Thanksgiving has passed and the end of the semester is in sight. Dreaming of a long, relaxing month at home? Or considering Intersession?
Intersession is a three-week long "academic enrichment" period, and this year, it runs from Jan. 7-25. If you are on the fence about whether to come back to Hopkins early to take additional classes, here are some anti-Intersession and pro-Intersession arguments:
Anti-Intersession:
Hopkins is a stressful place, and classes make it that much more stressful. Two semesters of dedicated study is enough - why would anyone want to take more class? On top of this, Intersession classes rarely satisfy distribution requirements (most are only worth one or two credits) and some require additional papers and/or midterms and finals - all in the span of only three weeks.
Additionally, for the hyper-motivated, time spent taking "for fun classes" during Intersession could be spent doing something more productive - applying for internships, attending a short study abroad or teach abroad program or even working a temporary job.
Got a grandmother in India and a grandfather in Thailand? Many students with family far away choose to take the time to visit. Even those who live closer to Baltimore may choose to stay home and bond with family or take a much-needed break from dorm life.
Finally, Baltimore is a cold place in the winter, and choosing between lying out in the Caribbean sun and hiding out on D Level, many students would select the former. Then again ...
Pro-Intersession:
Intersession classes are free, fun and fabulous. Graded pass-fail, there is no need to beat the grading curve - just don't fail. It's like first semester of freshman year all over again! This takes a lot of the "must succeed" pressure off classes.
Classes are generally interesting, and many classes are taught by TAs who are genuinely interested in the topic. This year's class selection includes "The Stand-Up Comic in Society," where the class concludes with students presenting their stand-up comedy routines, "Italian Elements I," a condensed and complete first-semester Italian class, several short study abroad opportunities in places such as the Galapagos Islands, Ghana and Florence, classes such as Media & P.R. in the Big Apple, which includes a trip to New York City, and even Introduction to Flying (yes, an airplane), taught by President Brody.
Is stress making your friends either robotic and neurotic? Students tend to be more relaxed during Intersession than during the semester. There is the opportunity to explore the Baltimore area or to go to museums, movies, the Inner Harbor or the Towson mall, just to name a few places. There are generally more parties and more people partying during Intersession as well. Therefore, these three weeks are a great time to get to make friends and get to know people better. Finally, for those who have prepaid for dorms and meal plans, why not take advantage of what's already been paid for?
Thus, Intersession is a great opportunity for those who may have "nothing better to do" in the three weeks from the 7th to the 25th, but is not necessarily for everyone. Most students will stay for one or two Intersessions during their time at Hopkins, though there are those students who have never stayed and those who return year after year. There is also another option for those who do not want to take classes but don't like the prospect of living at home for an extra three weeks: Many students who return to take advantage of the campus facilities (dorm, food, gym, library) and bum around.
