Supplemental classes?

Hello,

If it's not right of me to post this here (especially as a guest) then please delete this. It's no wish of mine to cause any trouble.

That being said, I've had a schedule change next semester in college. I found out I've already received credit for a class I was planning to take back in highschool. Now there is an opening for me to take humanities, social science, or philosophy! First off, I want to make clear that I understand I am the sole chooser of my decisions. However, I would like some insight from this community to see what courses could best supplement the teachings and doctrines of Jediism.

Anthropology 201: Introduction to cultural anthropology: Comparative study of culture as key to understanding human behaviors in different societies. Using a global, cross-cultural perspective, patterns of family life, economic and political activities, religious beliefs, and the ways in which cultures change are examined.

Philosophy 230: Moral theory and practice: Investigation of moral issues in the context of major ethical theories of value and obligation; e.g., punishment, abortion, economic justice, job discrimination, world hunger, and sexual morality. Emphasis on critical reasoning and argument analysis.

Psychology 230: Developmental Psychology: Life-span development of physical traits, cognition, intelligence, language, social and emotional behavior, personality, and adjustment.

Religion 205: Intro to world religion: An introduction to the academic study of religions, including myths, beliefs, rituals, values, social forms. Examples chosen from oral cultures and major religions of the world.

I have a deep interest in all of these, but have no experience in any of these regarding an academic atmosphere. It would appear that Anthropology and World religion would best supplement the initiate program, but philosophy could provide a solid foundation for many values I intend to improve on.

I'm not looking for answers; I'm looking for insight and advice. While I'm aware of my low place both on this forum and in the real world, I need to make these decisions and deal with the consequences in order to learn from them. A word from the Jedi community would be greatly appreciated.

Again, if it's not appropriate to make requests such as this, please delete this post and I apologize profusely.

Many thanks.

I'd like to start by saying that low rank does not mean low place...rank is an indication of level of study here, not of value.

That said, I honestly think you should take what you think you'll enjoy studying. I've found psychology very valuable to me, however developmental psychology will be a lot about children, which may not be that useful to you. If you connect with a subject, whichever subject,I believe you will get some value from it.

Whilst your respectful tone is appreciated, we're just people please don't feel you can't post in any open forum with as much authority as someone who's been here for years. Jedi aren't much for standing on ceremony, it seems silly when we are all fundamentally the same.

Agree with Edan. The things I got the most benefit from studying and really "applied myself" to were the things I was most interested in. Jedi come in many shapes and sizes, we each bring different things to the community. You honour your life in the Force by choosing to devote time to what you enjoy, what you personally find fascinating. Each course is about an aspect of the Force, so there is no empirically "wrong" choice.

We'd rather have a world-class ethical philosopher in our midst than a mediocre cultural anthropologist... or vice versa. Be you, the best "you" there is, before trying to "be Jedi". Ironically that's what being Jedi means.

It's all good, literally, they all sound like great subjects!!! I'd seriously suggest whichever you are drawn the most towards... but if I had/was able to do 'all' of them I'd do them in the following order; Anthropology 201, Religion 205, Psychology 230, Philosophy 230
I understand its not your situation, and its not representative of my preference for individual units. I'm not good at picking things like 'favorites' if they aren't obvious, and instead tend to see things in relation to something else - perhaps for you it might be what else your doing at the time such as; time management to ensure not running out of time, or aligned subjects to allow better overall comprehension for successful completion etc

Thank you all for the responses. I apologize if it appeared as if I was walking on glass; some forums are very strict about posts asking for anything.

I've been looking into the various professors. One particular philosophy professor has research interests in epistemology, metaphysics,a and human good. Sounds like a great match!

The only anthropology professor researches evolution of ecological ethics and cultural values among indigenous tribes... something that could go very well for anyone who endeavors in the environmental sciences. However it may be hard to integrate that class into my schedule.

Thank you all for your input. It was greatly appreciated.

If you want to expand your mind take the course you know nothing about but still has appeal to you. Unless it is rumored to be a really tough class or professor and you don't embrace that sort of academic challenge. Enjoying what your learning is such a key factor to retention and benefit as opposed to struggling and burden.

Rickie wrote: If you want to expand your mind take the course you know nothing about but still has appeal to you.

An excellent perspective. I've mostly assumed that I need to have ample prerequisite knowledge in order grow the most. In this case, anthropology would be the best class for me. Then again, most of my experience of philosophy has only been seen through the lens of eastern religion as it is relayed by Alan Watts. I have much to learn in everything.

imo, all of those subjects are important for a jedi because each one delves in to the human experience at an essential level

you will be a more enriched person with a more cultured perspective after completing any of them

personally, im also pursuing a degree, mine in psychology, and the advice ive already given to myself is "take all of them"

since doing that all, especially at once, isnt likely an option for you, i would echo the consensus and advice that you take the one that you feel most excited about

You are correct in saying that I cannot take all the classes at once. According to career services experts I have spoken with, psychology is actually supposed to be a good match for me!

However, I'm actually pursuing a degree in forestry/geology. I enjoy the delicate balance between aesthetics, recreation, nature, people, and the economic. I think there's a big future for environmental education, where mediators will be needed to help people recognize the importance of nature. That being said, I hope to integrate psychology and philosophy into my degree, as I hope to collaborate with and teach people.

Seeing as I plan to take all of them, I was more or less looking for the class that would provide the best foundation for the rest of the classes.

Thank you!

Well, though I respect people leaving the decision to you, I'd like to offer my personal experience.

I had thought of taking philosophy classes when I was in college, but I never did. The thing is, you can study philosophy any time. You don't need a teacher for that. I've studied it for the last 17 years, and I've formed my own philosophies as a result.

When I was given the option, I took an anthropology class and I'm very glad I did. We read the book Ishmael (one I highly recommend, whatever your choice is), and of course a text book that turned out to be rather eye-opening. The question is not necessarily what makes you a better Jedi, but perhaps more so, what makes you a better person. I took a psychology class too, and while it was interesting, I honestly didn't retain much.

Obviously, this is just my experience, but that's all I can offer. I found studying civilization itself was more interesting than what happens in the mind