The 10 Best Classes at UPenn

Some of the best classes at UPenn are often the most unique and exciting. They challenge you and your view of the world and sharpen your critical thinking. These courses push you to grow and set you up for success in your future career, no matter your chosen field.

Known for its top-tier academics and its Ivy League status, UPenn offers a variety of timely and practical classes and courses that make learning an intellectually rewarding experience. There are plenty of options for you at UPenn, whether you’re a first-year student or already deep into your studies.

This blog lists and describes 10 of the best classes at UPenn. It also discusses UPenn’s approach to general education and why it is one of the best in the country.

• 10 of the Best Classes at UPenn for Everyone
• The General Education Curriculum at UPenn
• How Do You Choose a Class in College?
• Frequently Asked Questions
• Takeaways

10 of the Best Classes at UPenn for Everyone

UPenn is home to around 22,000 students. That is quite a lot, but there are plenty of courses and classes for everyone. Moreover, the university is also known for its top-tier engineering and business programs, and yet some of the best classes at UPenn on this list are not necessarily under Wharton’s or Penn Engineering. The majority of them are general education classes and electives.

If you are an incoming freshman and want to take a look at classes you can take, here’s a list of the best classes at UPenn:

1. PSYC 265 Behavioral Econ & Psych

This course will discuss and explore how people make decisions and challenge what we know about the factors that influence their choices. You’ll learn how we can shape these decisions, using ideas from psychology and economics. You get to apply these concepts to areas like consumer behavior, making choices under risk, and decisions that benefit others.

2. CLST 353 – Rhetoric and the Community

Rhetoric and the Community is a course aimed at enhancing students’ speaking skills. Through activities like debates, impromptu speeches, and different types of oral presentations, students work on becoming more effective speakers.

The focus is on practical tips, constructive feedback, and actively exploring the craft of public speaking. As one of the best classes at UPenn, this course promotes how strong communication skills can lead to more meaningful engagement and conversations within the community. It is especially beneficial for those pursuing careers in advocacy, public service, teaching, or any field where clear and confident communication is key.

3. LGST 100 – Ethics and Social Responsibility

This course offers an interdisciplinary and interactive introduction to business ethics and corporate social responsibility. It’s designed to help you identify and handle ethical dilemmas in business while developing your own sense of integrity and professionalism. This makes LGST 100 one of the best classes at UPenn.

The course begins by focusing on personal values and professional purpose. It explores the challenges individuals face when trying to align their actions with their values in an organizational setting. It then moves on to corporate responsibility, addressing the ethical issues leaders in organizations must navigate. The final section covers international business ethics.

You will work with a variety of materials, including readings, case studies, videos, and guest speakers, to tackle real-world ethical issues and practice finding solutions to these challenges.

4. OIDD 311 – Business Computer Languages

Scripting for Business Analytics, one of the best classes at UPenn, focuses on the fundamentals of business analytics and how it supports decision-making and management. This introductory course teaches students how to use MATLAB and Python to explore and analyze data for business purposes.

Business analytics has become increasingly popular, gaining significant attention in the media and the business world. Experts and professionals frequently mention its importance, especially with the rise of “big data.” From consultants to tech enthusiasts, many are making impressive predictions and driving the industry forward. Despite the hype, there are real, tangible advancements in the field, making it a great time to explore opportunities in business analytics.

5. COMM 4630 – Surveillance Capitalism

Have you ever wondered how Google seems to know exactly what ad to show you after a conversation with a friend? COMM 4630 explores the concept of “surveillance capitalism,” a term that describes how technology is increasingly woven into our daily lives. The course examines how companies like Google, Facebook, and Amazon use surveillance tactics—along with artificial intelligence and big data analysis—to boost their profits, influence job opportunities, personalize ads, and much more.

Taught by Professor Joseph Turow, a communication expert who conducts national surveys on media and marketing, this class offers a deep dive into the world of surveillance capitalism and its impact on society. Considered one of the best classes at UPenn, COMM 4630 is as engaging as it is timely.

6. EAS 545 – Engineering Entrepreneurship I

In this engineering course, Professor Thomas A. Cassel draws on his 20 years of entrepreneurial experience to teach students how to turn their ideas into successful businesses. Students explore the journey of tech entrepreneurs, learning everything from identifying market opportunities to attracting investors. Cassel also brings in guest speakers who have built their own companies, giving students real-world insights.

7. NURS 333 – Victimology

Victimology is a popular course, especially among Wharton students, as it fulfills the Science and Technology requirement for graduation. It’s also known for being less challenging than typical science courses, with a 1.5 out of 4 difficulty rating on Penn Course Review.

As one of the best classes at UPenn, the class centers on the experiences of trauma and abuse victims, as well as their families. Professor Kathleen Brown, the instructor for this class, invites guest speakers, including individuals who have faced trauma such as sexual assault or stalking, along with professionals who work with trauma survivors.

