Application deadline
15 May 2026
General Brown Pre-College application deadline.
In-person Program
Writing Seminar II: Writing About Media
Brown’s media writing seminar develops academic arguments through close reading, expository essays, and feedback from instructors and peers.
Last verified: 9 Oct 2026Reviewed by:BSBen Stacy
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Writing Seminar II at a glance: cost, dates and eligibility
Current status
Upcoming
Eligibility
Grades 9-12; English writing confidence
Age range / Year group
Ages 14-18
Location / Region
Brown University, Providence, Rhode Island, United States
Cost
$5,786; $4,482
Duration
2 weeks
Format
In-person
Media StudiesLiterature
Accommodation: Single, double, or triple residence rooms
Meals: Residential: three daily; commuter: one daily
Certificate / Outcome: Digital certificate; Course Performance Report
Campus experience: Libraries, activities, and fitness facilities
Tutors / faculty: Curtis Browne; Grace Clawson
Sessions / cadence: Weekdays: 2h50 class; 2-3h homework daily
Academic credit: Non-credit; no formal grades
Writing Seminar II summary
This seminar uses media analysis to build university-level academic writing. Students learn to turn interpretations of texts, films, television, and music into arguments supported by evidence.
The practical work centers on expository essays, with instructor and peer feedback throughout drafting and revision. It suits students who want to improve analytical writing rather than focus on media production.
What is Writing Seminar II: Writing About Media?
Writing Seminar II: Writing About Media is a Brown University Pre-College course focused on academic argument through media analysis. Students closely read nonfiction, fiction, films and television, music, and other media, then bring their interpretations into conversation with critical sources.
The seminar combines classroom discussion with expository essay practice. Instructor and peer feedback helps students move from brainstorming and drafting to revision and editing, developing the habits needed for independent academic research.
Why Succeed highlights Writing Seminar II
Instructor and peer feedback makes revision a central part of the learning experience.
The range of literary, visual, and audio media gives students several ways into academic analysis.
Explicit attention to evidence, citations, and critical sources builds useful foundations for university essays.
A non-credit environment lets students concentrate on improving their arguments without formal grades.
Who is Writing Seminar II for?
Best for
Students who enjoy interpreting media and want to make their academic essays more precise, persuasive, and responsive to other writers.
Not ideal if
Your main goal is creating films, recording music, or earning college credit; the course centers on analysis and expository writing.
Is Writing Seminar II worth it?
The strongest reason to choose this seminar is sustained practice in building and revising academic arguments. Close reading and substantial feedback can make it useful preparation for essay-heavy university subjects.
The value depends on whether you want to engage deeply with writing, rather than simply collect a university-branded certificate. It is non-credit, requires considerable independent work, and Brown explicitly says Pre-College is not a prospecting program for undergraduate admission.
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A practical overview of cost, accommodation, meals, dates and provider details to review before deciding.
Cost and what is included
$5,786; $4,482; includes Residential option: campus housing and three meals daily., Commuter option: one campus meal daily., Fitness, athletic, and aquatics center access., Program activities and excursions., Digital certificate after successful completion., Course Performance Report for this two-week course..
Accommodation
Single, double, or triple residence rooms
Meals
Residential: three daily; commuter: one daily
Provider details
Review the Brown Pre-College Programs provider page and official sources before making a final decision.
Dates and logistics
2 weeks; Brown University, Providence, Rhode Island, United States.
What to check before committing
Confirm current dates, payment terms, travel arrangements, cancellation rules and what is included with the provider.
Compare this program with similar options before deciding on dates, cost, format and fit.
Compare with similar programsHow much preparation does Writing Seminar II need?
Effort level
High during the course.
Best started
Begin six to eight weeks before a future application deadline, allowing time for essays, records, and any language testing.
Main challenge
Turning an initial opinion into a nuanced argument supported by sources.
Typical preparation
Practice closely analyzing a short article, scene, or song and support each claim with a specific detail.
Draft the application essay yourself and gather grades from both required academic years.
Arrange applicable English proficiency testing and any optional recommendation early.
Before a future session, review course materials, travel arrangements, and a family communication plan.
Useful if
You want stronger analytical writing habits for demanding academic study.
What do students do on Writing Seminar II?
You analyze media and develop expository essays that connect your interpretations with critical sources. Discussion and feedback help you refine both the argument and the writing.
Step-by-step process
- 1
Closely read literary, visual, and audio media.
- 2
Summarize, evaluate, and respond to critical arguments.
