Research Writing in the Disciplines

What is Writing in the Disciplines? - WAC Clearinghouse

Writing assignments are often used to support the goals of Writing in the Disciplines (WID), also called writing to communicate. Writing assignments of this sort are designed to introduce or give students practice with the writing conventions of a discipline and to help them game familiarity and fluency with specific genres and formats typical of a given discipline. For example, the engineering lab report includes much different information in a format quite different from the annual business report.

Because WID is used by a large number of WAC programs, this guide presents a great deal of information on WID, including a detailed rationale, examples, and logistical tips.

Political Science - University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill

Another overview page that nicely combines writing and discipline specific concerns. This university has a range of useful pages for various disciplines, and also good links on other writing issues. Check out the menu bar on the right hand side of the page.

SociologyUniversity of North Carolina at Chapel Hill

This handout introduces you to the wonderful world of writing sociology. Before you can write a clear and coherent sociology paper, you need a firm understanding of the assumptions and expectations of the discipline. You need to know your audience, the way they view the world and how they order and evaluate information. So, without further ado, let’s figure out just what sociology is, and how one goes about writing it.

Policy Concept Paper - Gettysburg College

The Policy Concept Paper is a 12-15 page paper that integrates your study of key policy concepts with your internship experience. You should develop it in consultation with your internship adviser. This paper is analytic. It is not a report of what you did, but you should incorporate information about your experiences, observations, and reflections into your analysis.

Research Papers - University of Kansas

An extensive step-by-step guide. Very useful.

Writers' Handbook: Research Papers - University of Wisconsin

A series of quick-check bullet points. Less comprehensive than the Kansas page, but quicker to read and easier to get an overview of what's needed.