Do general classes in college should be "optionnal"?

Question

Don't you think general classes should only be required for the individual majors to which they are relevant? I just see a big waste of time and money here, especially for those who already know what major they're going to choose. (I transferred my french biology degree and I'm still required to take the general courses)

Answer 1

depends heavily on the school, if it's a liberal arts school I think the general classes are a great thing, though they are annoying, but useful real world knowledge in the sense that no matter what you major in, you might not be doing exactly what you learned in your major in your job

Answer 2

In many cases, general classes are a waste of time and could be skipped. However, the typical college freshman doesn't know exactly what he/she is going to major in, so general classes are very important for this type of student. Also, a person with a college degree should have exposure to different areas of study, and the college classroom is a great way to get this exposure. Colleges should teach us how to think, not just how to perform certain tasks.
As a math teacher, I know that I took several education classes that did not help me in my teaching career, and that I took several other classes (logic, economics, industrial psychology, and geography, to name a few) that have helped me in life. College should be fun. Try to take classes within the required core of subjects that you will enjoy.
I don't know what a french biology degree is, but it sounds like you are pretty eclectic in your choices of subjects anyway, so you should do well. I repeat, have fun!

Answer 3

No - i think too many people come out of school very smart in their own subject but can not relate to the people they have to work with. Part of the general studies is intended to teach people what others have to learn and why.
Like learning anykind of history to understand where and what people are about and why they may or may not want to work a project with you at a certain time in their lives.
When I took calc 3 the teacher said flat out, this is so when you are in a meeting with engineers and the design parts come up - you will have a clue what they are talking about. You will not remember all the math however you will be able to tell who is throwing it and who is working to the common good of the project.
many of these courses are intended to help you get along with people inthe work force.
Carl

Answer 4

Hello, Please don't take any risks regarding your gen ed choices. There is a lot of variation among community colleges themselves and it would be hard to tell you what to take unless you don't check with the university you want to transfer to. In most undergrad degrees you are required to take a bunch of electives which are from different fields. For e.g., I am doing BBA but I also need to take at least 10 courses from other faculties (english, economics, political science, calculus, biology,etc). If I don't take these courses, I won't be able to graduate. However, since you wanna go for art, you might not require a mixed bag. Consult with your counselor before it's too late. You don't wanna do courses that are not helpful in future and waste your time.

Answer 5

No, I think there should be a common and certain level of general knowledge amongst all college graduates. Don't underestimate the fact that these classes are connected to your major, whatever it may be, in some way.

Answer 6

I hope the writing class in your school is not "optionnal"

Answer 7

yeah, i got upset because i was going for my bachelors in psychology and yet i had to take courses like 'intro to russian' and 'African American History'
i didn't see how either one were relevant to psych

Answer 8

I dont like it either, but they do make you a well rounded person as far as knowledge.