Melendez, a Roman Catholic, said she felt that taking the class would be a good way to learn more about her religion.

Large classes mean less personal attention, but students disagree on the importance of instructor contact.

"You definitely don't gain anything with such big classes, and I think you lose something everywhere 200 and up," said Kressel, who is taking "The Bible."

But other students said they like the social atmosphere of larger classes.

"You get to see so many people. I think it's an amazing social experience to put so many people in a room," said Daniel P. Kim '97.

--Stephen L. Shackelford contributed to the reporting of this story.