The Best Part of Distributions

Author: EM Doucette
Posted on July 16, 2020

Some people dread distribution credits. You have to veer away from your passion to take 8 courses in subjects you may not care about.

I wasn't excited. I'm a social science student. I've been avoiding natural sciences since I got my high school's minimum science requirements. I don't claim to do well in science, and the distribution credits sounded like a nightmare, at first. I was afraid I would have trouble in graduating come fourth year, due to the possibility of missing a few distributions.

You don't realize how easy it is to get them. I completed five out of eight in the first semester by just taking classes I was interested in, or needed for my major. It's not difficult to fit them in, as long as you are willing.

Do: Look at the list of accepted distributions before making your schedule.

Not all classes count, and you don't want to be mistaken by what works, and what doesn't. Some may be necessary for your major anyhow, so they'll be easy to check off your list.

Don't: Attempt to get all 8 first year

 You need to get your prerequisites. Maybe some will actually be part of your major/minor, but most likely, only two will. You should balance them out. You don't want to be stuck going in to third year and having to take first year prereq classes due to overloading on distributions in first year. An easy balancing rule is two distributions per year that don't already fit your class requirements. Some courses may come to your timetable easily. If so, accept them, but don't rip apart your schedule to add them.

Do: Ask for guidance in choosing the courses

We all have our strengths and weaknesses in school. You don't want to take distributions that will negatively affect you in your study-life balance, or cause an unhealthy level of stress. 

Speak with the academic advisors, or your program head. They can help you choose the classes that will allow you to thrive.

As I've stated, science is my weakness, but I love math, so the academic advisor suggested Math and the Philosophy of Logic as my science credits. I can thrive in those courses, and enjoy myself, along with getting my science distributions. 

Don't: Put them off for too long

Two a year is a good rule. Filling your first year is hazardous, but waiting until your fourth year could be dangerous to your graduation plans. 

Do: Enter with an open mind

People have preconceived ideas about certain areas of focus, but you may surprise yourself with what you enjoy. 

In my first year, I took a History/Classics course on Greece and Rome. I was reminded of how much I love history. I decided to make it one of my two streams of focus. I didn't realize how great the distribution courses would be for me.

I went into first year saying I'd never take a Religion course. All my friends were taking one, and I needed another class. I joined the group. Now they're off doing their majors, and I'm a Religious Studies minor, and a research assistant to one of the Religious Studies professors. 

Distribution courses may completely derail your ideas and show you a passion you never knew you had.