EP340 大学生活 | 全球视野

My name is Marco.

My name is Marco.

My name is Catherine, and today we're talking about American education and college life.

My name is Catherine, and today we're talking about American education and college life.

That's right, this is actually a user suggestion that They wanted to know more or less what it would be like a dialogue between friends on a typical day in college.

That's right, this is actually a user suggestion that They wanted to know more or less what it would be like a dialogue between friends on a typical day in college.

All right, so this is an advance of a lesson, we're going to be talking in a normal conversational speed.

All right, so this is an advance of a lesson, we're going to be talking in a normal conversational speed.

We're gonna listen to the dialogue, and when we come back, we'll talk about some of these cue phrases and words that might help you understand the dialogue better.

We're gonna listen to the dialogue, and when we come back, we'll talk about some of these cue phrases and words that might help you understand the dialogue better.

Hey Jordan, is that you?

Hey Jordan, is that you?

Long time no see.

Long time no see.

Oh, hey, no kidding.

Oh, hey, no kidding.

I haven't seen you since orientation 3 months ago.

I haven't seen you since orientation 3 months ago.

So, how you been?

So, how you been?

Settling into college life OK?

Settling into college life OK?

Yeah, I think so.

Yeah, I think so.

I pledged Φ Iota Alpha, so I'm living at the frat house now.

I pledged Φ Iota Alpha, so I'm living at the frat house now.

Oh, so you're a frat boy now, huh?

Oh, so you're a frat boy now, huh?

Yeah, yeah, I know.

Yeah, yeah, I know.

It's totally cliche, but really, I think it's been a good decision.

It's totally cliche, but really, I think it's been a good decision.

Got a lot of support and good suggestions from the guys.

Got a lot of support and good suggestions from the guys.

What about you?

What about you?

What have you been up to?

What have you been up to?

Well, not much. I'm still living at home and commuting to school.

Well, not much. I'm still living at home and commuting to school.

I ended up dropping that metal working class I was so excited about.

I ended up dropping that metal working class I was so excited about.

It just wasn't as interesting as I'd hoped.

It just wasn't as interesting as I'd hoped.

The guidance counselor suggested that I focus on my prerequisite courses so that I can make sure the credits count.

The guidance counselor suggested that I focus on my prerequisite courses so that I can make sure the credits count.

That sound smart, but kind of boring.

That sound smart, but kind of boring.

Yeah, it is a little bit.

Yeah, it is a little bit.

I joined the great outdoors club though, which has been a lot of fun.

I joined the great outdoors club though, which has been a lot of fun.

We've gone on two camping trips already, and I've made some good friends.

We've gone on two camping trips already, and I've made some good friends.

That's cool.

That's cool.

Hey, so have you decided on your major yet?

Hey, so have you decided on your major yet?

Definitely pre-med.

Definitely pre-med.

What about you?

What about you?

I still have no clue, but we don't have to declare a major till our sophomore year, so I've got time.

I still have no clue, but we don't have to declare a major till our sophomore year, so I've got time.

Oops, I'm late for class, I gotta run.

Oops, I'm late for class, I gotta run.

Ok, take care. Hey, nice running into you. Yeah, you too.

Ok, take care. Hey, nice running into you. Yeah, you too.

Alright, we're back.

Alright, we're back.

So now let's start with all these words and phrases on language takeaway.

So now let's start with all these words and phrases on language takeaway.

Language takeaway.

Language takeaway.

So, hey Jordan, is that you?

So, hey Jordan, is that you?

Long time no see.

Long time no see.

I love this phrase.

I love this phrase.

Right, this phrase, long time no see, which, if you look at it, it doesn't really make sense.

Right, this phrase, long time no see, which, if you look at it, it doesn't really make sense.

It looks like we're missing a couple words.

It looks like we're missing a couple words.

It looks like an incomplete sentence.

It looks like an incomplete sentence.

Yeah, like the subject, who?

Yeah, like the subject, who?

Ha, right.

Ha, right.

La, I haven't seen you, you haven't seen you, what?

