How does the human body work? I don’t know, and, honestly, I am not really interested in finding out. As a liberal arts student, the idea of taking two sciences with labs during my sophomore year is nothing short of dreadful. The more I talk to other students in my major and surrounding areas of study, the more I have realized that we are all on the same page: sign up for the easiest possible science class we can get into and pray that our GPAs get by unscathed. In my opinion, liberal arts students should only have to take one science and have no required labs.
I understand that the true meaning of a liberal arts and sciences education is to give students a well-rounded education that dips into multiple areas of study. However, when we get too in depth into other areas of study, it can begin to overwhelm students and lead them to dread a majority of their first years in college.
My sophomore year isn’t looking to be enjoyable on the academic front due to two lab requirements that are completely diluting my major and minor classes in communication and sociology. Rather than being excited to learn from some of the best professors in my fields, I am dreading coming back from Summer Break because I know that a chemistry class is waiting for me.
More importantly, I have never been a science or math student, it was never my strength. Hence, why I am pursuing a career in a completely different field. Yet, I am being forced to take what I feel is an excess amount of hours in the science realm, for what?
I doubt I will use what I will be learning in my science classes in my career when I leave Villanova. Thus, I am spreading myself extremely thin to save my GPA so it is not destroyed by classes that aren’t even covering what I am studying in college.
How is that fair to students in the arts? It is damaging the GPA and grades of students who simply aren’t in love with or good at math or science. I understand that is why we have MSEs, yet, let’s be real, these classes aren’t any easier than a lot of the other regular science classes.
I shouldn’t be sitting in a three-hour lab when I could be studying for another class that will truly benefit me as I prepare for a career in public relations and advertising. Moreover, now I am taking a seat in a class from a student who does need or want to take that class.
Faith Malki, a comprehensive science major on the pre-dental track, is greatly affected by students like me.
“Registration can be very stressful since many students including myself have a very tight schedule and are essentially competing to get the classes they need so they can be prepared by their junior year,” Malki said. “Having to register for these classes with students who are not science majors or don’t want to go into healthcare can add a level of stress to registration because those seats are being taken up by students who need to just take the class as a requirement.”
With freshmen registration having commenced a week ago, I can personally testify to Malki’s frustration as the spots in science and lab classes are limited. Not only does this stress out liberal arts students as it severely messes with our schedules but it takes opportunities away from the students who need those classes for their majors.
Most science majors, like Malki, have a very specific track and there isn’t much wiggle room when it comes to falling behind. Thus, when students like myself take spots in classes that students like Malki are actually needing more and prepared for, it does both sides of the spectrum a disservice.
I truly understand the true meaning of being a liberal arts and Sciences student. It is a holistic education with multiple different course topics to create a well-rounded education for all Villanova students. I am very much a believer in this system that the school has set up and supports Villanova in their ability to give me such a diverse academic experience whilst in college.
However, I also believe that there are degrees to the intensity of this broadness and diversity, which we can scale back on in order to not overwhelm students.
By requiring liberal arts students to only take one science class without a lab, it will allow students to continue advancing their scientific studies but also make it enjoyable.
All the while, saving the truly difficult and limited classes for the students who not only need them but want to be in them. Let’s keep the science in the lab where it belongs – away from my GPA.
