Electives
To give students a better idea of non-business electives at UT, we have collected information from BHP students who have taken a variety of classes across campus. Click on one of the classes below to find out their perspectives.
1. What was the course you took?
Ballroom Dance
2. Who was the professor?
Rosemary Slacks
3. What did you like about the course?
This course is a great course. If you've never danced (like me) you will get to learn a lot and you will start enjoying going to Midnight Rodeo. We learn ballroom and country & western dancing. And you will meet a lot of people because you always dance with random people every day. There are free-for-all practices scheduled weekly for some fun or practice. I enjoy this class too much, and it is a breather for all of the other classes. Take it and learn something you will love.
4. What are the expectations of the course (papers, exams)?
Attendance is a major part of the class because if you're not there, someone will be lacking a dance partner. There is a syllabus quiz, final quiz, and some skills test.
5. Compared to business, how would you rate this course (1-10) in:
Difficulty:
1
Enjoyability:
10
Medicine, Ethics, and Society (PHL 325M)
1. What was the course you took?
Medicine, Ethics, and Society
2. Who was the professor?
Dr. Messerly
3. What did you like about the course?
When I took the class, we read two amazing novels. One was "How Science Will Revolutionize the 21st Century" and the other was "The Genetic Revolution and Human Possibilities." Both were incredibly interesting and definitely relevant to pre-med students. Messerly is also the craziest professor I've ever had, and it's fun just to watch him.
4. What are the expectations of the course (papers, exams)?
There are two exams and a final in addition to quizzes over the readings. The exams are in essay format, and the final isn't cumulative. The tests are nothing to worry about, he pretty much tells you the questions beforehand.
5. Compared to business, how would you rate this course (1-10) in:
Difficulty:
3-- If you don't mind reading, this class is pretty simple. You can pretty much choose how much work you want to put into it.
Enjoyability:
8-- Messerly's the best so get him if you can
Early Modern Philosophers: Descartes-Kant (PHL 329L)
1. What was the course you took?
Early Modern Philosophers: Descartes-Kant
2. Who was the professor?
Allaire
3. What did you like about the course?
This course is pretty intensive, and you'll find yourself in a room of philosophy majors. If you're interested in philosophy and don't mind reading some dense texts, you'll love it. The professor's great, and I learned so much.
4. What are the expectations of the course (papers, exams)?
You'll write two papers and take two essay tests and a final. I think each paper consists of two questions- 4 pages, and the exams are three essays in a blue book.
5. Compared to business, how would you rate this course (1-10) in:
Difficulty:
8-- it is a difficult course especially if you don't have any philosophy background, but you can get an A.
Enjoyability:
8-- provided you like to write and you like philosophy
South Indian Cultural History (ANS 372)
1. What was the course you took?
South Indian Cultural History
2. Who was the professor?
Prof. Radhakrishnan
3. What did you like about the course?
If you are interested in learning about different cultures, this class definitely allows you to experience cultures through various media. Prof. Radhakrishnan is very good about mixing in short films or documentaries with his lectures so the class never really gets too dry. As long as you do your work, which is little to nothing, you will get an A in the class.
4. What are the expectations of the course (papers, exams)?
There are two short quizzes, one paper, and a final project. The only thing that the professor really cares about it attendance. Attendance will make or break your grade in the class. Even if you don't do so well on the assignments, Prof. Radhakrishnan will give you a good grade for class if you are there everyday.
5. Compared to business, how would you rate this course (1-10) in:
Difficulty:
3 - Its very easy as long as you show up to class
Enjoyability:
7 - I thought it was enjoyable. You have to be open to learning about cultures different than your own
Computer Animation (TD352T)
1. What was the course you took?
The class is TD352T Computer Animation. That's right people, a theatre and dance class that is focused on computer animation. You don't have to be a Theatre and Dance major, or even computer science.
2. Who was the professor?
His name is Yacov Sharir. Although he has very famous exhibits and tours in the art field, which I am totally ignorant of, he's a very down to earth (nice) guy. He prefers to be called by his first name, and he loves to get input and feedback from his classes. He also has a very cool French accent that I wish I could duplicate. Maybe the American public isn't ready for a pudgy Asian boy with a French accent, no?
