The Worst College Elective: Lessons from a Frustrating Experience

Choosing electives can be a daunting task, especially when trying to find a balance between required courses and those that genuinely interest you. However, there are instances where even the most well-intentioned electives can turn sour. This article explores one such experience and offers valuable insights for future students considering their elective choices.

For many students, electives are a chance to explore something new or indulge in a passion. Unfortunately, that wasn't the case for me when I opted for the Music Appreciation course. My professor, a bitter man, wasted no time in his opening remarks: “I’m practically set to retire this semester and frankly quite sick of teaching.” Even more disheartening was the way he constantly berated the students, attributing the decline in standards to their lack of effort and actual listening skills during class.

After two classes, I was at my breaking point and decided to drop the course. This experience highlights the importance of thoroughly researching a professor and their teaching style before enrolling in a class.

Required vs. Elective Courses in Philosophy

One of the most challenging classes I encountered was Introduction to Philosophy I. Dubiously, it turned out to be the least favorite among my classmates and me, despite the fact that our preference changed with the next course—Introduction to Philosophy II. Both courses were technically electives, but they were mandated for our degree program.

Another instance that stands out as particularly troublesome was a poorly taught English course. Faced with a tough curriculum and an unsatisfactory instructor, the class became a hindrance rather than a learning experience. The professor, despite being a full-time instructor, lacked the necessary expertise and enthusiasm to make the material engaging. This situation underscores the importance of selecting courses where professors are passionate and knowledgeable about the subject matter.

An Art Class That Wasted Time

Art courses often hold an allure for many students, offering a blend of creativity and relaxation. However, my experience with an elective art class, focusing on acrylic painting, served as a cautionary tale. The University of Washington's quarter system, which requires full-time students to take 15 credits per quarter, made this one of five elective courses I had to juggle during a quarter where I was also working full-time.

While the class itself was well-taught and interesting, the time commitment required significantly more than the typical expectations for an art elective. I had limited prior experience in painting, and most of my peers had extensive backlogs of artworks under their belts. I found myself sacrificing all of my free time, still unable to perform well in the course.

This experience illustrates the importance of assessing your workload and personal commitments before electing courses that may require a substantial time investment. For students who are not deeply immersed in a particular field, art classes can easily become overwhelming and detract from the overall academic experience.

Valuable Lessons and Advice

Reflecting on these negative experiences, a few key takeaways emerge:

Research your professors: Get to know who will be teaching your classes and their teaching styles and approaches. Consider your overall workload: Balance your electives with your required courses and personal commitments to ensure you have enough time to succeed. Seek out passionate and knowledgeable instructors: Professors who are genuinely interested in their subject matter can significantly enhance your learning experience. Be open to adjusting your choices: If you are struggling in a course, don't hesitate to drop it for a better fit.

Ultimately, the key is to find a balance between challenging yourself with a variety of courses and ensuring that these electives supplement rather than hinder your academic journey.

Conclusion: Elective choices can make or break a student's experience in college. By learning from challenging experiences, students can make more informed decisions and ultimately have a more fulfilling academic and personal experience.