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ENWR 1510 Writing and Critical Inquiry
Last taught: Fall 2026 Add to Schedule
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Review Summary Updated April 05, 2026

Expect a flexible, supportive classroom where deadlines are reasonable, emails get answered fast, and built-in revision opportunities make the writing process manageable. The workload focuses on a few short assignments and a handful of quizzes that feel easy unless you miss questions, though group work can drag and the grading criteria aren't always transparent. Most students finish in the B to A- range since the grading is stricter than it initially appears, meaning you’ll need consistent effort rather than coasting. Take this for a welcoming, discussion-heavy environment that actually improves your writing, but skip it if you’re looking for an effortless easy A or a heavily lecture-based format.

6 Reviews

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Spring 2026
4.3
Average

This class is not your typical ENWR, but in the best way. It is a class that isn't focused on class readings and your standard structured essay. This class is about writing proposals, which happen to be 1500 words minimum, which may seem daunting but without all of the structured material, it's such an easy task. there are like 5 quizzes, but are relatively easy select all/mutiple choice questions where he gives you a sentence/paragraph and you dissect it on the stuff you have been learning (Syntax, readability, etc.) I am someone who is very shy and doesn't have a lot of confidence when it comes to my academics, D'Errico is the sweetest guy ever, he always encourages your voice and every time I do well he is so proud! Only con is he can be a little bit vague on new terms and things since its not your typical English class

Instructor 5.0
Enjoyability 3.0
Recommend 5.0
Difficulty 2.0
Hours/Week 2.0
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Spring 2025
5.0
Average

Professor D'Errico's Writing and Critical Inquiry course was one of the most engaging and intellectually rewarding classes I’ve taken at UVA. His teaching style is supportive, clear, and discussion-oriented, which really helped foster a strong learning environment. As an international student, I found ENWR 1510 with Professor D'Errico to be incredibly impactful, not just academically, but personally as well. From the very beginning, he created a welcoming and supportive classroom environment where every student’s voice felt valued. Throughout the course, he helped me develop my inner self by encouraging deeper reflection, self-expression, and confidence in my writing. His thoughtful feedback on essays pushed me to think critically and write with purpose, while still allowing room for creativity. BEST ENWR PROFESSOR!

Instructor 5.0
Enjoyability 5.0
Recommend 5.0
Difficulty 3.0
Hours/Week 4.0
Spring 2022
4.0
Average

Professor D’Errico is one of the nicest professors I’ve had at UVA so far. As other reviewers have mentioned, he’s super flexible about due dates and would almost always give extensions when asked. He responds to emails really quickly, and also let us retake our lowest quiz grade. You can tell he really cares about his students and wants them to succeed. Class itself could get boring at times, but he tried his best to keep things interesting. There is a lot of group work during class, which got a little frustrating because my classmates weren’t the most helpful. He gives 5 quizzes which is unusual for an ENWR, but they weren’t very difficult. The amount of writing is also pretty light, and there’s plenty of opportunities for revision and feedback due to the class structure. Most people end up with somewhere from a B to an A-, so while it’s not an easy A, it’s definitely attainable if you put in a little effort. Overall I highly recommend taking class with Professor D’Errico because he’s such a genuinely kind and interesting person.

Instructor 5.0
Enjoyability 3.0
Recommend 4.0
Difficulty 2.0
Hours/Week 2.0
Fall 2020
3.3
Average

I was hesitant about this class because of the mixed reviews, but I was pleasantly surprised to find that D'Errico was so so sweet and very down to earth. He is very flexible and almost always asks if the due dates he picks are reasonable. Also, he is very good about responding to emails quickly. Class can be boring, but I think any ENWR class would be since there isn't much content to lecture. There are several quizzes you take which most students get a B to A range on, but he also let you take a makeup quiz to replace your lowest quiz grade. There was only one essay and several short writing assignments, so it was not a work heavy class. I finished with an A- and I believe most students had either a B+ or an A-. Overall I would recommend this class if you want something that focuses on several short writing assignments instead of a few long writing assignments.

Instructor 4.0
Enjoyability 3.0
Recommend 3.0
Difficulty 3.0
Hours/Week 2.0
Fall 2019
1.7
Average

My advice is to choose another ENWR class. The issue in the class isn't necessarily the difficulty but more not knowing what is needed in order to succeed. Don't let the Avg. GPA fool you, in our current class which has a decent sample size ( roughly 20 students), we will likely have a class average of a B or maybe a B+. He is a professor so it's hard to argue with him as professors are allowed to teach this course in whatever unique way they deem fit. Choose a TA as they will likely be more chill with grading as they are also students. Aside from the course, he is a cool guy.

Instructor 2.0
Enjoyability 2.0
Recommend 1.0
Difficulty 4.0
Hours/Week 3.0
Fall 2016
4.3
Average

This class was awesome because it was about Rock n' Roll. I literally wrote both of my papers on two of my favorite songs. Pretty dope.

I thought it was going to be very easy at first, but I was wrong as D'Errico grades pretty harshly. His quizzes have like 5 questions, so if you miss one you're screwed. Despite that, I would say that I learned a lot about writing.

D'Errico is an awesome dude. He's the kind of guy you'd wanna bro-out with and play poker with all night. He's got a sophisticated, witty sense of humor that makes classes fun. But some days are boring just because all you talk about is writing, but what do you expect.

Not an easy A at all, but a pretty fun class. Would recommend.

Instructor 5.0
Enjoyability 4.0
Recommend 4.0
Difficulty 4.0
Hours/Week 8.0
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