(this post was initially posted in a “Study Abroad” category, which probably doesn’t work for this question)
What are the easier majors/classes … ideally, a class (or two) to take “off” major during the first two years (sub-Honours) that is less time consuming and less challenging intellectually?
thanks!
What is the intended major?
Please tell me that you are asking this question b/c your intended primary course is super-rigourous and you want something fun/lighter to balance the load while you adjust to a new system and/or fill in academic holes in your prep for your primary course.
(even so, I wouldn’t be particularly proud if any of my collegekids had ‘less time consuming and less challenging intellectually’ as their only criterion for choosing a college course).
It is usually recommended that you follow at least module paths through first year that would lead to at least two different degrees in case your intended major doesn’t work out for some reason. Some programs don’t allow for the study of 3, but 2 should be possible.
It depends what you personally find easy.
I notice in your other post you think Prince William took Art History because it is easy. He actually started with Art History, Geography and some other module, intending to major in AH. He switched to Geography. I have no idea if that was based on perceived ease or on interest.
As I stated above, it is generally suggest that you choose the first year modules in three different that you are interested in so that you have a choice at the end of first year. (Note that some degree programs require 2 modules in fall or spring and so you will not be able to do three separate subjects, but you should be able to do at least 2. (This is often the case in the sciences)
Thank you!
to collegemom3717 … yes, the other modules are quite rigorous. I’m curious if you are American or UK? I am American and have two degrees from very highly ranked US schools, but the mindset in the USA is different. I took 5 classes a semester, both undergrad and law school, some of which were “required” because we were obligated to take, for example, at least 6 credits of math/science … so in your non-major but required courses you typically took either classes that really interested you or ones that were going to enable you to grade well regardless. I do understand that the UK system is different and that there are a lot less of the “fluff” courses like in the USA.
@TomMorris, I am a hybrid, with degrees from both sides of the Atlantic 
As you noted, the UK doesn’t really do ‘fluff’ classes, and StA’s is exceptional even by Scottish (never mind English) standards in the range of classes on offer to first year students.
I gather that you have a student headed over in the autumn? If so, @VickiSoCal is a great resource (pretty much the resident expert on StAs here on CC).
There’s also the consideration that unlike US schools many modules are only offered in one section and some spaces on campus are quite far apart form one another. My daughter wanted to take a philosophy course but it was 5 minutes after Chemistry labs end and there is no way she could get from the Sciences over to the philosophy lecture hall in that time period.
Thanks to you both! My son is actually a rising second year. His “off-major” classes last year were in Social Anthropology, which he enjoyed, but next year they conflict with required classes in his major. He’d be content taking all 6 classes in his major, but I’m encouraging him to branch out a little.
Mine is also a second year and this coming semester is her last chance and only to take any off major classes. First year was one math and two chemistry, both semesters.
My son’s friends all tend to be math/science majors, so they are of little to no help in finding a social science/humanities type class that he might enjoy.
With two afternoon labs, mine can’t find any humanities classes she can actually go to.
Mine is now talking about a Classics class, which might work. Hey, if he’s interested in it, all the better!!
Mine is looking at ID2005 Scientific Thinking
"We explore the different definitions of science, the distinction between science and non-science, the design of experiments, errors in reasoning, critical thinking, personal experience & science, the grammar of graphics, the process of science, peer review, research reproducibility, data cataloguing, the treatment of anomalies & outliers, and ethics. "
Ugh. “Rocks for Jocks” (the “easy” Geology) 35 years ago seems SO much easier!! LOL
My son just finished his first year at USA and he LOVED a class called Science, Religion and the Mind. Also I have heard the film studies classes are good. My son is a management major.
Yeah, mine is a chem student and afternoon labs prevent classes like that Science, Religion and the Mind class which is at 3 pm.