Composition
A course designed for students who wish to gain a greater level of experience with college writing, Composition is taught in a small-group setting with opportunities to workshop student essays with seasoned writing instructors.
In this collaborative environment, students compose a variety of college-level writing assignments, gain practice with drafting and revision strategies and work in a collaborative environment intent upon building up confidence and flexibility with the types of writing they will encounter throughout their college careers and beyond.
Students usually take Composition in the semester before their University Writing Seminar.
- COMP 1a is offered/designed primarily for international students.
- COMP 1b is open to all students.
Frequently Asked Questions
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An online writing assessment, taken in the spring before entering Brandeis, helps the writing program reach out to students who might most benefit from what Composition has to offer. Students wishing to enroll directly into COMP without taking the online assessment may do so.
Students who believe they should not take COMP should consult with the director of First-Year Writing.
COMP is a full-credit course. It counts as one of the 32 courses required for graduation.
COMP sections are limited to 12 students. Instructors work closely with their students, providing one-on-one tutorials, sustained attention to individual development and extensive comments on drafts. With larger classes, instructors could not give this kind of individualized attention.
Depending on availability, students may change their course to another in the same semester. Visit the registrar's office for assistance.
No, COMP must be taken in your first semester at Brandeis, followed by a University Writing Seminar in your second semester. Some nonnative English writers take a supplemental course in the English Language Programs in the semester before they take COMP. If you do not take COMP in your first semester, you may be placed on academic probation.
COMP 1a is full-credit course available to nonnative English writers who receive this opportunity as determined by the Online Writing Assessment. Students are also strongly encouraged to sign up for free tutoring in the English Language Program.
Nonnative English writers should enroll in COMP if they receive this opportunity as determined by the Online Writing Assessment. These students are also encouraged to sign up for free tutoring in the English Language Programs.
The Writing Center offers support for all students, including those enrolled in COMP, with 30- and 60-minute one-on-one tutorials, available by appointment. COMP students are invited to all Writing Center workshops offered to UWS students, which may include close reading, grammar and usage, the lens paper, and the research paper.