8. PSCI 219 – Chinese Politics

This year, many students were disappointed when they couldn’t enroll in this popular Political Science course. With only 90 spots available, the class was packed on the first day, with students filling both the chairs and floor space.

In Professor Avery Goldstein’s class, students dive into Chinese politics from 1949 onward, benefiting from his expertise without needing any prior background in Chinese history or politics.

9. THAR 120 – Intro to Acting

Considered one of the best classes at UPenn aligned with performing arts, this class is based on the techniques developed by Constantine Stanislavsky while incorporating other methods, such as improvisation. It guides you through the essential work an actor must do to perform truthfully on stage.

The class starts with relaxation exercises, physical activities, interactive games, and ensemble building. From there, students practice foundational acting techniques like sensory work, objectives, actions, and understanding given circumstances.

The semester wraps up with a scene performance, typically from a Realist play. The course emphasizes the importance of commitment to the craft and responsibility to fellow actors.

Along with the practical work, you will read from Stanislavsky and other acting theorists like Uta Hagen, Robert Cohen, and Stella Adler. Throughout the semester, you are expected to write short essays based on the readings and to help prepare for your final scene performance.

10. MKTG 211 – Consumer Behavior

This course is designed to give you a solid understanding of the major theories and research in consumer behavior. You’ll learn about the psychology behind people’s actions, judgments, and decisions, and learn how to apply these insights to influence behavior in the marketplace.

By the end of the course, you’ll be familiar with different consumer behavior studies. You’ll also be able to spot these theories in action in real-world situations and use behavioral principles to solve various marketing challenges, which makes MKTG 211 one of the most interesting and best classes at UPenn.

The General Education Curriculum at UPenn

The College’s General Education Curriculum has two main goals. It aims to help you build important skills for learning while also immersing you in academic work across a range of disciplines in the arts and sciences.
As you follow this curriculum, you’ll encounter two types of requirements that align with these goals:

• Foundational Approaches
• Sectors of Knowledge

These two elements—an approach and a field of study—are often interconnected in any given course.

For example, you’ll develop language skills by studying the culture where the language is spoken, or you’ll learn to analyze art by writing about it and discussing its context. Similarly, you’ll improve in interpreting data by considering what it tells us about natural or social phenomena.

While some of the best classes at UPenn may prioritize skill-building, others may focus more on exploring specific fields of study, but both are essential to your overall learning experience.

Foundational Approaches

Foundational Approaches help you build essential intellectual skills that are useful across different disciplines:

• Writing. Writing is important for success in both academics and life. You must take a writing seminar, ideally in your first year, and are encouraged to continue improving your skills through Penn’s writing programs. Writing may sound tedious and time-consuming, but they are fun classes to take in college.
• Foreign language. Learning a foreign language helps you understand other cultures and their own. College students must reach a certain level of language competency, with the option to explore a variety of languages beyond the common ones like French and Spanish.
• Quantitative data analysis. To make informed decisions in life, you need to understand quantitative data. You are required to take a course that involves mathematical or statistical analysis of data—few of the best classes at UPenn—excluding calculus and computer science courses that don’t focus on real data sets.
• Formal reasoning and analysis. These courses focus on deductive reasoning and formal structures like logic and mathematics. They include subjects such as computer science, formal linguistics, symbolic logic, and decision theory and apply them to real-world issues.
• Cross-cultural analysis. You must take at least one course that explores cultures outside the U.S. to help you understand different values, attitudes, and ways of life while reflecting on your own cultural perspectives.
• Cultural diversity in the U.S. This requirement focuses on the diversity within the U.S. You must take a course to understand issues like race, ethnicity, gender, class, and religion to help you become more informed and engaged citizens.

Sectors of Knowledge

This aspect of the curriculum focuses on specific sectors of knowledge that will help you with your chosen major:

• Society. This sector explores the structure and norms of contemporary society, focusing on human behavior, relationships, and social analysis. Courses cover markets, civil society, and nations to help you develop concepts and tools for understanding modern social systems.
• History and Tradition. This sector examines how human thought, beliefs, and actions have changed over time. You will study the histories of various civilizations, learn to interpret primary sources, and gain an understanding of how the past influences the present.
• Arts & Letters. This sector includes the best classes at UPenn that focus on visual arts, literature, and music, along with their criticism. Courses explore a range of creative works—like paintings, films, and poetry—teaching you how to analyze and interpret meaning in different cultural contexts.
• Humanities & Social Science. This sector combines methods from the first three sectors and allows you to explore a topic or issue from multiple perspectives. Courses may include community service or performance, connecting theory with real-world applications.
• The Living World. This sector houses a few of the fun classes to take in college that deal with living systems’ evolution, structure, and function. Using natural science methods, you will study organisms, ecosystems, and behaviors and learn how hypotheses are tested and revised.
• The Physical World. This sector focuses on the best classes at UPenn related to physical science concepts and methods. Courses provide insights into modern science, requiring a mathematical background, and emphasize the testing of theories through experiments and observations.
• Natural Science Across Disciplines. This sector emphasizes the connections between different scientific disciplines, natural science, mathematics, and societal issues. Courses may be of particular interest to STEM majors, combining various scientific perspectives for a broader understanding of natural systems.

