One of the best parts of college is getting to pursue academic topics that overlap into personal interests. Whether its pop culture, music or movies, theres an elective for everyone at the University of Cincinnati. Here is just a sampling of unique classes offered this fall.
Preparing for the Zombie Apocalypse (BIO 1031): This course is designed for non-science majors to understand the science behind zombies in popular culture. It will start with the basics of biology and environmental science and expand to include the physical, chemical and biological principles of environmental systems as they relate to a zombie uprising. CDC emergency preparedness will also be covered.
The Music of The Beatles (FAM 2061): The Beatles music has made an impact in the whole world both musically and sociologically. The Beatles are considered one of the most influential bands of any era. Their music reflects the cultural and social revolution of the 1960s and serves as a model for understanding all subsequent popular music. This class will chronologically trace the development of the Beatles from their early days through the band's dissolution. This class will analyze selected compositions with regard to lyrics, harmony, song structure, instrumentation and arranging and examine the bands groundbreaking production techniques, individual writing styles and the impact of their music on other musicians and social trends.
The UC Dig: A Practicum in Archaeological Excavation (CLAS 3040): Can you dig it? This class teaches students the methods and practice of archaeological excavation. In undertaking an excavation of an archaeological site on UCs campus, students will learn about the history of the campus and the city of Cincinnati while developing an awareness of the strategies involved in archaeological research (from archival research to excavation to publication, conservation and public outreach).
Yoga in its Hindu Matrix (AIST 2060/RELG 2060): The word "yoga" evokes particular images and ideas for the average westerner. However, those images and ideas are primarily associated with Hatha Yoga, a very limited part of the broad spectrum of Hindu yoga traditions. Through the reading of primary sources in both mainstream Hinduism and the esoteric literature specific to Hindu mysticism, this course will introduce students to that very broad range of Hindu mystical beliefs and practices that the word "yoga" actually represents. The class will also examine the transfer of those traditions to the west through key texts and historical figures.
Japanese Pop, Anime and Video Game Music (FAM 2050): In this online course, students will learn the evolution of J-pop, anime and video game music (post-1980) including anime theme songs, video game tunes and popular music. Each topic will provide the composer's biography, historical background and word-by-word translation of lyrics and will investigate the cultural differences between Japan and America.
Creating the Web Series (DMC 3131): Popular TV shows Broad City, Insecure and High Maintenance all started as web series. Now its your turn to create one. In this course, students will study the structure and content of successful web series. They will develop an idea for an original web series. Students will write an outline of the first season, and they will write, shoot and edit at least the first episode of their series. Students will also learn about voice and the importance of having an original voice when trying to work as a content creator in the world of film and television. This is a great course for beginner students looking to give digital storytelling a try as well as for more advanced media students who are looking to develop an original series as part of their larger portfolio of media work.
Hops and History: Introduction to Beer (HORT 4080): This course is an introduction to beer and the many aspects of beer brewing and drinking that are influenced by culture, history and geography. Through brewery tours, students will learn the art and science of beer making and ingredients. Through field trips to the Brewery District in Over-the-Rhine, students will see how beer has influenced Cincinnati culture and urban form. Beers from around the world will be discussed and tasted to demonstrate a wide range of beer styles, ingredients and cultural preferences. Students will learn to describe the taste of beer and develop their palette to assess a beer for appearance, aroma and flavor (so, yes, you must be 21+).
Art Appreciation (DAAP 1013): Get the most out of your gallery and museum visits and impress your artsy friends by learning the basics of visual art appreciation. This course is designed as an introduction for non-majors to the visual arts, through the study of media, processes, technologies, styles, cultures and concepts. Students will develop a vocabulary for discussing art as well as skills for thinking about visual art, art making, art patronage and more.
Advertising and Society: From Ancient Greece to the Super Bowl (MKTG 2001): Throughout history, individuals and organizations have promoted their products and services to appeal to the needs and desires of consumers. To do this effectively and successfully, advertisers have had to carefully gauge consumers' attitudes, beliefs and perceptions to craft compelling and appealing messages to reach their audience. This has become especially challenging in a world with a rich diversity of cultures, races, ethnicities and social upbringing, which shapes the attitudes, beliefs and ethical norms and values of consumers. This introductory course will guide students through the exploration of advertising throughout history and will discuss the ways that the diverse personal, interpersonal and societal forces that shape people's lives also reflect and shape the world of advertising.
Social History of Baseball (HFL 2001): Baseball and sport in general is an integral part of human culture and an important aspect of American life. This online course provides an historical and analytical study of a sport through social change and cultural assimilation into American society. As they relate to baseball, such themes as urbanization, education, race, ethnicity, legal issues, literature, mass marketing and popular culture will be discussed and defined. Baseball will be examined in terms of American and global issues from the 19th century to the present not sports trivia including war, economics, religion, health and recreation and community development.
Going to the Movies: 20th Century Classics (EMED 1075): Through lectures and screenings of classic films, students will explore the evolution of the motion picture as a unique and significant form of expression. The course includes investigation into film style and structure, distribution and consumption. Students will be guided in the development of aesthetic criteria for critical examination.
Photography Fundamentals (PHTG 1072): Students learn basic camera controls for film or digital equipment, essentials of composition and principles of lighting for color and black-and-white images. Exploring intent and meaning within photographic images, students learn how to evaluate photographs. Photographers of historical importance are introduced. Students use their own digital or film cameras and are responsible for their own processing or printing.
Jammin' with Laptops (FAM 2014): This course will explore the potentials of laptop computers for music making. Various technical topics, including analog versus digital sound, audio software, effects, gear, MIDI and audio programming languages will be covered. In addition, a survey of the history of computer music will be conducted by way of an investigation into seminal readings and recordings. Both of these inquiries will provide participants with the technical and analytical skills to utilize their laptops to creative ends.
Whether looking for a niche class like those above or something in more typical STEM (science, technology, engineering & math) areas, UC has a place for you. After all, UC is classified as a Research University (Very High Research Activity) by the Carnegie Commission, and is ranked as one of Americas top 30 public research universities by the National Science Foundation.
Explore your academic dreams here.
