CWP 1504
College Writing: Writing Identity
What defines who we are and who we may become? How do class, gender, race, sexuality, and other social forces shape our identities? In what ways are our identities inherent or constructed, claimed or ascribed? In this course, we explore these and similar questions through the work of creative and critical writers, artists, and thinkers. We study key concepts such as double consciousness, intersectionality, and performativity, as well as cultural and historical contexts that influence our understanding of self and community. We consider how social dynamics, power, and privilege affect the language we use and the lives we live. All along, through writing and research assignments and class discussions, we examine and interpret visual, literary, and critical texts in an effort to explore, together, what identity is and why it matters. THIS COURSE SATISFIES THE FIRST-YEAR WRITING REQUIREMENT FOR ALL DIVISIONS.
Instructors
Ashley Antony, Ashni Clayton, Beth Windle, Charlotte Fressilli, Colin Bassett, Crystal Payne, Deanna Benjamin, Qiong Xu, Rita Hu, Tamara Taylor, Tarrell Campbell
Reviews
Unprepared in an emergency, doesn't explain expectations at all, then grades unfairly based on unknown and uncommunicated guidelines, doesn't make the class interesting, lots of reading. She does give clear feedback, however, and I think I'm a better writer after this class. You just have to work hard and go to office hours(!!). Supportive in OHs.
8/1/2026
Pretty interesting class discussions. Tough grader, but is available for feedback
7/21/2026
Prof. Benjamin's writing identity course was good overall. Your writing skills will really improve, and she gives good guidance and feedback, but you have to put in lots of work for the class, readings, and projects. If you're looking for an easy CWP class, this is not it, but if you're looking to improve your writing skills, then take this class.
4/29/2026
Just take college writing next semester. This is NOT worth it.
4/10/2026
Great prof, would recommend her for completing the college writing requirement. Make sure to participate in discussion and do the readings or at least skim!!
3/19/2026
Dr. Campbell would get grades back relatively quickly and was willing to meet and help you outside of class, but his grading was picky and we had more assignments than other equal classes. He cares about his students, but he also picks on them a bit, and the way he explains things can often make things more confusing rather than clearing things up.
1/15/2026
A lot discussion in class, participation does matter. She's very generous and willing to help, as long as u have a good excuse, it's possible to extend your deadline a little bit. The only thing is that she might not grade the assignments very on time, most of them are graded at the end of the semester.
1/12/2026
Dr. Benjamin's Citizen Scientist class was pretty interesting! She clearly has a lot of experience teaching writing/college writing, but she's new to citizen scientist. Some readings were a bit difficult, and there were times when many assignments were due around the same time. However, Dr. Benjamin is very accessible outside of class!
12/20/2025
Great professor overall. As long as you participate in class discussions and put some decent thought and effort into your papers, you'll be just fine. She offers help outside of class and is lenient with deadlines. Very understanding and offers solid feedback.
12/10/2025
Professor Benjamin's CWP is definitely on the harder side. There is a LOT of reading, more than other CWP classes, most of it isn't necessary or helpful. It is a small class and you get a letter grade off for absences and tardy's. She is a HARSH grader with little help on how to improve your papers.
12/4/2025
one of the most difficult professors I've taken. the class is participation and completion, especially since its a small class. you only get one unexcused absence then points off your final grade. She doesn't use modules on canvas and everything is posted in a weekly announcement. dont recommend. more workload than other CWP sections. harsh grader!
12/4/2025
HONESTLY THE WORST PROFESSOR EVER EVER TRUST ME DO NOT NOT TAKE HER COURSE - TAKES 4EVER TO GRADE PAPERS AND NEVER RESPONDS TO EMAILS
9/29/2025
Didn't get tons of helpful feedback, didn't really learn much about writing. But I don't think that's through any fault of his own; the class is just built to be chill, hit or miss depending on who takes it. I don't enjoy being vulnerable, so prompts could be eh. Colin is a really nice guy, too nice honestly considering how much class I skipped.
9/9/2025
She is so awesome! I didn't get the topic I wanted for College Writing but in hindsight the prof is more important. She made class welcoming and fun and easy if you just do the discussion posts and the occasional essay. Lucky to have her for CW because other profs can be a real pain esp for a class that doesn't matter a whole lot in the end
8/11/2025
I don't understand the hate! If you aren't social, he WILL pick on you, but I love the guy. He's a GOAT. Very passionate.
7/17/2025
I got B's and C's on some assignments, but she always reached out to me first to offer help. She did this with every student, which is super caring of her. She's very passionate abt the topics we read, and she's rlly leninent w/ deadlines. She only took 2-3 weeks to hand stuff back, similarly to other Eng profs. Super sweet and you'll get an A.
7/8/2025
Personally, I don't understand the bad ratings. Mr. Campbell was an amazing teacher who is passionate about writing and wants to see his students succeed. He cracks a lot of jokes and tries to connect with the students in a light-hearted manner. He can take a while to grade and not everyone clicks with his personality, but he is amazing overall.
5/5/2025
After turning in an essay, prepare to wait months to receive feedback. I genuinely believe she does not read my essays, as she always states I do not use any quotes when I purposely ensure to use a quote in every paragraph. She is a very nice person, but I do not recommend her as a professor.
4/30/2025
definitely one of the best college writing professors at WashU. Super understanding and grading policy is super lenient. Class time is rather boring unless students participate, but overall would definitely recommend.
4/19/2025