Program Overview

Course Overview

The Writing at University course, WRIT 101, is designed to help students from all university disciplines develop their academic writing skills. The course focuses on techniques for generating research questions, drafting and revising essays and reports, and researching and referencing abilities to meet university audience expectations.

Course Details

• Course Code: WRIT 101
• Faculty: Faculty of Humanities and Social Sciences
• School: School of Linguistics and Applied Language Studies
• Duration: Approximately 200 hours or 11.8 hours per week for 17 weeks
• Points: 20 points
• Fees:
  • Domestic students: NZ$1,156.00
  • International students: NZ$5,893.60

Course Learning Objectives

Students who pass this course should be able to:

• Employ efficient and effective techniques for drafting and revising a range of written texts for different purposes and audiences
• Reflect clearly on their own writing development
• Respond effectively to, and evaluate, the writing of others
• Carry out and document research according to the conventions of academic essay writing

How This Course is Taught

WRIT 101 is taught through a process-based, writing workshop approach. Students engage in class discussions, participate in peer and small group exercises, complete practical writing activities, and analyze a variety of texts. Regular and ongoing class participation and engagement with fellow students are important aspects of the workshop approach. This course is delivered in-person only, and students are required to attend on campus.

Assessment

• Proposal (700-900 words): 25%
• Reflection (at least 300 words): 5%
• Critical Review (700-900 words): 25%
• Reflection (at least 300 words): 5%
• Research Paper (words): 30%
• Reflection (at least 500 words): 10%

Mandatory Requirements

To pass this course, students must:

• Achieve an overall pass mark of at least 50%
• Submit final drafts of assignments for assessment in addition to completing and submitting drafts for tutor review and peer response
• Attend a minimum of 10 out of 12 workshops, unless prevented by illness, injury, bereavement, or some other circumstance

Required Texts

• Title: WRIT 101 Workbook: Writing and researching at university
• Authors: Wallace, D. & Ruegg, R.

Lecture Times and Rooms

• Start Date: 23 February 2026
• End Date: 21 June 2026
• Lecture Start Time: Wednesday, 1.10 pm
• Campus: Kelburn

What You'll Need to Get

There are no materials, equipment, or additional expenses involved in this course. However, it would be useful if students could bring a laptop or netbook to the workshops, if possible.