Discussion Overview
The discussion revolves around the foreign language requirements for physics majors at four-year colleges, particularly in relation to transferring from a community college. Participants explore whether such requirements are typical across institutions and how they might affect a student's decision to switch majors.
Discussion Character
- Debate/contested
- Conceptual clarification
- Meta-discussion
Main Points Raised
- One participant expresses confusion about the foreign language requirement at UMass and whether it is common among four-year colleges for physics or engineering majors.
- Another participant suggests that not all colleges have a foreign language requirement and mentions that many have dropped it over the years.
- There is a suggestion that the foreign language requirement may not be necessary for obtaining a bachelor's degree in engineering according to ABET standards.
- A participant questions the importance of deciding a major based on a foreign language requirement, proposing that it could be viewed as an opportunity rather than a burden.
- Concerns are raised about the math requirements for physics, emphasizing the need for calculus and differential equations, and the likelihood of needing a postgraduate degree for employment in the field.
- Participants discuss the possibility of contacting local four-year schools to find out about their specific requirements.
- One participant notes that schools typically provide this information on their websites.
- It is mentioned that a year of foreign language is a common general education requirement at many universities.
Areas of Agreement / Disagreement
Participants do not reach a consensus on whether all four-year colleges require a foreign language for physics majors, with some asserting it is common while others suggest it is not universally applicable. The discussion remains unresolved regarding the implications of these requirements on major selection.
Contextual Notes
Participants express varying levels of concern about the foreign language requirement and its impact on their academic plans, indicating a lack of clarity about specific institutional policies and the potential for differing requirements among schools.