<p>I know that Columbia has one of the stricter Core Curriculums, which, I believe includes courses in Art, Music,etc. What do you guys know about it? I'd especially like to hear from students that go to Columbia or are applying to Columbia because I will likely apply next year. For those of you that go there, could you tell me whether or not you like it and how it affected your decision to go there? I just wanted to hear first-hand about it before I visit.</p>
<p>Have you investigated the core online? You asked what students know about it......you can be more specific by looking up the core and then asking specific questions. As to affecting the decision......I decided against Columbia because of the core and the difficulty of writing honors thesis in more than one department.
[quote]
**Classes</p>
<p>The Core Curriculum consists of the following specific classes:</p>
<pre><code>* Humanities C1001-C1002: Masterpieces of Western literature and philosophy
*Contemporary Civilization C1101-C1102: Introduction to contemporary civilization
*Humanities C1121: Masterpieces of Western art
*Humanities C1123: Masterpieces of Western music
*English C1007: University Writing
*Science C1000: Frontiers of Science
</code></pre>
<p>In addition, there are foreign language and physical education requirements, as well as distribution courses in science and non-Western cultures.
[/quote]
**</p>
<p>Yeah I read about it online, I guess I really only want to know what people thought about it and whether it influenced any decisions. Thanks for your input, it seems to me like the Core would be a large factor in decision. I'm not sure whether I like it or not, but hopefully I'll get a better sense from this thread and actually visiting.</p>
<p>The Core is popular with everyone but current students.</p>
<p>hmm does that mean that current students don't enjoy core as much?</p>
<p>i think the core is great actually and i prefer it , especially compared to brown, which has no curr. i guess i may be in the minority in this but i like structure, and this will be good because its the "core" of ur class schedule for the first 2-3 semesters and it will give you time to think about your major if you are not completely decided(like me)</p>
<p>"The Core is popular with everyone but current student."</p>
<p>Are you fu*king kidding me? Everyone loves the core. Have you seen the Facebook groups? Who doesn't like the core? Lit Hum is the stuff of the gods...on the other hand, Frontiers of Science is the bane of my existence, so whatever. But on the whole, the Core rocks my world...don't listen to anyone who says they don't like the core...they're completely bs-ing you.</p>
<p>The Core appeals to me because it provides a common platform that stimulates interaction, exploration, and debate among a diverse student body which crisscrosses all disciplines. Just think how much we can learn from one another -- and share together...</p>
<p>Columbia is a fine school but I didn't need to read Homer's Iliad again to make new friends or share intellectual discussion. While I understand the core I didn't want to put my academic effort into repeating things I had done before.</p>
<p>You are absolutely right in thinking that whether or not the Core appeals to you should be part of your decision.</p>
<p>It was a strong element in my kid's decision to go to Columbia. He's a quantitative type who also likes humanities. He had a great LitHum experience, is having a good one with Contemporary Civilization (loves the reading list), hated Frontiers of Science and was lukewarm towards University Writing. But, bottom line is that most core classes are discussion classes, where a bunch of smart people read great books and throw ideas around, and he enjoys that. So, overall, I think the core is living up to expectations.</p>
<p>I'd suggest you look at the reading lists, then at the Culpa reviews. You will find plenty of students gushing over their core classes, and others with the opposite reaction. But, you should come away with a better sense of whether it is the right "fit" for you.</p>
<p>Everyone usually only refers to Lit Hum, Contemp. Civ. Froniers of Science and Univ. Writing. How about Art and Music Hum?</p>
<p>Sac, has your son taken either of these yet? If so, any feedback?</p>
<p>Sorry, not yet. He may be taking Art Hum next semester. One of the bits of advice on the Culpa site about "surviving the core" is to keep signing up for Art Hum and/or Music Hum until you get someone you would like to take it from. This gives you more choice than LitHum or CC, in which instructors are assigned and sections are hard to change unless you have a class conflict.</p>
<p>My daughter has taken music hum and I remember her saying that she enjoyed it. Even though she has a music backround she did not mention being bored in the class.</p>
<p>If you have any specific questions about the class I can ask her and post back.</p>
<p>i think i read somewhere on the site that the physical education requirement includes a swimming test....i thought that was pretty different/cool</p>
<p>yes, there is a swim test. Also, two semesters of PE,pass/fail. My son took strength training his first semester so that he could learn how to use the equipment and really enjoyed it. Still works out.</p>
<p>yea i checked out the athletic/fitness facilities online for this quick PE homework (yes, I had PE hw)....they seem really nice and I look forward to checking everything out when I visit sometime in the near future</p>
<p>Can anyone put up a link to this culpa site? I've never heard of it.</p>
<p>Aeggie</p>
<p>The culpa website is as follows: </p>
<p><a href="http://www.culpa.info%5B/url%5D">http://www.culpa.info</a></p>
<p>You can search under professors or classes</p>