Campus Insights: Iconic Courses at Princeton University as Seen by a Student
Princeton University offers a diverse range of courses beyond the School of Public and International Affairs (SPIA), captivating students from various majors with interdisciplinary approaches and unique pedagogical styles.
Kevin Castro '23, a Computer Science Major, recommends COS426: Computer Graphics for its insight into movie graphics creation. Kathryn Postiglione '25, another Computer Science Major, praises FRS122: Connection and Communication in the Digital Bazaar for its exploration of technology platforms, unique student perspectives, and alumni outreach opportunities. Austen Mazenko '24, a Mathematics Major, recommends COS 451: Computational Geometry for its engaging professor, manageable problem sets, and freedom in the final project.
Beyond SPIA, Princeton’s rich intellectual environment includes innovative seminars and project-based courses that engage students in real-world challenges. However, more specific recommendations for unforgettable courses outside SPIA are typically found in forums or surveys where Princeton students share their personal experiences.
For instance, Kelsey Champeau '25, a Psychology Major, praises VIS212: Analog Photography for its engaging professor, immersive learning experience, and emotional impact. Despite requiring hours of work in the darkroom outside of class, she mentions that the course does not feel like work. JD Copeland '24, a Sociology Major, recommends LIN306: The Structure and Meaning of Words for its engaging puzzles, in-depth explanations, and pizza study break.
Naaji Hylton '22, a Neuroscience Major, credits COS 226: Algorithms and Data Structures for their ability to work as an Engineer at Amazon. Ivy Lin '23, an Economics Major, finds SOC 204: Social Networks insightful for understanding connections in a technological world.
Jayla Cornelius '23, a Civil and Environmental Engineering Major, praises AAS201: African American Studies and the Philosophy of Race for its immersive lectures, engaging precepts, and focus on understanding race topics. Jodie De Jesus '25, an Undecided Major, enjoys ANT311: Food, Culture, and Society for its exploration of food's role in cultures, fun in-class activities, and knowledgeable professor.
In summary, Princeton offers a wide array of courses across business, computer science, engineering, and social sciences that are known to engage students deeply. For an exact list of unforgettable courses outside of SPIA, consulting Princeton’s student forums or official course evaluations may be necessary.
- Ivy Lin '23, an Economics Major, finds SOC 204: Social Networks insightful for understanding connections in a technological world, and education-and-self-development is a significant aspect of this course.
- Austen Mazenko '24, a Mathematics Major, while recommending COS 451: Computational Geometry for its engaging professor and manageable problem sets, believes that this course also contributes to technology advancements in lifestyle, making it a perfect blend of computer science and real-world applications.
