<p>I'm a biochemistry major, and I'm thinking of taking a minor in philosophy or classical civilization.. I wanted to know, what are the benefits of the minor (in general) and should I take one that is closer to my major or more of something that I'm interested in? Thanks!</p>
<p>i dont think there are any science minors.... usually a minor is in a different subject.</p>
<p>This is not a scientific answer, but I heard on an interview from an employer that if he gets a resume from a student with two degrees, he is more inclined to hire that person. </p>
<p>I wanted to minor in Philosophy, but as a transfer the mistake I made was that I did not complete my LD requirements prior to transferring. If I knew that info earlier, I would've been more prepared. I am assuming you're an incoming freshman - so you have more time to decide whether you want to add a minor degree.</p>
<p>I sugget taking LD courses in Philosophy or any other degree you want to minor in, then make a decision in due time.</p>
<p>Do a minor you're interested in. If you can't pick a minor based on interest, then pick one that is different from your major, i.e. if your major is quantitative (science, math, engineering, etc), minor in something that involves writing and verbal skills (english, history, poli sci, etc). And vice versa: if your major is verbal/writing-oriented, minor in something quantitative.</p>
<p>The reason I say this is because it shows employers that you can attack problems from different points of view; you can think quantitatively, logically, and can crunch numbers, but can also read and write critically and make good arguments.</p>
<p>I like your plan; biochem is a science major, so minoring in something that uses verbal and writing skills (philosophy, classical civ) sounds to me like a good idea.</p>
<p>Oh ok, thanks. I was planning on doing something different from my major, mainly because I'm interested in those other topics, but I wasn't sure whether it was more beneficial to minor in something somewhat similar or completely different. Now, I know.. So I'm taking Classics 10 (Discovering the Greeks) to see how I like it in the fall.. Then probably a philosophy class second quarter to see which I might like better.</p>
<p>I think that's a good decision. During my first quarter I enrolled in Phil 100A Greek Philosophy. It ended up being one of the toughest class I've had - for the fact that I've never taken any Philosophy class ever. It was worth it nonetheless. The prof. at some point admitted that the class' number (100A) is misleading because the class is tougher than perhaps other UD classes. </p>
<p>In any case, since then I've had an interest in the subject. In fact I am reading a book published in 1925 titled History of Philosophy. I think you will enjoy the mental aspects of Philosophy. You are probably aware of the subject since you clearly have an interest in it. UCLA is ranked in the top ten in the nation with regards to the department. You can't go wrong. I can only recommend the only professor I took: Sean Kelsey.</p>
<p>racofrag, what do you mean by "in due time?"</p>
<p>In due time, meaning he needs to make up his mind early enough so that he can take necessary LD requirements for both major and minor.</p>
<p>What's considered early enough or in respect to what? Does it really matter when it's petitioned so long that you can finish all the requirements in 4yrs/before you max out the units?</p>
<p>I would say one should take LD classes for their minor and by your 2nd year you should be quite clear whether you want to earn a minor degree. Usually LD classes allow you to 'experiment' but definitely it should be used with discretion. I would suggest to meet with the deparment's counselor during your freshman year to figure out all the LD and UD requirements so that you may have a realistic view of what's ahead.</p>
<p>In my case I should've made up my mind a year prior to transferring. I failed to do that. The best I can muster at this time, without going over my max units, is to take classes that are of interest to me.</p>
<p>In short, I suggest to make up your mind before the end of your first year, meet with a counselor and take LD classes that may fulfill your minor requirements.</p>
<p>I looked over some of the classes for the Classical Civilization minor and then checked the course schedule, but a lot of the upper division classes that I might be interested in aren't listed in any of the quarters. for example, I didn't see "Greek and Roman Magic," "Greek Religion," "Roman Religion," and "Comparative Mythology" in the list of courses under Classics.. Are these courses not offered every year, or are they just not offered at all and listed in the catalog?</p>
<p>Some courses are offered once every schoolyear. I know this because in the English department there are several courses offered only once a year. My best advice is really to visit the department counselor.</p>
<p>Oh ok, so basically I would need to plan my schedule really well. Oh by the way, how do you go about adding a minor (or changing a major, for that matter).. Like whats the process and where would you go to complete any paperwork etc?</p>
<p>Talk to a councelor in the Classical Civ. department and s/he should guide you through it. If not, definitely see your general counceling unit (regular/honors/athletic/etc.).</p>
<p>Changing majors should be similar; see the department councelor for the major you want to change into and maybe also your current dept. councelor.</p>
<p><a href="http://www.college.ucla.edu/up/counseling/petitions/changemajor.htm%5B/url%5D">http://www.college.ucla.edu/up/counseling/petitions/changemajor.htm</a>
<a href="http://www.college.ucla.edu/up/counseling/regulations/minor.htm%5B/url%5D">http://www.college.ucla.edu/up/counseling/regulations/minor.htm</a></p>
<p>Make sure to take some classes in the English department. We have some top notch professors in the field. Homerism from an English major.</p>
<p>Aside from you, I may be the only person, 100% authentic, North Campus bred poster.</p>
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I'm thinking of taking a minor in philosophy or classical civilization.. I wanted to know, what are the benefits of the minor (in general) and should I take one that is closer to my major or more of something that I'm interested in?
[/quote]
In addition to the suggestions above, there are a number of threads within the entire CC community involving minors.
In due time, meaning he needs to make up his mind early enough so that he can take necessary LD requirements for both major and minor.
I was under the impression that you have to declare a major (formally)... I've read about students completing requirements but not petitioning in time for those degrees/programs and being denied the credit? (LiveJournal)</p>
<p>The book was authored by Alfred Weber and Ralph Barton Perry (Philosophy Since 1860).</p>
<p>With regards to the declaration of major/minor, it is very important to meet with a counselor within your first two quarters so that the university is aware that the student is taking courses that add up to their major or minor.</p>
<p>But then again, you're not allowed to declare a major until you have completed all the lower divs and at least 2 upper div for that major...</p>