• breadth requirements,  courses

    askastudent is the breadth requirement champion

    August 6, 2010

    Hi there: The breadth requirement is really confusing. I’m an upcoming commerce student, and in a e-mail, Rotman Commerce says:”…STUDENTS MUST COMPLETE at least 1.0 FCE from Category 1 (Creative and Cultural Representations)…Category 1 (Creative and Cultural Representations) must be satisfied through one’s electives… Because of the number of program-required courses, students are therefore well-advised to complete the requirements for Category 1 in first year in order to fit all the requirements into the 20 courses for the degree.”.
    Now it seems that I can’t find any available space in any Category 1 courses of first year seminars. Does it mean I probably won’t have any chances to satisfy that part? Is there any other courses that would fill breadth requirements(there seems no sign to indicate which course will satisfy which Category on the course list)?
    Many thanks

    ———————————————

    Hello there. Those darn breadth requirements sure are tricky, aren’t they? But here’s a few things to keep in mind.

    1. You don’t have to complete the requirement in your first year and the elective doesn’t have to be at the 100 level. You have multiple years to obtain all your breadth requirements, even if the Commerce program suggests filling them in your first year.

    2. There are many other courses other than the allotted first year seminars that could fill the Category 1-type courses. U of T is sort of lazy, but examining your calendar you will find designations at the end of some course listings that let you know what category they pertain to. Look for “HUM” next to the course listing in the calendar and the “BR +1.” Courses in literature, language, history and the arts should all work. Why not take for instance, “FCS 195H1 – French Culture From Napeoleon to Asterix”? There are 17 spaces available! See what piques your interest in the Calendar and remember to look out for “BR +1.”

    Tell me your interests and I will find you the greatest breadth requirement imaginable. That’s a promise.

    xoxo, Askastudent

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  • courses,  keeners,  psychology

    more advice for amanda the keener!

    August 4, 2010

    hey guys! remember amanda the keener? well the psychology students association got back to me with advice for the courses she is selecting next year. exciting, right? here is their tips:

    Hi,

    We don’t have the syllabi for these classes, but personal opinions on the
    workload of those courses will be:

    High – PSY240H1: Abnormal Psychology
    Low – PSY220H1: Intro to Social Psychology
    Medium – PSY260H1: Learning and Plasticity
    Medium – PSY270H1: Intro to Cognitive Psychology
    Medium – PSY201H1: Statistics I
    Medium – PSY202H1: Statistics II

    amanda, show us some love.

    xoxo, askastudent

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  • choosing,  courses,  timetable

    course conflicts are the worst conflicts

    August 4, 2010

    Hey,

    Just wondering, if I happen to enroll in two courses which conflict with one another, will anything happen (for example, will I have to officially drop one of the two classes)?

    As of right now, my understanding is that the only “consequence” of having conflicting classes is that I will have to miss one lecture in order to attend the other however, because I always have the option of going to another lecture section for the same course, I’m not worried about my marks suffering or anything like that. Also, I know that attending lectures for some classes is mandatory and that in some courses you’re graded
    on attendance, but I’m pretty sure that’s not the case in my situation. Obviously, this type of thing is probably not advised, but it works out for me.

    So, is there any official penalty for having conflicting classes or is it just “not advised?”

    Thanks.

    ———————————————

    Hello my ambitious friend. You can totally register in two classes that conflict – the worst thing that will happen is that when you view your timetable on ROSI – a little glaring red “these courses conflict” colour will pop on your schedule to remind you that technically, you shouldn’t schedule two classes at the same time.

    If you can however swing registering in two classes at the same damn time and attend all the mandatory lectures, tutorials, practicals, Robarts cram sessions (are you sure you can do all this?), by all means don’t let an anonymous blogger stop you. The world is your oyster! Just clear it with your TA and prof first in case of spontaneous tests, class info and registration issues.

    xoxo, Askastudent

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  • courses,  psychology

    am i screwed for PSYCH 200 courses?

