The Bates curriculum is designed to guide students through progressively challenging research efforts. The First-Year Seminar Program gives students the essential tools for more advanced research. In seminars, first-year students learn to think critically and analyze texts closely.
Assignments focus on effective writing and speaking.
All students can take advantage of the advice of the professional writers at the Writing Workshop , available throughout the year to assist students with organizing thoughts and communicating them effectively. Advanced methods courses and units give majors the specialized skills they will need for a senior project in their field. The senior thesis or senior project is the true test of a student's ability to think independently and conduct original research. The honors program encourages the best students to conduct year-long research studies and present an oral defense of their written work. The Bates Student Research Fund assists students in their individual research efforts associated with course work.