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The Best Classes I’ve Taken at UMass (so far)

The opinions expressed in this article are the writer’s own and do not reflect the views of Her Campus.
This article is written by a student writer from the Her Campus at U Mass Amherst chapter.

One of the things I love most about UMass is the diverse class options offered. I’ve been able to curate such a varied education because of it. As a second-semester junior, my days are officially numbered (I don’t know how I’ll ever leave Amherst) and my Academic Requirement Report is quickly trickling down. Luckily, I have had the chance to take some pretty awesome classes where I not only learned a lot but actually really enjoyed the process. For reference, I am a Communication and Journalism double major and Sociology Minor. If you’re struggling to find classes to register for next week, give one of these a try!

My Body, My health

I took My Body, My Health for my Intercultural/International requirement my second semester of freshman year. I loved everything about this course, especially how discussion-based it was. I met so many friendly people in the class that made classtime even better. Unfortunately, we were sent home due to Covid in the middle of the course, so I never got a proper finish, but still highly recommended!

Folklore of alcohol

This is a course in the Communication Department, but it is open to all! Seriously one of the coolest courses ever. There is so much more to alcohol than meets the eye, and Professor Gencarella does a fantastic job with this course. It’s also a flex to know a bunch of random fun facts about the alcohol people are drinking, trust me.

Sbs college to career

This is a one-credit course that I took my sophomore year in hope of better preparing me for the summer internship application process, which was exactly what it did! Through the course, you practice interview skills, create a resume and cover letter, and learn how to find internships and jobs. Definitely a class worth taking at any point in college to better prepare you for your future.

sociology of aspirations

This class was often referred to as a “therapy session” by my classmates. If you ever feel overwhelmed by the future and what you want to do with your life, then I really recommend taking this course with Ofer Sharone. It definitely cured a lot of my anxiety around my career and the future!

politics of sport

This is a class I am taking this semester, and I love it soooo much. The class is completely discussion-based, and we are assigned a new reading or film to view before class that involves politics and sports, and then as a class, we discuss everything about it. It’s been a really eye-opening class that I look forward to every Tuesday and Thursday!

sociology of Love

This is also a class I am taking this semester, and I have already recommended it to all of my friends. This is again a very eye-opening class that will make you learn a lot about yourself and society, and it’s great for hopeless romantics like myself. 

Good luck to everyone registering next week! I hope you take my suggestions into consideration and enjoy them as much as I did!

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Sarah Walsh

U Mass Amherst '23

Sarah is a Senior at UMass Amherst double majoring in Communication and Journalism and minoring in Sociology. Her favorite tv shows are Friends, The Office, and New Girl. And her favorite movies consist of the entire Harry Potter series. She loves to workout, spend time with family and friends, and walk her puppy, Rory.