3. What did you like about the course?
The best part is that I finally have the opportunity to learn all the latest computer animation and video editing softwares that I have only heard about before. These include Poser, Adobe AfterEffects, Adobe Final Cut Pro, and in a week, I'll be learning 3d Studio Max. Learning these tools have definitely been important to my search to work for the video game industry, not to mention personal development. A minor perk was to have the course in the business school, located in the hidden computer lab on the ground floor of the GSB, very convenient.
4. What are the expectations of the course (papers, exams)?
In terms of experience, there are no expectations. Especially since this course is open to students of all majors, everyone must learn from scratch. This is interesting because you're not surrounded by business students that think just like you do. There might be a paragraph or two expected to be written, but they are nothing compared to essays or reports. There have been no exams so far and none expected, but there are projects assigned after each software is taught, so that students have an opportunity to express themselves with the new found skills. Seeing some of the other students projects and learning from each other has been one of the most interesting parts of the program.
5. Compared to business, how would you rate this course (1-10) in:
a. difficulty - 5
This class can be as hard or as easy as you want to make it. I've seen students purposely take the class as a blow off course and waste everyone's time just for an easy "A". I have also seen, however, students give it their best effort, and create breathe-taking works of art that they can easily show off at their next interview or portfolio display.
b. enjoyability-10
This has been one of the most enjoyable classes I've taken here at UT (yes, it even tops Human Sexuality). I've always wanted to make my own "Toy Story" or "Monsters Inc", and now I'm one step closer to my dream. If you've always been interested in computer graphics, this is a must have class!!
Government and Politics in Eastern Europe (EUS 361)
1. What was the course you took?
EUS 361 Gov't. and Politics in Eastern Europe
2. Who was the professor?
Barany
3. What did you like about the course?
The professor is brilliant and very funny. Also, the material is very interesting. I didn't know anything about the subject, so everything was new. The story of this area of the world is very interesting due to the constant change that took place.
4. What are the expectations of the course (papers, exams)?
Two exams and an optional paper.
5. Compared to business, how would you rate this course (1-10) in:
a. Difficulty - 7 - not difficult if you read
b. Enjoyability - 10 - probably the coolest class I've taken at UT
Southwestern Archeology (ANT 322K)
1. What was the course you took?
The course I took was Southwestern Archaeology (ANT 322K)
2. Who was the professor?
The professor is Darrell Creel, Ph.D.
3. What did you like about the course?
What I like about the course the most is learning about the early inhabitants of the American Southwest, and how they moved around and evolved into the groups of today. I also like the way that Dr. Creel presents the information, it is either in slide show format or he has PowerPoint slides with pictures and maps as well.
4. What are the expectations of the course (papers, exams)?
There are three exams (the first two count 30% each and the final exam counts 25%) There is also a paper that counts for 15% of our total grade. This paper though can be presented in oral format during office hours if we would rather (and he said that the written paper would not have to be in complete sentences, as long as we include all necessary information).
5. Compared to business
a. difficulty - 2
b. enjoyability - 7
Architecture and Society (ARC 308K)
1. What was the course you took?
ARC 308K: Architecture and Society (as a fine arts elective)
2. Who was the professor?
Dean Lawrence Speck (he is no longer the Dean at the School of Architecture)
3. What did you like about the course?
This was one of my all time favorite college classes. It was so interesting, and really a great overview of all areas of architecture. It was very "low-tech" and did not require prior knowledge of architecture. The course covered ancient through contemporary architecture, and taught how to properly analyze a structure. The TA's were awesome and really added to the experience.
4. What are the expectations of the course (papers, exams)?
There were 3 papers and 3 tests, which sounds like a lot, but if you enjoy architecture then the work is very enjoyable. The papers are basic high-school level research papers, on a building of your choice. The tests were multiple choice...memorization and slide show identifications...easy.
5. Compared to business, how would you rate this course (1-10) in:
a. difficulty
6...The workload was pretty heavy, but not difficult at all.
b. enjoyability
10...I really liked this course, it almost made me want to switch majors. The opportunity to have the Dean of the Architecture School teach it, definitely was a memorable experience.
