The Writing Program at AUC is a unit within the English and Comparative Literature department and is responsible for teaching the writing requirements specified by the Core Curriculum and acknowledges its responsibility to serve the needs of the AUC academic community. The Writing Program teaches about 2,300 students every year in its regular programs, and tutors about 1,200 students in the Writing Center. There are currently about 37 Writing Instructors teaching in the Writing Program.

The Writing Program considers its task not only to develop the students' writing ability but also to open our students' minds to the principles of a liberal education. Thus, the Writing Program has a two-fold function: to prepare students to write effective academic papers, which will be required in their other courses, and to equip the students with the kinds of skills required at university and in their future careers.

In the Writing Program, students take 9 credit hours of writing. The Writing Program offers 3 credit hour courses (RHET 101, 102, 103) of which the student will take one or more, depending on his proficiency level. RHET 101, 102, 103 are inter-related courses that develop and reinforce the fundamentals of academic writing, critical analysis, and independent thinking. In addition, the Writing Program offers four different courses (RHET 320, 321, 322) for specialized writing in the majors and prepares students for writing in their careers. (for details on these courses see the Frequently Asked Questions page)

(For detailed answers to any questions you might have about our courses please consult the Frequently Asked Questions page)

Our courses are equivalent to writing courses at most American universities. The American University in Cairo is an accredited institution in the Middle States Association for colleges and universities. In order for students to enter The Writing Program they are required to score a minimum of 213 on the computerized TOEFL exam (550 or above on the written version) and minimum of 4.5 on the Test of Written English (TWE).