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Writing Placement and Course Exemptions

Writing Placement

Students place yourselves into the writing courses or tutorials you think you need.  Use the Writing, Reading, and Rhetoric Student Survival Guide to select the kind of writing instruction that is right for you.  If you need help in making your selection, consult one of the people listed at the end of the guide.

 

Credit/Waiver by Examination

Students have two ways you can challenge the writing courses WR 121 and WR 323 if you feel confident about your writing skills and can fulfill the prerequisites. The English Department offers the exams on the third Friday of Fall, Winter, and Spring quarters. Or Independent Study offers the exams at the student's convenience.

Challenge Exam Details: WR 121 | WR 323

What you need:

  1. Your portfolio of writing
  2. Photo ID
  3. Receipt from PSU cashier indicating you have paid for the exam
  4. Dictionary/Thesaurus (optional)

You will have two hours to complete the exam and will have the results within two weeks.

 

How The Exams Are Evaluated

Evaluators will look at the quality of your writing. To pass any of the exams, you must earn at least a "C-".

For the WR 121 and 323 Credit by Examination: If you pass, the assigned grade and four credit hours will be recorded on your transcript. You may change your letter grade to a "Pass" if you wish. If you do not pass, you must take the actual course. This decision is final. You may not take the examination twice.

For the WR 323 Waiver by Examination: If you pass, your transcript will show that you have met the WR 323 requirement. If you do not pass, you must take the WR 323 class or a Writing Intensive course. You may not take the examination twice.

For further questions, call the Department of English at 503-725-3521. You can also obtain informational forms, waiver forms, general advice on the challenge exams and Writing Intensive Courses.

Hildy Miller, Director of Writing (milleh@pdx.edu) can offer advice about the exam you wish to take.

Independent Study Credit By Examination

If you wish to take the exam through Independent Study, where you can take it at your own convenience, call 503-725-4865 or visit web page www.extended.pdx.edu or go to Office of Independent Study:

Extended Studies Building (XSB)
1633 SW Park Avenue
Portland, OR 97207

The exam, its evaluation, and the procedures are the same as for English-except
that you may take the exam at your own convenience.

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