<p>I have a problem with classes. Right now I'm a frosh with 20 credits or six classes (too much) I have a choice of two classes that I want to drop. Either German History with this Bergahahn guy, or East Asian topics with this Gentzler guy. I'm a prospective poli sci and history major. I'm taking Lit Hum (Large Reading), Interational Politics (Large Reading), Greek History (Light-Medium reading), University Writing (none-very light reading) and the other two classes both with medium to large reading. CULPA is not helping, and neither are the advisors (of course). I haven't bought the books for the East Asian Topics yet and that class is offered next semester, while Germany isn't. While East Asian Topics is a 4 point course, German History is a 3000 level course filled with upperclassmen. But I took it b/c it sounded interesting. But it is a course that is hugely graded on two papers, no midterm. And he said that one must have a general knowledge of world history to take the course, which I have a somewhat good knowledge of (SS, Gestapo, Eichmann, Berlin Wall, etc.), and be a proficent writer. Which class should you think I should drop? NB: I liked the prof. from German History better...also what is the diff b/t a 3000 class like the Germany class and a 1000 like my Greek History class?</p>
<p>i'm sure this isnt the answer your looking for but....</p>
<p>these are the kind of decisions you will be making for the next 8 semesters I dont think anyone can tell you which to drop or that its even too big of a courseload....you are the only one who knows your abilities and what interrests you and your lifestyle but it is usually a good idea to take only 5 classes your first semester as you try to get settled in.</p>
<p>My advice is to not truly challenge yourself your first semester. Every freshman tries to bite off more than they can chew (including myself!). Drop whichever class appears to require the more work, and then make a more informed choice in future semesters.</p>
<p>-Steve</p>
<p>If it were me, I'd drop Berghahn...I took "European Catastrophe" with him and it was torturous sitting through his plodding, tedious lectures. Granted, he can be quite warm and helpful in office hours, but he really doesn't have a very inspiring presence in a lecture hall. Gentzler, on the other hand, has quite a following, and East Asian studies are held to a generally high standard here.</p>
<p>To answer your other question: in the History Department, 3000 level courses are meant to be a bit more specific than introductory 1000 level ones. So Greek History is a survey that covers an entire civilization for centuries (if I remember correctly), whereas German history covers the 20th century in one specific nation-state. The workload can be greater or less in a 1000 level course as opposed to a 3000 level course...the numerology is driven more by the content.</p>
<p>I'm going to have to agree with Denzera -- take the class that has the least amount of work. Don't forget that in addition to the readings in all of your other classes, you're going to have to write papers which will be very time consuming.</p>
<p>Yeah 2007 but is Berghahn an easy grader?</p>
<p>He wasn't for me! He seemed rather fussy and graded on petty details, missing the points of his own assignments. And he only graded mine because I petitioned to work on a special project rather than one of his assigned essays, any of which were graded by yet more persnickety TAs (as any will be in a history course with discussion sections).</p>
<p>But if easy grades are what you're after in general, spend more time in the Poli Sci department. Or take Shapes and Lines or whatever the absurd joke science requirement cop-out class this year is. Or English.</p>
<p>You can take 1 class pass/fail each semester (as long as it's not a core class or one required for your major). So, if you're worried about grades, maybe pass/fail is the way to go.</p>