Hi everyone. I'm starting at Columbia university next year and I wanted to know about some classes that are seen as 'easier'. I know Columbia is one of the toughest universities, so I would appreciate any suggestions to lighten my load while adjusting to a new life and still maintaining a decent GPA.
Of course, Columbia University is renowned for its rigorous academic environment and there are no "easy" courses per se. However, the perception of a course's difficulty counts on your areas of strength and interest. However, some classes are known by students to be quite approachable and enjoyable while also enabling learners to maintain a solid GPA. Note that some of these courses might also pique your interest beyond just being "GPA boosters".
For starters, University Writing is a requirement for all Columbia students and many find it manageable with some effort. This course is designed to improve your writing skills and critical thinking capability and can be quite interesting, depending on the topic chosen.
"Introduction to Contemporary Civilization" is another Core Curriculum course at Columbia which many students cherish. It is a two-semester course, and while it involves significant reading, it is also known to spark engaging classroom discussions.
Courses in the Art Humanities and Music Humanities departments have a positive reputation among students for being enjoyable and relatively lighter.
"The Science of Psychology" is a Psychology course that a number of students find straightforward and fascinating due to its practical applications and involvement of everyday scenarios.
"Introduction to Logic and Critical Reasoning" is an accessible philosophy course that builds valuable analytic and reasoning skills.
Remember, what one person considers 'easy' another might find challenging and vice versa, so be sure to select classes that correlate with your particular strengths, interests, and major. It's always a good idea to consult with an academic advisor or upperclassmen in your field of study to get their take on what courses could be a better fit for you. Keep in mind that college is also about pushing yourself and stepping out of your comfort zone, academically. Certainly, a well-rounded schedule would combine courses that challenge you with those where you feel more reassured.
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