La, I haven't seen you, you haven't seen you, what?

Right.

Right.

So really, the the the meaning of this is, I haven't seen you in a long time. Mm hmm. That's right. And actually, I've heard.

So really, the the the meaning of this is, I haven't seen you in a long time. Mm hmm. That's right. And actually, I've heard.

That this phrase was taken from Chinese.

That this phrase was taken from Chinese.

I've also heard that, so it's kind of like pigeon English.

I've also heard that, so it's kind of like pigeon English.

And now, it's very very common in English to say this.

And now, it's very very common in English to say this.

You say this with your friends, it's very casual.

You say this with your friends, it's very casual.

And uh yeah, long time no see.

And uh yeah, long time no see.

Because I, if you translate this literally to Chinese, it it it make sense, yes?

Because I, if you translate this literally to Chinese, it it it make sense, yes?

It does, uh huh so, it's it's interesting.

It does, uh huh so, it's it's interesting.

All right, so we haven't seen our friend in a long time.

All right, so we haven't seen our friend in a long time.

uh, And he's like, yeah, no kidding.

uh, And he's like, yeah, no kidding.

You know what?

You know what?

I I think it's been since orientation.

I I think it's been since orientation.

So what is this orientation that he's talking about?

So what is this orientation that he's talking about?

Now, this is an important part of the average American college experience.

Now, this is an important part of the average American college experience.

Mm hmm.

Mm hmm.

Orientation is a special time, maybe for one week or a couple days.

Orientation is a special time, maybe for one week or a couple days.

At the very beginning of your first year of university, OK?

At the very beginning of your first year of university, OK?

All right, so my first week of school, I didn't have any classes, but I went to school, and with all of the other first year students were called freshmen.

All right, so my first week of school, I didn't have any classes, but I went to school, and with all of the other first year students were called freshmen.

I had to do activities and meet people and sign up for classes, and basically orientation is a time when you learn about a new system or a new program.

I had to do activities and meet people and sign up for classes, and basically orientation is a time when you learn about a new system or a new program.

So, how it works, because you know, maybe you don't Really know yet how to pick your classes, or where the dorms are, or how the meals work, uh if you have to go to the cafeteria, et cetera, right?

So, how it works, because you know, maybe you don't Really know yet how to pick your classes, or where the dorms are, or how the meals work, uh if you have to go to the cafeteria, et cetera, right?

Exactly, and it comes from the verb to orient.

Exactly, and it comes from the verb to orient.

So, I orient myself by facing the right direction.

So, I orient myself by facing the right direction.

hmm-hmm So, orientation is really about teaching you how to start in a new system.

hmm-hmm So, orientation is really about teaching you how to start in a new system.

OK, very good.

OK, very good.

So, uh, well, in, that was three months ago, and a lot has happened.

So, uh, well, in, that was three months ago, and a lot has happened.

Our speaker says that uh he pledged phi iota alpha, what's so, what is this to pledge, and this, now, this is Greek as well.

Our speaker says that uh he pledged phi iota alpha, what's so, what is this to pledge, and this, now, this is Greek as well.

Yeah.

Yeah.

Phi A Iota Alpha is Greek, and this means that we're talking about a fraternity.

Phi A Iota Alpha is Greek, and this means that we're talking about a fraternity.

So fraternity is a group of boys, a a sorority is a group of girls, and these are communities, so social societies, uh huh, that you have to apply to be a member of.

So fraternity is a group of boys, a a sorority is a group of girls, and these are communities, so social societies, uh huh, that you have to apply to be a member of.

But we don't say apply, right?

But we don't say apply, right?

You pledge, you pledge.

You pledge, you pledge.

So, it's like I pledge allegiance, you say I want to be in your group, I want to be in your fraternity, and so uh you will have to do special things to become a member.

So, it's like I pledge allegiance, you say I want to be in your group, I want to be in your fraternity, and so uh you will have to do special things to become a member.

So, the verb to pledge would be to um basically to promise something, uh huh honorably or or or faithfully, right?

