For those with a thirst for knowledge and a range of interests, building a course list that both adheres to educational goals and is full of novel experiences can be challenging. Between math, science and language studies, it’s important to consider new fields of study to keep student life unique and engaging.
To further that quest of a fun education, here is a list of unique courses to give the Spring semester a twist of whimsy and awe.
A Huge Topic and Bigger Credit Opportunities:
Life in the Universe (Astronomy) 5426
What more could you want from a class that covers everything? In this class, students will cover the origins of life from the big bang and the resulting circulation of matter which created the large rock that all known life currently lives on, and the scientific endeavor to find life beyond Earth.
Through the millions of tiny details and big concepts, the curriculum will also be working in tandem with Biology 16 6304 to provide a lab experience that will overlap the themes and learning between each class, allowing for a great perspective of the topic.
For students who want to explore the ideas of the universe and catch some hefty credits: physical science credit, life science credit and lab credits, this course is worth checking out!
A Culturally Relevant Course in California:
Cannabis and Culture (Anthropology) 5103
In this anthropology class, students examine the history, impacts and significance of the most prevalent controlled substance in human history: weed.
As a maligned and misunderstood plant, this class will prove to be a constructive course to address and better understand the plant that has become a pivotal part of the economy from its use as a material, religious and recreational substance.
This class is along the cutting edge of discourse in regards to substances in the United States. Since its inception in 2022 it remains to be one of the few classes focusing on marijuana in the state, or even nationwide for that matter.
Healthcare, law enforcement, and cannabis industry enthusiasts will be able to attain a better understanding of the substance and even California citizens can gain a better historical context for the plant we have come to accept and enjoy so much more in the state.
So come along and learn about how our ancestors have been chilling out on the stuff for millennia from an academic perspective and how its effects (culturally, not just the high) have impacted human society and economics.
Most Whimsical:
Flowers to Wear and Carry (Floristry) 6041
If you are a flower enthusiast, an interior decorator, or Spring fashion icon, this class is a perfect fit for you. Students will embrace the beauty and structure of nature as you learn to craft and create bouquets, corsages, wristlets , and more.
What more could a student desire than a whimsical break between classes where they can enter a space to get creative and enjoy some pretty flowers?
Nichest Skill Class You Didn’t Know You Needed:
Chainsaw Safe Operation and Care (Natural Resources) 6024
Have you ever had that awkward moment where you’re at a party and realize you’re the only one who can’t use a chainsaw? In this three session course, you will learn how to operate, understand and maintain chainsaws as well as properly determine any hazardous situations while using one. That alone will give you the foundation to cut foliage, remove trees, carve sculptures, competitive chainsaw carving, or even help you better understand motors to some degree.
This class will take place on Shone Farm, and will be a great option for students who enjoy operating heavy machinery while catching some sunlight.
Most Creative and Informative Topic:
Monsters (Humanities) 4567, 6602, 7255
Are you looking for a Humanities course that fulfills Gen Ed requirements and is CSU/UC transferable?
Are you interested in human, non-human, and hybrid creatures?
“In this online class, students will learn about how people in different cultural and historical periods dealt with their fears and anxieties. They faced monsters, the unknown, the unknowable and gave monsters a face,” according to Professor Jose Emmanuel Raymundo
Including all reaches of genres from historical beasts and demons to pop culture slasher icons, students will have the opportunity to examine the idea of these monsters and how humans have derived these metaphorical entities throughout history.
For students who have a fascination with fantasy, horror, sci-fi, psychology, or creative writing to any degree, Monsters (Human25) will be an enriching deep dive into the human psyche and imagination where students will have the opportunity to bring their own monsters to class for dissection.
This course is one of three courses created by SRJC’s Dr. Jose Emmanuel Raymundo, including HUMAN 24 CALIFORNIA CULTURES (Sections 5004 and 6074) and HUMAN 26 FRIENDSHIP (Sections 4564 and 4998).
Though this Monster Mash course has already filled up for the Spring semester, keep it on your radar for this coming Fall.