<p>Each first-year student is required, during her first or second semester at Smith, to complete at least one writing-intensive course. (The list of such courses, approved by the Committee on Academic Priorities, is made available at the time of registration for each semester.)
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<p>Can someone tell us about these courses? Are there many? Are they interesting? What does "writing intensive" mean to Smith? Can you name some that were held in the past? Which one did you choose, and why? Thanks...</p>
<p>Choose option 5 and search by Writing Intensive.</p>
<p>Many, many classes count as writing intensive, including some in the sciences, history, English, etc. I took two and audited a third. Nearly took another this semester but realized that I didn't want to do <em>that</em> kind of writing (it was an art history class). There's even a section of Gov 100 that counts as writing intensive.</p>
<p>It's one of the easiest requirements to fulfill, and many new students who take a first-year seminar immediately fulfill the requirement.</p>
<p>There is a very popular one, with multiple sections, called "Recreating History." My D made a sprint to sign up for the section with the prof that was the best from what she had heard; she enjoyed the class a <em>lot</em>.</p>
<p>It revolved around role-playing in three historical situations: hers was Periclean Athens, the Wang-Li emperor of China in 1580 or so, and the trial of Anne Hutchinson. Lots of research, lots of writing (as advertised) and for most students a lot of fun. Her "faction" in one of the episodes even had a group t-shirt made.</p>
<p>You can do a "writing intensive" without taking a first-year seminar, too. My d. did - on "The lover and the courtesan in 19th century opera". It was taught by one of Smith's most famous - and most feared - professors. (She was among the last to register, so "Recreating History" was closed by then.) By the end of the course, there were only three students. My d. LOVED it! Had like 5 papers, each of which had to be rewritten. She said the prof was the only person she'd ever met who was more persnickity about her writing than I am, and didn't suffer fools quietly. It was hugely beneficial, and paved the way for quality work in future semesters.</p>
<p>Borgin...thanks for the post and the course cataloque address. There are many of those courses available that I would find very interesting (I don't know about my D). I'll pass the link on to her. </p>
<p>Mimi...you have a very brave daughter...and an obviously very bright one also. Talk about being up for a challenge!!</p>
<p>No, not mandatory. But Reenacting the Past, Groves of Academe (the one I took), Sherlock Holmes and the Scientific Method, Adaptation, and Performance and Film Criticism (the prof who teaches this is adorable. I took her theatre history class with a friend after she loved the fys) are some examples.</p>
<p>Some of next year's offerings seem to be listed on the online course catalogue, too.</p>
<p>Thanks Borgin...so you do recommend taking one then? I didn't quite understand why they offered them for first-years only, but if you can also take care of the writing intensive course requirement while doing it, why not?</p>
<p>so you do recommend taking one then? I didn't quite understand why they offered them for first-years only, but if you can also take care of the writing intensive course requirement while doing it, why not?]]</p>
<p>Taking a First Year Seminar can be beneficial, because you'll be in a class with just first year students, and the prof usually holds your hand and walks you through stuff. However, you certainly don't have to (I didn't) and if you don't, you can still find good stuff to take that's WI or take WI's next semester. bottom line with FYS: Your D should Take them if she sees one that she thinks she'd love, but she shouldn't feel obligated to do it if she doesn't.</p>
<p>Thanks TD. Our D is seriously contemplating doing one, as it appears many interest her; especially the leadership one! This will be a nice opportunity to meet other Smithies and housemates.</p>
<p>Bit of confusion. Theres the FYS, but there are also pre ordination programs. I believe thats what BJm8 was referring to.
If youre interested sigh up early. Some programs fill up fast.</p>
<p>Ooooh! The Leadership Pre-O! I went to that, it was actually pretty good. The program parts were so-so, but getting to Smith early and having time to meet other first years in a small setting, one that's not as overwhelming as regular orientation, was invaluable. Plus, it's a great time to make friends outside of your house community, which can be a little tricky at the beginning of the year.</p>
<p>one that's not as overwhelming as regular orientation, ]]</p>
<p>Here's the best part, moving in early with zero, zip nada, crowds and all the heads of new students (HONS) to yourself to help you cope with the stairs and
lug-z-luggage.</p>
<p>"When possible, and in most cases, we will be able to give you a key to your permanent room when you arrive for pre-orientation so you can move everything into your permanent room except what"</p>