
I am thrilled to welcome you to the First-Year Writing Program at Northeastern. I trust your First-Year Writing course will provide you with unique and meaningful writing experiences that will bolster your confidence in and appreciation for writing in a variety of contexts.
No matter which version of First-Year Writing you take, you’ll meet shared learning goals and work with experienced writing professors who prioritize the writing process in workshop-style classes. You’ll explore genre-based writing for a variety of audiences, writing not only with words but in multimodal genres where you may create podcasts, photo essays, video projects, comics, or digital narratives.
Most notably, you will have a great deal of choice in what you write about, connecting your writing to personal and practical experiences, and developing meaningful skills to communicate your ideas not only in college but in a number of situations and environments, including professional settings.
First-Year Writing (ENGW1111) is just one of a few course options that fulfill the First-Year Writing Requirement, so be sure to discuss these versions with your advisor—we want you to join the course that best suits your learning style, goals, and interests:
- Multilingual Writing (ENGW1102). If you speak English as an additional language or you did not attend an English-speaking or international high school, First-Year Writing for Multilingual Writers is likely the best choice for you. In this course, you’ll develop comprehensive writing projects with the support of a multilingual writing community.
- Service-Learning (ENGW1114). Are you interested in supporting Northeastern organizations or the local Boston community while fulfilling your First-Year Writing requirement? Enroll in First-Year Writing with Service-Learning and you’ll learn with a class whose writing and research serves a local community partner.
In addition to a discussion with your advisor prior to registration, you will also go through a process of Guided Self-Placement to choose the setting that best suits your goals and learning style.
Once again, I am delighted you’re taking one of our First-Year Writing courses. As you explore your options, please do not hesitate to contact me at d.metzger@northeastern.edu with any questions.
Warmly,
Dan Metzger
Director of First-Year Writing

-
Type of Program
- Undergraduate Program
-
Course Catalog
-
Additional Resources