College Writing courses introduce students to the skills of critical and creative thinking as expressed in writing, to the conventions of academic discourse, and to persuasive argumentation. Through writing, students learn to use the methods of inquiry and the specialized conventions, forms, and styles appropriate to the major disciplines. The Writing Program supports both faculty and students in their endeavors to achieve excellence in the teaching and learning of writing. Some students may want to refine fundamental writing skills at the beginning of their college careers. The Writing Process, either concurrently with their First-Year Seminar or in their second semester.
All writers benefit from feedback on work in progress.
At the Gifford Writing Center students can schedule individual tutorial sessions with experienced tutors trained to assist them at any phase of a writing assignment. In general matriculated students have to complete the courses for the College writing program at Middlebury. Because the ability to express oneself clearly and thoughtfully in writing is integral to a liberal arts education, Middlebury is committed to a program of writing across the curriculum. At all levels of instruction within courses in all disciplines, writing is used as a tool for learning and for sharing knowledge.