History of Architecture (ARC 318K)
1. What was the course you took?
ARC 318K: History of Architecture, Survey I (to satisfy my 2nd fine artsrequirement)
2. Who was the professor?
Christopher Long
3. What did you like about the course?
Professor Long made ancient architectural sites really interesting...which can be a challenge because some of them are non-existent now. Most of the sites we studied were in foreign countries, so Professor Long tied in a lot of discussion on culture and religion. His sense of humor was great.
4. What are the expectations of the course (papers, exams)?
2 papers , 3 tests
5. Compared to business, how would you rate this course (1-10) in:
a. difficulty
7.5...I found the research for ancient architectural sites to be a little bit more of a challenge when doing my paper...I also think my TA graded harder than others
b. enjoyability
8.5...Great professor, and interesting course material. I love being able to contribute to conversations about architecture or ancient civilizations, that I wouldn't have known much about before taking this course.
Personal and Family Finance (HDF 322)
1. What was the course you took?
HDF 322: Personal and Family Finance
2. Who was the professor?
Sue Greninger
3. What did you like about the course?
This course was one of the only "real world" applicable courses I have taken. I learned how to do my taxes, shop for insurance, evaluate home-owner's insurance policy, plan for retirement, assess personal financial obligations and opportunities. I think this class really prepares you for the broad spectrum of financial planning for your future.
4. What are the expectations of the course (papers, exams)?
weekly Homework assignments, including filling out tax forms, 3 tests
5. Compared to business, how would you rate this course (1-10) in:
a. difficulty
8...I would recommend taking this one Pass/Fail, that way you don't have to stress about it. I think making an A would have been a challenge
b. enjoyability
8...I enjoyed this class, but most of all, I really learned useful knowledge in this class.
Feng Shui (ARC 350R)
1. What was the course you took?
ARC 350R: Feng Shui ( taken as an upper-division non-bus)
2. Who was the professor?
Charles Cappleman
3. What did you like about the course?
This class was really different. I took it because I like interior decorating, and this was a cultural spin on interior "arrangement". It was a small class with lots of discussion opportunities.
4. What are the expectations of the course (papers, exams)?
1 book report, 1 project (with a partner)
5. Compared to business, how would you rate this course (1-10) in:
a. difficulty
3...very light course work, the only challenge was making an architectural model for my project
b. enjoyability
8...I always looked forward to this class, Professor Cappleman is very low key, and has interesting stories to tell
Principles of Retail Merchandising (TXA 376)
1. What was the course you took?
TXA 376: Principles of Retail Merchandising (upper div. non-bus)
2. Who was the professor?
Ann Dupont
3. What did you like about the course?
Extremely interesting! If you enjoy fashion or shopping this is the class for you. I personally have interest in being a Buyer, so this class is perfect preparation for that job. It covers sales, marketing, business plans, retail strategies, and lots of discussion about Neiman's. The class met 5 days a week, but only lasted 1/2 of the semester. Most of class is made up of fashion merchandising and design majors, so I met a lot of creative people.
4. What are the expectations of the course (papers, exams)?
1 project, 1-page paper, 3 tests
5. Compared to business, how would you rate this course (1-10) in:
a. difficulty
2...I spent a significant amount of time on my project/business plan because I would actually like to pursue it someday. Overall, I did not do very much work outside of showing up for class
b. enjoyability
10...loved it! This is the most fun and enjoyable subject matter I have ever had in a classroom
Military History (HIS 349S)
1. What was the course you took?
.Military History (HIS 349S)
2. Who was the professor?
Lamphear
3.What did you like about the course?
Course is very well structured. The professor basically gives you all the information in paragraph form as he teaches. He points out what things you will specifically be responsible for and what things are there to enhance your understanding of the topic. If you like military stuff, then the course will be very enjoyable. However, much of it is spent going over tactics and strategy that different armies from around 1640 to 1900 used, so if you don't enjoy military stuff at all, this class will be very, very boring. It's also interesting because it goes over the evolution of several types of weapons during this time period.
4. What are the
expectations of the course (papers, exams)?
2 quizzes - 30%
1 midterm - 30% final - 40%
Quizzes are over readings and lecture. They are very simple. Choose two out of three for every part, and you only have to write a little a few sentences for each.
