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Writing Requirement

Brown's open curriculum has long supported one general education requirement: that all students demonstrate the ability to write well. This fundamental aspect of liberal education has been a part of the curriculum since the late nineteenth century. Why? Good writing is essential to learning. Across the disciplines, scholars, teachers, and students write to explore ideas, uncover nuances of thought, and advance knowledge. Writing is not only a medium through which we communicate and persuade; it is also a means for expanding our capacities to think clearly.

Learning to write well is a developmental process that occurs over time; Brown students are therefore expected to work on their writing across the four years, in their general studies and the concentration. Students may begin to fulfill this expectation by taking one or more courses that engage them in the writing process. Click on Writing Courses at left to see the various courses that fit this criterion.

When they declare their concentration, students explain what writing they have completed at Brown and the writing they intend to do in the concentration. Students are encouraged to produce an independent research paper, a seminar paper, or an honors thesis in the concentration. The University provides an online portfolio in which students may save examples of their best work each year. This evidence allows students to demonstrate their abilities not only to Brown advisors but also to future colleagues and employers.