From corks to Corey to the cosmos: The Hill’s most ‘legendary’ courses

While each Cornellians’ experience is unique—especially given the University’s multitude of schools, colleges, and majors—certain courses have stood out as legendary over the decades, some enriching the lives and minds of generations of alumni.

So we set out to compile a roundup of those particularly memorable offerings—admittedly, one that’s in no way comprehensive.

Some of the entries—particularly large intro classes that draw students from across disciplines—have become Big Red legends through their sheer size and longevity. Others are requirements that have evolved into rites of passage for students in certain majors or schools.Still others feature a professor (sometimes, one famous far beyond the Hill) whose unique approach expands undergrads’ minds and ignites a love of learning.

Many courses from the College of Arts and Sciences make the list, including: ‘History of American Foreign Relations’ taught by the late, legendary history professor Walter LaFeber; ‘Masters of European Fiction,' among the courses Vladimir Nabokov taught while at Cornell from 1948–59; and ‘The First American University,’ taught by Corey Earle ’07. 

Read the story in Cornellians for a taste of some of the most legendary, popular, and unique classes taught from the mid-20th century to the present.