• Menu
  • Skip to right header navigation
  • Skip to main content
  • Skip to secondary navigation
  • Skip to primary sidebar
  • Skip to footer

College Magazine

College Life, Dating, Career & Campus Advice

  • Colleges
    • College Guides
    • College Rankings
    • Campus Life
      • Academics
      • Dating
      • Freshman Year
      • Health
      • Social Change
      • Party
  • Majors
    • All Majors
    • Most Popular Majors
    • Choosing a Major
  • Intern
    • Internship Directory
    • How to Get an Internship
    • How to Write a Resume
    • How to Write a Cover Letter
    • How to Interview
    • How to Network
    • Career 101
    • Find Your Passion Career
  • Money
    • How to Make Money
    • How to Save Money
    • How to Get a Job
    • Credit Cards 101
    • FAFSA
    • Ramen Project
  • Travel
    • Study Abroad
    • College Spring Break
    • How to Travel Cheap
    • Things to Do
  • Shop
    • Writer Course
    • College Magazine Shop
    • Gift Guides
    • College Packing List
  • Find your college or university
  • Colleges
    • College Guides
    • College Rankings
    • Campus Life
      • Academics
      • Dating
      • Freshman Year
      • Health
      • Social Change
      • Party
  • Majors
    • All Majors
    • Most Popular Majors
    • Choosing a Major
  • Intern
    • Internship Directory
    • How to Get an Internship
    • How to Write a Resume
    • How to Write a Cover Letter
    • How to Interview
    • How to Network
    • Career 101
    • Find Your Passion Career
  • Money
    • How to Make Money
    • How to Save Money
    • How to Get a Job
    • Credit Cards 101
    • FAFSA
    • Ramen Project
  • Travel
    • Study Abroad
    • College Spring Break
    • How to Travel Cheap
    • Things to Do
  • Shop
    • Writer Course
    • College Magazine Shop
    • Gift Guides
    • College Packing List
  • Find your college or university
  • About Us
  • Team
  • Write
  • Apply
  • Privacy Policy
  • Sign Up
  • Advertise
  • My Account
  • Cart

You are here: Home / Life / Top 10 Gen Eds at Ohio State Guaranteed to Change Your Life

Top 10 Gen Eds at Ohio State Guaranteed to Change Your Life

January 25, 2019 //  by Lily Maslia

Shares119FacebookTweet

At Ohio State, rarely does one run out of options. Where to eat, what to do, who to hang out with: all situations with endless choices. The same goes for classes. Every student—from STEM kids to English prodigies—will find themselves choosing which general education classes to take in order to get that degree. Take advantage of the time you have before you start getting into your major courses by taking classes that truly interest you.

Staring at a course listing of over 12,000 classes may look intimidating, but use this list to find some of the most popular—and hidden gems—of Ohio State.

1. History of Rock n Roll – Music 2252
Jack Black teaching school of rock osu general education classes

GE: Visual Performing Arts
We don’t need no education, unless it’s the history of rock ’n’ roll. Every semester, hundreds of students pack into the Hughes Hall auditorium for one of Ohio State’s most popular GEs. With no music skills or knowledge necessary, History of Rock ’n’ Roll acts as a time machine. It takes students through the eras of popular music that make music what we know today. The course starts with rhythm and blues of the early 1900s and goes all the way up to today’s top 40 charts. Students can expect to discover and fall in love with new music, as well as gain a broader understanding of racial, gender and social issues as they relate to music.

2. Mafia Movies – Italian 2055

godfather acting osu general education classes
wikipedia.org

GE: Visual Performing Arts
Mafia Movies will make you an offer you can’t refuse. As another one of Ohio State’s most popular courses, Mafia Movies covers the myth of the Italian and Italian-American mafias and the Hollywood classics they inspired. Students will watch movies like The Godfather and Goodfellas, as well as learn about film techniques and history along the way. Whether you’ve always been fascinated by Italian mobs, or you just need an excuse to watch classic movies, Mafia Movies might be the class for you.

