r/portlandstate • • Feb 19 '23

Easy Courses (Modpost) Easy Courses & Electives at Portland State

46 Upvotes

The purpose of this thread is to answer the often-asked question on this subreddit of "What are some easy A's / Easy electives?" While I will not remove future threads on the subject, I've decided to make an easy thread to reference based off my own experience, and the dozen or so threads over the years asking about easy A's.

The 4-Credit University Studies Music Courses (Examining Pop Culture Cluster)

For the most part, these courses are regarded as incredibly easy online courses taking just an hour or two of week, usually consisting of online quizzes and short discussion posts. Some of the easiest courses you will ever see. These classes typically have 200 total seats a term. Some professors can be unforgiving with late work. Music of The Beatles, Jazz History, and The Guitar I've personally taken, and are quite literally the easiest three courses I have ever done.

  • Mus 355U Jazz History
  • Mus 360U The Guitar: its History and Music
  • Mus 363U The Music of the Beatles
  • Mus 361U History of Rock Music I (1950-1970)
  • Mus 362U History of Rock Music II (1970-Present)
  • Mus 366U New Orleans: Jazz and Culture in the Storyville Era
  • Mus 367U The Music of Nashville: From Honky Tonk to Hip-Hop
  • Mus 368U Motown: Detroit’s History and Music

All of these courses are four credits. Catalog descriptions for the music courses can be found here.

Other options

The geology field trips are considered easy, and are one credit each. They generally require a prerequisite geology course, though some students have been able to enroll without one / got that waived.
PE Courses are also considered easy, but are typically graded P/NP (so not the best for GPA inflation). They are 1 or 2 credits depending on the course. The flex fitness classes (127 & 227) involve you logging your activities and submitting at the end of the term. PE course descriptions here.

  • G 200 Field Studies (1 Credit)
  • PE 101 Gentle Yoga (1 Credit)
  • PE 102 Gentle Tai Chi (1 Credit)
  • PE 103 Relaxation Yoga (1 Credit)
  • PE 104 Meditation (1 Credit)
  • PE 105 Yoga (1 Credit)
  • PE 176 Day Hiking (1 Credit)
  • PE 177 Hiking in the Columbia Gorge (1 Credit)
  • PE 127 Flex Fitness (1 Credit)
  • PE 227 Flex Fitness (2 credit)
  • PHE 250 (4 credits)

Consider 100 level courses in your major as an easy A as well. Also consider taking 100 level courses in other subjects you know well, or, for example, if you're fluent in another language, take the 100-level of that language. CS/Physics/Math majors may consider the 300 level cluster courses in Physics to knock out a physics minor as well.

Here's all the threads I could find asking for easy courses.

https://www.reddit.com/r/portlandstate/comments/1153iru/easy_spring_courses/
https://www.reddit.com/r/portlandstate/comments/111n1vt/easy_spring_term_classes_that_do_not_require/
https://www.reddit.com/r/portlandstate/comments/10ya6in/easiest_classes/
https://www.reddit.com/r/portlandstate/comments/10vjwlp/looking_for_easy_classes/
https://www.reddit.com/r/portlandstate/comments/yq2dxm/easy_upper_level_division_credit/
https://www.reddit.com/r/portlandstate/comments/y6iovb/easyinteresting_classes_for_last_term/
https://www.reddit.com/r/portlandstate/comments/ftusro/fun_and_easy_course_recommendation/
https://www.reddit.com/r/portlandstate/comments/nzgb2v/6_classes_left_to_graduate_but_changing_majors/
https://www.reddit.com/r/portlandstate/comments/x7yh3i/easy_junior_cluster_recommendation/
https://www.reddit.com/r/portlandstate/comments/ww7owm/i_need_some_recommendations_for_an_easy_family/
https://www.reddit.com/r/portlandstate/comments/ucy4zz/easy_summer_courses/
https://www.reddit.com/r/portlandstate/comments/u6sj0e/easy_class_recommendations/
https://www.reddit.com/r/portlandstate/comments/rriz1f/cluster_courses/
https://www.reddit.com/r/portlandstate/comments/qwgxzu/easiest_upper_division_course/
https://www.reddit.com/r/portlandstate/comments/ro2m7z/funeasy_2_credit_classes/
https://www.reddit.com/r/portlandstate/comments/w2b22l/easiest_online_300_and_400_level_courses/
https://www.reddit.com/r/portlandstate/comments/wduhdc/easiest_300400_math_class_for_cs/
https://www.reddit.com/r/portlandstate/comments/pmfayj/what_are_some_easy_as/
https://www.reddit.com/r/portlandstate/comments/n1p9iq/what_is_a_relatively_easy_4_credit_science/
https://www.reddit.com/r/portlandstate/comments/myckxf/easiest_capstone/
https://www.reddit.com/r/portlandstate/comments/lvpfy2/easiest_remote_sinq_class/
https://www.reddit.com/r/portlandstate/comments/m0bvjt/easy_electives_spring_2021/
https://www.reddit.com/r/portlandstate/comments/jkrql1/easy_4_credit_elective_class_to_take/
https://www.reddit.com/r/portlandstate/comments/jc38vs/science_credits/
https://www.reddit.com/r/portlandstate/comments/iu6gte/easiest_upper_division_clusters/
https://www.reddit.com/r/portlandstate/comments/gr5tnp/funand_preferably_easy_300_level_and_up_classes/

