Frequently Asked Questions about CW R1A
What is College Writing R1A?
College Writing R1A, Accelerated Reading and Composition, is an intensive 6-unit seminar that concurrently satisfies the University of California Entry Level Writing Requirement (formerly known as the Subject A requirement) and the 1A portion of the university's Reading and Composition requirement.
What is the University of California Entry Level Writing Requirement?
The University of California Entry Level Writing Requirement (formerly known as the Subject A requirement) is universitywide writing requirement. Fulfillment of that requirement is a prerequisite to enrollment in all reading and composition courses. If you have not passed the Analytical Writing Placement Examination (formerly known as the Subject A examination) or otherwise fulfilled the Entry Level Writing Requirement by the time you enter UC Berkeley, you should enroll in College Writing R1A during your first semester.
What will I do in College Writing R1A?
Students read imaginative, expository, and argumentative texts, representing the range of those encountered in the undergraduate curriculum. In response to these readings, they write short (2-3 pages) and longer (4-6 pages) papers; other writing assignments might include journals, quickwrites, reflections, or text responses. The students' writing serves as a text in the class as well, and papers are frequently revised.
What is the format of the class?
Class size is limited to 14. The class is an interactive seminar; student discussion and writing are at the center.
Is there a final examination?
No. The culminating project for all College Writing R1A students is preparing a portfolio.
Where can I go if I want extra help with my writing?
The Student Learning Center, located in the Cesar Chavez Center in lower Sproul, offers peer tutors who are trained to work with students on their writing. In addition, they offer tutoring in a broad range of courses.
How do I enroll in College Writing R1A?
The same way you enroll in any other class using Telebears. There are typically long waiting lists for this class, so try to enroll as early as you can.
When should I take College Writing R1A?
Students should take CW R1A in the freshman year.
Which section should I enroll in?
Each section has its own theme and reading list. See the online descriptions of CW R1A sections being offered in the upcoming semester, and choose that one that interests you the most.
What kind of support does CWP offer to native speakers of languages other than English?
CWP offers four to six CW R1A courses per semester that are designated “NNS.” That means the course is reserved for non-native speakers of English.
These sections follow the same curriculum standards and carry the same units as all other sections. The only requirement for students in NNS-designated CW R1A sections is that they spoke—or speak—at least one language besides English at home. (A high percentage of CW R1A students meet this qualification.)
All NNS-designated sections are taught by NNS specialists who can provide additional support to multilingual student writers. Our NNS specialists have a background not only in teaching writing, but also in Second Language Writing or Applied Linguistics. This means that they will have studied English language use, language teaching, language testing, discourse analysis (fine-tuned attention to oral/written language), and linguistics (including syntax and grammar).
Should I enroll in a section for non-native speakers of English?
Some CW R1A sections are reserved for students who are fluent in languages other than English. If your Analytical Writing Placement Exam results suggest that you would benefit from specialized instruction, or if you want a chance to learn more about the structure of English while you read and write, consider enrolling in one of these sections.
For more information, see FAQs about NNS-designated CW R1A sections.
What do I do if I can't get into the course this semester?
Come to the CWP office in 112 Wheeler Hall for help.
Can I enroll in CW R1A if I have already fulfilled the University of California Entry Level Writing Requirement and/or R&C requirement?
No. Because this class is reserved for students who need to fulfill the University of California Entry Level Writing Requirement, there are no spaces for others.
What course do I take after CW R1A to fulfill the second half of the R&C requirement?
UC Berkeley offers courses in a wide range of departments that fulfill the second half of the R&C requirement. (See, for example, CW R4B.) Check the Schedule of Classes to find out which of these courses is currently offered.
Are there other courses I can take to develop my writing?
The College Writing Programs offers a number of upper division writing courses. If you are interested in creative writing, UC Berkeley offers a Creative Writing Minor.
