In 1978, when writing across the curriculum (WAC) workshops began at George Mason University, some things were very different from today: (1) an outside speaker who had worked with educators in England testified to the fact that WAC was not just a "whim"; (2) session presentations were made by local high school English teachers who had…

Two common trends are beginning to change writing courses. They are a growing emphasis upon the persuasive nature of prose, and an accelerating interest in the study and analysis of moral values. Hopefully the concern for values will help guide and direct the persuasive powers of writing. (JMD)