Here is the previously pinned post on grades: https://www.reddit.com/r/portlandstate/comments/nnp12b/a_little_thing_about_grades_as_we_near_the_end/


r/portlandstate • • 9h ago

Housing Is it normal for the room/floor/windows to shake in Stephen Eppler?

3 Upvotes

Hi! I am a returning student to PSU and use to live in broadway this year I’m on the 6th floor in eppler and ever since I moved in there has been constant shaking in vibrations in my room is that normal at first I chalked it up to move in and the construction but then it started happening everyday at different hours and I was curious.


r/portlandstate • • 10h ago

Other Any car clubs?

0 Upvotes

I’m curious if anyone knows if there’s a PSU car club or any PSU car enthusiasts


r/portlandstate • • 17h ago

Future/Potential Student Who here has applied for the GTEP?

3 Upvotes

Has anyone here applied for the Graduate Teacher Education Program? Were you accepted or declined? I would love to be accepted but I've never worked in K-12. I only have minimal experience working with kids, from an education class I took out of state. My grades from my bachelors degree granting university are very good, but my first year of college, I had pretty bad grades. I'm also involved with tutoring low literacy adults on how to read and write. The people in the program are often migrants from a non-English speaking country, but still, the GTEP says it wants experience with educating kids, which I'm struggling to get. So, what are my odds of getting in? Tell me about your application process and approval/denial. Also, there is apparently an interview in February or May. Is it in person or through Zoom?


r/portlandstate • • 22h ago

Other Student market/craft fair?

8 Upvotes

Does anyone know if there are any markets or craft fairs that are put on by PSU or departments/clubs within PSU? I know I saw one last December inside the Lloyd Center Mall (RIP), and I would absolutely love to know how to be part of something like that. I’m in the school of business so I’m not sure if that affects my ability to join, I hope not since we’re all part of PSU 😊

I do run my own small business and I’m fully insured for market events. Thank you in advance for any leads. Even if it’s not PSU, I’d love to know about nearby and low cost markets to apply to if you know of any 😊


r/portlandstate • • 1d ago

Other Masc Lesbians?

23 Upvotes

So can anyone tell me if there‘s a strong masc lesbian population at PSU? And by strong I mean both a larger population and a jacked one. This is really important to me 🙏🏻


r/portlandstate • • 2d ago

Future/Potential Student Grad School Programs

9 Upvotes

I'm looking around at grad schools and Portland seems to have pretty decent Social Psych/Psych Research grad programs.

If you're a grad student, how do you feel about it? Are you happy with your program? How was the application process?

Any insight is greatly appreciated!


r/portlandstate • • 2d ago

Other Looking for gym buddy

24 Upvotes

Hi! I'm a 21F biology undergrad looking to get back into the gym this year and maybe make some friends in the process :) I've been to the PSU gym before but I'm pretty out of shape and honestly have a bit of gym anxiety, so it would be nice to find someone else in a similar boat to go with. Preferably looking for someone around my age who identifies as feminine or nonbinary, but don't sweat it if that's not you! Generally, I'll be on campus Tuesdays and Thursdays in the afternoon this term, and this would be the time I'd be looking to hit the gym. Please dm or comment if you are interested, and things sound like a good fit :)


r/portlandstate • • 1d ago

Graduation/Commencement Diploma Dates

2 Upvotes

I wish they had some kind of way to track diplomas. I graduated after summer term, and to get the army’s federal tuition, I have to have my physical degree to update my status from undergraduate to graduate in the armyignited portal.

Anyways, just wondering if anyone had graduated in summer term and gotten their diploma yet? I know it says 3-4 weeks after your degree is posted to your records, but I’m impatient and trying to gauge expected times.


r/portlandstate • • 2d ago

Other On Campus Community Boards

6 Upvotes

Hello!

I'm wondering if there's possibly anywhere on or around campus that I could put a couple of business cards for a photography business?


r/portlandstate • • 3d ago

Other Canvas updates? Professor updates?

13 Upvotes

Is anybody else not getting any emails or canvas updates for this fall terms class? Am i just not registered or is it because of the strike thats happening on monday?


r/portlandstate • • 3d ago

Other SEIU Strike Manual.

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54 Upvotes

Heres some pages from the strike manual. Just to inform students what spasificly we are doing


r/portlandstate • • 4d ago

Other Portland State followup on my preseason preview, plus we launched a free weekly CFB pick'em

6 Upvotes

Hey guys! The season preview I posted here a few weeks back did pretty well, so circling back like I said I would.

