Spring registration is upon us. Not sure what to take? We’ve got you covered. WKU’s course catalog lists a wide variety of unusual classes. Here are some of our favorites.
POP 201 – Intro to Pop Culture
An interdisciplinary introduction to the major theories and subjects of the study of popular culture. The course offers a range of theoretical and methodological approaches to considering the producers, audiences and meanings of the culture of everyday life in a variety of historical and cultural contexts.
RELS 200 – World Religious Literature
Introductory study of multiple genres of religious literature or literature with strong religious themes. Texts come from various religions, cultures, and time periods.
COMM 247 – Voice and Diction
Develops pleasing voice quality, correct articulation, distinct enunciation and diction free from substandard pronunciation.
AGRI 323 – Wine Fundamentals
Agricultural and historical origins of wine, including important grape varietals and principles of fermentation. Major wine-producing regions and fundamentals of wine marketing are also explored.
BCOM 300 – American Popular Arts
Provides a balanced and comprehensive coverage of the major manifestations of popular mass-mediated arts. Critical examination seeks to reveal the actual and potential values of contemporary “middle culture.” Areas to be investigated in detail include movies, popular music, magazines, books, television, radio and related communication channels.
HORT 209 – Introduction to Floral Design
Principles and elements of floral design; the use of floral materials, design techniques, and elements including line, form, texture, and color; emphasis on the history and use of floral art in business and society.
THEA 230 – Stage Combat I
A study of unarmed violence for the stage including punches, slaps, kicks, falls, and rolls. Classic vs. contemporary approaches to staging violence will also be covered.
PE 101 – Physical education requirement for GenEd
Activity may be selected from aquatics, bowling, dance, golf, karate, racquetball, soccer, volleyball, weight training, aerobic dance, jogging, firearms, self-defense for women, water aerobics and white water kayaking. Students are responsible for transportation to and from off-campus experiences.
REC 480 – Fly Fishing Montana
Experiential exploration of recreation and tourism topics taught in a travel-based learning environment.
HON 300 – Colloquium: What is Creativity?
The Honors Colloquium strives to be interdisciplinary in nature and allows faculty members to address historical debates or contemporary issues. The goal is to allow students to participate in and lead discussions on various aspects of issues of contemporary, historical or intellectual significance. The topic of the course is selected by the faculty member offering the Colloquia.
RELS 303 – Hinduism
A study of the central beliefs, ethical practices, symbols, and institutions of the Hindu traditions, examining patterns of their unity, diversity, and encounter with modernity.
FREN 450 – Francophone Cinema
Course examines the way Francophone film directors and social scientists look at various aspects of the most recent cinema: narrative structure, recurring patterns, relation of form to content and ideology. Taught in French.
FILM 201 – Introduction to Cinema
A study of the basic elements and techniques of the film medium, designed to increase the students’ understanding and appreciation of the motion picture both as a communication medium and as an art form. A number of film masterpieces will be viewed and analyzed. Lecture and lab.
GERO 100 – Intro to the Aging Experience
An introduction to a variety of topics involved in the study of aging. Considers such issues as worldwide changing demographics, increased diversity among the aged, intergenerational relationships, and biopsychosocial concerns of aging.
ASL 101 – American Sign Language I
Principles, methods, and techniques for communicating with individuals who sign. Topics include expressive and receptive sign skills, manual alphabet, numbers, and sign vocabulary. Off campus experiences are required. Students are responsible for arranging their own transportation to designated or assigned sites.
MIL 101 – Military Mountaineering & Leadership
Introduction to military mountaineering operations and leadership. Fundamentals of basic rappelling, belaying, rope bridges and application of leadership in practical exercises. Field trips to off-campus locations may be required, and transportation will be provided.
HMD 151 – Food Science
Introduction to the study of the basic principles of food science as they apply to food preparation. Food components including composition, palatability, flavor, color, texture, and safe food handling practices are studied and evaluated. Application of principles include preparation and evaluation of food products.
FLK 275 – Supernatural Folklore
An investigation of traditional beliefs concerning unverifiable phenomena, including superstition, traditional healing, divination, and witchcraft. Current historical, philosophical, anthropological and folkloristic theories are covered.