After last year’s report called for a review of the Expository Writing program, the committee charged with this task greatly broadened its focus. The committee made suggestions not only to improve instruction in writing, but also identified a need for courses that teach public speaking and rhetoric.

Noting that Harvard currently places “too much expectation and burden” on the Expository Writing program, the committee supports the creation of upper-level writing courses and the integration of writing instruction into regular coursework.

To facilitate this goal, the committee proposes the creation of a single center that would combine the various writing programs of the College, such as the Writing Center and the Expository Writing Program.

The report also calls for the creation of a certificate—similar to that given to students completing a language citation—that recognizes students who further explore the study of written and oral communication.

Perhaps most notably for incoming first-years, the reports suggests that Expository Writing 20 be graded satisfactory/unsatisfactory on students’ transcripts.

COMMITTEE ON A JANUARY TERM

After last year’s report recommended the creation of a January Term, this year’s report explores the breadth of experiences and options available to Harvard students should such a change be made to the academic calendar by the Harvard Corporation.

Rather than proposing a model January Term experience, the committee included options as varied as intensive language study abroad, geography classes, student-taught seminars and “work in a culinary tradition” in the report.

Members of the committee stressed the importance of a January Term that is flexible and optional, noting the program could provide a much-needed break from the rigid structure of the academic year.

COMMITTEE ON PEDAGOGICAL IMPROVEMENT

Moving away from an emphasis on small classes—a major point in last year’s report—the committee sought to clarify, organize, and improve the teaching resources at Harvard College.

Pleased with the move to on-line Committee on Undergraduate Education (CUE) evaluations, committee members now seek to make CUE evaluations more relevant for individual classes by offering a “menu of optional questions” for instructors.

The committee offered concrete ways to execute last year’s directive to centralize programs aimed at improving teaching. In particular, the report stresses the need to reorganize the College website and designate an individual in each department to coordinate resources for teaching and training instructors.

COMMITTEE ON SCIENCE AND TECHNOLOGY EDUCATION

The newly released report outlines in detail the change in science requirements deemed necessary by last year’s report.