First-Year Writing
The First-Year Writing (FYW) course offered by the English department is ENG 1310: Writing & Academic Inquiry Seminars. Ideally, you should fulfill your writing requirement during your first or second semester at Baylor.
For more information about the First-Year Writing program, please contact our Director of First Year Writing, Dr. Callie Kostelich at callie_f_kostelich@baylor.edu.
Frequently Asked Questions
Why should I choose English 1310: Writing & Academic Inquiry Seminars?
In ENG 1310, we ask compelling questions, learn how to analyze and evaluate nonfiction texts, and write our own credible, research-based arguments with clarity and conviction. ENG 1310 slows down the process of academic research and writing so that you can take the time to understand how and why effective arguments work.
Each section of ENG 1310 investigates a theme, like Happiness & Human Flourishing or Music, and uses the theme as a springboard for exploring questions that genuinely interest you.
After settling on a good question, you will dive into the research and learn how to discern what makes an effective argument. Once you understand how academic argument works, you are invited to compose your own. You will present the results of your semester-long inquiry in two ways: a position essay and a presentation that incorporates multimodal (i.e., visual, aural, textual) elements of persuasion.
Some of the themes we offer include Happiness & Human Flourishing, Music, Foodways, Technology & Innovation, and Environmental Humanities. ENG 1310 is a course designed by writing faculty and taught by English instructors trained in theories of rhetoric and composition.
What is the Roy Cornelius Award?
The Roy Cornelius Award is presented each semester to a student in ENG 1310 as a way to celebrate excellent writing. Students' essays are nominated by their ENG 1310 instructors each semester. Award winners will be honored at the English department's end-of-year recognition ceremony.
Where can I go for more help with my writing?
We encourage you to reach out to your instructor if you need additional assistance. The Center for Writing Excellence is an invaluable resource. You can make an appointment with a consultant here.