3. Comparative Sacred Texts – RELSTDS 2102
jewish studies star of david osu general education classes

GE: Literature; Global Diversity Studies

Thou shalt not take a more interesting GE than Comparative Sacred Texts. This comparative studies course covers the major world religions through analyzing various religious texts. “I took this class with Dr. Hugh Urban who artfully constructs the class to be mostly discussion and encourages students to take learning outside the classroom by interviewing friends of different faith traditions,” Ohio State senior Maeve Conway said. “After taking this course, I’ve noticed that my conversations with those of different backgrounds have been much more empathetic and understanding.” Religion serves as the root of many issues in the world today, so set a good example by being educated and inclusive.

4. Climate Change: Mechanisms, Impact and Mitigation – EARTHSC 1911

island blue water osu general education classes
lonelyplanet.com

GE: Historical Studies; Natural Science Biology; Natural Science Physiology

Politicians, scientists and activists constantly argue about climate change, so having a thorough understanding of the complex topic will go a long way. As a relatively new course at Ohio State, this class serves as a grand slam for GE’s, including those painful science ones. “We examine the causes of climate change, and then its present and future impacts,” Ohio State professor and course creator Dr. Michael Bevis said. “We address the evolution of energy and transportations systems, and how to mitigate climate change through the switch to renewable energy. Finally, we discuss the politics of climate change.” Even if science classes don’t call your name, taking this class gives you a strong understanding of the future of our planet.

5. Drug Use in American Culture PHR 2367.01
smoking osu general education classes

GE: Writing and Communication Level 2

This course may not be taught by Snoop Dogg himself, but it will give you an understanding of recreational drug use in America, primarily marijuana. By studying the history, clinical properties and usage of certain drugs, students will gain an understanding of the role of drugs in American culture and issues around abuse and addiction. “It was cool that we got to implement lots of information about how drugs, especially marijuana, is handled socially and economically,” Ohio State junior Nicole Jung said. “We also did a research project at the end where we got to choose any drug problem happening in the United States.” This class offers incredibly useful and relevant information, especially in college life. What you learn in this class may just save someone’s life one day.

6. Introduction to Logic – PHIL 1500

old guys statues osu general education classes
wikipedia.org

GE: Quantitative reasoning

I think, therefore I am… going to take a philosophy course to fulfill the math GE. If you vowed to never take another math course after high school, this introductory philosophy course may be for you. Students in Introduction to Logic learn skills to analyze arguments, as well as how to develop and sharpen their persuasive skills. You can see the results as you kill it in your next idea pitch or sell your friends on a dinner spot.

7. Magic and Witchcraft in the Middle Ages and Renaissance – MEDREN 2666

witch on broomstick in front of moon osu general education classes
pixabay.com

GE Cultures and Ideas; Diversity: Global Studies

This medieval and renaissance class will make you hocus focus. Step outside of a regular history class and learn about that time when people accused literally everyone of being witches. This class covers literature, art and film and will be unlike any other history class you’ve taken before. Whether you’re a die–hard fantasy lover or ever thought you have special powers, taking this class will let you enter the world of sorcery. Even the course number includes 666. How much spookier can this class get?

8. African Civilizations 1870 to present – AFAMAST 1122

island volcano osu general education classes
commons.wikimedia.org

GE: Historical Study; Diversity Global Studies

Challenge yourself to learn about some of the worst times in recent world history through the perspective of African countries. This African Studies course covers themes of colonization, European rule, resistance movements and contemporary issues. “It was so interesting because we learned about all of this African history that I was never taught in school growing up,” Ohio State junior Alyssa Hopkins said. “I think everyone should take an African-American studies course because they are so eye opening and fascinating.” Though this course covers intense topics and case studies that may be difficult to learn about, it will push you to think critically about world politics and human rights.

9. Introduction to Physical Anthropology – ANTHROP 2200

monkey on typewriter osu general education classes
wikimedia.org

GE: Natural Science Biology

David Attenborough doesn’t narrate this class, but it is the closest thing you’ll get to the real-life Planet Earth show. This introductory anthropology class covers all the basics about human evolution, starting with the first primates all the way to modern humans. And for more humanities-based majors, use this class to get your lab requirement out of the way. The labs feel more like fun activities rather than lab assignments here. Who knew that identifying primate teeth could be so fun? 