- 3
Develop an interpretation that accounts for relevant cultural and historical contexts.
- 4
Draft an expository essay using evidence and appropriate citations.
- 5
Discuss your writing with the instructor and peers.
- 6
Revise and edit to strengthen reasoning, structure, and voice.
Writing Seminar II dates and deadlines
Next cycle not announced yet. These dates are from the latest verified cycle and should be used as a reference only.
Reference date
Writing Seminar II: Writing About Media — Section 10321
29 June-10 July 2026
Curtis Browne; Monday-Friday, 12:15-3:05 p.m. Eastern Time.
Writing Seminar II: Writing About Media — Section 10322
13-24 July 2026
Grace Clawson; Monday-Friday, 8:30-11:20 a.m. Eastern Time.
Applications open
14 January 2026
Brown Pre-College application cycle.
Registration opens
20 January 2026
Course enrollment is separate from admission.
Final admission decisions
22 May 2026
| Milestone | Date | Timezone | Status | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
Application deadline | 15 May 2026 | Local | Reference date | |
Writing Seminar II: Writing About Media — Section 10321 | 29 June-10 July 2026 | Local | Reference date | |
Writing Seminar II: Writing About Media — Section 10322 | 13-24 July 2026 | Local | Reference date | |
Applications open | 14 January 2026 | Local | Reference date | |
Registration opens | 20 January 2026 | Local | Reference date | |
Final admission decisions | 22 May 2026 | Local | Reference date |
Eligibility and requirements
Completing grades 9-12.
Ages 14-18 by June 14, 2026.
Proven English facility, including grammar, and some writing confidence.
Admission to Brown Pre-College before course enrollment.
Applicable TOEFL iBT or Duolingo results for international applicants.
How much does Writing Seminar II cost?
Residential program fee
$5,786 — 2026 total for one two-week on-campus course.
Funding or discounts
- Commuter program fee: $4,482 — 2026 total for one two-week on-campus course.
- Application fee: $80 — Nonrefundable; eligible applicants may request a waiver.
- Enrollment deposit: $500 — Required before course enrollment; generally nonrefundable.
- Scholarships: Separate application — Sibley and PPSD schemes have their own eligibility requirements.
- Required insurance: $80 — Applies to international students and U.S. students without qualifying coverage.
What's included
Residential option: campus housing and three meals daily., Commuter option: one campus meal daily., Fitness, athletic, and aquatics center access., Program activities and excursions., Digital certificate after successful completion., Course Performance Report for this two-week course.
How to apply to Writing Seminar II
- 1
Create one applicant account through Brown’s Student Portal.
- 2
Complete the Brown Pre-College application and original 250-500-word essay.
- 3
Upload current and previous academic-year grades in English.
- 4
Pay the $80 application fee or request an eligible fee waiver.
- 5
Submit applicable English proficiency results and any elected recommendation.
- 6
Monitor the portal for missing materials and the admission decision.
- 7
After admission, confirm course suitability before paying the $500 deposit.
- 8
Separately enroll in the chosen course section through the portal.
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What does Writing Seminar II cover?
The program covers the following focus areas.
Close reading of media
Analyze literary, visual, and audio works through details of style, content, and audience.
Academic arguments
Turn opinions into rigorous written arguments that account for historical, literary, and political contexts.
Critical sources and evidence
Summarize and evaluate critical sources, integrate evidence, and cite references appropriately.
Writing and revision
Develop expository essays through brainstorming, drafting, revising, and editing with instructor and peer feedback.
Curriculum may be adjusted based on participant interests and current developments.
What is a typical day on Writing Seminar II?
A typical day during the program.
Section 10321 classes
Monday-Friday, 12:15-3:05 p.m. Eastern Time, with Curtis Browne.
Section 10322 classes
Monday-Friday, 8:30-11:20 a.m. Eastern Time, with Grace Clawson.
Independent course work
Expect at least 2-3 hours of homework, organized around your class schedule.
Residential check in
Check in with residential staff at 10 p.m. Eastern Time and remain on your floor until 6 a.m.
Who teaches on Writing Seminar II?
Curtis Browne teaches section 10321, and Grace Clawson teaches section 10322. The seminar includes substantial instructor and peer feedback throughout the writing process.
Students can also use instructor office hours, Writing Center appointments, and University Library resources.
Where do students stay on Writing Seminar II?
Residential plan
- Residence hall rooms: Furnished campus rooms include wireless internet and portable or central air conditioning.