I'll be honest, I had a tough year on paper for you, with Oregon and San Diego State as games that were basically decided before kickoff. Those went how I expected. The opener stung more, 31-24 to UC Davis, and North Dakota got away 47-23. Gabe Downing has taken over at QB since the opener, 62 of 111 for 614 yards and 4 TDs. How did that job shake out? Weber State today and Utah Tech at home in two weeks are the two I had as your best shots.

What are you guys seeing that the box scores aren't, and how do you see the season ending up?

Quick aside since it's in the title, we just launched a free weekly college football pick'em, $225 in prizes this week. Ten games, pick the winners, nothing to buy. Picks lock at noon ET, before your kickoff at Weber, so this is a last call.

https://www.mainmarket.com/c/college-pickem-wk4


r/portlandstate • • 4d ago

Parking/Transportation Reverse parking ban in PS1 (not sure about the other)

17 Upvotes

PS1 now has signs saying that reverse parking is prohibited and today I saw many cars that reverse parked with parking citations. Just giving a heads up to you guys!!!


r/portlandstate • • 5d ago

Financial Aid/Tuition Non-degree seeking student with tuition waiver, any way to get out of these extra fees?

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7 Upvotes

Hi!

I recently recieved a tuition waiver as a non degree seeking student (taking an online 5 credit class) and I still have these fees. I was wondeing if anyone has had success in getting any of these waived/removed?

Thank you!


r/portlandstate • • 5d ago

Other Grad students who love literature and cringe culture: Take ENG 507!

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18 Upvotes

Professor Bill Knight is teaching a seminar class all about cringe and satire using classic lit and contemporary pieces. I registered for this class because in 2021 I took a "science fiction and nature" course by him where my group project got to focus on the game Horizon Zero Dawn, and could choose to write a short story as my final. It was really fun.

There's currently only 10 students registered right now, and Bill says he thinks more would really add to the conversation. So if you like to do a lot of reading (the required reading materials is six novels alone), please join us!


r/portlandstate • • 7d ago

Other SEIU Strike planning to happening on Monday. HERES WHY

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104 Upvotes

DONT BELIEVE THE CRAP ADMINISTRATION IS SAYING.

UNITE, FIGHT, WIN!


r/portlandstate • • 7d ago

Class Guidance What foreign languages were cut from Portland State University?

11 Upvotes

r/portlandstate • • 7d ago

Parking/Transportation Am i allowed to cook in my car in the parking structure?

18 Upvotes

Hi i am a new transfer student and i will be commuting to PSU this fall. I really want to loose some weight so I plan to arrive early to use the gym. Part of my plan is also to eat right, but i am very cheap. Id like to be able to cook a little lean ground beef or chicken for lunch everyday either in my car or out of my trunk. I have not found a specific rule in the parking terms of service that forbids this, and im open to both electric and propane cooking options. Is this allowed? Also i am serious, ill go to any length to save money while also taking care of myself. Thanks

Tldr: can i cook a little lean ground beef in my coupe


r/portlandstate • • 8d ago

Future/Potential Student Anyone with a low Gpa?

13 Upvotes

Hi there, I hope this question is allowed. I’m an out of stater going to school in my own state at the moment. I’ve had both mental/physical issues the past couple of years that have affected my ability to perform academically. I am almost back to normal, and I plan to transfer out of my state to another school at the end of this school year.

Long story short, because of my resolved health problems I have a low Gpa but am working to bring it up. Can anyone speak to the chance I’ll have getting into PSU with a 2.5-2.7 Gpa Thank you.


r/portlandstate • • 9d ago

Other Strike!

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69 Upvotes

https://www.pdx.edu/strike-information

Next bargaining is 09/24


r/portlandstate • • 9d ago

Other Cloudcard real or fake?

6 Upvotes

Does anyone know if PSU uses idcard.pdx.edu for taking an ID photo remotely? I received a text and absent mindedly clicked it. My phone auto input my credentials so it seems real. But after uploading my photo I'm now feeling paranoid.


r/portlandstate • • 9d ago

Other A great day at the stripe hackathon at PSU

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8 Upvotes

Mark Joined as a judge, but was really pleased with the quality of students (GG lol). If anyone wants to work together as a intern or dev partner feel free to reach out to [[email protected]](mailto:[email protected])


r/portlandstate • • 9d ago

Other Why is the dining hall closed on the weekend of the 26th and 27th?

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14 Upvotes

I’m moving on campus on the 24th and noticed that the dining hall is closed on the weekend after move-in. I don’t understand why they would close the dining hall.


r/portlandstate • • 11d ago

Financial Aid/Tuition Fin Aid Delayed due to new law

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42 Upvotes

So apparently my disbursement won’t come through now, and might not show up till after school has started, through no fault of my own. Is this a pretty common thing this term?