Arizona State University-Tempe Top Questions

Honestly, most classes aren't that challenging. If you put forth an honest effort, it's tough to fail. That's not to say there aren't any challenging classes, though. Undergrad classes won't challenge you much, except for the select "weeder" classes that tend to seperate the serious students from the rest of the pack. for example, the first accounting class for prospective business students is a handful. What I like most about ASU is the set up and approach to education. Professors and students tend to view ASU as a means to an ends. By this I mean, students at the upper levels are here for a reason. This not an idealized "community of knowledge-seekers," as some universities claim to be. This is a step in the process of reaching professional and personal goals. Academically speaking, few are here because it's fun; we're here because ASU can help us get to the places we want to go.

The academics are really what you make it and what your major is. I am in the honors college and all of the honors professors are amazing. They'll go out for coffee with you and chat with you about life and philosophy and whatever interests the both of you. Honors students are pretty good about having intellectual discussions outside of class but the general population seems to avoid talking about school at all and avoids school in general. Most of my general courses have about half of the kids show up. My political science classes are great though. The professors are very knowledgeable and all the students engage in class discussion. I got to take a class about the problems of democracy and that was fun. International Security and Terrorism was also an interesting class with a great professor. There are so many classes at ASU that you really can make the experience whatever you want.

The academics at ASU are very underrated. Outsiders believe that just because the school is so large, that the academics must suffer. That is not the case. Yes, some classes at ASU are very large in comparison, but I certainly did not mind that. I cannot speak for other students, but when it came down to handling my academics, I made sure I focused on what needed to be done, and I still had plenty of time to enjoy other things. My favorite class was definately Human Sexual Behavior, for obvious reasons. I majored in Justice Studies, with a minor in Business. The Justice Studies program offered very, very interesting courses ranging from Drugs and Justice to Serial Killers. Once I started taking only classes for my major, I found those classes to be the most interesting. I never really tried to spend time with professors outside of class, but I know they always had certain office hours where students could inquire about various concerns within the class.

I think that especially in education.. we have MANY graduate students as teachers- and they SUCK! They do not know what they are talking about at all, and they have been the most stressful classes because there is no respect or understanding throughout the entire semester. Even when we bring up these considerations, they do not take them whole heartedly and respect us as students and individuals as well.

All of my classes are less than 15 students and 2 of them have only 5 students including myself. However, I have had classes that are over 100 students as well. Academics at ASU can be whatever you want it to be - easy or challenging, and your professors will know your name if you decide that's the academic path you want to follow. Otherwise, you can just sit back and relax in class as a face among many.

Professors know your name when you make a point to introduce yourself and do good in classes, ask questions etc. My favorite class is NLM 420- American Humanics Management Institute. This class is a part of the nonprofit program where we use fundraising technique's to raise money to attend a national nonprofit conference every year.

Yes, professors in upper division classes know our names, but you do have to make an effort to get known, by going to office hours or volunteering in someone's lab. Some of the general studies requirements are pretty stupid and not very many classes fulfil them. Also my personal major is not meeting the needs of students and is very disciplinary, but they're working on expanding. I would say students support each other rather than compete with each other, and we study as little as we can get away with it. The Human Event at the Honors College is an awesome participation-based class, and again, suffer through the lower division stuff, it's not hard, and take whatever interests you in upper division because there are always unique classes being offered.

Do professors know your name? Depends on the size of the class. · Tell us about your favorite class. Least favorite? My favorite class this semester is one led by a very acclaimed professor, he is extremely devoted, and truly excited about his subject and engages the class. My least favorite, is just a boring requirement for graduation · How often do students study? Depends on year and major. · Is class participation common? When warranted, · Do ASU students have intellectual conversations outside of class? I hope so, and yes, I have been witness to some, which may be to some people's disbelief. · Are students competitive? For the most part, probably not academically. · What's the most unique class you've taken? Have not had time to take unique classes that do not count toward graduation. · Tell us about your major / department. I am in the College of Education, majoring in Secondary Education Social Studies. I feel the college often times discounts their students abilities, and many of the required courses are very boring, tedious, and a waste of time. · Do you spend time with professors outside of class? Most definitely not. · How do you feel about ASU 's academic requirements? Pretty easy/nonexistent. · Is the education at ASU geared toward getting a job, or learning for its own sake? Getting a job for the most part.