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I'm registered for 9 credits (3 classes) for the first 7.5 weeks of the fall semester:

COM 308 - Advanced Research Methods in Communication

REL 207 - Ritual, Symbol, & Myth

SOC 334 - Technology and Society

I want to drop a class (I'd still be full time and it's before the drop/add date). The required research class (COM 308) is a hell of a lot of work and I cannot manage the two classes with it. I don't know which one to drop though. Neither are required; they both just fill my elective requirements. I'm don't really prefer subject over the other either. The assignments for each include:

SOC 334

- 3 quizzes

- 7 exams

- 3 discussion boards

- 2 writing assignments (2-3 pages each)

REL 207

- 6 discussion boards

- research paper (8+ pages) with presentation

- writing assignment (5-6 pages)

I don't know which of the two classes to drop. What would you pick? Why? Thanks.

I would keep the REL class. Some work but most likely can morph another previously written paper for it.

3 quizzes and 7 tests is a TON of testing for a 7.5 week session.

Just the opposite. I would drop the REL because I wouldn't want to write the 8 + pages AND presentation. I hate presentations. They, literally, make me vomit. Panic attacks. OTOH, might be an easier class to pass as it doesn't seem there are tests or quizzes.

The SOC class is open book tests/quizzes.

The REL presentation is done online, so not nearly as nerve-wracking as in person.

Actually, all of my classes are online classes, if that makes any difference.

Whichever one I don't do now I will do in the second half of the semester because I already bought the books (don't want to risk edition/book changes if I wait) and I like both subjects. The second half I'm taking:

COM 259 - Communication in Business and the Professions

COM 312 - Communication Conflict and Negotiation

MCO 435 - Social Media

I would drop one of the second half classes to take later on (probably a COM class).

ETA: I'm a Communication major with a minor in Media Analysis.

[This message edited by frigidfire86 at 2:11 PM, August 19th (Tuesday)]

I would drop that REL class with the quickness. Even before reading the assignments I knew it would entail research and writing. Exams are much less time consuming, at least for me.

Do you have experience with online classes at this particular school? I ask, because different schools/professors can make it either less OR more nerve-wracking than a brick-and-mortar class.

I teach a couple of online college courses. I'm probably not the toughest instructor, and am more flexible than many--and I still fail a significant percentage of each group, largely because time management is such a challenge for online learners.

Do you know anyone who's taken either of these classes (and in these formats, with the same instructors)? Anyone with syllabi? I think I'd ask around about the classes and the instructors, to get a feel for the workload.

Although they're electives, are either prerequisites for other classes you'll be taking? If so, I'd keep that one. If not, then check to make sure they're both offered next semester. If yes, they it's a coin toss. If not, and you've bought the books, drop the one you can take next semester.

if it's truly a coin toss, take the one that you feel will be most interesting.

Double check your schedule and when they are offered again so that you don't mess up your graduation plan. I've seen it many times where a student drops a class and finds it takes a full year to find it offered again instead of next semester, thus disrupting their course of action. Just be careful and best wishes!!

Why not flip a coin? It sounds like the classes are equal in your estimation.