<p>Currently, I am trying to decide what class to take for my first semester at Barnard and I was wondering if you guys could help me. What were some of your favorite classes at Barnard? (parent’s input also appreciated) </p>
<p>Also does anyone know if the Dance Composition class with M. Cochran (DNCE BC 2563x and y Dance Composition: Form) requires students to actually dance? (dont judge me!)</p>
<p>I can’t say for sure which classes were my daughter’s favorites at Barnard, but I can tell you that one she took rather reluctantly ended up literally changing her life. Specifically, she took intro to Psych her first semester simply because Psych seemed to her to be the “least scienc-y” (my term) of the sciences that would meet the required two semesters of lab science, and she had to take the intro course first. At the time, the thought of taking any sort of advanced chemistry or biology was very, very remote to her. It was in that intro to Psych course, though, that she “discovered” the field of neuroscience. After that, she took EXTRA courses in cell bio, bio-chemestry, organic chemistry, and even extra math!!! </p>
<p>My point is that you never know what class you are going to fall in love with!! I am excited for you to begin at Barnard and I hope you will stick around here to advise others and share your experiences! </p>
<p>Oh, and I am pretty sure you will need to dance in Mary Chochran’s dance composition class. You do know that you can “shop” classes the first couple of weeks to see if they are a good fit for you, right? That works pretty well for the different levels of the various dance classes. My d started Barnard with the idea of possibly double majoring in dance and English, and she continued dancing through her four years there. She did not quite meet the double major requirements for dance, though…too busy with science!</p>
<p>Determind, you can get detailed information about most classes and profs at [CULPA</a> - Columbia Underground Listing of Professor Ability](<a href=“http://www.culpa.info/]CULPA”>http://www.culpa.info/)</p>
<p>Determind, CULPA is a good resource to be taken with a grain of salt. Some professors I’ve had are reviewed contrary to my opinion; some are not reviewed at all. That does not mean they are insignificant. Some reviews are thoughtful and accurate. Don’t be totally scared by a class or a professor with negative reviews. None of my classes in the year that I’ve been at Barnard were catastrophic, if that’s of any comfort.</p>
<p>In terms of my favorite classes and professors, here goes: I took my First Year English class with a guy named Eugene Vydrin. The class was Legacy of the Mediterranean. I know you can’t pick FYE first semester based on professor (at least I don’t think so), but if you see an opportunity to take a class with this guy, DO IT. He is brilliant, very excited about his work, respects his students immensely and is very supportive. He also creates a relaxed environment, which is nice.</p>
<p>I also loved North American Art and Culture with Elizabeth Hutchinson. Professor Hutchinson can be a bit intense, giving you a million pages of notes per class, but I found the class fascinating. She is very knowledgeable and nice in her own kind of formal way.</p>
<p>There are more, but those were the two standout one of the year. So ask around. Plus, you never know. You might like a class or professor your friend hates. College is a very individualized experience in this way.</p>
<p>Have fun (picking classes always is) and good luck!!</p>