My Favorite Classes at UMass

Here are five of my favorite classes that I’ve taken in my three semesters here. Some of them were for my major, but I would still recommend them to anyone!

Statistics 111: Elementary Statistics

I’m enrolled in this class now to fulfill my R1 and R2 math credit. I’ve never been a math person, but to my surprise, I’m doing well. My professor, Brian Burrell, and discussion instructor, Sixtus Dakurah, both do a really great job at making sure everyone understands what is going on. I would recommend this class for anyone who isn’t passionate about math but needs to fulfill math credits. The content is taught well and class is pretty straightforward. The instructors all are very willing to help you if you need it!

Comm 118: Interpersonal Communication and Culture

I took this class in the first semester of my freshman year to fulfill an introductory communication credit for comm majors. I took the class with professor Donal Carbaugh. He showed up to class excited to teach us and was passionate about every lecture. Even if you can’t take the class with Carbaugh, I would recommend still taking it purely for how interesting the material is. If you’re interested in learning on an introductory level the ways we communicate with people, including theories and case studies between different cultures, I would for sure take Comm 118.

English 132: Gender, Sexuality, Literature, & Culture

I took this class second semester of my freshman year to fulfill an art credit. I took a similar class in high school, so I enjoyed what I got out of this class. However, the topics covered are pretty niche so I would review the curriculum before you take the class, only because you may not find it interesting. My instructor made the class poetry-based, which was a nice change from other English classes I’ve taken, where I mostly read novels. In general, I enjoyed English 132 and I think it’s a great class to take if you are interested in gender studies. 

Journalism 201: Introduction to Journalism

This class was not easy. If you’re looking for an easy A, this is not the class for you. However, this was one of the most rewarding classes I’ve taken at UMass. My professor’s name was Raz Sibii, and he had a lot of experience as a journalist, which was vital for teaching the 100-person lecture. He prepared us well for future journalism classes and in interesting ways. Although his class was hard, he wanted us to succeed. I would recommend this class to journalism majors because of how much it will help you in your career. 

Comm 231: Film & TV Production Concepts

I’m enrolled in Comm 231 right now, which I also took for a major requirement. I don’t watch a lot of movies, so my appreciation for the class is a bit different than my peers. However, I can honestly say this is my favorite class right now. My professor, Kevin Anderson, is passionate about the material and makes class interesting for everyone (even me, the non-movie-watcher). I would suggest taking this class to anyone because of how versatile the information is. I’ve been able to apply concepts I’ve learned to what I see on TV and in movies. Even if you’re like me and not initially interested in film, the material we learn is well explained, and I, for one, have gained an appreciation for it.