Colleges offer ways to put B.S. into your degree
Buffy 101
Local colleges offer many ways to put the B.S. into your degree
The alarm went off at 7:15 a.m., leaving you plenty of time to get ready for your 8 a.m. class. Unfortunately, that was 40 minutes ago, and now you're scrambling to get across campus -- for History 101.
Ugh.
While you'll always have to put in time on your gen eds, not every course has to cause pain. Many colleges offer courses that are just a bit off the beaten syllabus.
Judith-Rae Ross, a professor at DePaul University in Chicago, decided to take her love of baseball and pitch a class about the Cubs. It didn't take long for the course to be approved.
"I said, 'What about baseball?' and the reaction was mixed until I explained … Look, it's Chicago; the Cubs have been around for a very long time, they're part of the neighborhood," Ross says.
The course was created as a way to introduce Chicago and the Cubs to first-year students, complete with field trips and instructions for using public transportation.
So while waking up for an 8 a.m. class never feels quite right, we did find some classes that would be worth setting the alarm for -- or, if you've graduated, will make you yearn for the days of waking up for class instead of your job.
Interdisciplinary Studies Program Focal Point Seminar: 'Buffy the Vampire Slayer'
DePaul University, Chicago
Course details: This course uses the show as a lens to examine feminism and gender, pop culture, religion, media studies and more. You get to analyze episodes for class and examine scholarly journals written about the show, too.
Why enroll? Seminar classes can be very boring, but something tells me studying "Buffy The Vampire Slayer" should be as hot as Sarah Michelle Geller in her prime -- plus Joss Whedon, the show's creator, is considered somewhat of a god in certain circles.
English 103: 'Harry Potter'
Northern Illinois University, DeKalb
Course details: How much more is there to Harry Potter beyond the books and films? In this Harry Potter-themed writing course, the impact of Harry Potter on culture is examined through a variety of media.
Why enroll? A chance to analyze and write about the best literary series of the past few decades? This doesn't happen very often, so the fresh material makes for lively discussions. Since no one seems to mind reading the book for fun, reading it for credit should be a breeze.
Radio 41-1300: 'Introduction to the Club DJ'
Columbia College, Chicago
Course details: This course is designed to allow students to learn the skills needed to become a club DJ. Learn how to match beats, mix, scratch and use turntables, CD players, speakers and a microphone in a club setting.
Why enroll? You can be well on your way to becoming the dopest cat with two turntables and a microphone. Too bad Cristal and groupies are not included.
Interdisciplinary Studies Program Focal Point Seminar: 'Punk Rock in the UK'
DePaul University, Chicago
Course details: This class is designed as an introduction to popular culture studies, and it looks at the topic in film, TV, literature and music. The different media sources are used to examine the cultural and historical background of the punk movement in Britain, including questions of class, race, gender, sexuality and politics. Also included is the study of how people formed perceptions of identity around punk music.
Why enroll? Because the darn kids today see punk as too much of a label with not enough substance behind it. The course is the kick in the teeth that punk rock is supposed to be, complete with all of the details of the movement and politics behind it.
English 400: 'The James Bond Phenomenon'
Northern Illinois University, DeKalb
Course details: This course asks whether or not there's more to Bond than guns, girls and globe-trotting. By studying where the Bond fantasy ends and ideology begins, the discussion-based course focuses on novels and films in order to examine this enduring symbol of sex and violence.
Why enroll? Admit it, you've always wondered why Bond has the appeal he does, even after dozens of movies and several actors portraying the super spy. You can learn why women love him and men want to be him, while reading the best novels from the series and catching up on the films as well.
Interdisciplinary Studies Program Focal Point Seminar: 'Vampires'
DePaul University, Chicago
Course details: A study of the vampire myth represented in the context of folklore as well as mass media. The course views "good" vampires as well as those with a more bloodthirsty goal. The course's overarching question asks why we have such a macabre fascination with vampires and focuses on Anne Rice's novel, "The Vampire Lestat" as a critical study of the main character's experiences.
Why enroll? Even if you've never experienced a "goth" phase, you'll love sinking your teeth into this topic.
SWORD 5059: 'Medieval Longsword Fundamentals'
College Of DuPage, Glen Ellyn
Course details: Practice the basics of medieval European swordsmanship, based on methods used in the 14th and 15th centuries. Course includes simulated "sword" rental.
Why enroll? Say this phrase aloud: "I know how to wield a broadsword." Now imagine what it would be like if you really could. It's not for credit, but hey, who cares?
History 347: 'Science, Religion & Magic'
North Central College, Naperville
Course details: This course examines the relationship between science and religion in late medieval and early modern Europe. The course highlights the roles that astrology, alchemy, heresy and witchcraft play within the context of religious belief and scientific thought.
Why enroll? With cloning, stem cell research and gene therapy in the hot seat these days, the conflict between science and religion is just as relevant today as it was hundreds of years ago, only nobody these days is getting burned at the stake.
SEA K 3314: 'Sea Kayaking and Whale Watching -- Baja Mexico'
College Of DuPage, Glen Ellyn
Course details: Experience close encounters with gray whales in Magdalena Bay in the Sea of Cortez. Trip includes kayaking, whale and bird watching and snorkeling with sea lions and tropical fish. The cost: $1,950 plus tuition.
Why enroll? OK, so you can't sea kayak very well in Illinois, but COD offers this opportunity to travel to Espiritu Santo Island to kayak. The trip has beautiful water, great scenery and the ability to cross another goal off of your life's to-do list -- all while earning college credit. Doesn't sound like a bad deal to me.
Radio 41-1150J: 'Great Voices of Radio'
Columbia College, Chicago
Course details: By focusing on radio from its inception through its prime to today, this class analyzes what makes great radio. This course will explore what draws people to tune in day and night.
Why enroll? Analyzing almost everyone in radio from Edward R. Murrow to Walter Cronkite and Eric and Kathy, this class has a tight grip on what works on the airwaves. Plus, you get to listen to Abbott and Costello and get credit for it.
WINE 5138: 'Cheese and Wine Harmony'
College Of DuPage, Glen Ellyn
Course details: Study the world of fine cheeses and elegant wines to learn what pairs best. The course includes sampling classic European and domestic cheeses with red wines as well as white wines. Obviously, you must be 21 to enroll.
Why enroll? Beside the obvious appeal of being able to show off your newfound skills at parties and on dates, the main focus of the class is on tasting, and any class that allows me to study snobby food works for me. Too bad this one isn't for credit, either.