spectrum: academics

As both Columbia and Barnard have moved to online learning systems in the wake of the COVID-19 pandemic, there have been a number of curveballs thrown at our lives, which have forced us to adapt to a whole new system of learning. We went from in-person interactions to social distancing, from traveling to quarantining, and from lecture halls to online Zoom sessions. With online classes officially in session, instructors and students alike are scrambling to adjust to the new learning platform.

Seemingly overnight, Zoom went from a relatively unfamiliar video conferencing platform to one of the most popular tools used by universities and workplaces throughout the country. Due to the rapid progression of the coronavirus pandemic, students and professors alike were given little time to transition smoothly into a completely-online class structure; some adapted more quickly than others.

Not sure where you should set up camp this midterm season? Have no fear; Spectrum has created the ultimate test to decide which on-campus study spot will help steer the way.

Your first semester at Columbia is almost at an end. One last obstacle to face before winter break: finals. If you’re stressed out about how you’ll be able to come out of it all unscathed, Spectrum is here to answer your questions and clarify what’s really in store for you over the next two weeks.

Though Butler and Milstein may be some of the most familiar of Columbia and Barnard’s libraries and study spots, they also tend to be among the most packed during finals season. Instead of going through the familiar struggle of trying to find a seat, get off the beaten path by trying out these hidden (and not-so-hidden) gems, courtesy of Spectrum.

Week two of class registration will begin on Dec. 9. If you got into most of the classes that you wanted, then congratulations—you won’t have much to worry about regarding your schedule next semester in the next few weeks.

For some, the Core Curriculum is what drew them to Columbia. For others, it is the bane of their existence. No matter which category you fit into, taking University Writing is a given. All first-years in Columbia College and the School of Engineering and Applied Science are required to take it. With second semester coming up, those who haven’t yet taken the course have the chance to choose which section they like best. But with nine different sections of the class, how can you know which one is right for you?

If you’re a Barnard first-year still trying to figure out which First-Year Writing or Seminar class would best fit your needs and desires, fear not! Here is a short but sweet collection of highly recommended classes you should consider taking this coming spring–not just for the sake of fulfilling the Barnard degree requirements, but to hopefully gain drops of wisdom along the way.

As registration approaches, it’s time to open up millions of tabs looking for ways to construct the perfect schedule—while making sure you’re fulfilling requirements. If you’re looking for recommendations on which classes to take to fulfill requirements, Spectrum has already compiled a list of easy options to fulfill the science requirement, Barnard’s Modes of Thinkings, and the Global Core requirement.

The registration period for classes begins next week. For those of you keen on finishing up the Core, you might be interested in taking a Global Core class or two next semester. Here’s our list of five interesting Global Core classes you should consider taking in the spring!