Should I take Art History I or Intro to Philosophy in college?

Question

I'm registering for my freshman fall semester classes and I'd like to cover some reqs before delving into my major. I think these two count towards the humanities requirement? They both sound interesting to me, but I've never taken anything like them before. Any advice/suggestions/personal experiences?

Answer 1

I would recommend that you look at the course catalog and find out which professors teach those particular courses. Register (free) for www.ratemyprofessor.com and read the comments of students who have taken those professors for previous semesters/quarters. Use personal judgment in deciphering which one you think suits you better based on student comments of the professors and course subjects.

I am a biology major and I had to choose between these courses also to fulfill my core courses, I ended up going with Intro to Philosophy. It was a relatively tough and confusing course (since I am a more linear thinker - math, science), but I was lucky because the teacher ended up understanding that he had 20+ yrs of philosophy and we had 0. In my experience, not just with this course, it really depends on how the professor teaches the course.

The subject material in intro to phil. is interesting, but not necessarily an area that interests me to the point of amazement.

Answer 2

i think they both sound really good u should take both before u end college

Answer 3

Philosophy!

Answer 4

take psychology, art history will bore you

Answer 5

Either one can be great, with the perfect, inspiring, teacher.    I'd assume the worst in that regard though, unless other students have told you different.

Art history is mostly memorization.   I like art history, but would rather focus on the era's and styles that I want to learn about....classes don't work that way.

Philosophy is the foundation of thought.  It's the reason we have universities in the first place.   It views everything you will study in school at the highest level.   It's a great class for a Freshman, IMO.  

Answer 6

Definitely Art History. I took it in college and then studied abroad in Italy. It was so cool seeing all the art I had learned about first hand.  

Answer 7

apparently, philosophy majors do better on MCATS than any other major. This is because philosophy majors are trained to think differently than everyone else. Although I hated philosophy because it was soooo hard for me, I think that it'll totally be worth it.  

Answer 8

philosophy. it's a great way to figure out the big questions for yourself.

"where do we go after death?"

"a big meatball hut!"

Answer 9

There is no specific answer, for everyone is personally different and motivated by different aspects of informational subjects.  Examining your philosophy will allow you to discover and root out all errors and contradictions and allow you to more easily acquire knowledge and to think in concepts rather than concretes. Therefore Philosophy can aid an individual in understanding the values and importance of Art History. Take Philosophy, then take Art History it will provide great backing.

Answer 10

art history is pretty good...i liked it quite an easy subject for me

Answer 11

The study of Philosophy will teach you to think critically and express yourself clearly.  This will be of value throughout college and in your professional career.

Take Philosophy.

Answer 12

I took both in college. It depends a lot on the professor teaching the course. In my case, I was disappointed with the philosophy course. It turned out to be pretty boring and a lot of memorization, and intro courses in philosophy are not usually philosophy courses. They are an intro to a way of thinking, but don't change much about how you think. You'll probably learn a lot of formulas for reaching logical conclusions, but there isn't enough time to get to use it unless you continue on and take further philosophy courses. It didn't help much in everyday life or reasoning either.

Art history, however, was really fun. I didn't even think I would like it! Again, it depends on the prof, but I was expecting boring and ended up loving that course. We spent some time in the Rare Manuscripts section of the library looking drawings and paintings (mostly medieval period a few books dating as far back as the Fourth Century!) in handmade books, and they were really beautiful with gold inlays and tiny jewels in some of them. We also necessarily had to explore some religious history because that's where ancient art was concentrated. The prof was not religious, so it was a pretty informational presentation and was really fascinating. Overall, I found that class to be easier because it was more interesting and less introductory memorization. Good luck!

Answer 13

avoid philosophy at all costs. Art History will be a much better way to get used to college.

Plus the kids you will meet in Philosophy are weirdos.