15 Gen Eds Worth Taking At Penn State | The Odyssey Online
Start writing a post
Student Life

15 Gen Eds Worth Taking At Penn State

If you're sweating at the thought of sitting through that mandatory science class or art class, have no fear.

35.6k
15 Gen Eds Worth Taking At Penn State
pexels.com

By some miracle, I made it out of my high school algebra and chemistry classes alive. To be honest, I thought that after those days were over I'd never have to sit in a classroom and learn about formulas ever again.

You could say it was quite the rude awakening when I found out that wasn't true. Yes, math and science general education classes are required in college, even for Comm majors.

I'm almost finished my second year of college now, so I've completed my fair share of Gen Eds. Some were brutal to get through, while others were some of the best courses I've ever taken.

With the scheduling dates quickly approaching, here are some of my and my friends' favorite, easy Gen Eds at Penn State:

1. Hort 150: Plants in the Human Context: GN

Hands down, I would recommend taking this class with Dennis Decoteau. He is the kindest man you'll ever meet. You'll learn about food and wine pairings, farming, beer, plants, spices and more. The lectures fly by and the assignments and quizzes are online.

2. BiSci 003: Environmental Science: GN

BiSci 3 with Christopher Uhl is basically a philosophy class. You literally hand in journal entries for points, and there are no quizzes or exams. The journals and small discussion labs have taught me so much about myself and given me clarity I never thought I would find. I know that sounds super deep and weird, but I believe this class can truly change a person's outlook on life for the better.

3. BiSci 004: Human Body: GN

I am not a science person whatsoever. Anatomy, chemistry, and biology all scare me to death. However, BiSci 4 with Louise Kessler was one of the most interesting classes I've taken, and she made science as simple as it can be. All the work and quizzes are online and you simply attend a majority of the lectures for the additional points.

4. GeoSci 10: Geology of National Parks: GN

I've never taken this course, but one of my best friends said it was the easiest science class she's taken. It's also online, which is never a bad thing.

5. Soc 119: Race and Ethnic Relations: GS; US

Almost every Penn State student I've ever met raves about this course. The professor, Samuel Richards, is basically a legend on campus.

6. Soc 12 / Criminology 003: GS

If you can take it with Martha Sherman, you'll love this class for sure. The lectures go by quickly, and you actually learn useful information about the law. You also learn why people turn out to be criminals and how society handles all of this. One of the best parts about this class is that you get to watch documentaries regarding crime, serial killers, falsely convicted individuals and the law.

7. HDFS 129: Human Development and Family Studies: GS

I think all of my friends and family members are sick of hearing me talk about this class, but I can't think of any other class that's impacted me as much as this one. I think that's mostly due to Molly Countermine, the amazing professor of this course who shares stories, personal examples, and gets you to think about your own life and upbringing.

8. World History 10: GH; IL

While this may be the most challenging class out of all the ones on the list, it's still manageable. I would highly recommend taking it with David Atwill. He's approachable and completely understands that this course is a general education class for many. There are quizzes at the end of lectures, some outside readings, and a few exams, but Dr. Atwill keeps the class fun and interesting.

9. CMLIT 120: Literature of the Occult: GH; IL

Professor Nicolai Volland is so sweet, and mostly just wants the class to participate. There are readings outside of class and quite a few writing prompts, but I thought the material was really amusing overall.

10. InArt 005: Performing Arts: GA

I have yet to take my art gen eds, but students always talk about this class in a positive light. It's online and as long as you do some required readings and attend the various performances, you should be good to go.

11. Music 004: GA

A few of my friends said this course was insanely easy. If you've never held a paintbrush or you aren't curious to learn about art history, this is a safe bet.

12. Theater 100: GA; US; IL

You've probably read about this course or heard about it from at least 20 people. Apparently, it's both entertaining and easy. What more could you want?

13. EDPSY 101: Statistical Data: GQ

This course teaches you how to interpret math and teach it, hence why it falls under education. Basically, you learn about statistics without getting a headache.

14. Math 043: Mathematics of Money: GQ

I regret not taking this course to fulfill my math gen ed requirement. Math 43 includes topics such as interest, discounts, investments, taxes, retirement plans and mortgages. If there's one class you'll need in order to adult, it's this one.

15. BBH 101 or 143: BioBehavioral Health: GHA

BBH 101 is an introduction course, teaching people about how their behaviors affect their health. BBH 143 is also a good pick, as it gives information on drug use, effects and prevention.

Report this Content
This article has not been reviewed by Odyssey HQ and solely reflects the ideas and opinions of the creator.
an image of taylor swift standing center stage surrounded by her backup dancers in elegant peacock esque outfits with a backdrop of clouds and a box rising above the stage the image captures the vibrant aesthetics and energy of her performance during the lover era of her eras tour
StableDiffusion

A three-and-a-half-hour runtime. Nine Eras. Eleven outfit changes. Three surprise songs. Zero breaks. One unforgettable evening. In the past century, no other performer has put on an electric performance quite like Taylor Swift, surpassing her fans ‘wildest dreams’. It is the reason supporters keep coming back to her shows each year. Days later, I’m still in awe of the spectacle ‘Miss Americana’ puts on every few days in a new city. And, like one of Taylor’s exes, has me smiling as I reminisce about the memories of the night we spent together.

Keep Reading...Show less
Entertainment

Every Girl Needs To Listen To 'She Used To Be Mine' By Sara Bareilles

These powerful lyrics remind us how much good is inside each of us and that sometimes we are too blinded by our imperfections to see the other side of the coin, to see all of that good.

77784
Every Girl Needs To Listen To 'She Used To Be Mine' By Sara Bareilles

The song was sent to me late in the middle of the night. I was still awake enough to plug in my headphones and listen to it immediately. I always did this when my best friend sent me songs, never wasting a moment. She had sent a message with this one too, telling me it reminded her so much of both of us and what we have each been through in the past couple of months.

Keep Reading...Show less
Zodiac wheel with signs and symbols surrounding a central sun against a starry sky.

What's your sign? It's one of the first questions some of us are asked when approached by someone in a bar, at a party or even when having lunch with some of our friends. Astrology, for centuries, has been one of the largest phenomenons out there. There's a reason why many magazines and newspapers have a horoscope page, and there's also a reason why almost every bookstore or library has a section dedicated completely to astrology. Many of us could just be curious about why some of us act differently than others and whom we will get along with best, and others may just want to see if their sign does, in fact, match their personality.

Keep Reading...Show less
Entertainment

20 Song Lyrics To Put A Spring Into Your Instagram Captions

"On an island in the sun, We'll be playing and having fun"

7420
Person in front of neon musical instruments; glowing red and white lights.
Photo by Spencer Imbrock on Unsplash

Whenever I post a picture to Instagram, it takes me so long to come up with a caption. I want to be funny, clever, cute and direct all at the same time. It can be frustrating! So I just look for some online. I really like to find a song lyric that goes with my picture, I just feel like it gives the picture a certain vibe.

Here's a list of song lyrics that can go with any picture you want to post!

Keep Reading...Show less
Chalk drawing of scales weighing "good" and "bad" on a blackboard.
WP content

Being a good person does not depend on your religion or status in life, your race or skin color, political views or culture. It depends on how good you treat others.

We are all born to do something great. Whether that be to grow up and become a doctor and save the lives of thousands of people, run a marathon, win the Noble Peace Prize, or be the greatest mother or father for your own future children one day. Regardless, we are all born with a purpose. But in between birth and death lies a path that life paves for us; a path that we must fill with something that gives our lives meaning.

Keep Reading...Show less

Subscribe to Our Newsletter

Facebook Comments