As a student entering college, you probably have a rough idea of what field you want to study. However, if you focus too much on one field during your college years, and ignore all other courses that are not part of your field of study, you may be missing some great opportunities to learn some interesting subjects that can help with personal development.
Almost all programs today offer students the opportunity to take some elective courses. It is a good idea to make the most of those courses by exploring different fields.
Here are some courses that every student should take before they graduate college.
Economics 101
Economics is all around us. You can’t watch the news for more than a few minutes before you notice some report about the economy. Taking an introductory course on economics will help you understand money, inflation, how financial markets operate, and why the government seems to always be asking for more taxes!
“Economics is everywhere, and understanding economics can help you make better decisions and lead a happier life” ~ Tyler Cowen
“Communication – the human connection – is the key to personal and career success” ~ Paul J. Meyer
Business Communications 101
No matter what career you decide for yourself after you graduate, you will definitely find yourself in a position where you will need to communicate effectively. An introductory course in business communication will help you learn how to write an effective resume, memo, and reports. The business world rotates around communication, and knowing how to communicate well will help you excel.
Political Science 101
We all need to stay up-to-date with how our government is performing its duties and what it means for us. Political science is one of those fields that can summon great waves of passion and heated debate. An introductory course in political science will help sharpen your critical thinking processes, appreciate the notion of compromise, as well as help you maneuver the political environment of business and professional development.
“Politics is the art of the possible, the attainable — the art of the next best” ~ Otto von Bismarck
“Marketing is a contest for people’s attention” ~ Seth Godin
Marketing 101
If there is one thing you will need after graduating college is to have the skill of knowing how to market and sell yourself to potential employers. Understanding the underlying principles of marketing and selling will help you go a long way in your professional career, regardless of what field you work in.
Logic 101
Logic is probably one of the most interesting and most challenging areas of human life. Taking an introductory course in logic will open your mind to areas you did not even know existed. What better skill is there than knowing how to decode arguments, formulate implicit and explicit responses, as well as knowing how to prepare for challenges that might come towards you in life? A course in logic is highly recommended!
“Logic is not a body of doctrine, but a mirror-image of the world. Logic is transcendental” ~ Ludwig Wittgenstein
“I have gained this from philosophy: that I do without being commanded what others do only from fear of the law” ~ Aristotle
Philosophy 101
Philosophy attempts to put into perspective the most difficult and intriguing questions in the world. It gives you no answers, but gives you the tools you need to develop your own answers that are unique to you and how to argue them. Reflect on questions such as ‘Is it acceptable to kill 1 innocent human being to save 100?’, ‘What is reality?’ and ‘What is consciousness?’ ……
Foreign Language 101
In an increasingly connected world, nothing puts you ahead of the game than being bilingual or even multilingual. Taking a course in any foreign language will give you an unchallenged competitive advantage in the workplace. Mandarin, Arabic, Spanish, or Hindi, or countless others, choose one that interests you the most, and give it a try before leaving college. Expect it to be highly challenging, but just as rewarding.
“To God I speak Spanish, to women Italian, to men French, and to my horse – German” ~ Emperor Charles V
About the author
Amanda Drajnic is an education specialist with a passion for writing on a wide variety of educational topics. Amanda is a regular contributor to MindCoral's blog and is always eager to share new ideas and concepts online.
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Interesting post!