Catalog 2023-2024

B.2.c. Capacities

A. Writing (bi-level program)

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 fulfilling the requirements of a bi-level writing program. 

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 

  • Receive a C or above in ENGL 110 Introduction to Academic Writing, or ENGL 210 Advanced Academic Writing at Hendrix; or  
  • Receive a grade of C or above in a 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 (W2) 

To meet the Level II writing requirement, a student must receive writing proficiency certification (including making a grade of C or higher) in a writing intensive course offered by any department of the College. Writing intensive courses are identified by the code W2 in the Catalog and course schedule. 

The following guidelines apply to all Level II courses: 

  • Level II certification will not be given until a student has completed Level I. A student may not complete Level II and Level I in the same semester. 
  • Level II courses will be sophomore-level and above;
  • Level II courses may be used to meet other requirements, as appropriate; and
  • Students may not use credits received from the Advanced Placement exam (AP), International Baccalaureate exam (IB), or from transfer courses to satisfy the Level II requirement.  

B. Language (LA) (two-semester equivalent)

Students will achieve the degree of competence in a language other than English necessary to encounter another culture. This level of ability requires being able to understand, analyze, and use the language, and to apply that language to cultural encounters.

Students can fulfill the language requirement by satisfying at least one of the following:

  • Passing the second semester of any beginning sequence for a language other than English at the College;
  • Passing an examination demonstrating proficiency at a level equivalent to the completion of the second semester of a beginning sequence for a language other than English at the College;
  • Receiving transfer credit for the equivalent of two semesters of a beginning sequence for a language other than English (including a two course sequence in American Sign Language) from an accredited institution; 
  • 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. 


Question about the Catalog?