University Writing (C1010 for CC or SEAS students; F1010 for GS students) is intended to facilitate students' entry into the intellectual life of the university by helping them to become more capable and independent academic readers and writers. With its small section size and emphases on critical analysis, revision, collaboration, and research, the course leads students to develop specific skills and general habits of mind important to their future academic success. Students read and discuss texts from a number of fields, complete regular informal reading and writing exercises, write several longer essays, and undertake a collaborative critical project of their own design. Because many of the readings and assignments encourage students to think explicitly about such issues as the nature and meaning of liberal education, student life, and the structure of academic disciplines and curricula, the course also helps students new to Columbia to frame their experiences of the university and the Core Curriculum.

GS students generally take University Writing in their first semester of enrollment. CC or SEAS students placed in C1010 whose names fall in the first part of the alphabet take the course in the fall. CC or SEAS students whose names fall in the second part of the alphabet take the course in the spring. The alphabet will be split somewhere between K and P; the exact place of the split will be posted before fall registration.

For further information on course requirements in general:

CC and SEAS students: The First Year Sophomore Academic Advising Center, 403 Lerner Hall

GS students: The Office of the Dean of Students, 403 Lewisohn