Opinion Needed! (SU Students) Which Class Should I Take?
Deep breath...
When I registered for classes for the Spring 2014 semester, I knew I wanted to take two media production courses, a dance class and a Spanish class. As of right now, I am taking the following:
CMAT 354: Advanced Audio Production
CMAT 466: Specialized Reporting TV & Web
DANC 162: Creative Modern Dance
SPAN 310: Oral & Written Composition
So far, I am just okay with this schedule. Mainly the reason being is the fact that the classes I tried to sign up in the CMAT department were already full. I wanted the audio production class (354) so I gladly signed up for it however, the specialized reporting class (466) was the only other option for my track. Seeing as I had no other CMAT choices, I signed up for the 466 class. I have two options as of right now:
Option 1: Suck it up and stick with the schedule I've got.
Option 2: Change around my schedule, to drop CMAT 466 and take Portuguese instead.
Now I know what you're thinking...where the heck did Portuguese come from?!
Well I'll have you know that I am half-Brasilian, and I have a basic knowledge of Portuguese from being around my mother's side of the family. With my knowledge of Spanish combined with the basic sounds of Portuguese, taking the Portuguese class could really help me solidify my comprehension and I could be on the road to becoming (wait for it)...trilingual.
Here is my problem: which of the two do I take? CMAT 466 or MDFL 102?
I'll lay out the pros and cons for both (+/-)
CMAT 466: Specialized Reporting TV & Web
+ Great for my resume/resume reel/video site
+ Experience with putting together video reports on a specialized topic (in this case, military)
+ Professor Dr. Burns is someone you learn a LOT from. Could help with future projects
+ Meet Monday/Wednesdays, no Fridays
- I despise reporting. This is why I'm not a Journalism/PR track
- Not interested in specializing in just ONE topic throughout the duration of the semester, especially not military (not hating, just not interested)
- I've heard Dr. Burns is a tough grader...which normally wouldn't stop me, but my GPA might cry
- Taking two production classes at once (354 and 466) would be time-consuming
MDFL 102: Elementary Study (Portuguese)
+ Excellent to further my understanding of Portuguese language
+ Met the Professor, seems like a nice lady who has a Portuguese background
+ Spanish could help me learn Portuguese quicker
+ Utilize help from family, friends, etc.
- Monday/Wednesday/Friday class...ugh
- Taking two languages at once may be challenging
- Not a requirement, just a personal desire
- Use own time to try and comprehend language
Obviously, I am in a bit of a funk at the moment. Both classes would benefit me, the question is do I want something I could add to my video reel or a communication skill I could use to make me look better with more languages under my belt?
Have you taken these classes before? Is there anything you can tell me having taken the class(es) already?
Feel free to add your input, I could really use some good advice.
Thanks!
If Helena Hill is the professor you are referring to for the Portuguese class, she is amazing! I know her on a personal level (so I have never had her as a professor), but I highly recommend her class.
ReplyDeleteYes!! She is a fantastic individual, and I would love to take her class. I met her through the Orientation Leader program and I told her I was really interested in taking the class.
DeleteI would go for burns class. I have taken both the cmat classes your taking and dont think you will have a problem with either. Burns is probably the best resource in the department and he really is not that tough of a grader. Its a good idea to get friendly with him. Plus I can always help if you have trouble! you can always take 100 level language classes later down the road at a community college.
ReplyDelete-Jesse
That seems pretty convincing! I just heard a lot of things about him being tough on people who did not take his 343 class (I had Camillo). But then again, if you say it's worth it, then I can trust that :) Thanks Jesse! I'll let you know if I have any questions.
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