All of us love getting an A, whether you’re a slacker or a high achiever who needs a GPA boost.
The Daily Lobo is here to offer unofficial suggestions for your fall schedule so you know where to find those “do the min., you win” classes. So gear up for a perfect 4.0 next semester, or the minimum passing GPA if that’s what you’re aiming for.
Music Appreciation (MUS 139)
While music appreciation is an easy class, students say it should also be given the label of “easiest class to fall asleep in.”
Most of us have a rudimentary understanding of music, so when professor Erica Otero begins to explain what a tone or a beat is, it’s hard not to kick back and let the monotone piano and rhythmic clapping lull you to sleep.
She doesn’t take attendance, and the only homework consists of around 30 online quizzes that you must retake until you get 100 percent. There are three tests, all multiple choice (no midterms or finals), and all of the study info and listening examples are found online. The Lobo suggests scheduling this class right after lunch, as post-meal lethargy perfectly matches the vibe one finds in that drowsy classroom.
HBO Rome (CLST 333)
In this class you’ll learn the history of Rome — HBO style.
One class a week is devoted to watching an episode of the show, and in the second lecture professor Monica Cyrino explains its historical context and relevant terminology. Following the history of the Roman Empire beginning in 53 B.C., the show doesn’t skim over the darker sides of everyday Roman life: Sex and violence are present in every episode.
While the lecture classes are more important to attend, it is easy to watch the show at home — there are too many students to take attendance (461 to be precise). Students are allowed to bring a double-sided page of notes to the midterm and final exam, and there is no homework during the semester.
Perhaps the most difficult aspect of the class is containing your arousal as Caesar’s niece and mistress make love — pretty raunchy for a history course.
Weight Training (PENP 114)
While all physical education classes are an easy A, students say weight training is the most loosely structured of all.
As with most PE classes, your grade is entirely based on attendance, said students who have taken the class. You have three excused absences before it begins to affect your grade, and students can participate in any type of physical activity that suits them.
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There’s no need to pump iron if that’s not your thing. It is easy to sign in for your friend if they are absent (don’t tell!), and a free fitness evaluation is included with the course. This class is a great way to force yourself to get in shape, and if nothing else, maybe you will find a toned and muscular workout partner to help you exercise both in and out of class.
Cultures of the World (ANTH 130)
Students say the purpose of cultures of the world is to teach about the diversity of human behavior, but the subject matter is manifested in the professors’ approach toward the workload of students.
Confused? Let me explain. The professors feels it is imperative for students to understand the differences between cultures, and this seems to trump traditional academic standards. Therefore rules surrounding academic work are relaxed. There is no homework, and the four tests (including a midterm and final) are multiple choice. A study guide is handed out with all of the info that will be on an upcoming test.
The course will answer questions such as: Why is female circumcision accepted and promoted in certain societies? How is this advantageous for them? Take this class if you want to understand exactly why people from different cultures are so different from you. It’s an eye-opening experience.
