What’s SPECIAL about GSW?

In addition to our core courses, General Studies Writing also offers the following specialized sections to incoming students:

BYO-Laptop Sections.

Students in these sections are required to bring their own laptops to each meeting, allowing them to complete hands-on, in-class and online, writing exercises and assignments.

Computer-mediated Sections.

Many GSW sections are offered in computer labs.  These sections allow students to conduct effective research and to get immediate feedback on their writing from their instructor and peers.

Chapman Learning Community Sections (Link opens in a new tab).

These sections are taught in Kohl Hall as part of the learning community core courses.  Students learn to connect their writing to community service activities and projects.

 Arts Village Learning Community Sections (Link opens in a new tab).

The Arts Village sections of GSW involve exploring all aspects of the arts and sharing views with one another through writing, activities, collaborative projects, and social events.

Honors Program Sections (Link opens in a new tab).

Students in the University’s Honors Program can enroll in themed sections of GSW courses.  The topics for these sections vary considerably each semester, from examining the impact of war to exploring “The American Dream,” and allow students to conduct in-depth research and write on topics that truly inspire them.

Partners in Context & Community (PCC) Sections (Link opens in a new tab).

The PCC Residential Learning Community program is a unique creation for education majors who are interested in teaching and allows students to focus their writing assignments on issues surrounding the field of education.

SEARCH Residential Theme Community Sections (Link opens in a new tab).

Residents of the SEARCH Residential Theme Community share living space and an opportunity to explore matters of faith and spirituality. Special sections of GSW are offered for students in this community to allow the students to deepen their investigations through their writing processes.

Service Learning Sections  (Link opens in a new tab).

Some GSW sections offer service learning opportunities through partnerships with local organizations from surrounding communities.  Students in these sections engage in writing activities and projects that focus on the needs and issues of an organization, thus connecting their writing to the community and enhancing their experiences with community-based issues.