Valuable and Engaging College Courses Beyond One's Major
Choosing the right courses during college can greatly impact one's academic journey, beyond just fulfilling the requirements of one's major. This article explores some of the most useful and engrossing college classes I took outside my major of electrical engineering.
Modern Physics: A Rigorous Academic Treatment
My favorite college class was Modern Physics, a subject I found deeply fascinating and academically enriching. Unlike my major, which involves a significant amount of Newtonian physics, Modern Physics delves into non-Newtonian topics such as quantum mechanics. While primarily essential for electrical engineers, this course proved to be particularly beneficial for me, given my strong interest in the subject and the opportunity to delve into rigorous scientific exploration.
The course not only met but exceeded my high expectations and further solidified my interest in physics. Arguably, the rigor and depth of this course would be less critical for civil or mechanical engineers, but for electrical engineers, especially those who are keen on specific applications in physics, the knowledge gained can be pivotal.
A Course in World Religions: Fostering Acceptance
One of the courses that significantly broadened my understanding of the world and its diverse cultures was a World Religions class offered at Cal State. The course offered a panoramic view of the seven major world religions, providing insights into their beliefs, values, and practices. This class was particularly enlightening in teaching me how to be accepting of people with different beliefs—a lesson I have found invaluable in my personal and professional life.
Although I am not a fan of philosophy, the open-minded and accepting attitude required in this course resonated with me, and it has equipped me with a more inclusive perspective.
Introduction to Judaism: Deepening Religious Understanding
A favorite among my non-major courses was Introduction to Judaism. Through this class, I gained a thorough understanding of the Jewish religion and successfully earned an A . The course provided a rich and nuanced insight into Jewish history, culture, and philosophy, making it one of the most engrossing and rewarding classes I took.
Calculus: From Memorization to Application
My experience with calculus was polarized, starting with a challenging first-year course that focused heavily on rote memorization rather than application. In the first class, we were taught to memorize complex derivations without understanding their practical applications. This approach did little to engage or inspire me, leading to subpar results and even necessitating a course restart due to personal and familial challenges.
Thankfully, my experience with second-year calculus was an entirely different story. Inspired by the application-rich problems, I found myself immersed in questions about the motion of electrons in magnetic fields, the creation of a fictional force field, and the solutions to partial differential equations. The shift to a more applied curriculum not only improved my academic performance but also made the subject matter infinitely more interesting.
However, the transition from the first-year course to the second was difficult, as I had to simultaneously learn the foundational material while applying more advanced concepts. It required an immense amount of study time, often up to eight hours a day for several weeks. Despite the effort and challenge, the joy of deepening my mathematical skills and understanding was unparalleled.
Lessons Learned
Both positive and negative experiences in college courses highlight the importance of not only sticking to one’s major but also exploring other disciplines that can enrich one’s life in unexpected ways. Whether it is taking a challenging yet rewarding course like Modern Physics or a course that fosters open-mindedness such as World Religions, these non-major classes can provide invaluable learning and personal growth.
Finally, the experience with calculus underscores the value of both foundational and advanced courses. While the first year focused on rote memorization, the second year emphasized real-world applications. This dual-track approach, though challenging, ultimately led to a more comprehensive understanding and appreciation of the subject.