Social Sciences Program also Liberal Arts at FSU in Genera?l

Colleges & Universities A-Z Florida State University
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<p>From people who have actually taken classes/majored in a social science can you give me an idea of how the program is? I will probably do Social Science as a major and take classes in history, economics, sociology, political science and anthropology (this one I might not as I need 4 concentrations and I might rather take the rest of my electives elsewhere). For my electives, I would like to take some classes in psychology, philosophy, and writing. </p>

<p>How are these classes in general. Pros/Cons? </p>

<p>Did you feel they were challenging enough for you? Also, because 'challenging' is relative, what kind of student are you (AP kid in HS?, academically focused?, middle of the road?, ect.) </p>

<p>How much of the classes are based on memorization/multiple choice? Essays? Were the essays of considerable challenge that caused you to gain a greater appreciation of the subject or just some paper you didn't have to put too much effort into?</p>

<p>How about class discussion? Is is frequent and insightful where people who want to contribute can? Is it an exchange of ideas to further understand concepts and ideas, or is it a high school-like question from prof and 1-3 kids raising their hands to show off their knowledge. Or is a few of the 'geeks' while the rest don't bother. Does the professor encourage discussion or rather spend time on lecturing? </p>

<p>How large are most upper level courses? </p>

<p>How about the intellect of fellow classmates? I'm concerned that what seems to be the stereotype of the the average student at FSU that I've gotten from a college review site (drunken, shallow, self-consumed, unsophisticated) might be the make up of my classes. While I understand that intellect and college are FAR more than grades and test scores, I don't feel I would grow academically if I were surrounded by those who didn't challenge themselves academically.</p>

<p>How about compared to UF? FSU is supposed to have a better Social Science program, indeed a better liberal arts program, but is this the case or is it just the grad schools that get these marks?</p>

<p>Thanks!</p>

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<p>“(drunken, shallow, self-consumed, unsophisticated)”</p>

<p>Uhh… I think you got your colleges mixed up. I’m not going to point any fingers though. </p>

<p>Question: Are you in/going to be in the honors program?</p>

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<p>Oh yes, I didn’t mention I will be a transfer student with my AA from Tallahassee CC honors program. But there are no upper level honors courses at FSU.</p>

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<p>Eq2114 -</p>

<p>You’ve posted the exact same question on (at least) three different school sites. That is legitimate – assuming that you are trying to get input from the students at those schools. However, might I suggest that calling the students at FSU, UF and USF “drunken, shallow, self consumed or unsophisticated” is unlikely to get you the answers you seek? </p>

<p>I’d recommend a short question asking students at these schools to comment on the program(s) in which you are interested. Good luck.</p>

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<p>EG, there are plenty of upper level honors courses at FSU. And if you are from TCC, you pretty much know what is going on at FSU. Ask directly what it is you want to know that you don’t already, without dis’ing FSU while you do so.</p>

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<p>He actually changed it somewhat. For example, on the UF board, he describes UF students as the drunken and shallow ones.</p>

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<p>Florida State has a number of social science programs nationally ranked: [FSU</a> Highlights](<a href=“http://www.fsu.edu/highlights/rankings.html]FSU”>Rankings | Florida State University)</p>

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<p>“might I suggest that calling the students at FSU, UF and USF “drunken, shallow, self consumed or unsophisticated” is unlikely to get you the answers you seek?”</p>

<p>"It says UF here, and FSU on the FSU board. He just wants to stir up an argument. "</p>

<p>Sorry if that was the inferred by my comment. I guess I should just change it to “most state colleges”. Sorry. While I’m aware of the FSU/UF rivalry, I changed the school in each post to reflect some of the student reviews I had read about the school in question. This wasn’t for any bashing. </p>

<p>But aside from that, I’m actually more interested in the academic questions I asked.</p>

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<p>Thanks Parent2Noles. As a lurker, I have noticed you to be one of the most helpful people on here.</p>

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<h1>1. Generally the classes are great, I loved my philosophy and english classes, they were though provoking and the professors weren’t boring at all.</h1>

<h1>2. I took some AP classes in high school, I wouldn’t say I’m the person who spent 24/7 studying, but I don’t party all the time either, FSU classes really differ, the 1000 level classes are easy as expected, but the 2000-4000 level classes are really challenging, not difficult (as in impossible) but challenging as in you have to study/pay attention. But thats good because I find myself remembering more information from previous classes than I did in high school, where I would remember for the test and then totally forget about it.</h1>

<h1>3.Depends on the subject, biology, psychology, and most other sciences are memorization because those subjects are all memorization anyway. My philosophy class was heavily essay (we had one exam with 4 essays) and research paper driven. The essays are challenging in most classes, and you have to put effort into them to get a good grade. They definitely cannot be done the night before.</h1>

<h1>4. Depends on the professor, but most professors welcome question, as for some classes its usually Q&A, but others (such as philosophy and english) the professors teach using the socratic method and the class focuses on discussion with the professor adding a couple things here and there. As with any college there are people who don’t participate, but I feel that in the discussion classes more than 75% actively participate. But like I said it depends on the professor/class, science classes are more lecture based and you can ask questions.</h1>

<h1>5. I have a couple of 100 people classes, but most are around 35-50, once again though, depends on your major.</h1>

<h1>6. Classmates are usually pretty studious, its not hard to find a study group in your class, there are some people who are “just there” to be at FSU and focus on partying instead of school, but that thins out the further you get in. Either way there are plenty of good students to surround yourself with and study with.</h1>

<h1>7. I really wouldn’t know facts on which is better, I like FSU, It has a hospitality program (my major) and UF doesn’t so UF was never really a consideration for me. I can tell you that everyone I know here LOVES it, as soon as I was on campus for the first time I fell in love.</h1>

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<p>Thank you mannymix03! This is EXACTLY what I was looking for! I appreciate the time you put in to paint such detailed and thorough answers.</p>