As the course registration period draws to a close, students are considering their options and making important decisions about their academic paths. To help with these choices, here is a selection of unique classes available this fall semester that promise engaging learning experiences across diverse disciplines. These courses include an introduction to digital photography, exploring science fiction's take on the environment, mastering improvisational comedy, and delving into various forms of dance and drawing.

These offerings provide opportunities to develop technical skills, engage in creative expression, and deepen understanding of cultural and artistic contexts through interactive lessons and practical applications.

Exploring Creative and Technical Skills

This section highlights courses designed to enhance both creative and technical abilities, offering hands-on experiences in visual arts and media production. Students can choose from classes that focus on digital photography, traditional darkroom techniques, and drawing fundamentals, all aimed at fostering visual awareness and artistic proficiency.

In HART 209: Beginning Digital Photography, participants will gain insights into capturing, editing, and printing images while exploring the rich history of photography. Meanwhile, FOTO 205: Introduction to Photography provides experience with black-and-white film cameras and light-sensitive materials, emphasizing the artistry and science behind image creation. ARTS 225: Beginning Drawing offers exercises in wet and dry media to improve line, tone, and composition skills, encouraging personal style development without requiring prior expertise. Each course meets specific schedules, allowing flexibility for student enrollment.

Engaging in Artistic Expression and Cultural Exploration

Beyond technical skills, several courses emphasize artistic expression and cultural exploration, inviting students to immerse themselves in storytelling, performance arts, and global traditions. These classes aim to broaden perspectives and encourage innovative thinking through diverse mediums.

ENGL 269: Science Fiction and the Environment investigates how speculative narratives challenge perceptions of nature, culture, and society, using novels, films, and other media to reshape real-world views. FILM 308: Improvisation for Stage and Screen teaches comedic long-form improv techniques for theater and film, focusing on character work, status play, and pattern creation through live scenes and video recordings. Additionally, LPAP 134: Indian Dance introduces classical Bharatanatyam and Bollywood-inspired movements, while LPAP 137: Introduction to East Coast Swing explores partner dancing with triple step moves and dynamic patterns. Together, these courses create a vibrant tapestry of artistic and cultural engagement for the upcoming semester.