Is Math 51 necessary?

<p>First post here! I want to major in International Relations at Stanford (Class of '15, boo yah). I know some Econ classes are required for this major, and that for some Econ classes, Math 51 is a prerequisite. The thing is... I don't want to take Math 51. I'm decent enough at math- I'm in AP Calc BC and I'll probably get a 4 on the exam. I just don't enjoy it as much as I do the "fuzzies," and I'd prefer to stay away from Math 51. Does not having this under your belt become a noticeable inconvenience for you as you progress in the IR major? What about in Political Science, Public Policy, and History majors? Should I just do it, or do I not really need to?</p>

<p>If any current students or others in the know could comment, that'd be great. Thanks!</p>

<p>pretty sure it’s not an issue for history majors. I would guess that none of the fuzzy majors require it. But if you want to take upper level econ, i think you need it. . . It’s really not that bad/intense a course. you’ll be fine.</p>

<p>The IR major requires 2 econ classes and 2 classes “with strong economic components from the IR approved course offerings lists.”</p>

<p>The 2 econ classes must be selected from Econ 1A, 1B, 50, 51, 52.</p>

<p>Econ 1A & 1B are intro to econ classes and Math 51 isn’t a prerequisite. The Econ 50 series is econ analysis and Math 51 is a prerequisite, but you don’t need to take them if you take Econ 1A & 1B.</p>

<p>The classes with strong economic components on the IR approved course offerings lists number over 40. I’m sure you can find two without a Math 51 prerequisite.</p>

<p>[Bachelor</a> of Arts in International Relations](<a href=“http://www.stanford.edu/dept/registrar/bulletin/5955.htm]Bachelor”>Stanford University Bulletin)</p>

<p>Thanks, you guys! :)</p>