So, the verb to pledge would be to um basically to promise something, uh huh honorably or or or faithfully, right?

Exactly, and that's that's The nice way of putting it, but generally when you talk about sororities and fraternities, these upperclassmen, so third, fourth year students, they make the students who are pledging do very weird things.

Exactly, and that's that's The nice way of putting it, but generally when you talk about sororities and fraternities, these upperclassmen, so third, fourth year students, they make the students who are pledging do very weird things.

So, as you said, this is for these two guys, this is for a fraternity.

So, as you said, this is for these two guys, this is for a fraternity.

But if it's um this type of club for girls, it's called a sorority.

But if it's um this type of club for girls, it's called a sorority.

OK, so it's different.

OK, so it's different.

So, I'm pledging this sorority, that means I'm trying to become a member of this sorority.

So, I'm pledging this sorority, that means I'm trying to become a member of this sorority.

So, I think it's worthwhile mentioning many of you have probably seen it in movies.

So, I think it's worthwhile mentioning many of you have probably seen it in movies.

These fraternities or sororities, and they all have names based on the Greek alphabet.

These fraternities or sororities, and they all have names based on the Greek alphabet.

Right, so the letters phi, iota, alpha, or kappa, kappa, gamma.

Right, so the letters phi, iota, alpha, or kappa, kappa, gamma.

hmm, uh, These are the the letters that are basically represent the name of the the fraternity.

hmm, uh, These are the the letters that are basically represent the name of the the fraternity.

And what's interesting is that maybe I am in Kappa Kappa Gamma at my school, there's another school with another Kappa Kappa Gamma, we're all related.

And what's interesting is that maybe I am in Kappa Kappa Gamma at my school, there's another school with another Kappa Kappa Gamma, we're all related.

It's the same social community.

It's the same social community.

So, they sometimes do events together, things like that.

So, they sometimes do events together, things like that.

So, actually, these fraternities or sororities, it's not Independent to a school, it's actually like a a w- wide network of of people that belong to this club.

So, actually, these fraternities or sororities, it's not Independent to a school, it's actually like a a w- wide network of of people that belong to this club.

Exactly, it's an National network usually, so it's kind of like being in the Boy Scouts.

Exactly, it's an National network usually, so it's kind of like being in the Boy Scouts.

Yeah, similar, except the activities are much difference.

Yeah, similar, except the activities are much difference.

That's right.

That's right.

So uh these people, they may live at the frat house, like like in in in this dialogue, he's living at the frat house.

So uh these people, they may live at the frat house, like like in in in this dialogue, he's living at the frat house.

Now remember here, fraternity, that becomes frat, if we're talking colloquially.

Now remember here, fraternity, that becomes frat, if we're talking colloquially.

hmm, So, the frat House is the fraternity house, it's where those boys live, but only the phi iota alpha boys, right?

hmm, So, the frat House is the fraternity house, it's where those boys live, but only the phi iota alpha boys, right?

So, no one uh uh if I have a friend and he's not by Iota Alpha, then he can't live there.

So, no one uh uh if I have a friend and he's not by Iota Alpha, then he can't live there.

Exactly, and we have a similar thing for girls, that's the sorority house.

Exactly, and we have a similar thing for girls, that's the sorority house.

OK, very good.

OK, very good.

So, a frat house is the fraternity house, basically like their club house.

So, a frat house is the fraternity house, basically like their club house.

Where they live though, yeah.

Where they live though, yeah.

Right.

Right.

And uh so sometimes guys that belong to fraternities, they they refer to as frat boys.

And uh so sometimes guys that belong to fraternities, they they refer to as frat boys.

Hey, frat boy, yeah.

Hey, frat boy, yeah.

So fraternity boy, this is not always the nicest thing to say.

So fraternity boy, this is not always the nicest thing to say.

hmm-hmm It's got a negative meaning.

hmm-hmm It's got a negative meaning.

uh, Because a lot of the activities that frat boys do stereotypically involve lots of drinking, and maybe being loud.

uh, Because a lot of the activities that frat boys do stereotypically involve lots of drinking, and maybe being loud.

hmm.

hmm.

