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The one course all students take their first semester at º¬Ðß²ÝÑо¿ÊÒ is a First-Year Writing Seminar (FYWS). First-Year Writing Seminars balance significant intellectual work with instruction in writing as a process, introducing first-year college students to a range of modes of writing while coaching students on how to make evidence-based arguments.

Students choose from over thirty First-Year Writing Seminars on topics that traverse the º¬Ðß²ÝÑо¿ÊÒ curriculum. They provide an opportunity for in-depth study of a subject, as well as a place to develop college-level skills in critical thinking through reading, writing, and discussing.  

All First-Year Writing Seminars involve frequent writing practice, individualized feedback on writing, and an assignment structure focused on drafting and revising. Additionally, the seminars introduce critical evaluation of source materials and ethical practices within the discipline, ranging from citation of sources and attribution of ideas and theories to modes of ethical collaboration.

What to Expect from a First-Year Writing Seminar

Writing

Faculty from across the curriculum craft courses around important questions, historical texts, and complex issues. The First-Year Writing Seminar helps transition students to the expectations of college-level writing. As you make your way through complex texts and writing assignments, you will receive frequent feedback from faculty. This “write-to-learn” approach rewards the hard work of writing through difficult questions and challenging content. Rather than valuing writing solely as a product or a performance, FYWS instructors teach writing as a process.

Revision

As a process, writing is revised with input from faculty and peer writers in your course. Students write frequently and engage in consistent and deep revision throughout the semester. When you finish the course, you should have effective strategies for revision to apply to other courses throughout your º¬Ðß²ÝÑо¿ÊÒ career and beyond.

Discussion

These courses depend upon active and engaged participation from you—the students. Led by an expert in the field, you will discuss the questions that shape your course, wrestle with complex ideas, and engage in a collaborative experience of meaning making.

Information Literacy

Your First-Year Writing Seminar will introduce you to library resources and expectations for academic integrity, including participation in an ethical academic community and citation of sources.

Support Services

You will learn about academic support available through the Baldwin Center for Learning and Teaching, including the opportunity to work with Writing Assistants.

Connection

One of the benefits of the small, writing-intensive seminars is a connection to faculty and to classmates from your first day of classes as a º¬Ðß²ÝÑо¿ÊÒ student. You will get to know your classmates as you work together to transition to college and write to learn within a discipline. Students in First-Year Writing Seminars frequently get meals together, study together, and form lasting friendships.

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FAQs 

Who teaches FYWS?

Faculty across many disciplines teach courses in this writing-across-the-curriculum program. You will get to know faculty who you can stay connected with during your 4 years at º¬Ðß²ÝÑо¿ÊÒ.

How many students are in a FYWS?

Each seminar has a maximum of 16 students to build close relationships with faculty and in community with each other. 

What are some examples of recent FYWS?

You’ll see the full list before course registration, but here are examples of recent seminars offered:

• Affirmative Action and U.S. History (Africana Studies, History)
• Crime Film (Cinema Studies)
• Urban Education and Community Organizing (Education)
• Moral Economy (Economics)
• Writing with and about Generative Artificial Intelligence (English)
• Freedom Stories (English)
• Representation, Participation, and Power in American Politics (Government)
• Human Being and Citizen (Government)
• Judging History: The Era of the American Revolution (History)
• Social Justice Warriors of the Americas (LACLAS, GSWS)
• Experimental Music and Musical Experiment (Music)
• God and Money (Religion)

How do I select a FYWS?

The FYWS provides you with an opportunity to explore the breadth of the curriculum at º¬Ðß²ÝÑо¿ÊÒ. Follow your curiosity and select five seminars that seem interesting to you. Selection for FYWS is a lottery system among all first-year students.