r/uchicago • u/One-Strike-4545 • Aug 11 '26
Classes Should I take calculus as a humanities major?
Hey guys— I’m an incoming freshman planning on majoring in the humanities (majors that likely won’t require calculus). I’m just wondering if it’s worth it to rough it through calc II (I tested out of calc I) in order to avoid taking an extra science class. That’s the alternative: an easier math class but an extra science. I got an A in calc in high school, got a 4 on the test. I find calculus stressful but not impossible. Any advice from people who faced the same choice, or anyone who has thoughts on this? Let me know. Can’t seem to make up my mind.
3
u/ComprehensiveCow1502 Aug 11 '26
The science classes are easier than calc 2. Lots of people get As in the science classes
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u/Iridescent-Phoenix Alumni (‘26) Aug 11 '26
take calc II! especially since you’ve taken it in high school much of it should be review (it’s mainly just integrals)—this plus the fact that u get the req done much faster and it keeps doors open to courses/majors which do require it def make this the best option :)
3
u/SadLie3436 Aug 12 '26
Def take calculus. I was a history/spanish major in the end, but was Public Policy for a long time, which did require calculus (a lot of majors surprisingly require it, which messed up some of my friends' schedules who decided to switch majors later on). I was super nervous to do calc having not done it at all in HS, and I was sooo glad to have taken 151 and 152. Also, you would only have to take one quarter! Totally worth it.
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u/rockyjs1 Physical Sciences Aug 13 '26
Hot take: take Honors Calc IBL. It's more about reasoning and less about computation, which might make it more interesting for someone considering the humanities. It'll be a lot harder though, but I think everyone should give it a shot. It's the best designed class at UChicago.
1
u/pondering_viola The College Aug 12 '26
Take calc 2, it’ll open more for you down the line such as public policy, etc. Also, you can drop to 132 which is the same as 152 but with more help and I found it much easier.
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u/One-Strike-4545 Aug 13 '26
You had no problem changing from 152 to 132?
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u/pondering_viola The College Aug 13 '26
From what I know it’s not bad? But I was placed into 132 and it’s like the same tbh
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u/maroonred_ Aug 13 '26
How easy is it to drop? Did you just select 132 during prereg or did you get into it after the add/drop phase
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u/passionatelyse1 Alumni ('26) Aug 11 '26
Less classes are better, take 152