I'm so frat boy is someone who's in a fraternity, and it's usually a critical Way of talking about those guys.

I'm so frat boy is someone who's in a fraternity, and it's usually a critical Way of talking about those guys.

So this whole uh fraternity sorority thing, uh, as he said is a little bit cliche, right?

So this whole uh fraternity sorority thing, uh, as he said is a little bit cliche, right?

Yeah, this is a great word.

Yeah, this is a great word.

uh, I use this a lot actually. So something that's cliche.

uh, I use this a lot actually. So something that's cliche.

Would be almost what's expected, right?

Would be almost what's expected, right?

um, But in a bad way.

um, But in a bad way.

uh huh.

uh huh.

Right, right.

Right, right.

um, And so, so you joining a fraternity is a little bit cliche, cause it's kind of like, it's what everyone does in the movies and on TV.

um, And so, so you joining a fraternity is a little bit cliche, cause it's kind of like, it's what everyone does in the movies and on TV.

Right.

Right.

Like, oh, I'm going to college, I'm going to join a fraternity.

Like, oh, I'm going to college, I'm going to join a fraternity.

It's almost like boring, it's so normal.

It's almost like boring, it's so normal.

Right.

Right.

um, We could also say that like that movie, at the end of the movie, the man and the woman, they fought, but then they got back together.

um, We could also say that like that movie, at the end of the movie, the man and the woman, they fought, but then they got back together.

It's so cliche.

It's so cliche.

Right.

Right.

So, it's something that's overused, expected.

So, it's something that's overused, expected.

Yeah, very typical, uninteresting, yeah, uninteresting, okay.

Yeah, very typical, uninteresting, yeah, uninteresting, okay.

So, we have a, uh, a cliché.

So, we have a, uh, a cliché.

We're we're saying that a fraternity is cliché.

We're we're saying that a fraternity is cliché.

Now, uh, the other guy on the other hand is living off campus.

Now, uh, the other guy on the other hand is living off campus.

He lives at home, but he said he commutes to school every day.

He lives at home, but he said he commutes to school every day.

So, he says, I'm commuting to school.

So, he says, I'm commuting to school.

This is interesting.

This is interesting.

Now, in America, there's usually two options.

Now, in America, there's usually two options.

One is to live on campus, that means to live at your university in a dormitory or an apartment.

One is to live on campus, that means to live at your university in a dormitory or an apartment.

um, But many people commute, and this means they drive to school every day, and then they drive home at night.

um, But many people commute, and this means they drive to school every day, and then they drive home at night.

They don't live on the campus.

They don't live on the campus.

So, you can also commute to work every day, right?

So, you can also commute to work every day, right?

This is what people do.

This is what people do.

You don't live at the office.

You don't live at the office.

Exactly, I hope not.

Exactly, I hope not.

uh, No, this is a common thing.

uh, No, this is a common thing.

People will drive to work, and you you might ask them, How long is your commute?

People will drive to work, and you you might ask them, How long is your commute?

Uh huh.

Uh huh.

She say, oh, one hour.

She say, oh, one hour.

That means I drive one hour to work.

That means I drive one hour to work.

So, if I take the bus or the train, the subway, is that also commuting?

So, if I take the bus or the train, the subway, is that also commuting?

It is.

It is.

It doesn't matter how you do it.

It doesn't matter how you do it.

It just means you don't live where you work or where you study.

It just means you don't live where you work or where you study.

So you have to travel there by some means of transportation. OK.

So you have to travel there by some means of transportation. OK.

So, uh, well, now going back to the academic aspect of this dialogue, he said that he ended up dropping a class.

So, uh, well, now going back to the academic aspect of this dialogue, he said that he ended up dropping a class.

OK, so, um, to drop means to stop attending a class.

OK, so, um, to drop means to stop attending a class.

Mm hmm.