    July 30, 2010

    Hey,
    I’m taking PSY100 during the summer session, so as of now I’ve only been able to request to major in psychology. As you know, one can’t enroll in upper level psych courses unless one has been accepted to the program, so I’m stuck with a bit of an issue… Do you know if PSY 200-level courses will be full by the time I get accepted (after Sept. 15, providing I get at least a 70)?

    Thanks.

    ———————————————

    Perhaps not, my psychologically damaged friend. August 6th is the magic day wherein priority controls get lifted off courses, so it’s entirely possible that you might be able to register in a PSY 200-level course, without getting accepted into the program first!

    Of course, some classes might even be full by August 6th, but that’s a little more promising than waiting until after September 15th. This applies to all sorts of programs that you don’t have prereqs for. Look it up in the calendar, if there’s a “P” listed, it means that you can try to register in the class starting August 6th. Hooray!

    xoxo, Askastudent

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  • courses,  sociology

    is ROSI a social experiment?

    July 26, 2010

    Hello,

    I will be entering my second year in utsc and have (only seconds ago) logged myself onto rosi to enrol in the courses i plan on taking for this coming fall/winter. However, as i tried to enroll in Social Statistics and Sociological Theory II, a message appeared in bold letters – “You do not fit in any enrolment category”. I am uncertain of what this message may mean; i have recently applied to become a major in sociology but my status have not been approved yet. The two courses (in which i would like to take) are perquisites if i would like to presue my degree. What can i do??? I have heard from others that rosi will open the remaining spaces avalible on a certain date. Do you know when that may be??? Thanks.

    Oh yes, and what does “The space availability information is displayed accurately (as of the time of access) for your enrolment category” mean? Your enrolment category? I don’t really get this…

    ———————————————

    Hey there. It’s cool if you don’t get stuff sometimes. U of T is a major quagmire of all intellectual reason, at least administration-wise, which is pretty ironic for a hollowed institution that prides itself on higher learning. But I digress…

    The magic date, for all courses to open is as discussed, AUGUST 6TH. According to the Calendar, Social Statistics has prerequisities that you have to have taken in order to be eligible to take the class, as does Sociological Theory 2.

    Here’s what they say:

    SOCB06H3 Social Statistics
    A consideration of elementary statistics including the summarizing of data, the logic of statistical decision-making and a number of common statistical tests. Statistics is a basic tool used by sociologists. An understanding of statistics is necessary for the student who wants to become an informed reader of social research. A working knowledge of elementary algebra is required. However, the lecturer will undertake brief reviews of mathematics as the need arises.
    Breadth requirement: Quantitative Reasoning
    Limited enrolment: 170
    Exclusion: ANTC35H, ECMB09Y, ECMB11H, PSYB07H, SOC202H, (SOC300Y), STAB22H
    Prerequisite: SOCA01H & SOCA02H

    SOCB43H3 Classic Sociological Theory II
    The development of classic sociological theory from the end of the 19th century to the eve of World War II. Special emphasis is placed on the work of Emile Durkheim, Max Weber and Georg Simmel.
    Breadth requirement: History, Philosophy & Cultural Studies
    Limited enrolment: 170
    Exclusion: SOC203Y
    Prerequisite: SOCA01H & SOCA02H & SOCB42H

    Is it possible you’ve either not taken the prerequisites or already taken the exclusionary courses? This would cause you not to be eligible for the course. It’s either that, or because you are not registered in the subject PoST, that other older SOC students have priority for the class. In either case, you must wait it out and try and register on AUGUST 6TH. Feel free to contact the UTSC Sociology program here.

    xoxo, Askastudent

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  • courses,  ROSI

    ROSI blows chunks

    July 23, 2010

    Hi Aska,

    I am REALLY hating ROSI right now. First, I get the worst start time for
    enrollment and now. I’m waitlisted for the two courses I really wanted to
    take. Am I likely to get into either of them with my current position on the
    list? Knowing that both courses are quite popular, are people likely to
    drop?

    FSL121Y1Y – Your rank is 8 for 50 total spaces in the meeting section.

