<p>Hi, I’m a high school senior accepted to Bard EA. I really like the school, but one of my main concerns is the Citizen Science program; science is by far my least favorite subject (I chose not to take a science this year to double up in social sciences and I just love school so much more now that science isn’t a part of my day) so the idea of spending weeks in a purely science curriculum is a huge turnoff to me, plus I’m a bit worried about it because I’m not great at science, mainly because I hate it (so I’m not too worried about passing but I’m concerned about the amount of work it’ll require- I’m fine with working hard on subjects that interest me but the idea of working my butt off for something that I really don’t care for just makes me sad). If there are any Bard students on here who have been through the program, what’s it like? Is it difficult for people with strengths outside the sciences, and do people who aren’t into science find it ok? I’d love to hear any details or opinions anyone has to share since I’m just a little concerned about how the program would go for me.
Thanks so much for any help you can give :)</p>
<p>You don’t really have to worry about it that much because it is not graded and doesn’t count for any credit. The curriculum also encompasses a lot more than just the hard sciences, which makes it relevant to pretty much anyone. Last year, for example, the topic was infectious disease, so the program covered related sociological, economical, and scientific issues. Overall, it is a really fun and interesting program.</p>
<p>And also, it wouldn’t hurt to try to find some way to enjoy science, seeing as how it will be an ever increasingly part of our lives.</p>
<p>It’s my impression that Citizen Science is meant for people just like you. It introduces topics in a creative way that gets people motivated to want to know more. My daughter’s going through it right now and seems to be having a good time.</p>
<p>Awesome, thanks! @gnartrek: that’s a good point but trust me I’ve tried, and it’s just not my thing. I’ve figured out that I’m pretty good with abstract concepts but when it comes to physical workings I have much more trouble, so for scientific-type things my brain often just shuts down. Guess that’s a reason the class might be a good idea though :)</p>
<p>I’m going through it now and would second most of what everyone else has said. As far as work it’s 3.5-4.5 hours of class a day and there have been 4 hour long lectures we’re recommended to go to. The amount of homework varies from almost nothing to several readings a night depending on your teacher. The readings vary from scientific papers (some easy to understand some less so) to narratives to news articles. But it’s not at all overwhelming and I’m enjoying having the extra time to hang out with friends. It’s definitely geared towards people who aren’t into sciences and includes social issues and other ways to look at science. We’ve seen several TED talks in class. In my class, tomorrow we’re debating if infecting someone with AIDS should be a criminal offense or not. Last year the main complaint was that it was too easy and they made it more difficult. I would say the difficulty level varies in the readings and activities.</p>
<p>Citizen Science was implemented the year after I started Bard but it’s about getting students like you who aren’t good at/don’t enjoy science to understand its dialogue. You WILL have to take a science with lab in order to graduate from Bard along with this program. But I look at CS as the counterpart to Learning & Thinking (L&T), one focuses on the humanities, the other focuses on science. The program just shows Bard’s commitment to the liberal arts. Honestly, I kind of wish it was around when I started at Bard (and I’m by no means a science person).</p>
<p>Ok, this is all great to hear, thanks so much to everyone who has helped out! It’s not completely ideal (I think I have more of a problem with the lab science requirement, mostly because we only get the chance to take 32 classes so I’d rather spend them all on classes that I’m interested in…) but it definitely won’t be a dealbreaker, and Bard is still high on my list! :)</p>
<p>EDIT: I just read through some science courses and it seems like a lot of them are designed for nonscience people which is really nice! I think I can be ok with this…</p>
<p>I was going to comment that a lot of the science courses are geared towards nonmajors because most people at Bard aren’t there for math and science. And there are also ways “around” it like, taking a class that’s cross-listed as something else that counts (my brother took a Chinese lit course for his language requirement, for example).</p>