Questions to Ask When Selecting Courses

Why Does Course Selection Matter?

As a student, you are the customer—you are paying for your education, and you have the right to choose courses that align with your interests, values, and academic goals. Yet, too many students sign up for classes without knowing who they’ll be learning from or what kind of material they’ll be required to engage with.

Some faculty members incorporate ideological activism into their teaching, even in general education courses, shaping everything from course readings to classroom discussions. By doing your research before registering, you can avoid spending an entire semester in a course—or with a professor—who does not align with your learning preferences.

Request and Review the Syllabus

The syllabus is the single most important document for evaluating a course. It will outline:

• Required readings and materials (books, articles, videos, etc.).
• Grading policies and assignments (tests, papers, group projects, etc.).
• Course objectives and themes.

How to Get the Syllabus:

• Check if the syllabus is available online. Many universities make them accessible.
• If it’s not posted, email the professor and request it before enrolling.
• If the professor has not yet prepared a syllabus, ask for a past version—many courses stay largely the same year to year.
• If the professor has never taught the course before, request syllabi from their other courses or from other professors teaching the same class.

By reviewing a syllabus in advance, you can spot red flags—such as one-sided reading lists, a heavy emphasis on political ideology, or excessive busywork.

Examine Required Readings and Materials

Course readings shape what perspectives you’ll be exposed to. When reviewing a syllabus, ask yourself:

• Does the reading list offer multiple viewpoints, or is it focused on one ideological perspective?
• Are the materials peer-reviewed academic sources, or do they rely heavily on political commentary or activism?
• Does the syllabus include primary sources and classic texts, or just modern interpretations?

Tip: If the syllabus includes controversial or ideological readings, check if they are presented alongside alternative viewpoints—or if they are being assigned without critical analysis.

Review the Professor’s Curriculum Vitae (CV)

Who is teaching the course matters just as much as the content. A professor’s CV (curriculum vitae) lists their academic background, research interests, and past publications, which can reveal:

• Their areas of expertise—do they have deep knowledge of the subject, or is this a side area for them?
• Their political or ideological leanings—do their research interests suggest they may push an agenda in class?
• Whether they focus on activism over scholarship—are they publishing original academic work, or mostly engaging in opinion-based commentary?

You can often find a professor’s CV on the university website, or by searching their name along with “curriculum vitae.” If it’s not available, you can politely request it via email.

Consider the Professor’s Teaching Style

Even a course with great content can be frustrating if the professor’s teaching style doesn’t match your learning preferences. Before enrolling, ask:

• Is the course lecture-based, discussion-based, or a mix of both?
• How is participation graded? Will you be required to speak up in class?
• Does the professor allow open debate, or do they discourage disagreement?
• Are exams multiple-choice, essay-based, or research-driven?

You can often find student reviews of professors through your university’s internal system or external sites like RateMyProfessors.com.

Ask Other Students About Their Experience

One of the best ways to learn about a class is to talk to students who have taken it before. Ask:

• Did the professor encourage different perspectives, or were they dismissive of opposing views?
• Was the workload fair and the grading transparent?
• Did the professor bring personal politics into the classroom?

Many students don’t ask these questions until they’re stuck in a class they dislike—doing this research ahead of time can save you from frustration later.

Consider Workload and Time Commitment

• How many hours of reading and assignments are expected each week?
• Is the course writing-intensive or project-based?
• Does the class require group work, which could impact your schedule?

Final Thought: You Have a Right to Choose the Best Courses for You

College is a major investment of your time and money—and you should be thoughtful about who you’re learning from and what kind of education you are receiving. By researching syllabi, faculty backgrounds, and student experiences, you can make smarter course choices and avoid spending a semester in a class that doesn’t meet your expectations.

If a professor or department refuses to provide this information, that could be a sign that the course may not be as transparent or balanced as you’d like. Do your homework before registering—you’ll thank yourself later.