A. Writing
Clear and effective writing is inseparable from clear and coherent thinking. Each student must demonstrate the attainment of an acceptable level of skill in written communication by completing the Writing Level 1 capacity and the writing requirements of their major.
Level I (W1)
W1 courses abide the following learning goals:
- To draw on, engage, and cite the ideas of source texts to lend clarity, insight, and rhetorical force to one's own writing
- To generate insight; to convey significant ideas in writing
- To write with organizational purpose, reflecting a coherent and meaningful order, both at the paragraph level and in the essay as a whole
- To write effective prose in keeping with standard English patterns of grammar, usage, punctuation, sentence structure, and style
- To develop an understanding of how a process of preliminary writings, drafting, and revision can improve an essay's ideas and shape as well as the writer's control over written language and prose style
To meet the Level I writing requirement a student must
- Pass any course at Hendrix identified by the code W1 in the course schedule; or
- Receive transfer credit for a course in writing or composition from an accredited institution as determined by the Registrar.
Students must meet this requirement during the first or second year. International students should check English Course Placement for International Students.
Level II
Ongoing Writing/Writing in the Discipline
The upper level of college-wide writing instruction takes place as students go on to complete the general education and major requirements for graduation, building on the foundational learning they acquired in W1 to hone their writing skills in a variety of contexts. Faculty guide students in their departments or programs to learn, develop, and refine the modes of writing that are appropriate to the conventions and practices of their academic discipline.
B. Language (LA) (two-semester equivalent)
We cultivate global citizenship through the
study of the diverse linguistic means by which people communicate and express
ideas. To that end, each student must demonstrate the ability to understand,
analyze, and use a language other than English by completing a course coded LA.
Students can fulfill the language requirement by satisfying at one of the following:
- Passing a language course coded LA;
- Receiving
transfer credit from an accredited institution in a language course (other than
English) at or beyond the level necessary to complete a first-year introductory
sequence. This option includes American Sign Language;
- For international students with native competence in a language other than English, by completing the Writing Level I (W1) requirement. This option is available to students enrolled as international students with permission from the Languages Department Chair.
C. Quantitative Skills (QS) (one-semester equivalent)
As our society becomes more technologically and analytically based, it is important that students develop quantitative skills that are necessary in a large and growing number of careers. Mathematical models form the basis for many fundamental concepts and modes of analysis in a diverse number of disciplines. Students need to possess sufficient quantitative skills in order to understand, manipulate, and interpret these models. It is, therefore, important that students possess a base level of mathematical/computing skills necessary for the development of those quantitative skills they will need in their chosen disciplines and in their lives.
To complete the quantitative skills capacity requirement, students must successfully receive credit for a Quantitative Skills course by one of the methods listed below:
- Passing a Quantitative Skills course offered by the College;
- Earning an appropriate Advanced Placement (AP) or International Baccalaureate (IB) credit;
- Transferring from any accredited institution a course that is comparable in academic quality and content to a Quantitative Skills course.
D. Physical Activity (PA) (two-semester equivalent)
Students are encouraged to develop and practice a lifestyle that promotes wellness, physical fitness and incorporates recreational activities on a regular basis. All students must meet the Physical Activity requirement unless exempted by the Physical Activity Coordinator.
Students can fulfill the Physical Activity requirement by receiving credit for two different Physical Activity classes offered at the College. Two semesters of participation in DANA A30 Dance Ensemble may be used to satisfy the PA requirement.
Successful completion in a varsity sport for one season qualifies as an activity class for this purpose. Successful completion in two different varsity sports, with at least one season for each sport, qualifies as two activity classes for this purpose. Transfer courses may be considered for Physical Activity credit. Contact the Office of the Registrar for more information.