Bird Courses at Queen's University

Queen's certainly offers some of the most stimulating and challenging courses out there, and the majority of the courses I've taken at Queen's were tough. That said, there exists a certain batch of courses that are so hard to fail it's nearly impossible. I'd hazard a guess that it's harder to get above an 80 in these classes than it is to get below a fifty.

The list below is by no means finished. You could spend eight years at Queen's attempting to take all the easy courses. Not a bad way to spend your twenties, but the point is to take these classes in moderation, enjoy your required courses more due to your new found free time, and break the mould a little by taking a course or two (albeit an easy one) outside your department. All in all, you can't go wrong with a bird courses here or there. Just don't base your life around them.

Bird Course: Arth 123

Art History 123 (Architecture in the Classical Tradition) is a new course offered at Queen's for the 2006-2007 study session, and it is one of the most rewarding classes that I have ever taken at Queen's.

Professor Pierre Du Prey is an articulate and engaging character who, I promise, will make you fall in love with architecture. He clearly loves what he does, and that passion is directly translated into stimulating lectures.

The course studies architecture in a linear fashion - from Stonehenge and ancient Greek civilizations (yes, a lot of column study goes on) all the way up to modern architectural movements around the globe. There are ten minute quizzes, small essays, and exams, however nothing is overwhelming and if you simply attend class you are pretty much guaranteed an A.

Additionally, this course is web-based. There is a cheap textbook offered, however it's not required, and all the information you'll need for the tests and assignments can be found online. Du Prey has worked long and hard to create the ACT, a website that covers the entire class. Each lecture is available in Real Audio format for you to listen to, there is a multitude of images available, and all lectures are also written for you to read, re-read, and refer to later on if need be.

While this course doesn't require a lot of work, you'll likely be so enamored with the class, the material or Du Prey himself, you'll find yourself keening it up and working hard whether you planned to or not.

That said, if it fits in your time table. Take it.

Bird Course: Comm 251

Comm 251 (Organization Behaviour) is a big waste of time. However, if you want a high mark with minimal effort, this is the class for you.

There are a few options for taking this class, a day lecture, night lecture or correspondence course. If you are in it for the marks, take the correspondence course - it's easier. What are the assignments like? Well, you tell me. Assignment #1 poses the question: According to Donald Trump and his colleagues on "The Apprentice", there is no place for emotions in organizations. Do you agree? Why or why not? And the final paper .. is it hard? Here's the assignment: Rent the movie "Office Space" from the video store and watch it. Based on your understanding of Chapter 9, analyze this movie. I kid you not. Take this class, learn next to nothing, and boost your GPA.

Granted, if you actually come to Queen's with the will learn something (this much I suggest) then take the day course. The Commerce department at Queen's has some incredible and inspiring professors.

Bird Course: Phys 020

Physics 020 (Physicists in the Nuclear Age): Aside from being, bar none, the easiest course I've ever taken at Queen's, PITNA was a fabulous course.Boris, the prof, is well spoken, bright, and funny, and he makes the lectures fascinating. Now, I'm not sure how great this courses is going to look on your transcripts, but a 96% beside Pysics 020 can't look that bad. C'mon, it's 'science'. Anyway, the course sort of delves into great physics minds of the 20th century and makes for some great dinner party conversations. If you've got the spare time take this course without hesitation. Everyone enjoys it.

Bird Course: Hlth 131

Health 131 (Basic Human Nutrition): This may have been the most useful course I took during my time at Queen's - and it's certainly up there with the least, err, challenging.

After taking this course I walked away with a greater understanding of the human body, I knew how to eat well, and I got an A. The work load is light, very light. I took the course by correspondence in the summer and still managed a month long backpacking stint in Europe in the middle of the class. So, if you are at all interested in nutrition, calories, weight loss, or just general good health, take this course.

Bird Course: 000 Level Language Courses

Any intro language course is worth your time and minimal energy. The language departments at Queen's are dramatically differently run, but all offer a quick and credit rich way of learning a new language.

To top it all off, anything at the 000 level is so easy that you can practically write Japanese on your French exam and still get a low B or something. While French 010 via distance education was not the most fulfilling, I highly suggest taking on campus language options where you have the chance to interact with classmates, attend language labs, and ultimately walk away with a basic and resume boosting command of a new language. Plus, if you already speak some language offered, take the intro credit and laugh your way through a free credit.

Bird Course: Any Course Offered at the Castle

Apparently, there are some fabulous courses offered at the International Study Center (aka: The Castle).

Most courses involve field trips to Brighton or London or further afield. Add to the mix the fact that these courses are graded easier than my dad marks his Grade 4 kids' creative writing assignments and you are in for a treat. I'm sure there are exceptions to the rule, but almost everyone that I know who has gone to the Castle has managed to pull in marks in the 80s. Hello law school!