 100 and FLE 101).
• Students meeting the criteria on the placement chart: http://english.chass.ncsu.edu/undergraduate/first_year_writing/fy_writing_placement.php may place out of English 101.

How do I decide between taking both English 100 and English 101 or taking just English 101?

Speaking with your advisor is a good way to start. We offer a self-assessment to help you make an informed choice. The self-assessment is located here: http://english.chass.ncsu.edu/undergraduate/first_year_writing/self_assessment/ . You can also speak with your instructor on the first day of class about your placement in English 100 or English 101.

Are all English 101 classes the same?

While all English 101 courses meet the same learning objectives, they can be structured differently.

• English 101 classes can offer different approaches to our learning objectives, located here:

http://english.chass.ncsu.edu/undergraduate/first_year_writing/fy_course_descriptions.php .

Not all English 101 classes require the same textbook or offer the same assignments. We suggest emailing your instructor if you are curious about the particular focus and approach of your course.

• There are three different learning environments for English 101. We offer traditional, laptop and hybrid versions of the course.

What is the traditional version of the course?

Traditional versions of the course are taught in computer classrooms. Traditional 101 courses meet for either four fifty-minute sessions a week or two one-hundred-minute sessions a week. At least half of that time will be spent in a computer classroom. Some sections might rotate between computer classrooms and non-computer classrooms.

What is a laptop version of the course?

Laptop sections require students to work from their own laptops, which they are required to bring to their class meetings. This model allows students to keep all of their work on their own computer system and use the software they are most comfortable with. As in a traditional class, students will meet for either four fifty-minute sessions a week or two one-hundred-minute sessions a week.

What is a hybrid version of the course?

A hybrid version of the course meets for half of the time in a computer classroom and half of the time in a virtual setting. Hybrid courses are constructed to allow for greater student flexibility, as students meet physically for either two fifty-minute sessions a week or one one-hundred-minute session.

What do I need for a traditional course?

Your energy and enthusiasm! While computers will be provided for students in class, students should have access to a computer lab on campus or a computer at home for homework.

What do I need for a laptop course?

You need your own laptop computer which you are comfortable using. While word-processing software and an internet browser is required, freeware is completely acceptable.

What do I need for a hybrid course?

Hybrid students need access to a computer for the virtual portions of the course. Students who tend to be successful in a hybrid format are generally self-motivated, visual learners.

How do I know which course is right for me?

• Take a learning styles assessment: http://www.engr.ncsu.edu/learningstyles/ilsweb.html and learn about your results here: http://www4.ncsu.edu/unity/lockers/users/f/felder/public/ILSdir/styles.htm

• Students who prefer a traditional classroom tend to have verbal learning styles and generally prefer a lot of interaction with peers and instructors. Students who have problems with independent learning, or who need a lot of verbal reinforcement, should generally consider a four day a week section.

• Students who have specific software and operating system preferences should consider a laptop section of the course.

• Students who learn visually and who are independent learners should consider a hybrid section of the course.