There are a LOT of classes at UT: History of Religion, Architecture and Society, Introduction to Geology, etc. So, how are Longhorns supposed to pick what to take this fall? How about recommendations from fellow students about the best classes they have ever taken at UT?
Without further ado, here are the best classes at UT Austin according to current UT students.
Disclaimer: Some submissions have been edited for length or clarity.
1. Life in the Universe (UGS303) – Ken Wisian
“Firstly, I enjoyed the main subject of the course itself. It is about the search for extraterrestrial life in the Universe and what is being done to progress this search. I was particularly fascinated by this topic. Secondly, I enjoyed how this course navigated this subject. The course dove into many different areas of study: astronomy, biology, physics, chemistry, a little bit of rocket science, and even philosophy. I enjoyed how the professor encouraged discussion. He encouraged students to interrupt and pitch in. This made the class fun and engaging.”
– Computer Science Major, 1st Year
Note: This class can only be taken by 1st year students.
2. Strategic Learning for the 21st Century (EDP 304) – Taught by various doctorate students
“The class was centered around how people learn information and implementing new note-taking techniques. Learning these techniques has really enhanced my studying. It changed my mindset on “memorizing” information. I would recommend this class. It teaches you how to better study in the college setting. “
– Health Promotion and Behavioral Science, 2nd Year
3. Race/Cultural Intelligence in the Age of Trump (UGS303) – Leonard Moore
“I learned that communication is the only way we can truly learn about people’s identities. In the course, we learned about the struggles that Latinx people, white working-class individuals and Asian Americans endure. It was nice to gain cultural awareness in an educational setting. The teaching style is very relaxed and Dr. Moore was very approachable. There is so much room for growth and errors in this class.”
– Political Communications Studies, 2nd Year
Notes: This class is only available to 1st year students and changes when the current U.S. president does.
4. Professional/Career Development (LAH104H) – Tatem Oldham
“I wish everyone had the opportunity to take this class with Professor Oldham. It’s a development course that makes internships a lot more approachable.”
– Sustainability Studies and Geography, 2nd Year
Note: This course is restricted to students in the Liberal Arts Honors Program in the College of Liberal Arts.
5. Intro to LGBTQ Studies (WGS303) – Ashley Coleman Taylor
“As a queer person, I found this class really rewarding to learn about the history of those that came before me, a history that is often overlooked and left out of mainstream narratives. I loved the intersectional approach Dr. Coleman Taylor took the course and how the material challenged me to reevaluate my perception of self as well as my own biases. I highly recommend taking any class offered by Dr. Coleman Taylor and the Center for Women’s & Gender Studies.”
– Human Development and Family Sciences, 2nd Year
6. Jewish Humor (UGS303) – Yitskhok Gottesman
“I enjoyed learning about Jewish culture and seeing how that culture translates in the comedy style of Jewish Americans from the 1950s to today. I enjoyed that the professor put in the effort to create a safe space for talking about modern comedy and addressing cultural differences in the context of comedy. I learned comedy is universal and is a way we can embrace our culture or connect with others no matter our cultural background.”
– Biology, 3rd Year
Note: This class can only be taken by 1st year students.
7. Reel Horror: The Holocaust in Film (UGS302) – Pascale Bos
“This class was super enlightening. We analyzed films made about the Holocaust, especially the American films made, and learned how censored they were. Hollywood films would often breeze over the brutality of the Holocaust and to make it seem less bad. The course was super interesting and it was eye-opening to learn about all the history.”
– Ratio-Television-Film (RTF), 2nd Year
Note: This class can only be taken by 1st year students.
8. Media Law (J350F) – Amy Sanders
“Media Law is an 8am class with dense reading materials so people think I’m crazy for loving it so much. However, I felt like I learned the most from this class and felt most engaged with professor Sanders. To be honest, law is really interesting! I loved using laws and cases that I had learned to structure an argument in this class. “
– Journalism and Chinese, 3rd Year
Note: You must have upper-division standing to take this course.
9. General Microbiology (BIO326R) – Peter King
“I really enjoyed this class because of my professor and the content. I especially liked it because of the circumstances we are in now. It’s really cool getting to have a better understanding of the “whys” of the ways certain things happen rather than just memorizing definitions. I enjoyed how Professor King’s lectures were almost like stories. It makes them more engaging.”
-Biology, 2nd Year
Note: In order to take this course, you must have credit with a grade of at least C- or registration for Biology 325 or 325H, and Chemistry 302 or 302H with a grade of at least C-.
10. Psychology of Advertising (ADV319) – Lee Ann Kahlor
“This class was super interesting and approachable even with no prior knowledge of psychology or advertising. I learned something in every lecture. There were no “buffer” or “filler” classes. Professor Kahlor is a great teacher. She’s funny, engaging, and cares deeply about her students and the subject.”
– Journalism, 2nd Year