Mm hmm.

uh, Maybe you don't have enough time, maybe you don't like it, but uh to drop a class means you will no longer study, you will not take the tests, you will not get a grade.

uh, Maybe you don't have enough time, maybe you don't like it, but uh to drop a class means you will no longer study, you will not take the tests, you will not get a grade.

Mm hmm.

Mm hmm.

It's the opposite of to sign up for a class or to register for a class.

It's the opposite of to sign up for a class or to register for a class.

So, the difference between dropping a class and failing a class.

So, the difference between dropping a class and failing a class.

Is that basically you're making the decision to not go there anymore?

Is that basically you're making the decision to not go there anymore?

Exactly, and usually there's a time you can do this.

Exactly, and usually there's a time you can do this.

So, for the first two weeks, you can attend classes, and if you don't have enough time or you don't like a class, you can drop the class.

So, for the first two weeks, you can attend classes, and if you don't have enough time or you don't like a class, you can drop the class.

But if you stay in the class, you just don't come, or you do very poorly on your tests, that's called failing.

But if you stay in the class, you just don't come, or you do very poorly on your tests, that's called failing.

So, there are some classes, because I I don't know, can can you drop any class, or do you have to?

So, there are some classes, because I I don't know, can can you drop any class, or do you have to?

uh, take them at some point.

uh, take them at some point.

That's a good question.

That's a good question.

That's our next phrase.

That's our next phrase.

That's a prerequisite course, right?

That's a prerequisite course, right?

Ahem.

Ahem.

So usually the university in America will tell you you have to study math You have to study one semester of science.

So usually the university in America will tell you you have to study math You have to study one semester of science.

You have to study English, you know, for one semester.

You have to study English, you know, for one semester.

So, these are called prerequisites.

So, these are called prerequisites.

It's when the university tells you you have to study something.

It's when the university tells you you have to study something.

Right.

Right.

And it's, I think you also have some courses that you can't take until you've passed some other course, right?

And it's, I think you also have some courses that you can't take until you've passed some other course, right?

So like, for example, you can't take um economy unless you've passed, I don't know, calculus.

So like, for example, you can't take um economy unless you've passed, I don't know, calculus.

Exactly, that's another prerequisite.

Exactly, that's another prerequisite.

So we'd say the prerequisite for Economics is Calculus One.

So we'd say the prerequisite for Economics is Calculus One.

Uh huh.

Uh huh.

Or the prerequisites, um, the prerequisite for Spanish 200 is Spanish 100.

Or the prerequisites, um, the prerequisite for Spanish 200 is Spanish 100.

Right.

Right.

Means you have to take something before you take something else.

Means you have to take something before you take something else.

Right.

Right.

So there's two meanings of the word, but they're both re-, both related to Requirements, what you have to do.

So there's two meanings of the word, but they're both re-, both related to Requirements, what you have to do.

OK, you need a requirement.

OK, you need a requirement.

Now, moving on and talking about the major, he said if well, if you decided on a major, and he said, well, pre-med.

Now, moving on and talking about the major, he said if well, if you decided on a major, and he said, well, pre-med.

All right, so major first of all is what you choose to study, right?

All right, so major first of all is what you choose to study, right?

Right.

Right.

But the focus of your study.

But the focus of your study.

Exactly, the focus.

Exactly, the focus.

You might study other classes, but your focus, your main interest area is one thing.

You might study other classes, but your focus, your main interest area is one thing.

Mm hmm.

Mm hmm.

And in his case, he's talking about pre-med.

And in his case, he's talking about pre-med.

Now what does pre-med stand for?

Now what does pre-med stand for?

Cause it is a short version of a longer word.

Cause it is a short version of a longer word.

Right.

Right.

So it's pre medicine.

So it's pre medicine.

Yeah, OK.

Yeah, OK.

So medicine is something you study if you wanna be a doctor.

So medicine is something you study if you wanna be a doctor.

Right.

Right.

So pre, because in America you don't s- you don't become a doctor after four years.

So pre, because in America you don't s- you don't become a doctor after four years.

Ha ha.

Ha ha.

Right.

Right.

