Reason 129: Top 10 BYU Classes

Wednesday, May 4, 2011.

As graduation approaches, I thought I'd make a list of my Top Ten Favorite classes as a BYU undergrad. It may be slightly premature- I still haven't taken Physics 106 & 108, Tennis, or Volleyball.  But I do have a lot of other classes.  So in no particular order (because that'd make this post really difficult)...

Top 10 BYU Classes

1. American Heritage (A Htg 100)

This class is often spoken of as the most despised class on campus. I think I got really lucky.  I had Matt Holland as a professor- current UVU President and the son of Elder Jeffrey R. Holland.  This class was so incredible- seeing the Gospel weave in and out of American history, discussing current events and how they will effect us, and getting a taste of economics.  

2. Mission Preparation (Rel C 130)

Brother Randy Bott. Wow- what a teacher.  This class taught me a lot about myself, and how preparing for a mission is the same as preparing for life- Gospel and Christ centered.  If you are at BYU and have not taken this class, you are missing out.  He also has some awesome one-liners.  Not at BYU? And even if you are- check out his book.

"Preparation Precedes Power"
Randy L. Bott

3. Human Anatomy (PDBio 220 and ExSc 400)

PDBio 220 was so brutal.  But it was also SO worth it.  Understanding the human body in a great depth is blessing and so intriguing.  I wish this were a GE because I think it is more important and applicable to life than a lot of GE's they require!  Here is my favorite quote on the topic.

"I marvel at the miracle of the human mind and body. What a remarkable thing you are. You can think by day and dream by night. You are a child of God, His crowning creation. After He had formed the earth, separated the darkness from the light, divided the waters, created the plant and animal kingdoms—after all this He created man and then woman." -President Gordon B. Hinckley

4. Kinesiology and Biomechanics (ExSc 362)

I love the combinations of physics and the human body.  This was a really interesting class.  I think it helped me improve my wakeboarding technique- hehe.

5. Injury Evaluation of the Lower Extremities (ExSc 416)

This was the class that made me realize I was in the perfect major.  We talked about injuries, pathologies, special tests, and how to handle it.  

6. Rehabilitation of Orthopedic Injuries (ExSc 418)

Pretty self explanatory description in the title of the class.  I love learning about rehab.  Sometimes I read my rehab book just for fun :)

7. Problems in Exercise Prescription (ExSc 468)
Once again, brutal.  But doesn't it usually turn out that the most time-consuming, stress-provoking classes are the ones that make you work the hardest?  This class was great- we focused a lot on applying physiology to rehabilitation, strength training, and nutrition.  LOTS of applicable things came from this class.

8. LDS Marriage and Family (Rel C 234)
Take this class from Guy Dorius.  This class is for people at all relationship stages.  It is doctrinally based and discusses topics from dating to engagement to marriage to babies.  SO good.  You learn a lot from the words of the Brethren.  And Brother Dorius is a fantastic teacher!

9. Beginning Weight Training (ExSc 191)
This class is wonderful.  I have totally fallen in love with weight training!  Our teacher is awesome- he has showed us how to correctly lift with free weights and helped us do our max and taught us the most effective way to work out.  No expectations.  Just go at your own pace.

10. The Book of Mormon- Pt 2 (Rel A 122)

I had a hard time choosing a tenth class, but this class was important to me because it is the class the prepared me the most to receive my endowments and be sealed in the LDS Temple.  This class really helped me to see the depth that is in the scriptures and how important they are.  Brother Thompson was a  great teacher and easy to follow.

Honorable Mention: Music Civilizations (Music 201 and 202)

Dr. Howard was so funny and SO knowledgeable!  This class took some work, but I feel like I learned a lot about art and music.  Definately a good GE option.

Well there you have it.  Maybe I'll do a top ten list of classes to absolutely avoid?  Haha.  I can't believe graduation is almost here- only 3 months and 6 days away!