College Level Writing
State Board of Education Rule 6A-10.030 requires that students complete with grades of C or better 12 credit hours in designated courses in which the student is required to demonstrate college-level writing skills through multiple assignments. These courses must be completed successfully (grades of C or better) prior to the receipt of an A.A. Degree and prior to entry into the upper division of a Florida public university.
What does college level writing mean for the Humanities?
For a student to meet the criteria for college level writing in Humanities, and achieve a grade of C or better, they must be able to demonstrate the following skills through multiple writing assignments:
- Evaluate appropriate primary sources (visual arts, architecture, performing arts, literature, religious texts, philosophy, music) and make original observations about those sources.
- Demonstrate an awareness of the connection between the primary sources, the historical period, and cultural movements occurring at the time the sources were produced.
- Formulate an argument that uses primary sources as evidence to defend a central thesis statement.
- Employ grammar, spelling, punctuation, writing mechanics, and format appropriate for a college student preparing for real world situations in a continuing academic or professional environment.
What are College Level Writing Assignments?
Although each professor’s assignments will vary…
•Expect to write at least one formal essay in each course
•Other assignments may include, but are not limited to, in-class essays, responses to readings, observations on works of art, or responses to cultural events.
•Treat every writing assignment as an opportunity to practice college level writing skills, and follow the four guidelines of college level writing for the Humanities.
•Students must take Comp I before they can take a Gordon Rule Humanities course, and you will receive some general guidelines for college level academic writing.
•Your Humanities professor may also give you a writing guide, or explain their individual expectations to you. Just as every work environment is different, every professor is different. Part of practicing college level writing is to be flexible and adaptable, follow directions, and take advantage of any guidance that is offered to you.
Reconizing and Preventing Plagiarism
"Plagiarism is the act of presenting the words, ideas, images, sounds,
or the creative expression of others as your own.
Plagiarism is representing someone else’s work as your own."
—California College of the Arts, Plagiarism Prevention and Awareness Guide
Please refer to your course syllabus, Valencia College's policies on plagiarism. To help better understand what plagiarism is and how to prevent it please refer to this article: