Hello! I’m an incoming freshman to UCLA, and was wondering what classes I should take as an English major. My orientation is coming up, so I’d appreciate some scheduling advice. I’m considering taking GE 70: Evolution of the Cosmos and Life, since science is one of my weakest spots, and I’d love to be done with my science GEs by sophomore year. However, I’ve also read that English majors should try to fulfill their prereqs as soon as possible. Should I take English 4W/4HW, and then complete the 10 series? In that case, I’d probably take individual science GEs instead of a cluster, but it’s tempting to knock out all my science GEs in a class in a year.
So…what would you guys recommend? I’m also planning to apply to the Communication Studies Major at the end of freshman year, so I’d be double-majoring in English and CS. My freshman year first quarter schedule would ideally consist of a class that fulfills an English requirement, one that fulfills a CS req, and a GE (that ties in with English or CS). Any suggestions? Thanks!
English 10 is the weeder sequence for English majors. Take 4HW first, and make sure you take a light load when taking English 10–preferably the minimum. You will be doing a LOT of reading.
I’ve heard mixed things about clusters (I wasn’t in one myself), including some that might be a lot of work/reading. If you don’t go that route there are classes like LS 15, Physics 10, Psych 15, Astro 5, Stats 10, MCDB 50 among others that people take, you’ve got lots of options.
I’m a transfer, so while I haven’t taken the 10 series, I did take a similar series at my CC (I’m an English major as well). It was a lot of reading, and definitely very helpful for the rest of my literature classes, so I’d recommend taking it before you take too many other lit classes–it really helped me understand a lot of allusions and techniques in later readings. I’ve heard that the 10 series at UCLA is supposed to be very reading-intensive, and I know that my own series was the same way, so I’d take that into consideration.
Thanks so much guys! I’ll sign up for 4W/4HW first quarter, and go from there. Does anyone know what the difference is between 4W and 4HW? I know honors is harder, but is it better/more worth it? Also, on the class planner, some 4W classes are full, but 4HW still has 20 out of 20 spots open…why is that?
The course info says:
Consent of Department/Instructor Restriction: Consent of Department Required
Notes: For English 4HW seating is prioritized for current College Honors students who are encouraged to sign up by visiting the English Undergraduate Offices in 158/160 Humanities Building or calling (310) 825-1389. Other students may obtain seats after all interested College Honors students have been accommodated.