Writing Program

The University of Sydney is committed to supporting students in achieving a high level of skill in using English effectively and clearly in both oral and written contexts. Persuasive communication in English is a fundamental requirement in a successful course of study at the University and careers beyond. While units that specialise in teaching these skills have long been a staple of the compulsory undergraduate curriculum in North American universities, such units of study have not to date been a major part of tertiary education in Australia. But, as evidenced by recent public debates on literacy, both at the secondary and tertiary level, such attitudes are now changing, and what is emerging is a new emphasis on mentoring students' academic writing and public speaking abilities as essential graduate attributes.

The Faculty of Arts has responded to this educational shift by establishing two new units of study at the undergraduate level, WRIT1001 and WRIT1002, and a further unit at the postgraduate level, ARTS7000. These units will focus on writing across the curriculum or, more specifically, writing in the disciplines, making them relevant for all university students.

WRIT1001 : Academic English emphasises English in academic contexts, both in oral and written uses, as a particular formal style of English and contrasts it with styles in more casual contexts. It explores the kinds of persuasive rhetorical and compositional techniques used in academic contexts to create effective oral or written language. It also investigates fundamental differences and similarities between Academic English and academic styles of other languages.

WRIT1002 : Academic Writing is a more advanced unit and focuses on effective argumentation and essay writing across disciplines, using classical rhetoric as its theoretical base. It is recommended for those who already possess a strong command of the English language but wish to improve their writing. WRIT 1001 is not a prerequisite for WRIT 1002, but the units are designed to complement each other, with each focusing on different aspects of academic language, writing, and presentation.

ARTS7000 : Academic Communication for Postgraduates is intended for newly enrolled postgraduate students in coursework or research programs. It aims to develop the language skills needed for successful postgraduate study, including critical analysis, referencing source materials, writing for diverse disciplines and advanced proficiency in spoken and written communication. It is available to all postgraduates from non-English speaking backgrounds and is highly recommended for international students.

In addition, the Faculty of Arts, in partnership with Stanford University and the University of California at Davis, aims to expand this existing academic writing program through collaboration with other faculties across the university via the emerging Writing Hub. The Hub offers support for staff in designing effective writing assignments, support for students enrolled in WRIT1001, WRIT1002 and ARTS7000, and writing programs for secondary teachers and students.