Classes other than math and physics

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Discussion Overview

The discussion revolves around the experiences and attitudes of students towards classes outside of math and physics, particularly focusing on subjects like psychology, humanities, and other general education requirements. Participants share their thoughts on engagement, interest, and the perceived value of these courses.

Discussion Character

  • Debate/contested
  • Conceptual clarification
  • Exploratory

Main Points Raised

  • Some participants express boredom with non-STEM classes, feeling they cannot focus as well as they do in math and physics.
  • Others argue that all classes contribute to a broader skill set necessary for personal and professional development.
  • A participant suggests that a change in attitude towards these classes could enhance engagement and learning outcomes.
  • Some find value in completely non-scientific classes, enjoying the opportunity to disconnect analytical thinking and appreciate different forms of expression.
  • There are suggestions to explore elective options that may align more closely with personal interests, such as history of science or philosophy of science.
  • A participant notes that the perception of being forced to take certain classes can negatively impact enjoyment and engagement.
  • One participant shares a positive outcome after changing their attitude, achieving a high test score in a previously disliked class.

Areas of Agreement / Disagreement

Participants generally express a mix of opinions, with some finding non-STEM classes boring while others appreciate their value. There is no consensus on the necessity or relevance of these classes, and the discussion remains unresolved regarding the best approach to engaging with them.

Contextual Notes

Some participants highlight the importance of understanding the broader educational goals of college, which may not always align with immediate career training. There are also mentions of varying levels of interest and engagement depending on the subject matter.

462chevelle
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does anyone find classes boring that aren't related to math and physics. like right now I am taking psych and it seems like I can't focus when I study like I can with math or physics. right now I have an 86. and I want to at least maintain a 4.0 my first 2 years of college. for when I get some bs later on. I can tells classes like computer ap and public speaking are going to bore me to death. any advice on studying these kinds of subjects?
 
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No, I found my other classes interesting as well as my physics and math classes. I liked to learn in general. Not to mention that's where I learned my research, writing, and communications skills, all necessary skills for scientists. Advise? Figure out why you're taking those classes in the first place. It's for overarching skill sets you need to develop.
 
right, that makes sense. I guess I just need to change my attitude. I just feel like some of the classes I am going to have to take like music type classes. are just a waste of time off work or money. nothing I can do about taking them though
 
My roommate described it best, I think. If you get deep enough in a subject, try hard enough, you will find the deepness of understanding reveals patterns that a casual apathy would not. Physics and math are intensely analytic, but in a way simpler than the softer subjects. There's always an answer and a pretty straightforward interpretation, or so it seems. If you can handle math and physics imagine what insights you could have in psychology, imagine what perspective you can elucidate in your public speaking classes. You have absolutely nothing to lose by mastering classes you are not interested in. Being well rounded does not dull your edge.
 
I found I like classes that are *completely* removed from science, like sculpture or dance. I could just disconnect my analytical thinking and enjoy them for what they are.
 
I love classes that aren't math or physics. I'm a person with very diverse interests though. I took intro to the humanities last semester, which was basically a technical art analysis course. It was fascinating, and I'll definitely never look at art the same way. I've found that I have a really deep interest in sociology, and I'm really excited about the two anthropology courses I'm taking next year. I love my GenEd's. You've just got to research all of your options and find the ones that appeal to you.

A lot of people share your feeling, in that their GenEd's are irrelevant, and don't matter in the long run. The point of college though, is not to train you for a career. The point is to educate you, and that education involves a broad range.
 
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Couldn't agree more. Knowledge is a beautiful asset.
 
462chevelle said:
right, that makes sense. I guess I just need to change my attitude. I just feel like some of the classes I am going to have to take like music type classes. are just a waste of time off work or money. nothing I can do about taking them though

Yes there is.

Once you're out of the standard high school curriculum, your education is in your own hands. You choose the institution you attend for post-secondary education - if any. You chose the program you take. You chose the electives within that program.

It's important to remember this. No one's forcing you to take these courses.

Of course you're not going to enjoy a course if you feel like it's being forced on you. So try to take on the point of view that you've chosen that course as a part of the package deal.

Another thing that helps is to really maximize these options. If you have to take a humanities elective, what about a history of science, or science and religion course. If you have a chance to take a philosophy of science, that can be real challenge if they really get into logic. Arts courses don't have to be confined to music. You mentioned a public speaking course... this can be invaluable for someone in academia. Just about all academic job interviews involve giving some kind of presentation. Or what about learning another language? You may not enjoy it, but it might open up some doors for you down the road.
 
thanks. guys ill try to keep a more open mind and have a better attitude about the other classes. I guess its not the end of the world taking classes like that. I guess the other day I was just upset about the grade I have from lack of interest.
 
  • #10
just wanted to update. just changing my attitude of the class I got a 104 on my test today. thanks for the advice.
 
  • #11
Nice! Good job!

Having a positive attitude can make all the difference in the world. As others have said, you shouldn't view it as something you're being forced to do. As college students, we've all made the choice to go to college. Taking classes that aren't part of your primary field of study are just part of the package.
 
  • #12
462chevelle said:
does anyone find classes boring that aren't related to math and physics.

Some yes and some no.


like right now I am taking psych and it seems like I can't focus when I study like I can with math or physics. right now I have an 86. and I want to at least maintain a 4.0 my first 2 years of college. for when I get some bs later on. I can tells classes like computer ap and public speaking are going to bore me to death. any advice on studying these kinds of subjects?

The lectures of some courses outside of math & physics (and other sciences) can seem imprecise. You should and can organize what you study from these other classes, especially since the math and physics forces you to handle highly systematic and organized information, sometimes expecting you yourself to study how something is organized. Other than just the non-scientific material, you have the opportunity to find how other people, the non-scientific types, think and how they not think or how they think differently than your scientific peers.

Just try an introductory economics course some time after two or three or four years of hardcore sciences and mathematics. Just a simple linear graph is difficult for some of your fellow students there. This is rare stuff for them; but no problem for you
 

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