Dear Friends and Colleagues,

The power of the pen—or computer— is astonishing. The act of writing is an invaluable part of the learning process.

I did not fully realize the importance of writing as a learning tool until I taught a course with a writing link about 12 years ago. The course was Geography of Cities, a lecture class with about 200 students. I had taught it for many years before the Interdisciplinary Writing Program (IWP) approached me about adding a linked writing course. The idea was that students in my geography course could also take the writing course, taught by IWP instructors, using geography content to focus on writing.

I figured the IWP course might be useful to students, but I did not anticipate it influencing my teaching. After all, I’d already received a teaching award and was confident about my teaching methods.

I was quickly proven wrong.

The Interdisciplinary Writing Program (highlighted in this newsletter) changed my understanding of how students learn and how they approach writing. As I observed IWP’s effectiveness, I began to rethink my own methods. Later, with the help of the UW’s Center for Instructional Development and Research (CIDR), I completely redesigned my writing assignments.

What instructors in the Interdisciplinary Writing Program realize—and I have come to understand more clearly—is that writing and thinking are inseparable. There is a discipline of mind that comes along with good writing. Teaching people to write is teaching people to create an argument.

Even as technology has gained increasing attention in academia and industry, the skills that come with good writing—the ability to organize thoughts and develop a sound argument—will always be in demand. And these skills continue to be at the heart of a liberal arts education.

One student who is happy to attest to the benefits of her UW liberal arts education is Elizabeth Angell (’01). In December, Angell was named a Rhodes Scholar—the University’s second Rhodes recipient in as many years. Asked about her years at the UW, the history/international studies major told The Seattle Times that “people in Washington don’t always understand they have a world-class university in their backyard.”

It’s wonderful to hear that feedback from one of our finest students. It is a satisfying recognition that we are delivering on our promise of excellence. In this issue, you will see many other examples of committed faculty, staff, and students working together to educate, to discover, and to engage—with truly wonderful results.

Sincerely,

David Hodge
Dean
(206) 543-5340
hodge@u.washington.edu

[Winter/Spring 2002 - Table of Contents]