You have to go get your BA, your bachelor's degree.

You have to go get your BA, your bachelor's degree.

And then you have to get your Ph.D, your doctrate.

And then you have to get your Ph.D, your doctrate.

Uh huh.

Uh huh.

So people who want to go to um graduate school first have to study many required courses.

So people who want to go to um graduate school first have to study many required courses.

Uh huh.

Uh huh.

That's the the Premed focus.

That's the the Premed focus.

Uh huh.

Uh huh.

OK, so that's what he's talking about.

OK, so that's what he's talking about.

He's definitely gonna focus on premed.

He's definitely gonna focus on premed.

He wants to be a doctor.

He wants to be a doctor.

He's not gonna be a doctor soon.

He's not gonna be a doctor soon.

But he wants to start studying to be a doctor, so he will s- he will become a pre-med, a pre-med major.

But he wants to start studying to be a doctor, so he will s- he will become a pre-med, a pre-med major.

And uh what about uh for lawyers?

And uh what about uh for lawyers?

I know that there are also something that you focus on before.

I know that there are also something that you focus on before.

There is, yeah, that's called pre-law, same idea.

There is, yeah, that's called pre-law, same idea.

Pre means before.

Pre means before.

um, So, obviously, a lawyer needs to study for a long time as well, and with your undergrad degree, so your first four years, you would study pre-law.

um, So, obviously, a lawyer needs to study for a long time as well, and with your undergrad degree, so your first four years, you would study pre-law.

So, this is what you focus on for your four years, and then you go into grad school and become an attorney or a specific type of lawyer.

So, this is what you focus on for your four years, and then you go into grad school and become an attorney or a specific type of lawyer.

But a lawyer doesn't have to study for a Ph.D.

But a lawyer doesn't have to study for a Ph.D.

A lawyer studies for a J.D.

A lawyer studies for a J.D.

JD, that's called.

JD, that's called.

Yeah, Juris Doctorate, that's the law degree.

Yeah, Juris Doctorate, that's the law degree.

Uh huh.

Uh huh.

Interesting.

Interesting.

OK, so, well, he's going into Premed, but the other guy is like, well, I don't have a clue yet.

OK, so, well, he's going into Premed, but the other guy is like, well, I don't have a clue yet.

uh, And he doesn't have to declare a major until the sophomore year.

uh, And he doesn't have to declare a major until the sophomore year.

Ok, couple things going on here.

Ok, couple things going on here.

First of all, there are different names for each year.

First of all, there are different names for each year.

Right.

Right.

So freshman, sophomore, junior, senior.

So freshman, sophomore, junior, senior.

One, two, three, four.

One, two, three, four.

hmm, So sophomore year is the second year.

hmm, So sophomore year is the second year.

So if you say I'm a sophomore student at X Y University, that means you're in your second year.

So if you say I'm a sophomore student at X Y University, that means you're in your second year.

Exactly.

Exactly.

And he says that he doesn't have to declare a major until his second year, till his sophomore year.

And he says that he doesn't have to declare a major until his second year, till his sophomore year.

And this phrase to declare a major is very important.

And this phrase to declare a major is very important.

Mm hmm.

Mm hmm.

It means that you will tell the university what your focus will be.

It means that you will tell the university what your focus will be.

Right.

Right.

And you have to do this.

And you have to do this.

Mm hmm.

Mm hmm.

You can't just go to school and then graduate.

You can't just go to school and then graduate.

You have to say, I will focus on this, because every major has what we just talked about prerequisites.

You have to say, I will focus on this, because every major has what we just talked about prerequisites.

Right, so, but in this first year, you don't have to tell the university yet what you want to study.

Right, so, but in this first year, you don't have to tell the university yet what you want to study.

Maybe you just, you take a variety of courses, and then you tell them, OK, now I'm gonna focus on this, right?

Maybe you just, you take a variety of courses, and then you tell them, OK, now I'm gonna focus on this, right?

Exactly, that's what I did, and that's very common for liberal liberal arts schools.

