Research

College Writing Research Project

All College Writing students undertake a research project on a topic of their choice.  The project culminates in an 8-10 page research paper. 

Project Objectives:

  • Students will familiarize themselves with library resources and information systems
  • Students will familiarize themselves with background information, key terms, context, and existing conversation surrounding a given subject
  • Students will articulate a focused research question and define a manageable scope for the project
  • Students will identify and differentiate disciplinary approaches in the Academy in order to process the information they gather and complement their own approach to the subject
  • Students will preview and critically evaluate source material and distinguish between popular and scholarly sources
  • Students will move beyond debate-style, report or simple synthesis towards analytical research grounded in primary source material
  • Students will coordinate multiple sources and strategically balance how those sources critically advance student’s own idea
  • Students will understand the basics of academic integrity and ethical use of intellectual property

Publication

Students have the opportunity to submit their research papers for publication.

McLeod Writing Prize

Research is a significant, valued, and valuable part of the undergraduate experience. Students whose research explores some aspect of race, gender and/or identity can be nominated for the Dean James E. McLeod First-Year Writing Prize. Winners receive a certificate of award, $250, and the possibility of publishing their work.

McLeod Writing Prize

REMAKE

REMAKE is a space for the new thought and vision of first-year undergraduate students. Current first-year students can submit any work produced during their first year of undergraduate study. Accepted work will be published in an annual print and digital issue and all submitted work will be considered for REMAKE Forum and the annual REMAKE contest.

REMAKE

Mendel Sato Research Award

The Sato Research Award is looking for projects that draw from research conducted with the Julian Edison Department of Special Collections. Projects can be in any medium from written papers to multimedia projects. Winning students will receive a $500 prize and their work will be preserved in the University Libraries' Digital Collections.

Sato Research Award

WUURD

The goal of the Washington University Undergraduate Research Digest (WUURD) is to reach a broad audience; therefore, we are interested in publishing articles from all undergraduates, regardless of their areas of academic interest. Submissions may be in the form of either feature articles or 300-word summaries.

WUURD

Library

The University Libraries offer students access to research collections, popular and scholarly resources, research assistance online and in person, and spaces to study. Each College Writing section will be assigned a librarian. Librarians are available to advise on any aspect of the research process including finding, accessing, using, and citing information. Librarians also have subject expertise in almost all majors offered on campus, and can also assist with research and data management.

College Writing Library Guide

Students' Research Surveys

Students can create surveys to collect data for their projects. You can contribute to their research by completing the surveys below:

"Political Diversity of WashU's Campus"

"Sleep Quality and Sleep Deprivation Among WashU Students"

"Visible and Invisible Disabilities"

"Nuclear Energy Fighting Global Warming"

"College Preparation"

"Immigration: American Dream or Nightmare"

"Neural Basis of Dreaming"

"Political Diversity at WashU"

"The Mandela Catalogue: Unnerving Faces"

"The George Washington Memorial Outside of Olin"

"BeReal and Mental Health"

"Undergraduate Opinions on Selected Images"

"GMO Controversy Survey"

"Electronic Waste"

"Perspectives on BDSM"

"Exploring the Effect of True Crime Media on Prospective Jurors"

"Educational Aspirations in Rural vs. Urban Communities"

"Free Clinics"

"Eyewitness Testimony"

"Opinions Regarding Vaccination & Methods to Increase Vaccine Confidence"

"Cryptocurrency and Economic Gaps"

"Online Dating Apps"

"Freshmen Residential Experience in the South 40"

"Snicker's Ad Impact"

"Your Online Shopping Experience"

"How Does the Meal Point System of WashU Compare to Other Campuses' Systems"

"Political Perception Survey (Raffle for Free Box of Insomnia Cookies)"

"Teacher Bias"

"Men's Health Survey"

"Let's Talk about Sex"

"Artificial Intelligence and Art"

"Sports Betting, Fantasy Football, and Team Loyalty"

"Effects of Coffee Shops During High School"

"Changing the Pre-med Curriculum"

"Education in the U.S. about Puerto Rico"

"Fashion and the Environment"

To submit your research survey for inclusion on this page, please complete the Survey Link Submission Form.