    ENG220Y1Y – Your rank is 51 for 100 total spaces in the meeting section.

    ???????????????

    Hey there, sorry to hear that ROSI is such a jerk. Unfortunately there’s not much that I can tell you that you don’t already know. Waitlists will be removed after the first week of classes, when the system will revert back to the way it was. Until then, you might have to just shake your fist at the sun and hope that the courseload gods answer your prayers.

    xoxo, Askastudent

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  • courses,  important dates

    august 6th is our independence day

    July 23, 2010

    Hey,
    I am going into 2nd year but have decided that i am not pleased with the major i
    chose(english with a minor in book&media studies). Instead i would like to explore human
    geography and architecture. Problem is, is that priority is given to 1st year students. I
    already have completed one half yr credit in GGR124 but i need another? half yr credit
    and both ARC131+ARC132. I was wondering if you knew the likelihood of me snagging a spot
    for any 1st yr GGR/ARC course? Also i cant seem to get a straight answer on when the
    priority period is lifted and i can ask to be placed on a waitlist?

    ———————————————

    Hello there! Congratulations on doing away with your previous literary-minded major, and venturing into the scary world of the Bauhaus. Seriously though, your new major sounds really fascinating. Maybe you should also consider Urban Studies, as well?

    Your question allows me to also introduce an important date that should be imprinted on everyone’s minds – AUGUST 6TH.

    August 6th is the day when the priority controls are lifted for every class. It is also the day when students are allowed to register in more than five courses. It is a day so magical, I will probably throw a party here in the registrar’s office just to celebrate.

    So on August 6th, you will be able to try and register in your GGR/ARC classes. Both ARC courses you mentioned have a total of 400 available spaces, and it seems that ARC 132H1 is fully booked already. However, once you are able to register in the course – you will be able to get on the waitlist. It is important to note that many people end up dropping courses during the week of school, after which, the waitlists no longer exist. Woo hoo!

    Hopefully this information has helped you in your quest to become the next Frank Gehry.

    xoxo, Askastudent

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  • anti-calendar,  courses,  hard,  tests

    i want my syllabus!

    July 19, 2010

    Hey,

    I’m trying to plan out my timetable and select courses for the upcoming school year. I’ve already referred to the anti-calendar and
    ratemyprofessor.ca to make sure I select the right profs so that’s not the issue for me.

    The issue rears its ugly head when I attempt to find the course syllabus for each course. The reason I’m looking for course syllabi is because I’m trying to get some insight on what the workload will be like for each course (how many tests and/or assignments there will be and what they will be weighted, if I will be graded on tutorial attendance, etc).

    When referring to the anti-calender, it seems like the workload is always rated ‘average’ by students, so that does not really help me. I’ve also referred to the exams and course collections database, but that yielded no results either (many courses are password protected, only have one outdated syllabus from the 1800’s, or are not even listed at all). I’ve even tried going on portal and clicking on “browse course catalogues” … but most, if not all, of the courses are restricted and don’t let me view the course pages.

    It seems I’ve exhausted all my options at this point. All I want to do is skim over the course syllabus for each course and such a seemingly simple task appears impossible to accomplish.

    Do you have any suggestions or am I just going to have to wait and receive the syllabus on the first day of classes?

    Thanks.

    Amanda

    ———————————————

    Hello Amanda, the keener.

    It seems like you’ve really done your homework – and the class hasn’t even begun! Sometimes, old syllabi pop up on former course or program websites, but sometimes they’re under lock and key. Though most profs tend to go AWOL during the summer, you might get lucky if you email the professor who’s listed in the timetable for the syllabus (perhaps they also taught the course last year?), or a quick and friendly email asking about courseload. Depending on the course, Aska might know some people who might be able to give you a bit of detailed advice about the work schedule.

    In the meantime though, don’t sweat it. I understand your angst, given that the class might have too much workload and by the time you know it you might want to drop it and then there might be no other spaces in the other classes you might want. (LARGE DEEP BREATH.) But in the first week of classes, many students go shopping – not just for fancy U of T hoodies – but by examining the syllabi of their new classes and decided whether or not they’ll drop them.

