Gatoraider Suggestions
GE Suggestions
This list does not include all GE choices. You will find information about certain classes through Gatoraider experience.
- Segment I
- Segment II
- Physical and Biological Sciences
- Behavorial and Social Sciences
- Humanities and Creative Arts
Segment1
COMM 150
One student offers thoughts about this class:
When I first heard of this requirement and began to dread taking the class, as I’m sure many first time freshmen do. Now after having taken the class, I can say that there really was nothing to be afraid of (nervous maybe); it’s something that everyone has to go through. So, I decided to interview a good friend who also took this course but with a different teacher, to support my point of view.
Q: How did you feel about having to take a speech class your first semester here at SFSU?
A: I was frightened, because I hate public speaking. I wasn’t sure why it was required.
Q: What is speech class in your own words?
A: It’s a class in which they teach you to socialize, be open, and communicate effectively with different groups of people.
Q: Do you think it should be a required subject? Why or why not?
A: Now that I’ve taken it, yes, because it has helped me overcome my fear of public speaking.
Q: Was the class what you expected?
A: No, I thought it was going to be more horrific and embarrassing, but it wasn’t, everyone was just as nervous as me.
Q: What would you suggest or what tips would you give students who still have to take this class?
A: Do your best, get it over with and don’t be afraid. Make sure to do your homework on time and most important thing is to practice your speech before you present.
In conclusion accomplishing the oral communication requirement is not as scary as it seems, in the long run taking speech class will be extremely beneficial. I’m happy to report that my good friend Ana from Daly City got a B+ on her persuasive speech last week (which in my opinion is the hardest speech of all).
AIS 110
Format: Seminar 25-30 StudentsWork: Group projects, some reading (~2 hours a week). A lot of hands on work including case studies and political views to analyse. The two course objectives are to learn how to argue effectively, and the other is to learn the history of the treatment of American Indians by the government.Possible comprehensive exams. A lot of information, and few assignments, says one student. Therefore the assignments you turn in must be done well. One student says, "I learned so much in this class!"
Tip: SFSU is world-reknowned for its ethnic studies courses. Try to take some GE that has a multi-cultural, multi-heritage perspective.Description: How to read and criticize literature. The reading are based on Native American topics. One student tip: always raise your hand and let your opinion be known.
Course Format: This is a lecture class with many class discussions.
Work Load: Be prepared to do at least two to three hours of reading per week. Expect to write a paper at least once every two weeks. There are also tests and quizzes.
Skills Needed: Must be able to read and think critically. You’ll have to offer proof for anything that you claim in your assignment papers.
Other Info: A main part of the grade entails a presentation given towards the end of the semester. Try to be creative to set your presentation apart from others.
ETHS 110
Format: Seminar 25-30 StudentsWork: Group projects, some reading usually from one book (~2 hours a week). A lot of hands on work including case studies and political views to analyse. Possible comprehensive exams.
Tip: SFSU is world-reknowned for its ethnic studies courses. Try to take some GE that has a multi-cultural, multi-heritage perspective.Description: How to read and criticize literature. The reading are based on ethnic studies topics.
Course Format: This is a lecture class with many class discussions.
Work Load: Be prepared to do at least two to three hours of reading per week. Expect to write a paper at least once every two weeks. There are also tests and quizzes.
Skills Needed: Must be able to read and think critically. You’ll have to offer proof for anything that you claim in your assignment papers.
Other Info: You have to be open minded in this class. Some of the subjects may be a little touchy to some, but this course is a good alternative to regular English literature.
Segment2: Physical and Biological Sciences
ASTR 115
-can be taken with ASTR 116
Description: Course Format: Lecture! Although the course is about Astronomy, do no expect this class to meet outside or in the planetarium...that is the Astronomy lab.Work Load: The text was supplementary (not required) but very helpful to overall comprehension. Plan on spending 4-5 hours per week reviewing notes and reading.
Skills Needed: Time management and note-taking. Be organized and thorough with your notes and follow through with some dedicated study time.
