SUMMER
By now you’re thinking you can’t wait for summer so you can do nothing but drop into a coma for a couple days, after which you’ll soak up the sun. Don’t kid yourself, though — you know you’ll be bored soon enough. These are some interesting courses if you need upper-division credit to stay on track or just something to keep your brain in shape while you let everything else hang loose. For most of these courses, you don’t even need prerequisites.
American studies 340: Conspiracy theories
William Dewan scored 4.8 out of 5 for overall quality on RateMyProfessors.com, though most of the comments referred to his class on UFOs. Unfortunately, the American Studies website has no course description for this class, but you can speculate as to what he’s conspiring to teach. Fortunately this class is only on Thursdays from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. because you’ll have to hoof it to UNM West in Rio Rancho for this one. However, you’ll have lots to ponder on the way home. The class runs from June 4 through July 28.
Media arts 430: ‘60s Pop Art and culture
It’s safe to say the ‘60s are making a comeback, judging by the fashion these days and the popularity of nostalgic bits of culture such as “Mad Men.” The course description on the cinematic arts website says the class will not be about the mainstream media that was so politically self-conscious. Instead, the course covers material that might be thought of as campy, in addition to independent films by various artists in the Pop Art scene. Class is Mondays, Wednesdays and Fridays from 1 to 7:30 p.m., June 4 to June 22.
Religion/Philosophy 440: Seminar: Buddhist sutras
To learn about Buddhist theory and practice in this course, you’ll have to embark on a journey — but not simply a spiritual one. For two weeks, students will study at the Jemez Bodhi Manda Zen Center with visiting professors from various universities, according to the course description. Anyone interested also has the option of directed meditation. The class runs from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m., June 4 to 15. Prerequisites are Religion 263 (Eastern Religions) or 343 (Buddhist Philosophy) or Philosophy 334 (Indian Philosophy) or 336 (Chinese Philosophy).
Art studio 389: Experimental drawing
You don’t want to slack off completely this summer, but the class you decide to take should still be relatively relaxed. Some people find art meditative, but if you’re a control freak who tries to dictate every aspect of an artwork, then this could be an interesting experience. Without a course description on the site, it’s difficult to say what Scott Anderson has in mind, but he scores a 4.8 out of 5 for overall quality on RatemMyProfessors.com. Chances he’s got something worthwhile in store. Classes are Monday through Friday, May 14 to 25, 8 a.m. to 5 p.m.
FALL
There’s nothing that motivates you to try your best again like signing up for a new class schedule. The ambition to outdo ourselves results in a tendency to overload our plates. Here are some classes you can pepper throughout your fall 2012 schedule to spice things up a bit without adding too much heat. No prerequisites are necessary.
Comparative literature 432: Magic, witchcraft and science
Get content from The Daily Lobo delivered to your inbox
This is a new class taught by Carmen Nocentelli. She’s had a couple ratings on RateMyProfessors.com giving her a 4.5 out of 5 in overall quality for other classes she’s taught. Nocentelli said she’s still sorting out the particulars, but the class will probably read selections from “The Hammer of the Witches” and “New Atlantis.” The former is a 15th-century treatise that attempts to prove the existence of witches and explains how to catch them for persecution. The latter is a 17th-century novel by Sir Francis Bacon about his utopian vision of humanity. The class is Tuesdays and Thursdays from 12:30 to 1:45 p.m.
Art studio 370: Arita porcelain vessels
Even if you haven’t seen the movie “Ghost,” the scene in which Patrick Swayze and Demi Moore do some sexy clay throwing is well-known. This class will teach you all you need to know about this Japanese style of throwing clay on a wheel, but you’ll have to learn the romancing on your own. Class is Wednesdays from 3:30 to 8:15 p.m.
History 300 or Women’s studies 379: History of sexuality
You can take this as either History 300 or Women’s Studies 379. Some people are put off by history because the idea of memorizing a series of dates and events seems dry. On the other hand, everybody thinks about sex. If you need upper-division arts and sciences credit but you want something to keep you interested, this is a tantalizing course in which you can learn about topics such as homosexuality in ancient cultures and polyamory. Class is Mondays and Wednesdays from 5 to 6:15 p.m.
Music 375: The Beatles’ musical revolution
If you’ve ever said you like the Beatles while only knowing a handful of their songs, you’ve got a lot to learn about these Liverpool lads. The class description indicates students will learn about the band’s history and music within the context of the social and cultural movement between 1957 and 1970. Class is Tuesdays and Thursdays. You can opt for the 12:30 to 1:45 p.m. section or the 2 to 3:15 p.m. section.
History 300: History of sport
For athletes or sports fanatics who need a break from the brain drain of the typical academic offerings, this class might be the time-out you’ve been looking for. While it may not go into depth on the sports you’re familiar with, you might be introduced to some ancient recreation worthy of you bringing it back to life. Class is Tuesdays and Thursdays from 5:30 to 6:45 p.m.
