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Foundation Composition Course FW (English 105)

During freshman orientation week, many freshmen who have not already been exempted from the composition requirement take a placement examination. Some freshmen must take the English Composition Placement exam during freshman orientation. For instance, all international students are examined during their orientation. Students who must take the test receive notification of their status via email and/or from dorm counselors. For some students, taking the placement test is optional. If a student receives notice via email or from a dorm counsellor that she or he has been put on the "optional" list, then the test may be skipped. Skipping the test results in an automatic placement in English 105. Taking the test gives the "optional" student the chance to exempt from the composition students. Several students each year receive exemption on the basis of the placement test. However, taking the placement test may also result in placement in English 101, Expository Writing.

Freshman advisors give students results of the placement test in time for fall registration. Most Washington and Lee students fulfill their composition requirement by taking a fall or winter section of English 105. Fewer than half of the freshmen placed in English 105 will be able to fulfill the requirement in the fall term. During the fall and winter terms combined, the English Department offers sufficient spaces for all students who have been placed in English 105. Fulfillment of the freshman composition requirement should not be delayed. No spring term 105 sections will be offered.

Sophomores who postponed taking their freshman English composition course must get permission from an individual instructor of English 105, or see the head of English Department to be admitted from the waitlist of a chosen section.

Purpose of the Foundation Requirement (FDR FW):

Students will receive extensive practice in critical reading and writing; will be introduced to conventions governing appropriateness and persuasiveness in writing; learn the conventions of standard English; learn to choose words more precisely, to write clearer sentences and more effective paragraphs, to argue a workable thesis, to use an effective voice, and to integrate the work of others into their own work properly; and, overall, learn to increase precision, fluency, and confidence with written language.

ENGLISH 105 (3): Composition and Literature
Instructor:staff

Fall, Winter No credit for students who have successfully completed English 101 or fulfilled FDR FW through exemption. Sections limited to 20 students each. Concentrated work in English composition, focusing on a mixture of genres such as drama, poetry, nonfiction prose, and narrative fiction. The sections vary in thematic focus. All students write at least five essays during the term. All sections stress argumentation, the use of evidence, critical analysis, and clarity of style. (FDR FW) Staff.

Sample English 105 syllabi: Prof. Conner; Prof. Keen; Prof. Warren

After 105: students who have taken English 105 may move on to 200-level literature courses in English in order to work on FDR HL. That distribution requirement may also be fulfilled with courses outside the English Department.