10 of the Easiest Classes at UMass Amherst

UMass Amherst Library

Looking for some easy classes at University of Massachusetts Amherst? You are at the right place. UMass Amherst offers many different courses, but only a handful are GPA boosters. Here is a list of 10 of the easiest classes at UMass Amherst.

1. ASTRO 100 – Exploring the Universe

In this course, we will examine the power and limitations of scientific investigation. We will consider some of the fundamental questions addressed by astronomy and learn how the physical sciences can address these questions.

2. COMM 287 – Advertising as Social Communication

This is an easy online course at UMass Amherst. Exams will be conducted in class. This course looks at advertising from the viewpoint of social theory, that is, of how we can understand advertising’s broad political, economic, social, and cultural role in modern society.

3. PHIL 100 – Introduction to Philosophy

This course is an introduction to philosophy. In particular, it is an introduction to some of the main issues that have preoccupied humans for thousands of years, as well as an introduction to a distinctive way of thinking about these and other issues: a way of thinking that focuses on carefully presenting and evaluating arguments.

4. DANCE 113 – Modern Dance

Introductory study of modern dance techniques. Topics include kinesthetic perception, efficient alignment, strength, flexibility, movement qualities, exploring new vocabularies and phrasing styles, and individual embodiment of movement material. Also taught at Hampshire, Mount Holyoke, and Smith.

5. POLISCI 121 – Intro to World Politics

Introduction to the principles and practices of international relations in the political, military, economic, and environmental realms. Study of the development of the contemporary system to explore the effects of the structure of the international system, the institutions through which states conduct their relations, and domestic characteristics on the relations among states.

6. EDUC 210 – Social Diversity in Education

Focus on issues of social identity, social and cultural diversity, and societal manifestations of oppression. Draws on interdisciplinary perspectives of social identity development, social learning theory, and sociological analyses of power and privilege within broad social contexts.

7. CHINESE 110 – Elementary Chinese

his is a beginning course of modern Mandarin Chinese for students with no prior exposure to the language. The content of this course includes: 1) An introduction to the Romanization phonetic system of Chinese (Pinyin); 2) Essential sentence structures and basic vocabulary in the area of greeting, self-introduction, family, hobbies and visiting friends; 3) Approximately 180 characters in simplified form.

8. PHIL 160 – Introduction To Ethics

This class covers topic such as Ethical Relativism, Ethical Skepticism, the Divine Command theory, Utilitarianism, Kantianism, and the Social Contract Theory. Other possible topics including animal rights, euthanasia, abortion, infanticide, parental responsibilities, neonatal circumcision and children’s rights.

9. GEO 103 – Introductory Oceanography

The natural processes of the ocean, including earthquakes and volcanoes, the hydrologic cycle and weather, ocean circulation and the global energy balance, the carbon cycle and productivity, biodi-versity and marine food webs, coastal dynamics. This is an interactive class, with considerable participation by students in problem solving, discussions, and demonstrations. Exams and grades based on teamwork as well as on individual performance.

10. PSYCH 100 – Introductory Psychology

Overview of the field. The natural and social science sub-areas of psychology; includes biological psychology, cognitive psychology, social psychology, developmental psychology, and clinical psychology. Relating research and theories to contemporary issues and problems in day-to-day life.

Jessica Smith

I'm a junior studying business. I love writing and sharing stories when I'm bored. I also love writing tips and advice for fellow students! Hope you enjoy my articles!

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