Please look at the following answer from a freshman at new york University in the United States, hoping to help you:

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First of all, I'm only a freshman now, so I can't say everything, but after at least one and a half semesters, I've almost understood the direction of this major.

First of all, we should distinguish between two different projects under the general education college project: LSP (core project) and GLS (global general education). LSP is a two-year project, and it can be transferred to other schools in NYU after two years. GLS is a four-year program, which requires one year's study in NYU global campus in the third year (there are many choices, such as Florence, Tel Aviv, Paris, Buenos Aires, Shanghai, etc. And basically everyone can enter their favorite travel website). GLS can also choose to study abroad in the first year. In this case, you can choose to stay in new york or go abroad in the third year.

Then the course introduction of GLS in the first two years:

Cultural foundation one, two and three: choose one course every semester until three. This course mainly talks about the history of world literature and art: from ancient China in ancient Egypt to ancient Rome and Byzantium, from the Aztec Empire in Latin America to the Ottoman Empire in the Middle East, from literary works such as Homer's epic and Odyssey to Asian folk works. It covers a wide range and aims to give students a relatively comprehensive understanding of world history.

Social Foundation One, Two and Three: Like CF, there is one course per semester until three. This course talks about the mainstream philosophical thoughts from ancient times to the present, including Confucianism, Taoism, Plato, modern social contract theory, the origin of western democracy and so on.

Global writing workshop: As can be seen from the name, this is a writing course, which only needs one time. Although it is writing, but unlike other subjects' thesis writing, the theme forms are more diverse. Different teachers have different teaching methods, but basically don't worry too much, it won't be difficult.

Global culture: including five courses: African culture, Latin American culture, East Asian culture, Middle East culture and South subculture. Are all very interesting courses. If you recommend a course you don't know much about, such as Africa, Latin America or the Middle East, you will have a new understanding of the world.

Science requirements: there are three courses: history of the universe, history of science and technology, and environmental science. Choose two of the three courses. To be honest, although the first two courses look interesting, in fact, all three courses are mediocre (or just the professors I met are average) and not very interesting, so I just get credits when I go to school.

Language requirements: Because you are required to study abroad for one year in the third year, you will have a language class from your sophomore year at the latest (that is, you will probably decide where to go in the third year after the first semester of your freshman year). Here, you can take classes with different grades and frequencies according to your language level. If you have a good command of this language in advance, you can take the relevant language qualification examination before your sophomore year, which means that you don't need to take language classes or you can take fewer classes (children's shoes who want to save credits for other courses can start reading relevant language books in advance, so you don't have to waste credits on language classes in your sophomore year).

The course of the previous year and a half is probably like this. You can take 18 credits in a semester, and a course is usually 4 credits, so there are generally only four classes, usually from Monday to Thursday, twice a week for each class, except for individual classes. If you want to complete 18 credits, you can also take dual-credit classes (music classes and the like) in other colleges. It can be seen from the course arrangement that it is not very nervous, but it will not be very relaxed. GLS is characterized by reading a lot (depending on the teacher, of course), so be prepared psychologically.

Next, let's talk about the misunderstanding and rumors about GLS: Many people say that LS students are relatively watery among New Zealand college students, which can only be said to be half true and half false. Of course, there are some people who muddle along, but there are also many super excellent students, and because of the high proportion of international students, they can be exposed to very diverse cultures. In addition, every university in NYU has some stereotypes, which is a normal phenomenon and cannot be used to measure all students. For example, Tisch's reputation is more of a party girl, a preppie, and superficial; Stern's reputation is a typical business student, stressed, superior, not very likable, etc. These things can be used as a joke, but don't let them affect your judgment.

In addition, it is worth mentioning that among the Asian students in GLS, you will always hear that many people want to change their major, because this major is relatively small and not as loud as any media major or business major. Don't be influenced by them, try to make your own judgment: if you like humanities and are interested in the history and formation of the world, if you like the opportunity of studying abroad, if you want to learn another language and involve as many subjects as possible, then GLS will be very suitable for you; If you are not interested in history, or don't like reading, if you prefer to focus on science, engineering and business, and if you want a well-paid job instead of a comprehensive classical humanities education, then GLS doesn't belong to you. I have to say that Asians are more utilitarian. Under the peer pressure that everyone wants to go, it takes considerable courage and determination to stay in this program. However, this does not change the fact that GLS is a good program (besides, you can try to double-major or minor at any time ~)

Nearly a year has passed, and I have more confidence in the decision at that time: this major has not let me down at all. Philosophy, literature, art, history and culture, which were originally considered boring, have lost their place in this fast era, giving me a completely different view of the world. They are not only the history of this world, but also the cornerstone of my gradually formed thinking system. In short, GLS is a very good major, and I try my best to keep the above points objective and fair, hoping to help the applicants!