Writing

Writing plays a significant role in the Gutenberg curriculum. Besides being a very practical skill in its own right, writing is essential to the development of clear thinking. Therefore, writing assignments intended to foster skillful communication and clarity of thought are integrated throughout the curriculum.

During their first and second years, in conjunction with Western Civilization, students write a number of short papers for which they receive a separate writing grade (WRT 101-203). To help students become better writers, a writing tutor provides feedback on the assigned papers, either in a writing workshop or in individual tutorials.

During their third and fourth years, students write fewer but longer papers, leading to their final writing project—the senior thesis. Each quarter, third-year students write one paper on a topic they choose related to their reading in Great Conversation. In preparation for writing their senior thesis, fourth-year students write their fall-quarter paper on the perspective of one of their thesis authors and their winter-quarter paper on the perspective of their other author. The third quarter of the fourth year is then devoted to writing the thesis itself.