Reader Question: "Which Freshman Writing Seminar should I take?!"

Many incoming freshman are curious about Freshman Writing Seminars (FWS). These Seminars are open exclusively to first-year students, and allow new Brewers to focus on becoming superior analytical writers. These small classes are also perfect for making your first friends in the Class of 2014 outside of your dorm. Many of the students in my FWS stayed close friends for all four years.

Unlike many schools, which offer these classes exclusively through an watered-down English or writing program, virtually every Vassar department offers a FWS. (This sends the strong message that first-rate writing is required and taught regardless of your major). I had friends who took their writing-intensive courses in Biology, Physics, and even Math. I took Early British Literature in the English Department.

With pre-registration looming, many students have e-mailed asking for advice on which FWS to take. So many to choose from! There are almost five-dozen offered in the fall semester alone. Which to choose? With well over 200 faculty members at Vassar, I can't pretend to know all of the courses and professors. But that said, I'd definitely highlight the following teachers based on my own experiences:

Robert Brigham (History/International Studies)
Robert DeMaria (English)
Marc Epstein (Religion/Jewish Studies)
Hua Hsu (English/Asian Studies)
Kiese Laymon (English/Africana Studies)
Ken Livingston (Psychology/Neuroscience)

Of course, your selection should depend on your academic interests and intended major (if you have one yet). A couple incoming students have asked me which course I would pick. If I were choosing myself -- as a proud History major -- I would choose Bob Brigham's course on "The Kennedy Years." Mr. Brigham is unequivocally one of Vassar's best professors. He's often featured in major newspapers, scholarly journals, and on television programs as one of the world's foremost experts on American foreign policy, the Vietnam War and the current conflict in the Middle East. But beyond that, he's an incredibly inspiring professor. I took two courses with him during my time at Vassar and loved them both.

But that's just me! The good news is that there are very, very few 'bad' classes at Vassar. All of our professors are outstanding teachers (with an occasional exception), and FWS in particular are very well-constructed courses that allow tons of contact with faculty. If you're curious about other courses as you're signing up, feel free to e-mail me, and I'll put you in touch with a friend who knows that particular department. Good luck and happy choosing!