- Three daily meals: Breakfast, lunch, and dinner are included in Brown’s all-you-care-to-eat dining halls.
- Residential support: Trained staff and Resident Assistants provide support, with nightly face-to-face check-ins and staff on call 24/7.
- Activities and facilities: Students can join program activities and excursions and use fitness, athletic, and aquatics facilities.
Non-residential plan
- Commuter attendance: Commuters attend in person and use campus resources and activities without a residence hall room.
- Commuter meals: One dining hall meal daily is included; additional meals can be purchased.
- Commuter transport: A Brown ID provides free RIPTA public transit access during the course.
Rooms may be single, double, or triple occupancy; roommate requests are not honored, and students should bring their own linens.
What happens after Writing Seminar II?
After completing this program, participants often pursue:
Stronger foundations for independent academic research.
Revised expository writing developed through feedback.
A digital CeCertificate after successful completion.
An instructor’s Course Performance Report.
Experience participating in university-style academic discussion.
The course is non-credit and does not provide a transcript or a guaranteed undergraduate admission advantage.
Where does Writing Seminar II take place?
The course takes place on Brown University’s campus in Providence, Rhode Island. Check-in is at Sayles Hall on the Main Green, from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. Eastern Time on the Sunday before the course begins.
Families arrange transportation to and from campus; Brown Pre-College does not provide travel coordination.
Writing Seminar II FAQs
The course explores nonfiction, fiction, films and television, music, and potentially other media. Students learn to read these works closely and relate their interpretations to critical sources.
Students need proven facility with English, including grammar, and some confidence as writers. The seminar supports students strengthening their writing as well as those seeking a university-level challenge.
Both the instructor and peers provide substantial feedback through brainstorming, drafting, revising, and editing.
Summer@Brown students should expect at least two to three hours of homework daily. This may include reading, research, writing assignments, and other course work.
No. Summer@Brown courses are non-credit and do not use formal grades. Brown’s non-credit Pre-College participation does not result in a transcript.
Successful completion earns a digital CeCertificate of Completion. Students completing this two-week course also receive an instructor’s Course Performance Report.
Yes. The commuter option includes one campus meal per day and access to campus resources, activities, and fitness facilities. It does not include a residence hall room.
Brown limits its scholarship opportunities to specified U.S. citizenship or immigration categories, including permanent residents, refugees, asylees, and qualifying undocumented or DACA students enrolled in a U.S. school. Scholarship consideration requires a separate application.
Alternatives to Writing Seminar II
Compare these options if you want journalism, digital storytelling, or individual research alongside your interest in academic writing.
Alternatives to Writing Seminar II
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Students comparing journalism with academic media analysis.
Storytelling in the Digital Age
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08 May 2026
From $7401
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Best for
Students drawn to storytelling and visual media.
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Best for
Students comparing classroom writing with individual research support.
Save this program in Succeed to compare it with similar programs, dates, costs and formats in one place.
Compare with other programsContent reviewed by
Ben Stacy
Co-founder, Succeed | Former secondary teacher and educational leader
Ben works at the intersection of education, technology and school adoption, with expertise in how secondary schools evaluate data-driven tools and how education technology is used in practice.
Sources & verification
Source types reviewed
- CeCertificate Access | Pre-College Program | Brown University
- Handbook of Pre-College Policies | Pre-College Program | Brown University
- Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ) | Pre-College Program | Brown University
- Commuter - Summer@Brown On Campus | Pre-College Program | Brown University
- Summer@Brown On Campus | Pre-College Program | Brown University
- Financial Policies and Payment Information | Pre-College Program | Brown University
- Admissions Decisions | Pre-College Program | Brown University
- Application Checklist | Pre-College Program | Brown University
- Apply | Pre-College Program | Brown University
- Summer@Brown
- Program Dates and Costs | Pre-College Program | Brown University
- 2026 Program Costs: Breakdown of Fees
- Writing Seminar II: Writing About Media - Pre-College Course Catalog"
Succeed uses official provider information where available, but keeps this public page focused on comparison and planning inside Succeed.
What we verified (on 9 Oct 2026)
Course details reviewed
Section dates checked
Application deadline compared
Prerequisites reviewed
Fee options verified
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Completion documents reviewed
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How Succeed uses this information
We use source material to verify core facts, then show older cycle dates as reference when a current cycle is not available. Always check current application instructions before applying.
Writing Seminar II: Writing About Media
by Brown Pre-College Programs
Upcoming
May qualify for the £300 Succeed Programme Award.
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