Exactly, that's what I did, and that's very common for liberal liberal arts schools.

Mm hmm.

Mm hmm.

Maybe if you're in a specific trade school, or you're in aum, A certain track, you you would have a different situation.

Maybe if you're in a specific trade school, or you're in aum, A certain track, you you would have a different situation.

But for me, liberal arts, I studied history, I studied philosophy, I studied language and literature, and then my sophomore year, my second year, I decided, oh, I will study philosophy, and that's it.

But for me, liberal arts, I studied history, I studied philosophy, I studied language and literature, and then my sophomore year, my second year, I decided, oh, I will study philosophy, and that's it.

So you're gonna focus on that?

So you're gonna focus on that?

Yes, one thing.

Yes, one thing.

So, it's it's interesting because uhIn many other countries, uh, the education system requires you to declare your major before you start studying, right?

So, it's it's interesting because uhIn many other countries, uh, the education system requires you to declare your major before you start studying, right?

You say, well, I'm gonna study business, and then you're Your four years uh are around that, whereas in some in some places in the United States or for some majors, you don't have to do that.

You say, well, I'm gonna study business, and then you're Your four years uh are around that, whereas in some in some places in the United States or for some majors, you don't have to do that.

That's true, and I've also heard in England, for example, you have one area of study, one major, and that's all you study.

That's true, and I've also heard in England, for example, you have one area of study, one major, and that's all you study.

Right, because in in the U, in the US, you can get a major in history with a minor in philosophy, right?

Right, because in in the U, in the US, you can get a major in history with a minor in philosophy, right?

Exactly, I was the opposite.

Exactly, I was the opposite.

I had a major in philosophy, and a minor in history.

I had a major in philosophy, and a minor in history.

So, major means something bigger, more important, and minor is smaller or less important.

So, major means something bigger, more important, and minor is smaller or less important.

And a minor is uh is your second field of study.

And a minor is uh is your second field of study.

So, you take fewer classes, but you still know something about that.

So, you take fewer classes, but you still know something about that.

But do they always have to be related?

But do they always have to be related?

Because like, for example, can you be a major of philosophy with A minor in, I don't know, astronomy or something like that.

Because like, for example, can you be a major of philosophy with A minor in, I don't know, astronomy or something like that.

Absolutely.

Absolutely.

Something like pre-med, so medicine.

Something like pre-med, so medicine.

Mm hmm.

Mm hmm.

It's hard because there's so many requirements.

It's hard because there's so many requirements.

Right.

Right.

But I had a number of friends who are major in computer science and a minor inum, Literature, for example.

But I had a number of friends who are major in computer science and a minor inum, Literature, for example.

Really?

Really?

So you can you can mix it up at certain schools.

So you can you can mix it up at certain schools.

So what would be the advantage of that uh of of doing something like that?

So what would be the advantage of that uh of of doing something like that?

You know, because uh most places or most education systems say that you, or Teach that, you know, you should specialize, you should be focused on one area.

You know, because uh most places or most education systems say that you, or Teach that, you know, you should specialize, you should be focused on one area.

So if you're in computer science, then you should be focused on that.

So if you're in computer science, then you should be focused on that.

So why why would somebody specialize in computer science in their major, but then take a minor in like literature or something?

So why why would somebody specialize in computer science in their major, but then take a minor in like literature or something?

Well, let's use that example.

Well, let's use that example.

I think one of the benefits for the libera- liberal arts degree, and this is for something they talk about a lot in education.

I think one of the benefits for the libera- liberal arts degree, and this is for something they talk about a lot in education.

is that you have a broad area of knowledge.

is that you have a broad area of knowledge.

So, yes, you know a lot about computer science.

So, yes, you know a lot about computer science.

You have to, to graduate, right?

You have to, to graduate, right?

But maybe in your future, you will write articles about computer science, or you want a blog, or you want a job that Has a public relations aspect.

But maybe in your future, you will write articles about computer science, or you want a blog, or you want a job that Has a public relations aspect.

You need to know how to write, right?

You need to know how to write, right?

