By Marrissa Ballard | Co-Editor-in-Chief
1. ENG-397-01: Horror and Gender
This elective is perfect for the students who want to study films in depth. If you’re already a fan of horror films, you’ll get to enjoy exploring one of your favorite genres. Ever wonder why horror films seem to have the same tropes and character types? Interested in the Final Girl that reigns supreme in the end? This class is the place to start answering some of those questions. As a bonus, this class fulfills an elective requirement for quite a few programs, including the communications major or minor, the film studies minor, or the women, gender, and sexuality studies minor.
2. ADJ-399-03: Disruptive Technologies
In this elective for ADJ majors, you can study the technologies that have changed national security. The class will focus on innovations in military technology, including the longbow and radar. It will also cover current and future technological advancements and their effect on law enforcement. The class will also involve discussion of the ethical and legal implications of technology. For a thought-provoking and analytical look at how technology is continuing to advance and affect our security, be sure to add this elective to your schedule.
3. PEL-299O-P1: China: Friend or Foe
With all of the talk about international affairs in the current election, you might be curious about America’s relationship with China. In this Pell Honors special topic class, you’ll discuss whether that relationship is beneficial or harmful, and how this might affect the U.S. and its place in the global community. This course also counts as a political science or history elective. If you’re particularly interested in global relationships and politics, this is one class you don’t want to miss. Special topics aren’t always offered on a frequent basis, so take this one while it’s here.
4. RTS-335-01/02: Social Ethics
Looking for a place on campus to discuss current social issues? Look no further than the Social Ethics class, where you’ll be able to talk about issues of race, privilege, violence, consumerism, immigration, and the environment. The class will include a discussion of “the common good,” and cover the principles of Catholic social teaching. This course counts for the elective core requirement in religious and theological Studies and fulfills the theme of “Defining the American Experience.”
5. SOA-399-01: Fan Culture
If you’ve ever been interested in studying the relationship between audiences and media, be sure to check out the Fan Culture class. You’ve probably observed that audiences often develop passionate feelings about their favorite book, film, or TV show, and this class will give you the opportunity to theoretically discuss this phenomenon. You’ll discuss how audiences create other fiction to accompany their favorite media, and how the Internet and social media have affected fan culture. This class not only counts for sociology and anthropology, but would make a great elective for communications majors.