    The first day of your class is usually when you’ll get the syllabi, featuring all the assignments, readings and due dates.

    So for now, hold tight, lemme know what courses you’re looking for in particular, and I’ll see what I drudge up.

    xoxo, Askastudent

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  • courses,  history,  math,  wait list

    w-w-w-waitlist

    July 19, 2010

    Hi there,

    I’m a UTSC student who wants to take the odd course downtown at St. George.
    However, ROSI will not let me see whether the courses I want are already full
    since it won’t let me register until August 13.

    This might sound like a silly question, but I was wondering if anyone from
    downtown could let me know if the following courses:

    MAT390H1 S
    HIS343Y1 Y

    are full or how many spots are still available, just so I can see what the odds
    are for me to get in.
    I thank you for your time,

    Katherine

    ———————————————

    Hey Kat! Can I call you Kat? Or Kitty Kat? How ’bout I stop right there…

    As of today (4:55, July 19th, EST) the availability in your desired courses are as such:

    MAT 390H1 – S

    Currently registered, 39 students. Total spots, 50. THERE ARE 11 SPOTS LEFT IN THE COURSE.

    HIS 343Y1 – Y

    THERE ARE 43 STUDENTS ON THE WAIT LIST.

    So while you may be bummed, you may also be enthused. Remember that the waitlist drops after the first week of classes, when you will be able to apply to courses, hoping that someone has dropped it. Best of luck to you!

    xoxo, Askastudent

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  • courses,  easy,  english

    can’t read good, is hard english?

    July 19, 2010

    how would you rate the difficulty in english at u of t? as well, do you think you can give some advice to me since i’m planning to major in english? thank you :D!

    ———————————————

    English related quandery: do you think the late David Foster Wallace would have eventually added emoticons to his writing style? Hmm…

    Okay, so being the intrepid Aska that I am, I investigated the question by asking English-alum, current Walrus intern and all-around babe Naomi Skwarna for her advice. Here’s what Naomi says about English at U of T:

    It varies from prof-to-prof, subject-to-subject.

    A Few Thingies I Know to be True:

    There will always be a lot of reading

    You will always do better if you take at least one critical theory class

    Pick professors who you like, not subjects

    It’s not hard like science-hard, but it is time-consuming and potentially
    boring

    Compared to other University English programs, the material seems more
    conservative, and grading is considerably harder. This is what I hear from
    people at other schools

    Hope that helps!
    Thanks Naomi! If you’re interested in English and want to read works that are in translation, be sure to peruse the offerings at the Literary Studies program at Victoria College, particularly David Gilmour’s “Love and Sex In The Short Story” class. Sizzling.

    xoxo, Askastudent

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  • courses,  other schools (boo!),  part-time,  switching

    poke your professor

    July 16, 2010

    I’m considering living outside of toronto this fall and i was wondering if U of T offered
    online courses? Or an alternative such as online courses through other campuses or
    schools that allow credit transfer.

    ———————————————

    So you’re thinking about doing U of T long-distance, eh girlfriend? Unfortunately I’ve checked out the school’s options, and other than some “web option” online courses offered through UTSC, you’ve got to do something in person to fulfill the credit. (And even though UTSC has taped lectures, they force you to write the test and exams in person.)

    Have you thought about doing an independent study for a class? You’ll have to put in a little face time every now and then with your professor, but this hands off approach lets you build your own syllabus and assignments. It might be your best option short of transferring to another school, and battling it out with the Transfer Credit Office to make your credits work.

    If that’s what you’re thinking, I’d strongly recommend booking an appointment with your college registrar to make sure everything will correspond properly. Let me know what happens!

    xoxo, Askastudent

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  • choosing,  colleges,  courses,  first year

    interesting ways to fill the breadth requirements

    July 13, 2010

    Hello,
    I was wondering what some interesting breadth 2 courses are? I am picking my
    courses and I wanted to take something fun.