Midterm is essay, but you get to choose one out of three essay topics.
5.Compared to business, how
would you rate this course (1-10) in:
a. difficulty
Compared to business,
difficulty is the same (5). Memorization of facts and
then you tie them all together for the essay.
b. enjoyability
Compared to business, enjoyability is higher (7). If you like history, and more
specifically military stuff, you will enjoy this class much
much more than looking
at financial statements.
Constitutional Interpretation (GOV 357M)
1. What was the course you took?
constitutional interpretation, Gov 357m
2. Who was the professor?
H. W. Perry
3. What did you like about the course?
Socratic method. this class is a great preview of law school as it is the exact class Prof. Perry teaches to the law school. challenging and entertaining.
4. What are the expectations of the course (papers, exams)?
1 paper, 2 exams, participation
5. Compared to business, how would you rate this course (1-10) in:
a. difficulty: 8
b. enjoyability: 10
Business, Ethics, and Public Policy (PHL 325)
1. What was the course you took?
Business, Ethics, and Public Policy
2. Who was the professor?
Charles Kreckz
3. What did you like about the course
Really interesting. It went into both the ethical aspects of decision making, its philosophical history, logical considerations, and then applied it to real world situations.
4. What are the expectations of the course (papers, exams)?
Tests are part multiple choice and then an essay. He usually gave us a list of possible topics. Really not a hard class if you stick with it and read. I think there may have been one paper.
5. Compared to business, how would you rate this course (1-10) in:
a. difficulty 6
b. enjoyability 8.5
UT Outreach Program (CH371K)
1. What was the course you took?
The class is called the UTeach Outreach Program. It's through the science department, and the course number is CH371K, but you can't register for it during the normal registering period. You have to go to an information session during the first week of the semester and fill out a form to sign up for it--the reason they do that is to see how many sections of it they'll need. But you can (as far as I know) count on getting it, they try to accommodate everyone.
2. Who was the professor?
The official professor is Dorothy Vandecarr, very nice lady who works really hard to keep the program going. Everyone is divided into classes, though, of around 20, so each group of 20 has its own TA, who runs the class.
3. What did you like about the course
The class itself is great. Your group of 20 is assigned a grade level that everyone will teach science projects to. Within your group of 20 you pair up with a partner and the two of you are assigned to an elementary school and have 2 classes that you teach once a week. It's very enjoyable to work with the kids (I teach 1st graders); they really look forward to us coming every week. It's a very nice break from the intensity of business classes.
4. What are the expectations of the course (papers, exams)?
The expectations of you are only that you show up to class every week and that you show up to teach your elementary school classes each week. The way it works is that each group of 2 is assigned one week where they come up with the science project that everyone in the class of 20 will go and teach to their students. So every week you teach a science lab (which are obviously very easy to understand and teach since they are for elementary schoolers) that someone in the class came up with. The only time any real effort must be put forth is when it is your turn to come up with the lab, but even that is really not that tough.
5. Compared to business, how would you rate this course (1-10) in:
difficulty and enjoyability:
Compared to business I would rate it a 2 for difficulty and a 9 for enjoyability (I would give it a 1 and a 10, but I have trouble giving the absolute best scores--what if there's some other class out there less difficult and/or more enjoyable!? I wouldn't want to steer students the wrong way)
By the way, this exact same class can be taken as a 2 hour lower division course.
Women, Gender and Sexuality to 1865 (HIS 317L)
1. What was the course you took?
Women, Gender and Sexuality to 1865
2. Who was the professor?
Carolyn Eastman
3. What did you like about the course
It counted for history credit but was a completely different slant on the history you learned in high school. You don't have to have a huge history book--instead there are diaries/journals/etc. that are much more interesting. Guys: warning, there's about 99% girls in the class but Girls: You'll love this class
4. What are the expectations of the course (papers, exams)?
I believe there was a midterm and final that each consisted of 3-4 essay questions that Eastman handed out in class before the exam. You have to come to class with some questions answered about the assigned reading that was taken up for attendance credit, but it wasn't bad and the reading wasn't overkill.
