Placement Surveys
These required surveys cover topics that you probably studied in high school.
First-Year Writing Seminar
First-Year Writing Seminars (FYWS) are small classes (16 students max) that meet twice a week.
For many people, they are also one of the most memorable academic experiences of your four years at Bowdoin.
In your seminar, you’ll learn what’s expected of Bowdoin-level writing and research, have opportunities for feedback and peer review, and familiarize yourself with the libraries and other college resources.
- All incoming first year students are required to enroll in one First-Year Writing Seminar.
- You should have 3–5 favorites, it is likely that you will not get your first choice.
- You should pick something because it sounds interesting, or weird, or new, and not because it might align with your possible major or minor.
STOP AND WATCH:
The First-Year Writing Seminar at Bowdoin
Seriously, check out a few of these awesome topics:
- Weapons of the Weak
- Personal Identity
- Exercises in Political Theory
- Writing and Generative AI
- The Art of Sportswriting
- Modernity at Sea
- Experimental Music
- America in the World
To browse the entire list for the fall semester:
- Log into Workday.
- In the search bar at the top, type BOW STU FIND COURSE SECTION, and select Fall 2025.
- Under "Course Tags", select Writing Courses: (FYWS) First-Year Writing Seminar.
- Click each course title for more information.
And don't forget what we said up top:
- You should have 3–5 favorites, it is likely that you will not get your first choice.
Up next: Learn about requirements for your first semester, and the seven semesters after that one.
Get started with placements »
First-Year Writing Seminar
Your fascinating introduction to college-level writing.
Requirements
What you need to complete a successful first semester, and then an amazing four years.
Registration and Advising
Selecting your courses, and then what comes next.