Writing Across the Disciplines (WAD) at Luther College
Students benefit from taking Luther College courses because Luther instructors work with our WAD Coordinator on writing assignments and workshops that will help improve communication skills—thinking critically while writing clearly. Writing is essential for educational engagement and deep learning, and we are dedicated to making that instruction more straightforward and enjoyable.
At Luther, we believe critical reading and writing skills are key to student success at university and beyond. The more you write, the better you think, and the better you will be prepared for the workforce and/or graduate school. Students benefit when they improve their writing skills throughout their degree. However, that can be difficult with all that you have going on—school, work, family obligations, and finding time to relax and have fun. You often do not have time to take extra classes or training sessions, so we do our best to build this training into Luther College courses.
Writing Across the Disciplines Coordinator
For years, our WAD Coordinator, Scott J. Wilson, has helped Luther College and University of Regina students improve their writing skills at the Student Success Centre, English Department Writing Centre, Johnson Shoyama Graduate School of Public Policy, and, of course, here at Luther College. He is also an ENGL Instructor in two of our popular Luther Bundles: English-Science and Crime & Justice.
Professor Wilson assists instructors and students in select classes by developing meaningful writing assignments—that are fulfilling and develop skill. He also helps students improve their writing skills through in-class workshops, lectures, and one-on-one instruction.
What this program can offer students taking Luther courses:
- In-class and online writing workshops, including peer editing, research question development, critical reading, eliminating passive voice, editing for wordiness, moving from topic to thesis, research reflections, and more.
- Assistance for students, especially pre-professional students, in developing a portfolio of writing content that goes beyond standard research papers, including infographics, web content, policy papers, briefing notes, creative non-fiction, graphic novels, soundwriting (podcasts), video content, activist writing, reflective writing, and more.
- Access to the Luther College Podcast Studio located in the Luther Library.
- Training in the ethical and effective use of generative-AI writing tools as well as instruction on how to improve your writing without (or simply alongside) tools like ChatGPT.
- Participating in a writer’s practice that focus on student well-being and empowerment (though finding your writer’s voice and the confidence to express ideas with confidence). Several of these opportunities involve courses where Luther students are participating in engaged learning and volunteering in the community.
- Scaffolded writing assignments where students will get more feedback at each stage on the writing process instead of high stakes writing assignments at the end of courses.
- A WAD collection of books and other resources in the Luther Library.
- More chances to focus on each stage of the writing process—planning, drafting, and revising—which will ideally result in better grades in these classes and others.
- Interactive lessons and workshops using online tools like Hypothesis (an annotation software that allows students to collaborate on reading and research), polling software like Mentimeter, presentation programs like Prezi, as well as peer editing tools like Turnitin.
- Bonus training in MLA, APA, and Chicago citation styles.