    Thanks.
    Vish

    ———————————————

    Look no further than the list of First Year Seminars offered this year, guaranteed to fit your breadth requirements, with topics ranging from vampires to Chinese gastronomy. (Though truthfully, those classes probably have more in common than you think.)

    These courses go towards your degree, but not a subject PoST, and are labelled in accordance with filling those damned breadth requirements. However, you can only be in your first year of study to take them.

    For first years, revel in the awesomeness of courses like…

    Raiders, Traders, and Invaders: the Vikings and Their Descendents

    Using Computers to Fight Climate Change

    How We Use Time in Everyday Life

    Dude!

    If you are not in first year, you’ll have to slog through other courses like everybody else. Look at the smaller programs in the colleges, New College, Trinity, Innis, Victoria and Innis (for instance), all of interesting and intriguing ways to fulfill your breadth requirements. But remember, only first and second year courses right now go towards your breadth requirements – you’ll have to contact the program office or registrar to see if higher level courses could work.

    xoxo, Askastudent

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  • courses,  languages

    watch your language!

    July 7, 2010

    I have a couple of questions I wanted to ask, but sadly, I have no one to ask so I was wondering if you could help.

    I have been accepted into UTSC and will start classes this fall. I really want to take a Japanese and/or Arabic language course in my first year, but a friend of mine told me that there are some forms you must fill out before you can apply for the course.
    Is there too…and if it is, is it to late fo rme to take it this year.

    Also, if I am in second/third year etc, it is possible to take a first year course if I choose to do something different, but need a prerequisiste that is a first year course.

    ———————————————

    Hey there. Let’s answer your second question, first – not just because I’m a kooky columnist with my own agenda, but because it’s an easier one to tackle.

    You can totally take first year courses in whatever year of study you are in, as long as you don’t max out on taking more than six 100 credits. You can take more than 6 100 Y courses, of course, but they won’t count towards your degree.

    As for the language classes, I looked up the Department of Humanities at University of Scarborough (ha! Just kidding!) and here’s what the website says about how to register:

    Current offerings in languages include Arabic, Hindi, Japanese, Latin, Mandarin, Sanskrit, Spanish and Tamil. Registration in all language courses is subject to the approval of the instructor. Students will be assessed, in a manner to be determined by the instructor, at the beginning of the course. Students whose level of proficiency in the language is inappropriate for the level of the course will not be approved for enrolment. Students’ status will be listed as ‘interim’ (INT) until they are approved (APP) for enrolment by their instructors.

    For information about Mandarin, contact Prof. Helen Wu at helenxu@utsc.utoronto.ca. For information about Spanish and other LGG courses, contact Prof. Tamara Al-Kasey at talkasey@utsc.utoronto.ca. For information on Linguistics, contact Prof. Ron Smyth at smyth@utsc.utoronto.ca.

    Here’s the detailed information on how to register:

    Spanish LGGA30, Arabic LGGA40, Sanskrit LGGA54, Hindi LGGA70, Japanese LGGA80 and Tamil LGGA74 are designed for students who have no prior study of the language in question. To enroll, you must complete the following steps:

    1. Request the course on ROSI. Your status will be INT. You will not be officially enrolled until you complete the remaining steps (below). If you are on a waitlist, you must also complete these steps to be admitted to the course.

    2. Download the student questionnaire (below) for your language, indicating that you have no prior study of the language. Sign the form and turn it into the Language Coordinator, Tamara Al-Kasey, HW425 or via email to language-coordinator@utsc.utoronto.ca by May 1, for summer term, September 1 for fall term and December 15 for winter term.
    If you have prior language experience, you must detail this on the questionnaire. See below under “Students with prior language experience?

    3. Check your status on ROSI. Your course status on ROSI should be changed from interm (INT) to approved within one week of turning in your completed questionnaire.

    All the questionairres and additional info can be found on this website.

    So basically, register for the class, fill out the questionairre, email it to the person by September 1st and check your ROSI status. Domo Arigato, much?

    xoxo, Askastudent-san

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