12 Courses Worth the Work
We asked Carthage students: “What’s been your toughest class?” Here are 12 courses that are tough in a good way.
1. Cognitive Psychology
(PYC 2300)
“The toughest class I have had at Carthage so far is Cognitive Psychology (PYC 2300). This class is very interesting, but it is forcing me to apply what I know to situations instead of just memorizing the information.”
— Mackenzie Counard ’20, neuroscience and psychology major
Learn more about studying psychology at Carthage
2. Financial Management
(FIN 3210)
“It was Financial Management (FIN 3210). This class introduces students to a wide range of tools used in the analysis of different financial assets. At first, it can be seen as overbearing from the amount of material covered, but going to class and studying keeps everyone on track to conquer the course.” — Grant Dunham ’19, finance major
Visit the Accounting and Finance Department website
3. Understandings of Religion
(REL 1000)
Understandings of Religion (REL 1000) has been my toughest class so far. My faith and what I believe was challenged in ways that I did not expect. While learning about other religions and what they believed, I found it more important for me to know what I believed and why I believed it. I remember asking a professor if teaching other religions ever challenged what they believed; their answer was yes. At the end, it was a good challenge because it made me really evaluate myself.” — Shawnel Smith ’18, marketing and management major
See a list of courses offered by the Religion Department
4. Organic Chemistry
(CHEM 2070)
“The hardest course I’ve had at Carthage has been Organic Chemistry (CHEM 2070). That isn’t to say I disliked the course! Quite the contrary, in fact. This was definitely a runner-up in my favorite courses I’ve taken because it has really interesting course material that integrates problem-solving into the curriculum. This course was challenging for me as it forced me to learn to be adaptive in learning. It was a good experience overall, though.” — Jo Dienst ’19, psychology and pre-health major
Learn more about studying chemistry at Carthage
5. Behavioral Research Statistics
(SSC 2330)
“The toughest class I have taken has been Behavioral Research Statistics (SSC 2330). I took this class my freshman year and had trouble grasping some of the concepts. I succeeded in the class because of all the extra work I put in outside of the classroom. I would recommend this approach to anyone struggling in a course.” — Katelyn Switzer ’19, marketing major
Learn more about the Marketing and Management Department
6. Applied Statistics for Health and Human Services
(SWK 2330)
“I think the class that has been the toughest for me has been my statistics class, as I am not the best with reading and analyzing data. However, Professor Tian Tian taught this class in such an amazing way that I feel I can interpret and understand data, should I need to utilize that information in the future.”— Nicole Koerth ’19, social work major
Learn more about studying social work at Carthage
7. Foundations of American Thought
(GFW 2310)
“The toughest class at Carthage so far has been my Foundations of American Thought (GFW 2310) class. It is tough because politics are not my strong suit. However, the class is always filled with interesting and controversial discussion.” — Ryen Cunningham ’20, great ideas and communications major
Learn more about studying great ideas at Carthage
8. J-Term: Physics for Future Presidents
(PHY 1000)
“My toughest class so far has been Physics for Future Presidents (PHY 1000). This course was challenging for everyone, but rewarding! We learned about physics in more practical ways than one would in a typical physics course. This class might have been more tough because it was during J-Term so it was fast-paced. It also involved some math, which I am not fond of, but I’m glad I took it.”
— Sidney Burke ’19, psychology major
Learn more about physics at Carthage
9. The Intellectual History of Western Heritage I
(COR 1100)
Every Carthage student takes this freshman-year seminar. “When it comes to old classic literature, I am not the first one to dive into a book head-first. Even though I struggled a bit in class, my professor helped me understand my problems which, in turn, allowed me to fully understand the class material.” — Justice Good ’18, theatre performance and music theatre major
What should you expect in Western Heritage? Read this.
10. Historical Methods
(HIS 2200)
“That class would be the Potato Famine class (Historical Methods HIS 2200) offered by Professor John Leazer. It was a class that focused on the history of Ireland and its interactions with the world before, during, and after the famine. It was a class that was based in nearly 100 pages of readings a day about a dense and politically hot topic that we would then discuss in class. By the end of that class I had written a nearly 20 page paper but am glad for it, it was great practice for my upcoming thesis.” — Gabrielle Swangstue ’18, Japanese and Asian studies major
See what history courses are offered at Carthage
11. The music course Aural Skills
(MUS 1020)
“The toughest class I have taken at Carthage so far has been Aural Skills (MUS 1020). Although I come from a musical background, to be able to hear a melody and write it out on paper was a shocking challenge. However, I am a much better musician because of it.” — Lydia Haasl ’20, music theatre and theatre performance major
Learn more about studying music at Carthage
12. Calculus II
(MTH 1220)
“My toughest class at Carthage so far was Calculus II with Professor Sara Jensen. She really pushes you as a student to achieve your best and work your hardest. It was a tough class but I really felt like I learned a lot from her.” — Alexandria Wheeler ’21, mathematics major
Learn more about studying mathematics at Carthage
