Such a distinction is reserved only for classes with a reputation for being especially difficult and time consuming.
I disagree with this. I think the reason why some classes are called by their name are usually because of speed/convenience (faster to say), to group multiple class numbers, and for obscure class numbers than nobody would recognize.
Saying "unified" is way simpler than saying "sixteen double-oh-one". Saying "eight thirteen(?)" or "eight one three" is just weird. Also note that "junior lab" is not even the name of the class, it's just a nickname (just like "ice") that makes it easier to communicate.
Also, note that Unified is actually 4 classes (course numbers). Junior lab is 2.. They're both expected to be taken over the course of a year, not a single semester. Nobody cares if you're taking 8.13 or 8.14; it's really just one thing: junior lab. If you want to know the number, you can tell by knowing the current semester.
Lastly, if you're taking a not well-known class in say, 21F, you'd say the name. Even if it's relatively popular (and easy!), nobody says "21F.302".. They say "French 2".
Sorry for the long post responding to such a minor point; I just thought it was incredibly misleading.
It's fair to point out that classes that aren't widely taken are called by name because the numbers are less useful, and perhaps I should rephrase a bit: how about "such a distinction among well-known classes is usually a sign of respect".
When you say "French 2" rather than "21F.302", you're using a descriptive rather than nominative name for the class because of lack of familiarity.
Saying "eight thirteen(?)" or "eight one three" is just weird.
But somehow calling orgo "five twelve" doesn't seem weird? That's the whole point: most classes are known by their numbers, and the ones that are given a non-numeric nominative label are generally feared.
Anyhow, this isn't just something I made up, it's something that freshmen are widely made aware of: "classes that are known by their names are usually harder." Just like "extra letters good, extra numbers bad,"[1] it's a rule of thumb rather than a law of nature.
[1] This refers to choices in freshman classes; sometimes there are alternative versions of the course offered under a slightly different title, e.g., 8.02, 8.02T, 8.022. The course with the extra letter is "good" (generally easier), whereas the course with the extra number is "bad" (harder). Nowadays I think 8.02 is identically 8.02T, though.
I disagree with this. I think the reason why some classes are called by their name are usually because of speed/convenience (faster to say), to group multiple class numbers, and for obscure class numbers than nobody would recognize.
Saying "unified" is way simpler than saying "sixteen double-oh-one". Saying "eight thirteen(?)" or "eight one three" is just weird. Also note that "junior lab" is not even the name of the class, it's just a nickname (just like "ice") that makes it easier to communicate.
Also, note that Unified is actually 4 classes (course numbers). Junior lab is 2.. They're both expected to be taken over the course of a year, not a single semester. Nobody cares if you're taking 8.13 or 8.14; it's really just one thing: junior lab. If you want to know the number, you can tell by knowing the current semester.
Lastly, if you're taking a not well-known class in say, 21F, you'd say the name. Even if it's relatively popular (and easy!), nobody says "21F.302".. They say "French 2".
Sorry for the long post responding to such a minor point; I just thought it was incredibly misleading.