5. Compared to business, how would you rate this course (1-10) in:
Difficulty: 5
Enjoyability: 8
Fashion Design and Laboratory (TXA 212K & 212L)
1. What was the course you took?
Fashion Design and Laboratory
2. Who was the professor?
Nicols
3. What did you like about the course
We watched videos in lecture (212K) every day, but they weren't those boring videos that make you want to pull your hair out. They were all really interesting ones about the fashion industry and top designers. The lab (212L) was fabulous because it is very small and intimate. I got to see the work of all of my peers. We spent a lot of time critiquing eachother, so I learned a lot about what I could do to improve my own designs. Overall, it was a stellar experience!
4. What are the expectations of the course (papers, exams)?
The lecture (212K) has three exams and an optional final. If you do well on the first three exams, you don't have to take the final. In the lab class (212L), you have three big projects. The first one is a five-part portfolio-type project, the second is designing a line inspired by a time period or culture, and the third is designing an entire line and creating the business that goes with it, and presenting it professionally in a book. The lecture won't give you problems at all, but the lab projects get a little crazy. It's a very perfection-detail-oriented class, so don't take it if you hate perfecting little details.
5. Compared to business, how would you rate this course (1-10) in:
212K - 3; 212L - 7 (projects are very time-consuming, but so much fun!)
Enjoyability: 212K - 7; 212L - 10
Psychology of Human Mating
1. What was the course you took?
Psychology of Human Mating
2. Who was the professor?
David M. Buss
3. What did you like about the course
It's easy and interesting. The class tries to explain why people act the way they do when trying to find mates. It covers short-term and long-term mating, mating behaviors and abberations, etc. Very fun course.
4. What are the expectations of the course (papers, exams)?
4 exams (45 multiple choice and 2 essay each)
5. Compared to business, how would you rate this course (1-10) in:
Difficulty: 4
Enjoyability: 8
Voice (VOI201/251)
1. What was the course you took?
Voice
2. Who was the professor?
3. What did you like about the course
It was great to have a musical outlet during my week. Plus, you get to learn songs in Italian, German, and French, which is something I have never really done before. It is a great experience and a very easy class.
4. What are the expectations of the course (papers, exams)?
You have to try out to be admitted, but that doesn't mean you have to be good. There are alot of people who are admitted into the class who are not very good. Once you are in the class, you meet once a week with your teacher (who is a grad. student in Opera), and you are expected to be prepared for every lesson, knowing your music and having practiced during the week. There are no tests, but you must attend one opera and write a one page paper on it *(very easy), and you must perform your song of choice at an end of the year recital.
5. Compared to business, how would you rate this course (1-10) in:
Difficulty: 1
Enjoyability: 10
Longhorn Band (ENS 207L)
1. What was the course you took?
Longhorn Band
2. Who was the professor?
Dr. Robert Carnochan
3. What did you like about the course
EVERYTHING! BHPers, if you were in band in high school and not doing it now...shame on you. You all need to join the band. Free tickets to football games, getting to preform in front of thousands of people, plus you get to be a band nerd again! Email me if you are interested in joining. Never played an instrument before...you can join too!
4. What are the expectations of the course (papers, exams)?
Just bring your instrument and be prepared to work
5. Compared to business, how would you rate this course (1-10) in:
Difficulty: Moderate
Enjoyability: Extreme!
Human Sexuality (EDP 363)
1. What was the course you took?
Human Sexuality
2. Who was the professor?
Larry Brownstein
3. What did you like about the course
Human Sex gets a lot of flack about being a blow-off class and just an easy A. While it definitely was an easy A (for a BHP student anyway), it was much more in depth than just a Sex Ed. class. I learned more about religion in this class than I ever have before. Brownstein goes in depth into the different views that various cultures and religions have held about sex over time. He also covers the evolution of sexual thought here in the U.S. (birth control, abortion, etc.). He definitely makes every class worth coming too - for education and fun.
4. What are the expectations of the course (papers, exams)?
3 exams, thought papers (Completion grade - just write what you think about the subject assigned, like abortion, homosexuality, etc.)
5. Compared to business, how would you rate this course (1-10) in:
Difficulty: 1
Enjoyability: 10
