What class should I take next semester?

[Alidar Jarok]

Considering swine flu has been reported on campus, we'll probably all die before next semester, but barring that, I unfortunately have to pick my classes. I have a free spot and was thinking of taking another language. The problem is that I'm not sure which one.

My choices are:

French: This seems the safe choice for me. I'm pretty good at Italian, so it's not as dramatic of a change. Also, some day I might want to visit France and, although this would only be an intro level class, I'd have at least some knowledge of the language I could use.

Russian: This is a drastic departure from Italian, obviously, but it could be a very interesting class. I find Russia to be pretty interesting and, at the very least, I'd have the skill to read Cyrillic. I also know two people who are taking this class.

So, which class should I take? Or should I take neither and simply enjoy having four classes instead of five.

 

[sidious618]

12 credits is how I roll.

 

[Neeka Keet]

If as you say you have a working understanding of Italian then you'll do ok in French.

 

[Sephiroth]

try learning Mandarin

 

[Goliath]

Unless you're planning to follow it up with more advanced classes, I wouldn't bother with either language. A single first-year class won't give you a working knowledge of anything.

My advice: take a completely different type of class, or just stick with 12 credits.

 

[RJDiogenes]

I say Russian. More of a challenge and kind of interesting.

 

[All Seeing Eye]

Learn Arabic.

 

[Alidar Jarok]

Arabic crossed my mind, but it doesn't fit my schedule (unless I want to take it at 9 in the morning).

 

[StolenThunder]

Italian will help with French, and a knowledge of French is good for travel in a lot of countries. Having said that, I don't know how much use it would be if you take just the one class.

 

[Crusher Disciple]

Ballroom dancing- you wonderful fluffy cheese tart!

 

[iguana_tonante]

Arabic crossed my mind, but it doesn't fit my schedule (unless I want to take it at 9 in the morning).

The horror!

No, seriously. I had compulsory classes for my first two years of college at 8.00 in the morning and every day I died a little bit.

Since you already know Italian, I would stick with French. I'm Italian, and with full attention I can follow a French conversation, let's say, between 20% and 50% depending on topic. So with your background and one more year of study, you could have at least a working knowledge of French. Russian sounds more interesting, but I'm not sure you could get anything from it except the ability to read road signs in Cyrillic.

 

[nevermore]

Unless you're planning to follow it up with more advanced classes, I wouldn't bother with either language. A single first-year class won't give you a working knowledge of anything.

My advice: take a completely different type of class, or just stick with 12 credits.

This. I suggest something fun like a film class or Buddhist meditation or Archaeology or something.

 

[Alidar Jarok]

Well, languages are fun to me. I'm taking film this semester, I've already taken Archeology, and I don't think they offer Buddhist meditation.

 

[Mallory]

I voted for French. I'm entirely too practical about class selection.

 

[JAG]

I went with French as well.

 

[Goliath]

Well, languages are fun to me. I'm taking film this semester, I've already taken Archeology, and I don't think they offer Buddhist meditation.

Well, if you're only taking it for fun, then by all means, do what you feel!

 

[Spot's Meow]

I went with French. I took four years of it in high school and loved it, it's such a lovely language and has been helpful for understanding bits of Italian and Spanish as well. I think that if you know some Italian you will not only do well in the class but you will enjoy it. I also really liked the culture aspect of the classes, but I don't know how much college professors are really into that. My high school French teacher would sometimes show up with crepes in the morning, and every Christmas we had some awesome log cakes. And of course there was Mardi Gras. Mmm food. Learning some history of France was interesting as well.

Anyway my point is that it is an enjoyable language and culture so take the class. I wish I could have taken it in college but it always conflicted with my required courses.

Oh yes, and if you plan on travelling you should definitely take French. It is one of the most used languages in the world alongside English and Spanish.

 

[Warp Coil]

I say, stick to 12 credits so that you don't over-exhaust yourself. That's how I did it. However, if you feel compelled to take another class, I would do something fun. Take a film class.

 

[auntiehill]

If you're only taking one intro class, I wouldn't bother with it all and would just focus on the classes you're already taking. If you really feel you need the extra credits, I'd take something that would contribute, at least tangentially, to your major.

But if you're really interested in languages, then take French.

 

[All Seeing Eye]

Arabic crossed my mind, but it doesn't fit my schedule (unless I want to take it at 9 in the morning).

Yes but in the very unlikely yet possible event you come across a suicide bomber and he talks Arabic he might be so impressed that you can converse with him in Arabic you might be able to talk him out of doing it.