Spring 09 classes already? But I just took my midterm!

So the Spring 09 timetable is up. Course request starts soon (Oct 21). Fortunately, you had your fall schedule made up for you when you got to Tech. No such luck this time, kids. It’s time to play the Course Request game with the rest of us. And know that you’re the low man on the totem pole.

Picking Classes
By this point, you should have some idea of what you need to take this spring. (Aren’t sure? The registrar’s website has checksheets for every major) For most of you, it’s going to be the second half of nearly every class you had this fall (MATH 1206, CHEM 1036, ENGL 1106, etc). Feel free to scan the timetable and start making up a schedule for your self. A word to the wise: even though no Friday classes sounds incredibly appealing, do you really want to have four classes on Tuesday and Thursday? Think about balance when you create your schedule.
If you’re one of the many who has credit for classes you’d normally be taking this semester, then start considering your major requirements and Core requirements. Balance is important here too. Don’t overload on in-major courses; you will go crazy and end up hating your major. I would normally suggest no more than 6 or 7 in-major credits, if at all possible.
Keep in mind this is just a request period. You are not guaranteed to get these classes, though you should receive at least a few of them. But that’s a topic to be addressed closer to drop/add, in December.

OK, but I was considering changing my major
Fortunately, as freshmen, you won’t be too far behind if you decide to change your major. If you want to change, but aren’t sure what to go to, take a few classes that will fill Core Curriculum requirements. You can take something completely different from what you’re studying now, and you may find something else that you’re interested in. Look at what’s being offered in other areas. Tech even offers a class, UNIV 2004, that focuses on exploring other majors.
If you think you know what you may want to switch in to, visit that department’s office and talk to an adviser. He/she will know the requirements you’ll have to fill, and whether or not you can switch in immediately or if you’ll have to wait a semester. The adviser will also help you determine what classes you should take this spring.

Fun/Interesting Core Classes
Finally, I thought I’d offer my input on some Core classes being offered this spring—namely ones I would suggest taking. I’m assuming you know what you need to take for Areas 1 (English), 4 (Science), and 5 (Math/Stats), so I’ll focus on the areas with a little more freedom. I’ve picked courses with no pre-reqs, but feel free to check any others out.
Area 2:
CLA/ENGL/HUM 2444 – Greek and Roman Mythology (you can register for it under any of those subjects)
ENGL 1624 – Intro to Detective Fiction
REL 1024 – Judaism, Christianity, and Islam (there is also an Honors section of this course)
Area 3:
GEOG 1014 – World Regions (Be warned: The waitlist for this class tends to be well over 2000 students—but the class is well worth it)
HS 1004 – Human Development I
PSYC 2004 – Introductory Psychology
Area 6:
COMM 2054 – Intro to Film (Complete with Monday night film screenings)
EDPE 2204 – Creative Dance
HORT 2164 – Floral Design (another class with a huge waitlist, but also worth it)
Area 7:
AAEC/REL/STS 2464 – Religion and Science
PPWS 2004 – Mysterious Mushrooms and Molds
PSCI 1024 – Comparative Government and Politics