Interesting courses and where to find them: Classes available to newer students
Colby Craig, Staff Writer
Students are often overwhelmed with the need to take specific courses relevant to his or her major, but then there are also flexible courses within those majors. There are many interesting courses that are available for all students to take, but the list is quite daunting to sift through. Here are some recommended courses for those looking to fill in some schedule gaps or try something new and exciting. Each of these courses have few or no prerequisites to account for non-majors wanting to experience something new.
World War II and Recent America:
This semester, Elisabeth Moore has been teaching a course on World War II. This class is set up to be full of discussion of many different secondary sources from scholarly authors with a specific focus on the development of American culture amidst troubling times.
This course is offered every other year, so it will next be available in Spring 2027. In the meantime, Moore will be teaching Recent America in Fall 2025. This course covers the timeframe following World War 2 and discusses some of the same questions as the previous course.
Both courses are reading focused with class time being a place for discussion of these secondary sources or other primary sources that are also viewed outside of class time. Things like music, television shows and movies are discussed for the purpose of learning about trends of historical culture.
Moore believes that even non-history major students stand to benefit from taking these courses.
She said, “I think non-major students will gain a deeper appreciation for how historical forces shape individual lives and how individuals can and have shaped history.”
Digital Imagery:
With two sections in the fall and one section in the spring, Hayley De González will be teaching Digital Imagery. This class is designed to teach students how to create digital artwork through the use of Adobe software such as Photoshop, Illustrator and InDesign. In learning these programs, students also learn basic color theory, elements and principles of design.
This course has a total of twelve spots in each section to maintain a smaller and more effective learning environment. The class is for anyone who wants an introduction to Adobe programs and anyone who is looking for a creative outlet. Even non-majors can find value in the content of the course due to the importance of visual communication in society today.
Scientific Inquiry in the Physical World:
Every semester, Scientific Inquiry is offered as a core curriculum class. Ronald Marks leads students through a survey course covering four different areas of physical science, including physics, chemistry, cosmology (astronomy) and earth science.
In lecture, major topics are taught and applied in ways that students can grasp ideas that are fundamental to the world that we live in. Because there is hardly enough time to scratch the surface of these subjects in one semester, it is like a “tourist’s walk through the great cities of physical science” as Marks said.
He continued, “Except in this tour, you also get to pick up the art objects, climb on the important landmarks, eat the food on tables.”
This course is designed to apply to all majors and introduce students to the world that God has made for us. Marks expresses that the physical world is a way for all of creation to see the work of God.
He said, “Scientific Inquiry in a Physical World is designed to show both what God has revealed and help you become a person who cares to look further and knows how to look deeper.”
Website Practicum:
Last but not least, we are always looking for new staff members here at Vision Media. Any major is allowed to become a part of The Vision and even gets a credit hour to be a part of our team. If you like writing for entertainment or would like to learn more about journalism, consider joining the team.
Students can contact Karyn Campbell if they have any questions at [email protected].
