Selecting your GE Writing Course FAQs

Why does Cal Poly Humboldt use a First-Year English Composition Placement Survey?

The First-Year English Composition Placement Survey is designed to help you choose the writing course that best fits your needs. Rather than placing you into a course, the survey concludes with a recommendation so you can select the option that will best support your development as a writer and reader and your success in other courses.

The survey is based on the idea that you know your own experiences, strengths, and needs better than anyone else. Think of it as a guide to help you make an informed decision.

What courses are available to complete my first-year Written Communication requirement?

The survey will help you choose the course that best suits you. There are two options for completing the first-year Written Communication requirement:

• Two-semester sequence: English 102 (Stretch Composition and Rhetoric A) and English 103 (Stretch Composition and Rhetoric B). Both courses must be completed to meet the requirement.
• One-semester course: English 104 (Composition and Rhetoric)

What are the differences between the course options?

Comparing English 102 and 103 with English 104

Both options do the following:

• Teach the same course outcomes, designed to support the development of your writing knowledge
• Provide opportunities to write in multiple genres and to study how writing responds to different rhetorical situations
• Conclude with a writing portfolio that includes a range of your work and a reflection on your growth as a writer
• Fulfill Cal Poly Humboldt’s General Education Area 1A Written Communication requirement

The main difference is the pace. English 102 and 103 provide two semesters to complete the same curriculum, while English 104 covers that curriculum in one semester at a faster pace.

Why should I take the Stretch sequence instead of a one-semester course?

All of these courses count toward your degree, so taking the Stretch sequence will not increase your total cost or extend your time to graduation. Choosing the course sequence that best matches your preparation can improve your chances of graduating on time.

The Stretch sequence can also save time and effort later by helping you build strong reading and writing skills early in your college experience.

Will I have the same instructor in English 102 and 103?

In many cases, yes. We try to keep students with the same instructor across both courses so you can benefit from a consistent learning experience and a cohort of peers. However, scheduling constraints sometimes make this impossible. If you do change instructors, our shared curriculum ensures a smooth transition.

What is the difference between the survey recommendation and my CSU placement category?

Under CSU policy, placement in English and math is based on Multiple Measures. These measures place students into one of four categories based on your high school weighted GPA, CAASPP/EAP test scores, and SAT/ACT scores if you took these tests. Results place students into one of four categories:

• Category 1: Exempt from the Written Communication requirement due to transfer credit or AP or IB scores
• Category 2: Ready for General Education Written Communication (English 104 or English 102 + 103)
• Category 3: Ready with recommended support (English 104 or English 102 + 103, with the option of English 110)
• Category 4: Ready with required support (English 104 or English 102 + 103, plus English 110)

While these categories provide important information, we recommend using your survey results as your primary guide when choosing a course. Placements, categories, and even survey recommendations can indeed be helpful, but ultimately we trust that you know how to set yourself up for success. There are many factors in making this decision that may not be reflected in your GPA or English placement category. This survey will help you to consider those additional factors and make the decision that is best for you. 

What if I took AP English in high school?

If you scored a 3 or higher on an AP English exam, you may be exempt from the Written Communication requirement. Even so, you may want to consider taking a First-Year Composition course. AP courses are not always equivalent to college composition. Our courses emphasize rhetorical approaches to analytical and persuasive writing, critical reading, and information literacy, which may differ from your high school experience.

What if I change my mind after registering?

You can change your course selection if you decide another option is a better fit. The survey provides you with a recommendation, not a requirement.

What if the class feels too easy or too difficult?

It may be possible to change courses early in the term, but classes are often full before the semester begins. For this reason, it is important to answer the survey carefully and consider all available information when making your decision.

Where can I learn more about the program?

To learn more about the First-Year Writing Program, including learning outcomes and faculty information, visit:
 https://www.humboldt.edu/english/composition/what-youll-learn