Translating WAC and WEC to a European Context for Sustainable Writing Development Support

Other conference contribution, 2025

The European Writing Across the Curriculum (WAC) scene is more diverse than the US counterpart, encompassing higher education institutions with programs similar to first-year composition and ongoing support to institutions outsourcing support or establishing writing centers. As European higher education is shifting towards research, writing programs need to review structures to maintain quality in view of reduced funding. This presentation describesa European writing program's redesign, utilizing a three-pronged approach potentially adaptable to different contexts. The program integrates communication education at a STEM university within the engineering courses but also offers university-wide writing-focused courses. Changes in funding and a request for uniform bachelor-level delivery prompted the redesign of these programs, leading to a local adaptation of the Writing-Enriched Curriculum (WEC) model. Two programs are highlighted: a construction engineering master program with strong faculty engagement and a global systems bachelor program initially lacking dedicated writing courses. The redesigned programs feature faculty collaboration, assignment redesigns, and writing development paths for students. The presentation outlines these programs' components, materials, and activities, offering development cycle examples and faculty feedback, emphasizing evaluation and future development.