How Do You Choose a Class in College?

Some classes are prerequisites to a more complex class, while others, you can choose yourself. Picking out the correct class is important for completing your studies and professional goals. You need the best classes at UPenn that will serve your future path.

Here are five steps to help you choose the right college class:

1. Review graduation requirements.

Before selecting any class, check your college’s general education and major-specific requirements. These requirements vary by program and are designed to cover various subjects.

Review your academic plan or consult an advisor to identify required courses for your major, minor, or general education credits. Prioritizing these courses helps you stay on track for graduation and ensures you’re meeting core academic goals early on.

2. Consider your interests and strengths.

After meeting basic requirements, think about your academic interests and strengths. Are there subjects you’re passionate about or want to explore more deeply? Taking classes in areas you’re interested in will make learning more enjoyable and engaging.

If you’re unsure about your major, this is a great opportunity to explore different fields and discover new interests. Balancing courses you’re curious about with those that match your strengths can lead to a more fulfilling academic experience.

3. Check prerequisites and course levels.

Make sure you check if the course you’re interested in has any prerequisites—other classes you need to take first. Some of the best classes at UPenn require foundational knowledge before you can enroll.

Also, pay attention to course levels (100-level for introductory, 200- and 300-level for intermediate, and 400- or 500-level for advanced). For your first year, it’s typically best to start with introductory courses, especially in subjects you haven’t studied before.

4. Look at the course syllabus and instructor.

Review the course syllabus, if available, to understand the structure, expectations, and grading policies of the class. A syllabus outlines the types of assignments, exams, and projects you’ll need to complete, which can help you decide if the workload suits your schedule.

Additionally, research the instructor. Look for reviews on platforms like RateMyProfessors or ask upperclassmen about their experiences with the professor. A good professor can make even a challenging subject engaging and enjoyable.

5. Balance your schedule.

Ensure your overall course load is manageable by balancing hard and easy classes or mixing different types of learning (lecture-based, discussion-focused, lab work, etc.). Don’t overload yourself with too many difficult courses in a single semester.

Consider your extracurricular commitments and personal time when planning your schedule. Finding a balance between your academic, social, and personal life is key to avoiding burnout and staying motivated throughout the semester.

Frequently Asked Questions

1. What are the easiest classes at UPenn?

Here are five courses often considered the easiest classes at UPenn:

• PSYC 001 – Introduction to Experimental Psychology. Covers basic psychological concepts and is known for being interesting and relatively easy.
• MUSC 030 – 1000 Years of Musical Listening. Focuses on classical music appreciation with light assignments.
• VLST 101 – Eye, Mind, and Image. An introduction to visual studies, this course explores perception, images, and art. Many find the content engaging with a lighter workload.
• COMM 123 – Critical Approaches to Popular Culture. Examines media and pop culture, often cited as an easy class with interesting content.
• HSOC 145 – Comparative Medicine. This health and society class examines global medical systems. It’s often noted for having a manageable workload and fulfilling cross-cultural analysis or society sector requirements.

2. What is UPenn known for?

UPenn is known for the Wharton School of Business—one of the best business schools in the US and houses some of the best classes at UPenn—strong programs in law, medicine, and social sciences, as well as its focus on interdisciplinary studies. It’s also recognized for its founding by Benjamin Franklin and its Ivy League status that blends academic excellence with practical, real-world applications.

3. What is unique about the UPenn curriculum?

The College Curriculum at UPenn is designed to challenge students while providing the flexibility to explore various subjects. There is no single class that all students in the College are required to take to graduate from Penn. The faculty supports a “structured choice” approach, which allows students to tailor their education to their interests within a guided framework.

Takeaways

The University of Pennsylvania is an esteemed Ivy League institution that has been a frontrunner in world-class education for decades. One aspect that makes it stand out is the classes it teaches.

• Some of the best classes at UPenn are often the most unique and exciting. They challenge you and your view of the world and sharpen your critical thinking.
• The General Education part of the UPenn curriculum has two main elements: Foundational Approaches and Sectors of Knowledge.
• There is no single class that all students in the college are required to take to graduate from Penn.
• If you are joining the UPenn student body and have not decided on which classes to take, consider asking for help from a college admission consultant to help you narrow down the best classes at UPenn that’ll match your personal and professional goals.