Reflection on College Writing

All entering first year students complete the Reflection on College Writing, an online course in Canvas, the SJSU learning management system.

What is it?

How Do I Complete this Work?

When Do I Need to Have this Work Completed?

How Do I Contact the RCW Team?

What is it?

The Reflection on College Writing (RCW) is the prerequisite for enrolling in ENGL 1A and ENGL 1AF. The online activities are designed to familiarize you with academic reading and writing before you make a decision about which class to take. The RCW also gives your instructors and writing program administrators a sense of who you are as a writer and what levels of academic support (supplemental instruction, tutoring) you may need to succeed in your first year of studies at SJSU.

In the RCW, you will:

  • Read a professional narrative (Assignment 1)

  • Reflect on your understanding of the narrative and its rhetorical features (Survey 1)

  • Respond to the narrative (Assignment 2)

  • Reflect on your level of confidence in engaging with a text through writing (Survey 2)

  • Explore your first-year writing class options (Assignment 3)

  • Decide which first-year writing class to take (Survey 3) 

How Do I Complete This Work?

You’ll receive an invitation to the online, asynchronous course June 1, 2024. You can complete the activities in one sitting or over several days.

To enroll in your first-year writing course during your Sparta Camp Orientation, you’ll need to finish the RCW by the date indicated on the Table of Deadlines

When Do I Need to Have This Work Completed?

To enroll in your first-year writing course during your Sparta Camp Orientation, you’ll need to finish the RCW by the date indicated on the Table of Deadlines

How Do I Contact the RCW Team?

If you have questions, please email directedselfplacement@sjsu.edu.