Classes at Rhodes

After about 2 weeks of classes, I have to say that the style of learning here is very different than at Wheaton, or even in America for that matter. I have to admit that I definitely appreciate the flexibility that is allowed by liberal arts colleges. Here at Rhodes, once you pick a discipline, you must stick with it until you graduate and to get an undergraduate degree it only takes 3 years. Being a science major with an interest in humanities, I found it very difficult to arrange my schedule as many humanities classes clash with science classes because they expect you to choose one or another. I am happy with the way my courses have worked out though, I am taking an array of subjects that I has really given me a great understanding of South Africa and is nuances. I think my favorite (but most difficult) course thus far is a 3rd year Zoology course on South African Vertebrates. We get to do stuff like dissect different vertebrates and learn about the biogeography of Africa. I am also taking an English class on South African literature which is also great because of all the wonderful books we get to read. Along with those 2 courses, I am also taking an Anatomy & Physiology course to fulfill a requirement, and Art History and Visual Culture.
The classes here are quite large compared to Wheaton. My English class for example is about 70 or 80 people. But the once way they make sure that you’re getting individual attention is by assigning us into small groups that meet once a week called tutorials, or as they say here “Tuts.” So far, I’ve had more lectures and tutorials each week than work to do because of how they divvy up percentages. It is typical for courses to have finals that are worth 80% of your grade!
Anyways, I am thrilled with the courses I am taking and I expect to learn a lot from them. I am very grateful for the opportunity to go abroad because I really feel like I am getting that extra angle to my education that I would never get elsewhere.