Appalachian State University Vertical Writing Model
The Writing Across the Curriculum (WAC) sustains Appalachian State’s Vertical Writing Model by offering support for faculty who teach writing and use writing as a learning tool at all levels of education at Appalachian.
Shared Student Learning Outcomes:
Outcome 1 - Writing Effectively
First Year
Introductory academic writing course with information literacy component.
- Write texts for unfamiliar and familiar audiences.
- Write with strong voice and authority.
- Participate actively in writing community.
Second Year
- Practice proficiencies from first‑year writing.
- Write in a variety of academic genres.
Third Year
- Apply proficiencies from first and second year writing courses.
- Write effectively in the genres of the discipline.
Fourth Year
- Apply proficiencies from earlier years’ writing courses and knowledge of writing in the discipline.
- Write effectively in genres appropriate to advanced work of the discipline.
- Participate as a junior member of disciplinary discourse and conventions
Outcome 2 - Knowing Rhetorically
First Year
Writing across the curriculum course with information literacy component.
- Analyze and respond effectively to writing in rhetorical situations.
Second Year
- Apply rhetorical knowledge to analyzing conventions for writing in genres and for different audiences.
- Use rhetorical skills to match research to needs of situation and address audiences effectively.
Third Year
- Demonstrate rhetorical knowledge in ethical use of information in writing in the discipline.
Fourth Year
- Demonstrate rhetorical knowledge by appropriate evaluation of genres and conventions.
Outcome 3 - Attributing Ethically
First Year
Writing in the Disciplines (WID) at entry level with component.
- Locate, document primary and secondary sources.
Second Year
- Demonstrate proficiency in at least two documentation styles.
Third Year
- Document correctly in the conventions of the discipline.
Fourth Year
- Document correctly in the conventions of the discipline.
Outcome 4 - Reflecting Productively
First Year
Writing in the Discipline (WID) at advanced level with information literacy component.
- Reflect upon semesters’ writing; evaluate efforts and identify future development.
- ePortfolio practice encouraged.
Second Year
- Reflect upon and evaluate own writing in at least two genres.
- ePortfolio practice encouraged.
Third Year
- Reflect upon semesters’ writing and evaluate strengths and weaknesses of genres in the discipline.
- ePortfolio practice recommended.
Fourth Year
- Reflect upon writing from first year through senior year; identify developmental polish.
- ePortfolio practice recommended.
The Vertical Writing Curriculum
WAC Presents: A Guide for Student Writing at ASU
This video explains the vertical writing curriculum for undergraduates at Appalachian. Funded by University College and filmed in 2010, by Justin Reid, with direction and production by Dennis J. Bohr and Travis Rountree, featuring original music by Dave Haney and Lisa Baldwin.