Incoming freshman currently looking at which FWS I might want to take. I know it’s like a lottery system and I have to pick 5 that fit my schedule.
For current students,
Are there any categories of FWSs that are known for being hard or a lot of work? I’ve heard ENGL ones are difficult. Do you have any recommendations? I want to take one probably about something societal or maybe about technology, and I’m finding that not much fits what I have planned as my class schedule
The general consensus is that ENGL are the hardest, but it depends. I personally took a philosophy one which was interesting, but not really my thing.
My daughter took ENGL both semesters last year. She did very well on both of them. Although, first semester, her professor warned them they she rarely give an A. D got an A- first sem and A second sem.
The writing seminars offered differ each semester, so in order to really know what will be offered this fall you’ll have to wait until they release the list (I think they release it about a week before you pick your top 5 choices). They’re usually taught by grad students who also differ each semester.
ENGL are generally considered the toughest, but it depends on the class and on your own interests. I ended up hating both of my writing seminars. I took a DSOC one first semester and an ENGL one second semester. The grad student who taught my ENGL one was awful, rude, and often didn’t show up to class. They were both my least favorite classes of the semester. But plenty of people love their FWS; I guess I just suck at choosing them!
Take ones that sound interesting! I took a MEDVL course that combined sci-fi with medieval lit and it was great. Also don’t recommend COML (comparative lit) seminars. Might have just been my instructor, but it spent way too much time on writing skills (ex: MLA format) than actual course content. Also try to pick something that’s different from the other subjects in your schedule, just for some variety.
However, I say prioritize the rest of your schedule over FWS choice. If you get an FWS that conflicts with one of your classes, it’s an issue. Just pick ones that fit.