By: Dr. Armãndo R. Tolliver | MENTOR | August 11, 2011
As college freshman, one of the most widely misunderstood concepts about a major’s curriculum is why students should have to take courses that have nothing to do with their major. It is a question that has been asked for years. Many students are concerned with the value of a class that does not directly contribute to their ultimate career choice. For example, what good is a history class for Biology major?
Have you ever been in a science class and your teacher didn’t know much in math or language arts? How did that make you feel about your teacher? For most students this would have created a problem. The student would probably think that their teacher is uneducated. Or take this, what about an instructor who is trying to teach you something they do not have the slightest clue about. Did this leave you lost in the process and also make you wonder about your teacher’s ability to teach. Sure, we have all felt this way at one time or another while in school.
Most important, however, is to remember these instances when taking your courses. These courses are not set up to simply throw you off track; they are set up to prepare you with aspects of subjects abroad. Besides, you are not taking real in depth courses in these off track subjects. It is always great to know about other things just in case you encounter with them.
Today, we live in a society that the lives of the average person are predestined. We should overcome all obstacles and never settle for the cards given to us. You must be one of the team’s most aggressive competitors and conquer all that is within reach. If many people were to take courses that only dealt with their major, yes they would be well informed for that particular content, but they would remain ignorant to anything outside of that in the event something comes their way.
In life there are overall and immediate outcomes. You should always be concerned with where is this taking me. Sometimes what you see at first is not what you will see in the end. Visualize this you are walking downtown trying to find a bus stop that returns to school. There are two roads one leads directly to a bus stop and the other leads to a road where the stop is a fourth of a mile away. You decide to take the first choice. One you get to the stop you wait about three minutes before the next bus arrives. After catching the bus you soon realize that this bus returns to the terminal, and you must catch another bus to go directly to the school. You recognize that the bus you have to catch is the same bus that you chose not to ride in the first place. Although this was a route to get back to the school, if you had just taken the time to walk an extra block or two you would have gone directly back to the school.
They say that history is known to repeat itself, and we should know where we come from. So where is the harm in taking a history class? In working problems in science, you often use numerous mathematical equations to find solutions. How much would it hurt you to take a math course? When a doctor writes a diagnosis sheet he or she has to write where it is properly understood or he or she will end up in court for malpractice. How hard is it to learn how to write? Take an extra English class.
Given these examples, the philosophy that one tract schedule is a way to success, is completely false. It is impossible to be compatible in today’s society if one does not have a large range of knowledge in several subjects. Now, take a look again at this scenario, what is the importance of a history class for Biology major. Learn to focus more on the overall outcome of situations and not the immediate.
Suggested Citation
Tolliver, Armãndo. (2011). Freshman buzz: Man, why do I have to take all these extra classes. [Education Project Online]. Retrieved online at http://www.educationprojectonline.com/2011/08/freshman-buzz-man-why-do-i-have-to-take.html
2 comments:
I love this! I am taking a communications class but I am a biochemistry and molecular bio major. I will need those communications skills!!
This article is so true. As both a college student and a career professional, I can personally say that it takes much more than pure content to be successful in your given career path, especially in today's fast-paced environment. Being able to communicate effectively is always a must, the very things english and writing classes enhance. Being innovative and strategic is also a must, the very things course in both science and math promote.
Post a Comment