Core and BUCOP Q's

Colleges and Universities A-Z Boston University
1

<p>I’m at a complete crossroads at this point in choosing classes.</p>

<p>I’ll be a freshman in COM on the journalism major track. I was interested in BU because of its Core Curriculum.</p>

<p>I was attracted to the study of the Great Books and the fusion between those and the sciences. Now as I’m reading the description over and over, I’m having second thoughts.</p>

<p>Is Core a fit for me? In school, I’m usually somewhat detached during most classes. I wasn’t enthusiastic in high school. My GPA is a B+; the grades I receive in particular subjects vary wildly. I don’t exactly have a favorite subject - I’ve gotten C’s and A’s in math, science, english and language. </p>

<p>I guess since Core seems most similar to an English class, I should say that during most English classes, I don’t follow along with the reading. I don’t read outside class or even during circle readings in classes, and because of that, I do horrible on tests. When it comes time to do the essay, I come around and read the novel on my own and write a paper that dumbfounds the teacher who then praises it. For example, by the end of The Great Gatsby, I had no idea what was going on…I didn’t know the characters, but when I read it I found something extraordinary to me and the teacher ended up talking about the paper to the class and making copies. </p>

<p>This didn’t change me; the next year in a different course with the same teacher (who’s a bit ‘far out’ compared to a normal teacher) I still failed on a test but ended up doing an exceptional paper. I don’t want to sound arrogant, but I think I can ‘see’ the ‘greater message’ in works like Shakespeare than the usual banter that occurs between the talkative or even studious/passionate students in class discussions.</p>

<p>So is Core for me? Will Core be filled with students who love English classes and bad poems? Students who talk too much? Teachers that want you to agree with them?</p>

<p>How intensive or rigorous is the course? The list of books is huge: <a href=“http://www.bu.edu/core/about/books.htm[/url]”>http://www.bu.edu/core/about/books.htm</a> Will I be working significantly harder than a fellow COM student who takes a fun astronomy course for their liberal education requirements? Will I have time to work at the WTBU?</p>

<p>A second part question I’m asking is about BUCOP. I was also thinking about doing a double degree in journalism and Political Science (though neither of these will be directly related to what my career will be…if all goes well)…so should I just skip Core completely so I can take both the COM and Political Science Intro courses during freshman/sophomore years, as to have less hassle for the future?</p>

<p>So…
1)Core for Me?
2) How intense is Core? free time to work on personal projects, radio, sports, etc
3) Skip Core for BUCOP?</p>

<p>Thanks a lot for reading and answering, if you can. Really in a confused state right now.</p>

2

<p>uh I was thinking about taking Core too, but I'm also in COM, so I think by taking Core it'll basically make you unable to take any other courses as you'll have to take the 2 core's every semester and the required courses for COM.</p>

3

<p>Personally, I haven't done CORE. But I know some people that enjoy it. My friends say it's really easy and helps you complete general requirements quicker. Anyway, you can try CORE for a semester, and if you don't like it, you can drop out. You might be doing a lot of writing if you're in COM and CORE though. I say, give it a try because you can always switch out.</p>

4

<p>i thought only CAS students did core?</p>

5

<p>yeeeeah. Core is only for CAS. I've seen a lot of students outside of CAS thinking they can take Core. Maybe BU isn't being clear about this?</p>

6

<p>"A second part question I'm asking is about BUCOP. I was also thinking about doing a double degree in journalism and Political Science (though neither of these will be directly related to what my career will be...if all goes well)..."</p>

<p>My S is a CAS political science major getting a dual degree in public relations through BUCOP. Because of AP credits in the government/poli sci area he was able to place out of several intro poli sci courses, which helps tremendously because there are so many required COM courses for BUCOP--- as expected. He found that he had to add some extra gen ed classes required by the PR major; for example, he had to take an English class and a philosophy class that poli sci didn't require.</p>

<p>You can't apply for BUCOP until sophomore year. Take a close look at the requirements for both majors and see it it's doable within four years.</p>

7

<p>It says it on the website: <a href="http://www.bu.edu/core/about/about.htm%5B/url%5D"&gt;http://www.bu.edu/core/about/about.htm&lt;/a>

[quote]
All incoming freshmen in the College of Arts and Sciences are eligible to enroll in the Core Curriculum. However, enrollment in the Core is limited. Students in the College of Communication, School of Management, and certain other Colleges at Boston University are also eligible to apply. Contact the advising office at your College for more information on your eligibility.</p>

<p>Admission to the Core is on a first-come, first-served basis. You may register for the Core at one of the freshmen Summer Orientation sessions offered in June and July or by telephone between mid-June and late August. Core faculty advisors will be present at all Summer Orientation sessions and available by telephone as well. You can contact us at the Core Office at 617-353-5404 or by e-mail at <a href="mailto:core@bu.edu">core@bu.edu</a>.

[/quote]
</p>

<p>So COM students can apply, it's just limited.</p>

<p>CORE is a TON of reading. All the people I know that took CORE are now super nerdy about it. Basically, because everyone is taking the same thing, it turns into a great group bonding thing.</p>