What to expect from a college marketing class?

[Gee]

I am a Sophomore in high school, but I had the opportunity to take a college marketing class this year for a college credit. I was just wondering what I can expect from it? I have it two days a week and I don't really know what marketing even is. Thanks a bunch!

[Donatello]

Presentation and analysis

[Vanessa]

Basically, marketers try to find ways for companies to stay ahead of the game when it comes to putting their products/services in the hands of consumers. Here are some questions your prof might ask:
- Why would Doritos be willing to pay $2 million for a 30-sec. advertisement during the Super Bowl?
- Why are companies increasingly using social media (Twitter, Facebook) to reach their audience?
- If all the students in this class had the same pen, and had to sell as many pens as they could, how would they do so?
Aside from theoretical concepts, there are no right or wrong answers as long as you are able to support your point.

At the college level, marketing classes are there to give you a "big picture" of the marketing world - an introduction to the topic, if you prefer. You usually won't get down to the nitty gritty until you get to university.

Normally, an introductory marketing class will help you answer the following questions:
- Products vs. services: What differentiates both?
- Marketing mix: How are products marketed? (Product, Price, Place, Promotion)
- Life cycle of a product: How long should a product stay on the market?
- Consumer behavior : What motivates people to buy what they do when they do?

As a marketing major in university, I find it all very fascinating. Classes are usually very interactive: since the field is constantly changing, teachers will usually draw from real life products/services - some you will definitely relate to regardless of what field you plan to go into.

Hope you enjoy your class - I'm sure you will