Calc II Honors: How Different from Standard?

  • Thread starter Thread starter Apost8
  • Start date Start date
  • Tags Tags
    Calculus Honors
Click For Summary

Discussion Overview

The discussion centers around the differences between an Honors section and a standard section of Calculus II, exploring aspects such as class size, teaching style, and personal motivations for enrolling in an Honors course.

Discussion Character

  • Exploratory
  • Debate/contested
  • Conceptual clarification

Main Points Raised

  • Some participants suggest that the differences between Honors and standard sections depend largely on the professor's teaching style and the specific course structure.
  • One participant notes that their experience in an Honors Calculus III course involved additional discussion sessions, implying that the Honors course may offer more interactive learning opportunities.
  • Concerns are raised about the small class size of 5 students for the Honors section, with some questioning the reasons for such a low enrollment.
  • Another participant shares their experience of attending a class with only 2 students, suggesting that smaller classes can lead to more engaging discussions.
  • There is a suggestion that students should consult their current calculus professor or the instructor of the Honors section to gain insights into the course's rigor and expectations.
  • One participant expresses skepticism about the term "Mickey Mouse course," indicating that perceptions of course difficulty can vary widely among students.

Areas of Agreement / Disagreement

Participants do not reach a consensus on the nature of the Honors course, with differing opinions on its rigor and value. Some express enthusiasm for the smaller class size, while others remain skeptical about the course's quality.

Contextual Notes

Limitations include the subjective nature of what constitutes an "Honors" course, as well as the variability in teaching styles and course content across different professors.

Who May Find This Useful

Students considering enrolling in an Honors Calculus II course, particularly those unfamiliar with the differences between standard and Honors classes.

Apost8
Messages
48
Reaction score
0
In general, how much different is an Honors section from a standard section? I have the option of registering for Calc II Honors next semester; however, I've never taken an Honors level class before so I'm a little hesitant.
 
Physics news on Phys.org
ApostS, it all depends on the professor. I took honors calc 3, but he taught the same material for calc III regular but an hour a week a group of us would meet and discuss problems he wanted to discuss.

It was the easiest honors and the only honors I've taken. I took it because I thought it might look good but really, if you only take 1 honors course it doesn't matter.

But if your taking it for the material because you find calculus too easy, not because it might look good on a resume, then i suggest you do take it.

Also if you in honors already your required to take Honor classes.
 
Apparently, this class only has a total of 5 seats, whereas the standard Calc II has ~30.
 
A class for 5 people? I'm skeptical of why that's so low. As for the differences, maybe you should talk to your current calc prof. or the one who's teaching the honors section.
 
If the school is small it maybe that big, i know when i was at penn state dubois, the number of engineering majors were so low, that i was the only person in EE210, and i was with one other student in CSE 271/275 i see your from PSU too, w00t.
 
Since it is only 5 people, you are sure to have an interesting class (Reed has a couple classes with only 2 people and the professor, and they are very interesting (I got to sit in on one before)).

And besides a little more rigor in calculus is not going to hurt you much.

I would jump on it, but if you are still not sure, find out what book you use and see if you can read the first chapter without wanting to scream.
 
these questions can only be answered by your prof. one mans honors cousre is another mans mickey mouse cousre or anothers back busting analsis intro.
 
Mickey Mouse course? Sounds like fun. I hope there're enough seats for Zz.
 
Thanks for all the input. I'm going to talk to someone in the Math Dept. about it and see what they think.
 

Similar threads

  • · Replies 4 ·
Replies
4
Views
4K
  • · Replies 4 ·
Replies
4
Views
2K
  • · Replies 14 ·
Replies
14
Views
5K
  • · Replies 6 ·
Replies
6
Views
2K
  • · Replies 4 ·
Replies
4
Views
2K
  • · Replies 10 ·
Replies
10
Views
4K
  • · Replies 5 ·
Replies
5
Views
2K
  • · Replies 1 ·
Replies
1
Views
2K
  • · Replies 4 ·
Replies
4
Views
2K
  • · Replies 8 ·
Replies
8
Views
2K