And you're not gonna learn how to write in all of your computer science classes, but you will by reading a lot and writing a lot in your literature classes.

And you're not gonna learn how to write in all of your computer science classes, but you will by reading a lot and writing a lot in your literature classes.

Right, right.

Right, right.

So some people like to say that it's very good to mix up Business and languages, or um computer science and literature, because it's a way to be well-rounded.

So some people like to say that it's very good to mix up Business and languages, or um computer science and literature, because it's a way to be well-rounded.

That's right, that's actually interesting, because in most places, uh specifically in theuh, The the exact sciences fields, um, they focus more on that like engineers, it's all about engineering, math, and and all this.

That's right, that's actually interesting, because in most places, uh specifically in theuh, The the exact sciences fields, um, they focus more on that like engineers, it's all about engineering, math, and and all this.

But the human aspect like you said, or the liberal arts aspect like literature or history, they don't get ma-, mon-, much of that.

But the human aspect like you said, or the liberal arts aspect like literature or history, they don't get ma-, mon-, much of that.

So when you actually have to become a manager or write Or or manage people that you don't really have the the skills to do that, cause you never really took a class.

So when you actually have to become a manager or write Or or manage people that you don't really have the the skills to do that, cause you never really took a class.

That's right, and it can be very hard to learn how to write well and to speak well.

That's right, and it can be very hard to learn how to write well and to speak well.

All of a sudden, you know, right, right, and I think that's that's where people struggle also when they're applying for jobs.

All of a sudden, you know, right, right, and I think that's that's where people struggle also when they're applying for jobs.

Mm hmm.

Mm hmm.

Uh, so I I don't know, I believe in being a well-rounded individual.

Uh, so I I don't know, I believe in being a well-rounded individual.

Obviously, there's some benefits to being very very knowledgeable about one thing.

Obviously, there's some benefits to being very very knowledgeable about one thing.

Mm hmm.

Mm hmm.

So I guess, um, we could ask you guys, our users, do you believe that it's better to be Knowledgeable about one thing, hmm, or maybe more well rounded, and and to be an expert in many different things.

So I guess, um, we could ask you guys, our users, do you believe that it's better to be Knowledgeable about one thing, hmm, or maybe more well rounded, and and to be an expert in many different things.

That's right, yeah, we, you should let us know.

That's right, yeah, we, you should let us know.

Let's jump into our dialogue one last time.

Let's jump into our dialogue one last time.

Let's take a look at what everyone was saying, and we'll be back in a bit.

Let's take a look at what everyone was saying, and we'll be back in a bit.

Hey Jordan, is that you?

Hey Jordan, is that you?

Long time no see.

Long time no see.

Oh, hey, no kidding.

Oh, hey, no kidding.

I haven't seen you since orientation 3 months ago.

I haven't seen you since orientation 3 months ago.

So, how you been?

So, how you been?

Settling into college life OK?

Settling into college life OK?

Yeah, I think so.

Yeah, I think so.

I pledged Φ Iota Alpha, so I'm living at the frat house now.

I pledged Φ Iota Alpha, so I'm living at the frat house now.

Oh, so you're a frat boy now, huh?

Oh, so you're a frat boy now, huh?

Yeah, yeah, I know.

Yeah, yeah, I know.

It's totally cliche, but really, I think it's been a good decision.

It's totally cliche, but really, I think it's been a good decision.

Got a lot of support and good suggestions from the guys.

Got a lot of support and good suggestions from the guys.

What about you?

What about you?

What have you been up to?

What have you been up to?

Well, not much.

Well, not much.

I'm still living at home and commuting to school.

I'm still living at home and commuting to school.

I ended up dropping that metal working class I was so excited about.

I ended up dropping that metal working class I was so excited about.

It just wasn't as interesting as I'd hoped.

It just wasn't as interesting as I'd hoped.

The guidance counselor suggested that I focus on my prerequisite courses, so that I can make sure the credits count.

The guidance counselor suggested that I focus on my prerequisite courses, so that I can make sure the credits count.