<p>I know that Hamilton has a Writing Center and an Oral Communication center. The school really lets people know that they are emphasis writing and speaking.</p>
<p>However, besides having a center for those focuses, how do these two "emphasizes" make their way into the academics of Hamilton...into the classes and curriculum? </p>
<p>I'm extremely impressed that the school pushes itself (and puts forth an image of itself) being a "national leader in teaching students to write effectively, learn from each other, and think for themselves"...I don't think I've found another school that has this type of focus...but I am just wondering Hamilton applies this into academics.</p>
<p>Thanks!</p>
<p>uhhhh yes?</p>
<p>I mean it’s a college and writing courses are academic, so logic seems to say that Hamilton focuses writing skills into academics. </p>
<p>But maybe I’m missing your question.</p>
<p>sorry if that was a bit vague!</p>
<p>I meant - Hamilton has such an emphasis on writing and speaking - so how is this focus integrated into classes? How is Hamilton different than, as you mentioned, the 10000 other colleges out there who obviously teach writing and speaking in classes as well?</p>
<p>Thanks!</p>
<p>they have writing intensive classes. if the class has a W next to it in the catalog, it is writing intensive. they dont have a standard core curriculum, but you have to take atleast three of these writing courses.</p>
<p>Yeah, I know about the 3 writing intensive classes. Besides the requirement though, I was more wondering how a school that is dedicated to writing and speaking accomplishes this focus in general?</p>
<p>Thanks for all of your responses though :)</p>
<p>In terms of the oral part, it is guaranteed that you will participate in classes (since your grade suffers if you don’t), so anyone with a fear of speaking gets over it pretty quickly. In addition, many classes I have taken, across subjects, required lengthy presentations. I am a junior now, and am so much more comfortable talking in front of large groups of people. </p>
<p>As for the written part, the writing intensives work to improve your writing in a way I think most schools don’t offer. Some papers can be rewritten, and a lot of teachers require appointments in the Writing Center (which is excellent), so that you can really learn what your mistakes are and how to correct them in the future. Outside of writing intensives, regular classes also assign a lot of papers, and teachers give very lengthy feedback. Teachers are always willing to meet with you to review assignments. </p>
<p>I’m not sure if Hamilton’s commitment to developing oral and communication skills differs from other liberal arts schools, but I think it is a strategy that would not work at a school with large classes. Writing intensives are normally capped at between 12 and 20 students, and I am always impressed with how much the professors really are available to help.</p>