Other Info: This course sounds a little easier than it is, but is still very interesting. Be wary of taking it at night because it will be 3 hours of science! You may fall asleep!
ASTR 116
Description: covers basic properties and composition of the universe, goes over star and planet patterns.Course Format: typically a class of 30 students, mostly group work within the lab setting, work out of the lab manual, 3-4 class assignments that require students to visit planetarium or observatory (both on campus) outside of class.
Work Load: graded on 2-3 exams covering basic lab concepts, NO ESSAYS!
Skills Needed: basic math skills are not necessary, but do help with SOME of the work. Attendance and participation are the most important elements of succeeding in the course.
Other Info: lots of freshmen take this course, and because there's so much group work, it’s a GREAT place to meet new people!
CHEM 101
Description: Basic principles of chemistry. Discussion of compounds (alcohols, ethers, esters, carbohydrates, fats, proteins, enzymes) related to the elementary processes of the human body.Course Format: Lecture.
Work Load: A lot of reading, studying, and teaching yourself the material is needed in order to do well in the class. Approximately 10 hrs of work and studying is needed outside of class.
Skills Needed: None needed but knowledge of chemistry from high school or previous classes would help immensely.
Other Information: Course recommended to be taken with Chem 102. Optional study groups meet outside of class for approximately two hours. A lot of dedication and focus is needed for this class.
GEOL 100
Description: The study of the earth and its landscapingCourse Format: This is a lecture class. There are a few written projects.
Work Load: Be prepared to do three to four hours of reading per week. Mandatory field trips in small groups for assignments.
Skills Needed: Must be able to read and pull good notes from the textbook. No prior knowledge of geology is needed.
Other Info: If you don’t know anyone who is taking the class with you, make a new friend or two. There are a couple of assignments that you’ll need to do in a small group of two or three people.
GEOL 110
Description: Composition, structure, and evolution of the earth; earth materials; tectonic and hydrologic systems; land form development; relation of geologic systems to the human environment.Course Format: Class split between lecture and lab. Extra fee required.
Work Load: Reading assignments for each lecture and several exams. Class work, 3 units; laboratory and fieldwork, 1 unit.
Skills Needed: Good reading comprehension and writing skills
PHYS 111
Description: An in depth look at the world of physics. From the gravitational pull on all objects to circular motion, centripetal force, etc.Course Format: Lecture, with about 40 students in the class. A physics text book is required.
Work Load: Approximately 4-5 hours of work per week, constantly reviewing the material.
Skills needed: A good math background/understanding (up to at least pre calculus) is essential to this class.
Other Info: This class must be taken with the lab, Phys 112.
PHYS 112
-must be taken with PHYS 111
Description: Taking the techniques learned in the General Physics lecture and applying them, hands on.Course Format: One day a week for 3 hours. A Lab book is required, and a notebook to keep all work and notes in.
Skills needed: Understanding concepts of physics.
Category B
ANTH 100
Description: Human beings in relation to the animal kingdom, geological time, and human evolution; fossil humans; human heredity; anthropometry; criteria of race; racial theories and problems.Homework: Expect 6 hours of week of reading and learning the concepts & theories.
Student Tips:
* Besides your typical tons of reading, the material is dense and challenging.
* Make sure you keep up with the concepts presented in class because they intertwine throughout the course.
* I would recommend joining a study group because a lot of biological theories are presented.
BIOL 210
Description: This course is an introduction to microbes: bacteria and virus, which we live with in our daily lives. Need some basic knowledge of biology, but not mandatory.Course Format: Lecture based.
Workload: Chapter readings according to lecture from course’s required text. Study for class exams and final. Approximate 3-5 hours of reading per week, and 2-3 hours of study per week (depends on the student reading and studying pace).
Skills needed: Good listening and note taking skills a must.
Other info: The course is fun if you like to learn about microbes: their ability to cause sickness, the differences between bacteria and virus, and how they affect our body. This is a great course for health field majors, to learn about signs and symptoms of sickness/disease and the type of microbes causing it.