Social Sciences Programs and Liberal Arts in general?

Colleges & Universities A-Z University of Central Florida
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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 FSU, UF, and USF? 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>anybody…?</p>

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<p>I am a History/Political Science major graduating this May. The classes for both of these majors are lecture based with very little discussion. The only time there was any kind of discussion was in my Islamic History class, which ended in a few people storming out as the discussion got heated. </p>

<p>All my tests have been basically this format 1-2 essays consisting of at least 500 words along with 4-6 mini essays or identification of around 100-150 words a piece all completed within an hour period. I’ve never had the pleasure of a multiple choice test. Class size runs about 75 for political science classes and 35 for history. </p>

<p>History classes have a tremendous amount of books that you need to purchase. Last year, one semester I was taking five history classes and had 27 books. Political science is much more book friendly, with the most I’ve had to buy was 3. The writing for both of these majors average I’d say about 25-35 pages worth of essays per class. If you aren’t a writer or like to write, abandon all hope. </p>

<p>A good friend of mine is doing the same program at UF and his description would be identical to mine.</p>

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<p>Thank you very much. I am a writer and am glad it is not all memorization. I appreciate your answers! Thank you.</p>

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<p>Much more emphasis is placed up understanding concepts, you’ll almost never have to memorize the exact date that a treaty was signed. </p>

<p>I completely missed one section of your questions about the intellect of fellow classmates. A majority of the Political Science students are very competitive, and are extremely active in the the local, state and national political scene. At the beginning of each semester, politicians, PAC, non profits come offering internships and the competition is fierce. If you hesitate, you won’t get in.</p>

<p>History is a very laid back major but don’t let that fool you. Almost all of them, including myself are planning to further their education by way of the history masters program offered at UCf or by way of Law School. </p>

<p>Speaking of which if you want a real challenge take Constitutional Law with Dr. Lanier, hardest class ever. If you can finish this class, I salute you. If you pass this class with an A, I want a job fetching your coffee at your law firm. A good friend of mine managed to pass the class with a B. He’s graduating from Michigan Law this May.</p>