Here are some questions to think about as you decide how to make writing serve your instructional goals.

What do I want to accomplish with writing?

• Facilitate critical thinking?
• Promote thoughtful reading?
• Learn how well students are synthesizing the readings or applying concepts to broader issues?
• Give students a chance to grapple in writing with key issues of western civilization?

What value do I place on the following:

• Informal writing?
• Formal products?
• Revision?

To what extent do I want writing to provide structure for my course?
How can I structure assignments so as to challenge students through writing over the semester?
As I incorporate writing into my course, am I considering the demands on my students and myself?