Beyond the Blue Book: the skinny on intro classes

It's two in the morning and you're staring at your Blue Book. You know you want to take chemistry, but your parents are on your case to take English since you are at a liberal arts university. What classes should you take? Many popular freshman classes come in various levels, and taking the wrong one can put a damper on your first year. Read on for an overview of the classes that most frosh consider taking.

English: You have to pre-register for English classes during the summer by sending Yale a response card. Intro English classes offer variety, but AP and SAT II scores may limit your choice. Level I classes, English 114, 115, and 118, are for students without extensive experience, but these classes aren't easy. English 114 tackles intensive analysis and writing and has a reputation for difficulty. English 115 introduces students to advanced analysis through books and plays. English 118 is a nontraditional seminar addressing subjects such as espionage and monsters. It is offered second semester.

If you racked up high enough SAT or AP scores, you are eligible for Level II classes: English 120, 125, and 129. English 120 focuses on expository writing; you'll spend most of your time penning personal prose while studying sample essays by professional writers. If you love poetry, English 125 may be the perfect class for you. This class, which is required for the English major, features works such as The Canterbury Tales and Paradise Lost. English 129 covers much of the Western canon, from Homer to Shakespeare to Joyce.

Mathematics: Your first semester course depends on how much math you took in high school. Math 112 covers basic integral calculus. Even though Math 115 covers Calculus BC material, many frosh who took the BC exam in high school choose Math 115 as a refresher. Math 120 covers multivariable calculus and is known for massive problem sets, incomprehensible TAs, and tough exams. If you love theoretical math, consider Math 230. This year-long class covers multivariable calculus and linear algebra in an abstract, proof-driven manner.

Physics: The physics class you take depends less on your experience than on how hard you're willing to work. Physics 110 is designed for non-science majors. Physics 150 is an intermediate course with a light work-load, while Physics 180 is a more advanced course with a heavy work-load that focuses on the mathematical basis of physics. Physics 200 may be ideal for some frosh experienced in the subject. The hardest and most theoretical among introductory physics is Physics 260, which requires current or former enrollment in Math 230.

Chemistry: Choosing chemistry classes depends on past experience and degree of willingness to kill your social life. Like English, you have to pre-register for chem classes. However, you'll have to take a placement exam if you wish to take something higher than general chemistry.

Chemistry 113, 114, and 118 are general chemistry classes. Chemistry 113 is a problem-solving class designed for students without much chemistry background, and is an easy way to fulfill a medical school chemistry requirement. Chemistry 114 moves faster than 113 and focuses more on theory. Chemistry 118 is a single-semester class that covers all of the 114 material in half the time, but doesn't go deeply into any subject.

If you think general chemistry is a waste of your time, take the departmental exam to place into Freshman Organic Chemistry. Chem 125 requires serious dedication and memorization skills. Tests are killers and lab reports are long, but the curve is generous.

Economics: Introductory economics is limited to micro- and macroeconomics. Economics 110 is a special microeconomics course taught in small sections by TAs. If this format isn't for you, you can take traditional introductory micro- or macroeconomics classes, Econ 115 and 116, respectively. These courses cram several hundred students into lectures administered by dry speakers. The courses break into TA-led discussion sections once a week.

Foreign Languages: Introductory classes come in several flavors. Beginner classes, usually designated as 115, deal with grammar and vocabulary. Intermediate classes, 130 level, work on perfecting grammar and beginning work on literature and culture. Both levels involve mandatory language labs, and meet five days a week with strict attendance rules.

Graphic by Sara Edward-Corbett.

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