The Truth About 'Easy' ASU Electives Will Surprise You: A Deep Dive

For generations of Arizona State University (ASU) students, the pursuit of an easy elective has been a rite of passage. The promise of a GPA boost with minimal effort is a siren song, especially amidst the rigor of major-specific coursework. But the reality behind these so-called "easy A's" is far more complex than many realize. This explainer delves into the who, what, when, where, and why of ASU's perceived easy electives, exploring their historical context, current trends, and potential future.

What are “Easy” ASU Electives?

The term "easy elective" typically refers to introductory-level courses, often fulfilling general studies requirements, that students perceive as requiring less time, effort, and intellectual engagement than other courses. These are frequently 100- or 200-level classes in fields outside a student's major, such as introductory film studies, popular music history, or even basic physical activity courses. The perception of ease is often based on anecdotal evidence passed down through generations of students, typically through word-of-mouth and online forums.

Who Seeks Them Out?

The primary audience for "easy" electives is, unsurprisingly, undergraduate students. These students can be further broken down into several categories:

• Freshmen: New to the college experience, freshmen often seek out easier courses to acclimate to the academic workload and boost their initial GPA.


• Students with Heavy Course Loads: Students juggling demanding majors, extracurricular activities, and part-time jobs may opt for easier electives to manage their overall workload.


• Students Struggling Academically: Students with lower GPAs may seek out easier courses to raise their overall academic standing.


• Students Fulfilling General Studies Requirements: ASU requires students to complete coursework in a variety of knowledge areas. Some students prioritize fulfilling these requirements with courses perceived as less demanding.

When Did This Trend Start?

The desire for easier courses is not a new phenomenon, predating even the widespread use of the internet. The roots of this trend can be traced back to the expansion of higher education in the post-World War II era. As universities became more accessible and diverse, the focus on specialized knowledge increased, leading to a perceived separation between major-specific coursework and general studies requirements. The latter, seen as less directly relevant to career goals, often became targets for students seeking easier options.

Where Are These Courses Offered?

"Easy" electives can be found across various departments within ASU, but some departments are more frequently associated with this reputation than others. Humanities, fine arts, and certain social science departments often offer courses perceived as easier. Furthermore, the specific campus offering the course can sometimes influence its perceived difficulty. For example, a course taught at ASU's West campus might be perceived differently than the same course taught at the Tempe campus. The online format of many courses has also contributed to the perception of ease, with some students believing that online courses are inherently less demanding.

Why Do Students Seek Them Out?

The motivations behind seeking "easy" electives are varied and complex, but several key drivers stand out:

• GPA Optimization: A higher GPA can improve a student's chances of securing internships, scholarships, and graduate school admission.


• Workload Management: Balancing academic commitments with other responsibilities requires strategic course selection.


• Stress Reduction: The pressure to succeed academically can be intense, and easier courses offer a break from demanding coursework.


• Perceived Value: Some students question the value of general studies requirements and prioritize completing them with minimal effort.


• Lack of Interest: Students may not be genuinely interested in the subject matter of a particular elective, leading them to seek out the easiest option to fulfill the requirement.

Historical Context and Current Developments

Historically, the narrative surrounding "easy" electives has been largely driven by student anecdotes and informal networks. However, recent developments are challenging this perception. ASU has implemented several initiatives aimed at enhancing the quality and rigor of general studies courses.

• Curriculum Redesign: Departments are actively reviewing and redesigning introductory courses to ensure they align with learning outcomes and promote critical thinking skills.


• Faculty Training: ASU provides faculty with training on effective teaching strategies and assessment methods to enhance student engagement and learning.


• Data Analytics: ASU is using data analytics to track student performance in different courses and identify areas for improvement. According to ASU's Office of Enterprise Data Governance, they have seen a consistent decrease in the grade distribution for several courses once considered "easy" after faculty implemented changes based on data analysis.


• Transparency Initiatives: ASU is working to provide students with more detailed information about course content, learning objectives, and assessment methods to help them make informed decisions.

Likely Next Steps

The push to enhance the rigor and quality of general studies courses is likely to continue at ASU. Here are some potential next steps:

• Increased Emphasis on Active Learning: Moving away from traditional lecture-based formats towards more interactive and engaging learning experiences.


• Integration of Technology: Utilizing technology to enhance student learning and provide personalized support.


• Expansion of Data Analytics: Using data to continuously improve course design and teaching practices.


• Promotion of Student Engagement: Encouraging students to actively participate in their learning and connect course content to their personal and professional goals.


• Reframing the Narrative: Shifting the focus from "easy" electives to courses that are engaging, relevant, and contribute to students' overall development. The university might launch a campaign showcasing the value of general studies courses in developing essential skills like critical thinking, problem-solving, and communication.

The Takeaway

The perception of "easy" ASU electives is evolving. While the allure of a GPA boost remains strong, ASU is actively working to ensure that all courses, including those fulfilling general studies requirements, provide students with a valuable and challenging learning experience. Students seeking an "easy A" may be surprised to find that these courses are becoming increasingly rigorous and demanding. The future of ASU electives points towards a system where all courses are designed to foster intellectual curiosity, develop essential skills, and prepare students for success in their chosen fields. It's no longer about finding the easiest path, but about finding the courses that will best equip students for the challenges and opportunities of the 21st century.