<p>Wanted to hear current student’s opinion/advice on the two writing options (USEM and UWS vs USEM +W). </p>
<p>Is it a good idea to try to get almost all but one writing intensive course out of the way in the first?</p>
<p>I’m a midyear student, so I’d have to do whatever I choose in one semester, not one.</p>
<p>I’m taking a course or two at another school during the fall, so if it were wise I could take a writing course if they would accept that for credit.</p>
<p>Anyways, just opinions or advice would be most appreciated!</p>
<p>i would take USEM+W... save space in your schedule for another class that you will, mostly likely, enjoy more. Most don't very much like their USEMs, UWSs, and USEM+Ws (though a few lucky ones do)... some USEMs can be a lot of writing... so you might get stuck with a USEM that has a lot of writing on top of a UWS.</p>
<p>It seems like the more interesting classes are all USEM+W /// </p>
<p>But I do think I could benefit from more writing excercises (I hated all the timed AP English essays in high school) .... For students who've already taken these courses: Does the extra UWS really strengthen writing skills, or is it just more work.</p>
<p>Did anyone who took the USEM and UWS feel it really was worth it, because then I'd want to take them... But ff the concensus is they're pointless burdens, I'd just do the USEM+W</p>
<p>Also, two other things. Is there any major differences in workload (I know professors assign different amounts - but on class only)? </p>
<p>Also, for a psych and poli sci major, I assume I could fill the writing requirements as I take my classes for my major as well? I know Deis is really good with a class counting for 2 requirements. Comments here?</p>
<p>trync2 - i took a USEM+W, so i can't really say much on the UWS course, but i've never heard anyone say they really got a lot out of a UWS course. it really depends on whether you happen to get a good professor or not, i guess... but overall, most don't really like USEMS, UWSs, and USEM+Ws all that much...</p>
<p>descant - workloads really do tend to depend on the professors. one of my close friends had a ton of work for her USEM (not USEM+W), but i knew others whose USEMs were fairly light in work! also - yes, i would not worry about having to take two writing intensive courses, you should be able to easily do it!</p>
<p>you're welcome! "war and memory"... i have no idea if it's even being offered this year...</p>
<p>it sounds like they changed the system for picking USEMs, UWSs, USEM+Ws... is it a lottery system or something, based on your favorites?? (if it is.. that's definitely a major improvement from what we went through last year!!)</p>
<p>I'd suggest taking a USEM+W in your first semester for a few reasons:</p>
<p>1) you get it out of the way
2) you meet other freshmen who are probably interested in similar things
3) more room in your schedule than if you take a UWS + USEM</p>
<p>Don't worry about fulfilling all your WI courses in your first year. There are plenty offered in many interesting subjects. You can apply a WI credit to a major or minor. I took a poetry workshop last semester for my minor (creative writing) that was also writing intensive. It counted for both. I also agree that workloads vary. </p>
<p>Personally, I think writing improves just with practice and getting feedback, so if you are really concerned about your writing or think you would benefit from extra writing courses, just take courses with lots of essay and stuff and spend lots of time with them. Or go to the writing center in the library. Or e-mail your TA in classes and ask them for feedback. Or swap papers with your friends (my roommate and I checked all of each other's papers).</p>
<p>well, we get to find out jul.1 if we got put in any of the classes we selected... hopefully i'll get a usem+w but i guess i'll survive usem+uws if i have to....</p>
<p>iamshoshie, how hard is it (generally) to maintain a above-average GPA? 3.8-4.0? Also I heard the grading system is based on a curve? is that true? If so, can you explain how exactly "the curve" works? Thank you so much, Iamshoshie.</p>
<p>It totally depends on the classes you're taking. In the sciences, pretty freaking difficult. In the humanities, far more possible, but still difficult. And curves work differently for different classes. Usually what happens is the average is set to some form of B (I've had B-, B, and B+) and I think everything is just moved up by that amount. Though some professors may bell curve. There's just no standard for all courses. But I've found that the healthiest way of approaching grades is to try your hardest and what happens, happens. It's good to do well, but understand that college has a different standard of "well" than high school. And "well" at Brandeis is probably even a bit below that because of all the inflation going on at other schools.</p>
<p>Iamshoshie, the USEM+W that I have is "evil and human destiny" with Professor Kimelman. I was wondering if you had any experience with this class or professor that you can share. Thank you.</p>