Quantitative and Writing "Intensive"

Colleges and Universities A-Z Williams College
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<p>I'm trying to choose my classes for next year - first semester Freshmen Year.</p>

<p>I was thinking of taking Calculus I over again (I took AP Calc AB, but think I got like a 3 on the test, so this was what a sheet that came with the course book suggested), but it is considered a "quantitative intensive class." I don't consider myself much of a math person, but one of these is required during my time at Williams, so, I thought I'd get it over with while Calc was still fresh.</p>

<p>However, I also want to take a "writing intensive" class my first semester, it's called The Great War in Europe, I think. I don't have a problem with writing or history...</p>

<p>I'm just unsure what exactly is meant by "intensive." Is it advisable to take BOTH a quantitative and writing intensive class the very first semester? Is it advisable to take EITHER? Are they ridiculously difficult, is that what is meant by "intensive?" </p>

<p>Any additional information on making a first semester class schedule would be appreciated!</p>

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<p>Don't freak out. In my experience, "writing intensive" or "quantitative intensive" classes aren't inherently more difficult than other classes. It really all depends on the professor. I've taken "quantitative intensive" classes that obviously involves lots of complex math (i.e. Differential Equations and Vector Calculus) and those that involved very simple math (i.e. Intro to Microeconomics). And as for "writing intensive", all that actually means is that you'll be required to write at least 20 pages during the semester. Many of these classes barely break the 20 page mark and assign several short papers throughout the semester. But others assign significantly more writing than that and probably are closer to 30-40 pages of writing for the semester. If "The Great War in Europe" is taught by Wood (which, if I'm not mistaken, is the case), then be prepared for LOTS of reading and a fair amount of writing as well. But don't think that the "intensive" modifier means that a class has more work than others. Classes without that descriptor will be just as work-intensive.</p>

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<p>Kev:</p>

<p>The first thing you want to do when considering first year courses is read through the course catalog to get an idea of the types of courses in each department.</p>

<p>Then make a list of any majors that potentially might strike your fancy. This is NOT deciding on a major. You are just trying to come up with a list of three, four, five or whatever departments that look interesting to you and that you might consider checking out for a potential major.</p>

<p>Then, jot down the requirements for each of those potential majors. For example, if you might want to major in Physics, it's a sure bet that you will need to get started with at least a math and a Physics course first semester freshman year. If you might want to major in English, you'll need to knock off one of the core pre-reqs for advanced English course. And, so on and so forth.</p>

<p>You're goal for the first two semester is to preserve as many of your potential majors as possible by taking the pre-req courses.</p>

<p>BTW, with a 3 on the Calc AB test, you are absolutely right to start college calc from the beginning. I don't know how Williams does it, but most colleges allow you to skip the first semester or two based on your high school AP tests. That can be challenging even if you aced high school calc and got a 5 on the Calc AB test. Don't be tempted do it with a 3.</p>

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<p>kev07wan,
You should definitely do calc 1 all over again. Williams math classes are not particularly easy and even Calc 1 class would make you feel that AP calc was the easiest thing you have ever done in comparison. </p>

<p>For writing intensive a history class is great, you can also consider english. Be on the lookout for Christian Thorne classes...supposedly they change the way you look at life forever.</p>

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<p>"Writing intensive" is definitely a bit of a misnomer. All it means is that the class is structured in terms of shorter writing assignments that you get a lot of feedback on. Some non-writing-intensive classes actually have more writing than most writing-intensive classes; they just have it all concentrated into one or two massive papers, which don't really give you the chance to improve your writing over the semester. </p>

<p>As for calc, if you're not a math person at all, then you might want to look at other quantitative classes. Calc's a great class, and a prerequisite for any other math you may want to take, but if you're not planning on taking further math you might find it more interesting to fulfill the quantitative requirement with something like intro computer science, chemistry, linguistics, etc. Then again, Williams math profs are generally amazing, so you can't really go wrong.</p>

6

<p>What is Calc 1??? Do you guys men 103?
When you get to Williams, you'll actually get to experience these classes and determine which one will be best for you. You might even end up in 105 or 106.</p>

<p>In my first semester, I took Math 106 and PHYS 141, both quantitative, and my French 105 was a bit writing intensive.
This spring, I took Phys 142, Math 210, both Q's. Next semester, I have to take a writing intensive - Hist 148.</p>

<p>As long as you enjoy what you're doing, you'll be alright. I came to Williams thinking I was going to major in Physics. After going through the intense 141, I was ready for other options. But after 142, a terrific class [Prof Whitaker], my mind is set. I'm also exploring two other majors.</p>

<p>Yes, like interesteddad said, it's good to keep your major in view, even with one or two not-so-great classes. And if you miss the boat from first semester, it may be hard to catch up later.</p>

<p>I don't know what major[s] you're considering, but it's better to kick your requirements out of the way as early as possible. You don't want to be taking calc in your senior year if you don't consider yourself a math person.</p>

<p>Then I wasn't sure I was going to major in physics or even whether to take physics at all. Hey, but since I got placement in math, and had done advanced study of physics [even though I'd forgotten most of it], better to do it while it was still fresh.</p>

<p>Yeah, Econ is also a great alternative if you're not into math.</p>

<p>By the way, Eph10, what are "Christian Thorne classes"?</p>

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<p>Thanks everyone!</p>

<p>I actually just finished my registration and decided I would take both.</p>

<p>I'm doing MATH 104, which is a Q. Then I'm doing HIST 103 (I ALMOST did 148, Jrock, but opted for 103 instead), which is a W and a *. </p>

<p>Then, I'm doing RLSP 103 (Spanish) and PSCI 201 (Political Science)</p>

<p>And yea, I kinda went with Jrock's advice, and tried to get requirements out of the way while keeping options open for potential majors (in history and/or political science).</p>

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<p>Good stuff! You have something from all divisions. My problem first year was that I took an equal number of div Is and IIIs, no IIs, so next year, I have to take at least 2 of them. And hopefully, I will get to take PoliSci before I leave Williams.</p>

<p>I believe HIST 148 is also W*; if it isn't I've got to do something else. Have to have taken 2 Ws by end of sophomore year, and also want to get rid of *.</p>

<p>Your classes sound fun! Hope you have a great first semester.</p>

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<p>And what does * stand for here? I understand W and Q.</p>

10

<ul>
<li>stands for "Peoples and Cultures Requirement". You need to take at least one such class before you graduate. Maybe that wasn't there in your time?</li>
</ul>