Translation of SLOs

Student Learning Outcomes

As teachers, we understand that lessons and skills learned through writing often
happen organically and do not need to be precisely spelled out. But, for the sake
of students and other teachers, we have organized the goals of a first-year
writing (FYW) class in the following paragraphs. Our hope is that students
become aware of the writing skills they develop and continue to work on them
throughout the rest of their lives.
Rhetorical Knowledge
In simple terms, rhetorical knowledge is recognizing the tools of writing as you
read and write. For example, students will learn how to notice the intention
behind a textthe will be able to decipher the genre, audience, background, and
purpose.
By the end of FYW, students should be able to:
Read and write with the big picture of the text in mind
Understand what exactly makes a genre and genre and discover
the meaning behind the authors use of structure and style
Be able to successfully write in different styles and for different
purposes
Critical Reading
Reading critically is the ability to follow ideas, understand the flow of the text,
identify patterns, and comprehend the use of evidence to support ideas.
By the end of FYW, students should be able to:
Read as a means of fulfilling curiosity and learning
Reflect on the writings of others and their own writing to examine
technique and theme
Be knowledgeable about evidence and sources and their validity
Understand how different styles of texts differ and why
Composing Processes
Composing processes are the steps an author takes in order to complete a
project. For example, a writer may conduct research, write a first draft, edit, do
more research, and finally polish a work. Not all authors follow the same
practices when composing a paper; this is important and beneficial to study.
By the end of FYW, students should be able to:
Adapt their composing processes to write through various different
avenues
Realize the importance of community in writing and the value of
discussion, peer editing, and advice and inspiration from others
Use writing as a way to document opinions and thoughts on certain
ideas and observations
Knowledge of Conventions

Conventions are the laws that govern genres. For example, a tragedy cannot
have a happy ending. If it does, it is not a tragedy. Conventions also deal with
spelling, grammar, sentence structure, and correct citations.
By the end of FYW, students should be able to:
Discover how each genre has unique conventions and understand
why they vary
Understand why citations and correct recognition is crucial
Gain knowledge on grammar, punctuation, spelling, etc.
Critical Reflection
Critical Reflection is being able to clearly transfer your thoughts to paper. Also,
students should be able to reveal why they intentionally constructed their
sentences for certain effects.
By the end of FYW, students should be able to:
Genuinely reflect on ideas, concepts, and observations
Write effectively with the use of conventions, rhetorical knowledge,
and composing processes

Explain why reflection is a beneficial and vital tool for learning and
thinking