Unique Classes At UGA: This Fall, Ditch The Dull

by Kalie Watch
04/28/2008

I think we all get a little worn out by classes that either repeat mundane material from high school or force us to strain our brains so hard that we almost want to throw in the towel and become beach bums in Costa Rica. Perhaps we should spice it up a bit, with classes that stimulate our minds with unique material and concepts, but don’t necessarily wear us out. Easier said than done, one might say.

Well, after digging around the Bulletin and OASIS for a bit, I discovered some gems. None of these classes require prerequisites or P.O.D.’s, so register away! Hopefully one of these courses will peak your interest, possibly fulfill an elective, or better yet, fit so perfectly into your schedule that one might think the course was designed specifically with you in mind. Oh, this could be a beautiful semester...

Let’s start with a mixture of body and mind. Instead of choosing the strenuous walking class as your P.E. credit, check out Golf for Business and Life (PEDB 1121). The class is lead by PGA professionals and is designed to teach students how to utilize the golf course in the professional world. Looking for something a little more adventurous? Well, give Ropes (PEDB 1070) a try. The class teaches students how to physically and mentally overcome challenges as an individual and as a member of a group using the UGA climbing wall, plus the outdoor and indoor ropes courses.

Now, if you’re looking for something with a bit of culture, then these next three classes might be right up your alley. Yoruba Culture and Civilization (YORB 4010) studies the language, life, and culture of Yoruba-speaking people, a dialect native to West Africa. Now, let’s travel north to Central and Eastern Europe and learn about the intriguing lives of Gypsies. The Gypsies: Last Nomads of the Modern World (ANTH/CMLT 3240) delves into the culture, customs, languages, literature and music of the remaining Roma tribes. (Yes, I was surprised they still existed too.) And finally, head back home and put your dancing shoes on for Folk Dance Foundations (DANC 1603). You will learn the necessary skills to, you guessed it, folk dance, a cultural phenomenon that has had us swinging our partners round and round till the cows come home for years.

More interested in what’s next in the world? Alright then, how about you check out New Media Technologies (NMIX 4200/6200). The topics of the course do change, but for the last two semesters, the main focus has been on the intriguing new internet world known as “Second Life.” You will learn how to create an avatar, then use your avatar to create unique events, such as virtual concerts. If you’d rather be studying clothes for actual people rather than virtual people, then try Fundamentals of Fashion Industry (TXMI 3210). The course concentrates on new trends in the fashion industry, the role of designers, and the impact the fashion world has on society.

And finally, looking to make a difference? Then Agricultural Ethics (EETH/AESC 4190/6190) could be perfect for you. Topics taught include biotechnology, world hunger, sustainable agriculture, and animal rights. If you want to focus on people instead of the environment, then check out Music Therapy Practicum I (MUSI 1022). Students observe licensed therapists as they apply selected therapeutic techniques using music. Last of all, if you want to impact the world through your ingenious and creative ideas, Basic Dramatic Writing (DRAM 3020) could be a fantastic fit. I know many of you find yourself leaving a movie theater thinking that you could have done better, so here is your chance. You’ll complete a short play, “mini movie,” or two half-hour television episodes as your final project. Any genre is welcome, so stretch your imagination, become the next Ben Affleck and Matt Damon, and get ready to accept your Oscar!

Still didn’t find something to fill that three-hour block? Well, don’t give up and simply subject yourself to yet another lecture. Give the Bulletin and OASIS a look, because there are many, many other unique classes out there that could be absolutely perfect for you. It’s about time we didn’t dread class, but instead looked forward to sharing the interesting tidbits and techniques we’ve learned with everyone we possibly can. See you in class!

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