From gardening to global music: 5 must-take courses
Crafting your schedule for next semester requires balancing your curiosity and graduation requirements. Do you want to pique your interest while adding value to your academic journey? Take a look at the list below.
BIOS 207: Garden Science
Looking for a fun way to check off that D3 requirement while bringing some green into your life? Taught by Joseph Novak, this class is perfect for non-STEM majors who want hands-on garden time. It meets Tuesdays and Thursdays from 4 p.m. to 6 p.m. Topics covered vary from plant development to soil management to uses of garden crops.
PHIL 269: Markets & Morality
Whether it’s buying your first car or accessing healthcare, you’ll find yourself buying goods and services from a market. But should everything go through a market? What are the moral limits? If you’ve ever done a deep introspective dive about this and want to fulfill that D1 requirement, this class is for you. This course also meets Tuesdays and Thursdays with Thimo Heisenberg from 1 p.m. to 2:15 p.m.
POLI 310: The Biology of Politics
Do you want to understand how our brains are politically wired? From genes to brain chemistry, this is your chance to explore how biology impacts politics from civil engagement to ideology. Taught by Professor John Alford, who is the author of Predisposed: Liberals, Conservatives and the Biology of Political Differences, this course is thought-provoking, accessible and infinitely interesting whether you’re a political science major or not. It meets on Mondays and Wednesdays from 2 p.m. to 3:15 p.m.
MUSI 226: Music in Global Perspective
Knock out that D1 requirement while exploring the diversity of global music. From African drumming to K-pop, this course explores how music influences and reflects history, identity and culture. You’ll enhance your listening skills, analyze music in its social context and uncover the stories behind traditional and modern genres. It’s a global journey for your ear with no passport needed. If your Tuesdays and Thursdays are busy, this course meets on Mondays, Wednesdays and Fridays from 1 p.m. to 1:50 p.m. with Erik Broess.
ENST 207: Environmental Storytelling
Calling all climate enthusiasts and storytellers — this course unleashes the power of storytelling in shaping public opinion on the climate crisis. You’ll explore the use of fictional storytelling across various mediums and learn how they’re used for climate advocacy. Drawing from research in history, psychology and sociology, you’ll also get the opportunity to create your own environmental media project for the final assignment, and earn D1 credit to boot. The course meets on Mondays and Wednesdays from 4 p.m. to 5:15 p.m. with Matthew Schneider-Mayerson.
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