10. The Ohio State University: Its History and Its World – ARTSCI 4870
ohio state football field osu general education classes

GE: Cultures and Ideas

Can’t get enough of freshman orientation? Expand your school pride with this Ohio State history class. Students will immerse themselves into the long history and traditions of Ohio State. “The class is fun, interactive and thought provoking,” said Aziza Genglik, senior at Ohio State. “Not only do we get to learn from a historian and university archivist, but from the President, Provost, architect, coaches and more.” By taking this class, students will have a broader understanding and appreciation for Ohio State and maybe even learn about those secret tunnels we hear rumors about.

Shares119FacebookTweet

Filed Under: Academics Campus life Life Ohio State University

About Lily Maslia

Lily Maslia is a third-year Journalism and Media student at The Ohio State University. When she’s not writing articles, Lily enjoys performing improv and standup comedy, giving campus tours and talking about the Kardashians.

You May Also Like

songs to belt out

21 Songs to Belt Out in the Shower

Top 10 Weird Scholarships You Can’t Miss

cultural identity and language

Language Abilities Don’t Define Your Cultural Identity, Unless?

How I Turned My Personal Journals into a Published Book

15 Alcohol-Free Activities for a Friday Night In

Reflecting on Fall 2020: How to Recover from One of the Hardest Semesters

How to Make Money From Home Without Taking Off Your PJs

15 COVID-19 Safe Ways to Celebrate the Holidays in 2020

Top 10 COVID-19 Safe Activities to Do Near Fresno, California

Breaking the Binary: My Journey into Identifying as Non-Binary

The Döner Project: My Berlin Budget as a College Student

CM’s Guide to the Print and Digital Journalism Major

Away from Home and Feeling Gross: Being Sick My Freshman Year

A Tale of Two Twin Flames

movies to binge over winter break

Battling Boredom: 10 Movies to Binge Over Winter Break

Being an Asian-American: Learning to Accept Both Halves of Myself

How to Become a Published Poet

ADHD or the Enemy? At Least My College Helped Me

berkeley outdoors

10 COVID-19 Friendly Things to Do in Berkeley, California

Top 10 DIY Gifts for Your BFF

Christmas

10 Gifts For Parents That They Want But Haven’t Asked For

friend group dressed up as Big Hero Six characters

Animation Nerds Unite: 10 Gifts for Animation Lovers

gifts for your girl squad

10 Gifts Your Girl Squad Can’t Live Without

10 Virtual Gifts for Your BFF that Will Make Them Love You Forever

Previous Post: «best colleges for choreography dancing The 10 Best Colleges for Aspiring Choreographers
Next Post: CM Guide to a VOX Teen Communications Internship Peachtree St»

Primary Sidebar



Trending Posts

93

10 St. John’s University Finals Activities to Help You De-Stress

mental health
78

Pandemic and Academic Blues: Being Aware of Your Mental Health

60

24 Ways My 2020 Survival Guide Turned into 2021 Lifestyle Habits

55

The Ultimate Auburn University Bucket List: 21 Things to Do Before Graduating

best classes
24

10 Best Classes You Need to Take at Drake University

Featured Chapter: St. John’s University

Footer

logo

College Magazine is the national daily guide to campus life. Our articles for college students feature university rankings of U.S. colleges, college guides, academic advice, college prep, career advice, student health and collegiate dating tips.

Written by students for students, by a team of journalists from universities nationwide, we’re on the pulse of the college experience.

  • Facebook
  • Instagram
  • Pinterest
  • RSS
  • Twitter

Colleges

  • College Guides
  • College Rankings
  • Campus life
  • Academics
  • Dating
  • Freshmen Year
  • Health
  • Party

Majors

  • All College Majors
  • Most Popular Majors
  • Choosing a Major

Intern

  • Internships Directory
  • How to Write a Resume
  • How to Write a Cover Letter
  • How to Interview
  • How to Get an Internship
  • How to Network

Money

  • How to Make Money
  • How to Save Money
  • How to Get a Job
  • Credit Cards 101
  • College Loans

Travel

  • Study Abroad
  • College Spring Break
  • How to Travel Cheap
  • Things to Do

Shop

  • College Packing List
  • Gift Guides
  • About Us
  • Team
  • Write
  • Apply
  • Privacy Policy
  • Sign Up
  • Advertise
  • My Account
  • Cart

Copyright © 2021 College Magazine · All Rights Reserved · Powered by BizBudding Inc.