Allegheny Student Government

Freshmen students rarely take FS102 seriously given their experience in FS101, which is intentionally less rigorous and more broadly aimed at preparing the students for school. I can recall from my own class several students who were perfectly fine failing the course because they didn't see it's purpose, and I've heard similar stories from other students.

I don't know if it should be gotten rid of (though a more organized structure may lend to its credibility) but of those three, I believe its the least useful. If the verbal communication was consistently emphasized though, then the course might be more useful.

I would have to agree with Zach's statements above. I feel that after the FS101 course, students select FS102 courses based completely upon the professor they heard would be the easiest. Oftentimes FS102 is viewed as a blowoff course, and not taken seriously at all.

I'm reminded of Voltaire's "Écrasez l'infame!"

I'm hesitant to say that FS 101 and 102 are useless--I benefited greatly from FS 102 as a speaker--but they are not intellectually rigorous by any stretch of the imagination.

The system, I think, needs to be re-vamped so as to be more rigorous, more useful, and more intellectually stimulating.

Over the past two years, I've realized that I'm a bit of an outlier in the FS realm. All three pushed my thinking skills, and were very engaging. But from what I have heard from my peers, most aren't like that! I'll have to agree with the above that if I was to pick one, I would eliminate the FS 102. Unlike the FS101 (which is a nice transition element to keep you sane) and FS201 (which is integral to progressing in your field of choice), FS 102 is awkwardly stuck in the middle. If its only merit is developing verbal communication, that function could be (and was in mine) absorbed by the FS101.

Would there be room in one of these courses, perhaps selected FS102 courses, to emphasize working with media? Communicating with video, images and audio can bring new insights into subjects beyond what we learn from the printed word. Do you think some students would opt for such an approach?

My experience has been similar to many other people. I had great experiences in FS 101 and 201 but 102 was unfocused and frustrating. I don't think it is necessary and we could definitely have a more constructive requirement in its place.

My experience has been similar to many other people. I had great experiences in FS 101 and 201 but 102 was unfocused and frustrating. I don't think it is necessary and we could definitely have a more constructive requirement in its place.

I had a wonderful experience with the FS 101 and FS 201, and I find them very beneficial. The FS 102 is the only thing I had a problem with. I had a good experience with FS 101 because it gave me a chance to know my advisor better. FS 101 also eased the transition from high school to college very well. What if we kept FS 102, but instead made it a continuation of FS 101 with the same advisor? Thoughts, Ideas?

Keep FS 201 by the way. I had my biology FS 201 and it helped move me in the right direction toward obtaining my degree. It also gave me a chance to realize that Biology is where I what I want to major in for sure.

fs 102 was a complete waste of time. we did absolutely nothing productive. it added unneccessary papers that had nothing to do about anything to my busy schedule

While I have yet to take FS 201 (I am taking it this fall), and I'm hopeful it wil be good, FS 102 was out of the three the worst. I think mostly the execution of the class was done poorly.

I enjoyed the topic of the class, but I could sense a good portion of the class caring more about the next party or their other classes than what the professor did in class. I saw many kids skip several of this class and didnt regret it. I only skipped once to study for an exam that ended up being canceled (I missed the one day he brought in donuts).

Unfortunately bitter arguments and poor judgment in words led to hurt feelings for some and an air of animosity for others during FS 102.

I have to admit though, that the class enhanced my speaking skills, and writing as well.

Overall though. I would have rather been able to take another class, such as foreign policy, or if I had been able to start Chinese last year, the second beginning course.

So beware, for many FS 101 is a great time to connect with your fellow incoming freshmen. But FS 102 is just like FS 101. It will feel repetitive, and a time killer for other classes, clubs, or sports.

I wish there would be not more options, but a greater focus on the majors considered by the entering body as a whole.

I'm with a lot of other people on here. FS 101 allows students to be acclamaited to Allegheny, teaching them at the same time writing and speaking skills. FS 201 is more subject related, but pretty much the same deal. FS 102, on the other hand, has no real purpose after the FS 101. It (102) is pretty obsolete.