Sunday, April 29, 2007

What classes you should take

Students frequently ask what classes they should take. “What are the best classes?” This is a both an easy and difficult question to answer.

  • Take as many classes as you can that you are interested in. The more you are interested in them, the better you will do (all else being equal). Why would you take a class that you’re not interested in? I would hope that you would be taking classes to prepare you for the world, and possibly for your work life. And if you think it’s fun to have a job when you don’t enjoy what you’re doing, then you need to talk to more people who have jobs.
  • Take as many classes as you can from professors who are extremely passionate about their class. Even if you’re not completely enamored with the material, it’s almost always fun to take a class from someone who really loves the material and passes on that love to you. Those were some of my best classes (when I was sitting in a room as a student).

Yes, sometimes you will have to take “required” classes, and these aren’t always the most fun. But look for a professor who really loves the class (if you have a choice), and hop on for the ride. Might as well make the most of it.

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