This list of Writing resources is not complete, but rather is meant as a starting point. Professors, TAs, writing center associates, and librarians can all suggest more resources if you need them.
Brown LibGuides
The Brown Library offers more than two hundred guides for students. Many of them are subject guides that list different websites and databases that may be of use. The guides also cover a wide range of topics related to research, including:
- Developing a research question
- Primary and secondary sources
- Citations (why and how)
- Citation software (Zotero, EndNote)
- Using archives and manuscripts
General Online Resources
Purdue Owl
The Purdue Online Writing Lab is a well-respected resource and is a good first stop if you have questions about academic writing. It has sections on:
- Plagiarism
- Citing sources in different styles, including MLA, APA, and Chicago
- Graduate-level writing
- Job applications
- Writing in different academic disciplines, including engineering, healthcare, and technical writing
- American academic writing for English-language learners
The UNC Writing Center
The University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill offers an excellent set of resources on writing.Most are written, but some are short, easy-to-follow videos. The topics, which tend to be morespecific than Purdue's, include
- Different steps in writing a paper, including flow, revision, and understanding theassignment
- Aspects of grammar and style, such as passive voice
- Different types of writing, such as research reports, speeches, resumes, and grant proposals
- Writing in different disciplines, including communication studies, music, and philosophyThis site also has a blog covering various topics related to writing, such as how to balance academic work and a job.
Time Management Resources
Planning your time around a research paper can be challenging. Assignment calculators canhelp! You enter the start and end dates of the assignment and they tell you when you shouldmove on from one part of writing to the next. There are several calculators available online, but the one from the University of Minnesota is a good start.
If you find yourself struggling with time management, you might also consider getting a Brown academic coach.
Resources for Editing
The process of editing is often very paper-specific, but there are some good tips available. ThePurdue and UNC sites also include information on editing. Cornerstone University also offers solid guidelines.
There are a few checklists you can use to make sure you've covered your bases when editing:
- The argument (from IUN)
- The grammar and format
- Common issues
If you find these checklists useful but want one more specific to you, you can make your own and add questions for yourself based on past feedback you've received and issues you're having with the paper.
Resources for Mental and Physical Health
If you are struggling with work because of mental or physical illness, Brown can help. More information about these resources can be found online at Brown's website.
- Health Services: (401)-863-3953
- Counseling and Psychological Services (CAPS): (401)-863-3476
- Student Accessibility Services (SAS): (401)-863-9800
This handout was created by Fiona Sappenfield, Writing Associate, Interdisciplinary Fellow in the Humanities, and PhD candidate in classics.