Seniors Share Favorite Classes
Deciding on your schedule for next semester can feel like a daunting task, a maze, a thousand-piece jigsaw puzzle where all the pieces are a shade of the same color. If you are having trouble deciding what classes to take, look no further! There are lots of seniors out there who have been in the same spot, and we're bringing our best recommendations to you. Without further adieu, here are the recommended courses from the Class of 2020!
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"I would recommend any class with Vena. I really enjoyed it when I took Critical Issues of Theology because it really challenged my perspective on the status quo. The class is discussion-based, so it was a good place to learn and discuss other beliefs."
-David Ramirez
"I recommend Counseling Skills to anyone. It is a helpful class in the way that it teaches you better coping skills, and it allows you to become better in tune with why you are feeling certain things.
"I also recommend any class that Ken Turner teaches. You learn a lot from him, including, but not limited to, how to read and write in Hebrew, who the Minor Prophets were, what Divine Council is, where the best YouTube clips are, and how to have fun in your pursuit of the Lord"
-Jessi Taylor
"I highly recommend Cultural Anthropology to everyone - I know some majors require it and some don't, but it is worth taking even as an elective. This class teaches you all about how our society, culture and environment shape our viewpoints, and helps you to become more sensitive to the way others view the world. It is especially helpful if you plan on doing missions of any kind, even short term, like a church trip. But literally anyone can benefit from learning how our culture shapes us - even if only to help us understand our friends here at TFC better!"
-Luci Hodges
"I would recommend Psalms and Proverbs! It's a wonderful class where you not only learn about Psalms and Proverbs, but also how we can relate to the Lord today. There's a lot of practical application!"
-Katherine Claire
"Human Sexuality - makes you look at things differently and get new perspectives.
"Western Thought and Culture. I feel like it gives a good foundation for worldview."
-Jordan Green
"I would recommend Cultural Anthropology. It is so important to understand the cultural differences between the U.S. and how the rest of the world functions. Both for the furthering of the kingdom as well as for everyday living. Regardless of your future career, it is nice to know how the world at large works. And not to mention, Penland is a great teacher who is very entertaining and engaging."
-Caleb Hail
"Small Group Leadership (in the Ministry & Leadership Department). It's not just about how you facilitate a group discussions (because that's what I thought it would be) but it was a major class that has given me a vision of what the body of Christ could be and how the church was meant to operate. It's a lot of writing, but they are assignments you are actually excited about doing, which definitely makes it worth it."
-Alison Lamb
"If you want to go into film like me, take Film Genres and a Media Production class and any other film-related classes that arise. Other than that, if you can, take some electives that are more focused on what you want to do. For example, I want to go into youth ministry, so take some ministry electives if possible."
-Branton McMahan
"If I could recommend any class, I would say take Media and Society with Dr. Wanner. It was so interesting to see how Christ engaged with the culture around him and how we also can do that. Also, we watched a lot of music videos, so there's that."
-Rachel Ehl
"Whether you are a history buff or not, Dr. Jalovick's history class is a good core class to take. He provides his students with notes that will be almost exactly the same on the test, so there are no surprise questions. He has a ritual of playing a song on Fridays."
-Audrey Ashley
"Small Group Leadership (in the Ministry & Leadership Department). With the growing importance of house churches and the lack of emphasis on valuable small groups in the modern American church, this class can give you tools to build discipleship relationships and better the church."
-Joshua Bogoniewski (alumnus, Class of 2019)
"Evolutionary Biology. Lots of people love to talk about evolution in Christian circles, but I've found that most people don't actually understand it. If you like science or are interested in the theological debate, I think it's a good class to consider."
-Andrew Snow
"Emotionally Healthy Minister: It is a great class for your future and just a great class in general for your time in college. It goes through time management, impulse control, self-actualization and so much more good stuff that all ministers and people need.
"Counseling Skills: It gives students the practical basics for building rapport which is needed in all environments of relationship building. As a Pastoral major myself, I have found it so helpful to have taken and would recommend all ministry majors to. It is not Intro to Counseling but a hands on/practical Intro to Counseling."
-Daniel Vang
"Any Psychology class! You'll learn a lot about yourself and how everything connects."
-Jocelyne LaPlanche
"I'd recommend Media Production with Professor Goins this upcoming Spring. This is a great class for any film buffs - you'll dive into the history of film, learn industry standards, and even learn to make your own short film."
-James Hutton
"Small Group Leadership (ICS333, in the Cross Cultural Department, as opposed to the Ministry and Leadership class) was one of my favourite classes. I really like it because as you are learning how to lead a small group, the class almost becomes one. It is a very comfortable place to come together and learn but also share closeness with your professors and students."
-Gabby Moore
"The class I would recommend to all freshmen is Cultural Anthropology. Ir doesn't have any prerequisites so anyone that wants to can take it. That class changed my whole perspective on the world. It has also been very helpful in general life situation because our country is so diverse and we have a quickly globalizing world. Plus Dr. Penland is a lot of fun!"
-Mackenzie Spivey
"Western Though & Culture began to change my perspective on the world in a way that all of my other classes have been able to build on. It is a great foundation for understanding culture. The class does cram lots of information into two weeks, but if you come to it with a good attitude, it can be life-changing. Also, you can make lots of friends as you experience Winterim together.
"Communication Ethics with Dr. Wanner was a class that taught me to think about the Church in a different and more holistic way. After that class, I feel equipped to better understand the beliefs and practices that shape Christian life."
-Cami Bogoniewski
If you're still having trouble with your schedule, talk to your adviser or a trusted friend! After all, we're all in it together.