Expository Writing

The Yale College Writing Center supports a range of courses and tutoring services to help undergraduates improve their writing. The English department offers several courses specifically designed to prepare students for writing throughout the University, and other departments in the humanities, social sciences, and sciences complement this offering with courses (designated WR in the course listings) that give special attention to the conventions and expectations of writing in particular disciplines.

Beyond the regular departmental offerings, the Writing Center provides several ways for students to get help with writing. The most important of these is the presence of a Writing Tutor in each residential college. Tutors meet with students on a one-to-one basis to discuss rough drafts of work in progress, research techniques, revision strategies, or other matters relevant to effective writing. Tutors can help with any writing project: senior essays, course papers, graduate school and fellowship applications, or anything intended for publication. The Writing Partners, another resource, are undergraduate and graduate students who offer drop-in help to students at any stage of writing. Finally, the Writing Center Web site offers information on using sources effectively and avoiding plagiarism.

The Yale College Writing Center is maintained through the continuing support of the Bass family, the Newhouse Foundation, and other foundations. Its mission is to encourage excellence in writing and the use of writing for learning throughout the College. More detailed information is available from the Writing Center Web site.