Upper-Division Writing Requirement
At least one upper-division course in your academic program must include a significant writing component in English.
There are two options for meeting this requirement:
OPTION A: Submit one original graded long paper (2500-word minimum, approximately 10 - 12 pages) written for any upper-division course within or outside of your major.
OPTION B: Submit a portfolio of original papers written for one or more upper-division courses within or outside of your major. The portfolio must include one paper of 1500 words or more (approximately 5-6 pages), and a minimum total word count of 3000 for the entire porfolio (i.e., one 1500 word paper plus several shorter papers). The papers for the potfolio must be submitted together.
For both options, the paper(s) must be written in English and have received a passing or C- grade. You must also have received a passing grade in the course for which the paper was written. The writing should demonstrate invention of a thesis, an original argument, and development of the argument with evidence and analysis. Papers need not include secondary sources. Papers may include description, provided a significant portion of the paper is devoted to an analysis of the description. Poetry, short stories, in-class exams, group projects, and laboratory reports are NOT acceptable to meet this requirement.
To facilitate processing, please do a word count before submitting the paper/portfolio to the ERC Academic Advising Office. We return your paper(s) immediately. Photocopies are not necessary.
