College of Charleston Top Questions

What are the academics like at College of Charleston?

James

Most of the classes that I have taken at C of C have been interesting. Be sure to look on Rate My Professor before taking certain classes because there are some professors that are not good at passing their knowledge off to their students. Many of the people I hang out with have many "In depth" conversations outside of class. These conversations usually include topics that they have learned from certain professors or what is currently being aired on CNN. Haha, the most unique class I have taken so far at C of C is Human Sexuality. The class isn't as perverted as I thought it would be. The knowledge I gained from the class was very interesting and helpful. I think that the Human Sexuality class should be required for all students to take.

Matthew

The professors at C of C will know your name if you wish them to. They are very smart and very cunning. Not an old school style; more of a modern twist and a new age cleverness.

Emmerson

Most of the classes are small, so usually professors will know your name if you go to class. My favorite class was intro to acting, I got a chacne to express myself. My least favorite class was english, but I am not a good writer(as this paragraph shows). Student's study in bursts, and a lot durring finals. Class participation is common or even required in some class. It is quite rare for cofc students to have intellectual conversations outside of class. Students aren't competitive, unless there is an ultimate frisbee game. I majored in math. It was a very intualectually stimulating experience. The math teachers are really nice and helpfull, most of the time, and will help you if you ask them. The department is kind of small, but the other people are friendly. C of C's academic requirments are their to keep the graduates well ballenenced, but I would say that CofC has a problem with preparing graduates for the real world.

Jordan

Class sizes are usually small. Most classes are not lecture halls. There have only been a few classes where the teachers did not know my name. Each teacher has office hours which are beneficial. Most classes will have some type of group assignment. Overall I've enjoyed most of my professors. The buildings are all pretty close to each other, so it is not hard to get from one side of campus to another. Many of the buildings are being fixed and updated. The business center is amazing and the School of Education just opened new teacher offices. The library is only 2 years old and is a great place to study. Outside of class students have intellectual conversations. With the 2008 election coming up, it is a common conversation, not to mention economy problems, and global warming. The most interesting class I have ever taken was geology. My teacher was funny and knew how to relate the information to the students in a fun manor. I am an education major. My professors are all amazing. They work to help each student. If I needed extra help I never felt intimidated to ask. They are dedicated to helping each student succeed. Since CofC is a liberal arts college there are certain requirement outside of your major that you must complete. I think it is a great way to try different areas and then chose what most interesting.

Torry

Excellent. We were told by numerous school district superintendents that if they had two applicants with the same qualifications, they would always pick the CofC applicant. Their graduates were better prepared for the workplace.

Emily

My biggest class my freshmen year was about 45 students. The professors know your name and care about whether or not you come to class. The students are extremely motivated not only in their studies but in issues outside of just the school. I have never experienced opportunities for activism and global awareness as I have about CofC. It is a school filled with compassionate students who are interested in the practical and contributory aspects of their education.

Jennifer

The academics at CofC can be a challenge. When I was going through orientation, I was told that there are no easy classes at CofC. They were right, you really have to work hard and be dedicated to your work. The class sizes were about average, although some classes were held in auditoriums. All my teachers knew my name and were very accessible through office hours and e-mail. Class participation was not very common in my classes. All the students, including myself, were not willing to participate. Many students can be heard continuing a class lecture outside of class, at Starbucks or Kudu Coffee. I like the challenges the academics at CofC have shown me, they are really preparing us for our future outside the college.

emily

Classes are about the same size as most high schools; on average my classes have about twenty to twenty-five people. The largest class I've ever had was a class of about fifty.

Alex

Favorite classes are Biology of Fishes taught by Dr. anthony harold. He is a fascinating teacher and is always willing to work with the students. Dr. Agnes southgate, who teaches genetics is very passionate about her work. Skip who teaches yoga is one of the best classes that enables the student to step outside of themselves and really learn who they are.

Alex

My favorite academic-related thing about CofC is its small class sizes. All of my professors have known my name, and I have known my classmates well. The research opportunities are endless!