Writing is an essential tool for tackling complex ideas and difficult problems. It is in the Core that students first encounter the rigorous expectations of college courses and are charged with developing their skills as writers. All students, regardless of their intended major, receive formal writing instruction in their first and second years in their Humanities and Social Sciences Core classes.
The writing requirement helps students develop the fundamental writing- and revision-oriented skills and habits of mind necessary to participate in intellectual communities of all kinds. Focusing on interdisciplinary inquiry, courses and seminars in this category teach students to analyze evidence creatively and critically, to make compelling arguments, to communicate discoveries to a wide range of audiences, and to express themselves freely and well.
Students may complete this requirement via one of two tracks. The maroon track carries 100 units and is a one-quarter course taken for a quality grade. The grey track carries 0 units and is a two-quarter series of co-curricular writing seminars taken for a Pass/Fail grade. Students indicate preferences for their Core writing track in consultation with their Academic Adviser. Transfer students may be eligible to obtain credit for this general education requirement for coursework taken at other institutions. Current College students must satisfy the Core writing requirement at the University of Chicago.
Maroon Track
The maroon track will be available for students enrolled in specific Humanities general education sequences. Students on the maroon track satisfy the Core writing requirement by completing the one-quarter course 'WRIT 10100: Inquiry, Conversation, Argument' for a quality grade. Students who are especially interested in writing, would like to dedicate particular attention to developing their writing skills, and/or would like to be part of this new Core writing course, are encouraged to pursue the maroon track.Students in these Humanities sequences will enroll in the following course (during pre-registration or the add/drop period) during their first year:
Grey Track
The grey track will be available for students enrolled in specific Humanities general education sequences. Students on the grey track satisfy the Core writing requirement by completing a two-quarter series of co-curricular writing seminars taken for a pass/fail grade. Students in these Humanities sequences will be enrolled in the HUMA 19100 writing seminars administratively after the start of the quarter (i.e., without needing to pre-register).