2008 Woodie Awards
Social science, film study classes draw highest number of students
J. Breen Mitchell, Reporter
Issue date: 4/22/08 Section: Campus Life
With 1,555 students enrolled this semester, Intro to Sociology is the most popular non-required class at Youngstown State University.
General Psychology is a close second with 1,503 students, and History of Motion Pictures comes in at a distant third with 641 students.
Members of each department have a few explanations for the popularity of these courses.
"Psychology is one of the largest stand-alone majors," said Vernon Haynes, chair of the department of psychology.
"Psychology applies to everyone. If you look at some of the other majors, like chemistry or biology, a lot of people don't see how they apply to everyday life," said Haynes.
The popularity of History of Motion Pictures is perhaps explained best by Frank Castronovo, chairman of the department of theater and dance.
"Everyone loves movies," Castronovo said.
He said movies are the pop culture reference of choice for most people.
"Motion picture is an international art form, but I think America has done more for advancing them. Everyone thinks of Hollywood," Castronovo said.
People want to know how the art form came about, said Castronovo. He said that films resonate well with Americans.
English 1550 and basic math classes get more students, but weren't counted by this article because they're requirements.
General Psychology is a close second with 1,503 students, and History of Motion Pictures comes in at a distant third with 641 students.
Members of each department have a few explanations for the popularity of these courses.
"Psychology is one of the largest stand-alone majors," said Vernon Haynes, chair of the department of psychology.
"Psychology applies to everyone. If you look at some of the other majors, like chemistry or biology, a lot of people don't see how they apply to everyday life," said Haynes.
The popularity of History of Motion Pictures is perhaps explained best by Frank Castronovo, chairman of the department of theater and dance.
"Everyone loves movies," Castronovo said.
He said movies are the pop culture reference of choice for most people.
"Motion picture is an international art form, but I think America has done more for advancing them. Everyone thinks of Hollywood," Castronovo said.
People want to know how the art form came about, said Castronovo. He said that films resonate well with Americans.
English 1550 and basic math classes get more students, but weren't counted by this article because they're requirements.
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