(*) = Courses that are still available for signup
Registration for classes can be stressful (getting a late registration time, not getting all the classes you need, being forced to take an 8am class, or worse, a Friday afternoon class). So for those of you who got stuck with late registration and are still in need of one more class, look no further. Electives are a fun way to try something new, discover new interests, and get credit! Here is a list of cool electives that are offered this Spring.
1. Couture/Culture: Fashion and Globalization (College of Arts and Sciences) in the Social and Cultural Analysis Section
Calling all shopaholics and fashionistas! Even though NYU technically does not have a fashion major, or a fashion school, they do offer a variety of fashion classes. In this class, you will discuss how fashion is a form of globalization and as a result will get to talk about the cycle of fashion, current fashion trends, and ways to develop your own individual style. The class meets 3 times a week, and after just one semester, you will be able to call yourself a fashion expert. ;)
2. Classical Mythology (College of Arts and Sciences) in the Classics Section*
For those of you who either love Mythology or want to learn more about it, this class is perfect for you. In this class you get to study how Greek and Roman Mythology are present in literature, art, and in the materials of Ancient Greece and Rome. You get a chance to read from famous Greeks such as Homer (the famous Odysseus) and Sophocles (Oedipus) and Romans such as Virgil and Ovid. One of the requirements of the class is that you attend a related theatre performance and if you’re lucky, you might even be able to convince your professor that Disney’s Hercules qualifies as a form a Mythology in art.
3. Food Photography (Steinhardt) in the Food Studies Section
Obsessed with foodstagramming? This class meets once a week all day and teaches students how to take professional pics of food. I mean who wouldn’t want to know how to achieve pro food photographer status on Instagram?
4. Intro to Foods and Food Science (Steinhardt) in the Nutrition and Dietetics Section*
A class where you get credit to cook and eat food; it really doesn’t get any better than that. There is no place better than NYC to take advantage of the melting pot of cultures all around you. This class meets once a week and teaches you about all kinds of different food, allows you make them yourself and eat them! Also, been dying to try that famous italian restaurant? In this class you get to take field trips to food hubs all around the city; hello Little Italy and Chinatown.
5. Adaptation: Screenplay and Source Material (Gallatin) in the Electives Section*
Ever wondered how your favorite books are made into movies? This course will teach students how filmmakers adapt books into the medium of film and the complications surrounding it. The course also addresses how filmmakers make these books come to life (how they make use of first person narration, non-linear time, point-of-view). The class meets once a week and you might even be able to convince the professor that Harry Potter (one of the most epic page to screen adaptations ever) is a completely relevant film.
6. The Science of Happiness (College of Arts and Sciences) in Child and Adolescent Mental Health Studies*
Also known as, how to be Happy in College 101 and a favorite among NYU students, this class focuses on the mental-health and well-being of college students. The course explores young adulthood and many of the challenges college students face while in their new college environments. The class helps students to grow and develop and also have a great college experience. The class meets three times a week, but has some great professors and is a lot of fun so it’s definitely worth your time. Plus, who knows, this information could come in handy one day (cough cough, finals week).
7. Science and Pseudoscience (Polytechnic School of Engineering) in the Philosophy Section*
Although this class is only offered on the Brooklyn campus, it’s definitely worth the subway ride. The class is a philosophical based science class that focuses on topics such as astrology (what’s your sign?), UFO sightings (do aliens exist?), the Nemesis theory of dinosaur extinction (sounds interesting), psychic phenomena (you mean like reading someone’s mind?), theories of intelligence (do we really use our whole brain?), alternative medicine, global warming, and much more. The class meets only once a week (so you don’t have to haul yourself over to Brooklyn too much) and I mean c’mon, who doesn’t want to go to a class that talks about horoscopes and aliens. .
8. TwentySomething (College of Arts and Sciences) in Child and Adolescent Mental Health Studies
A class dedicated to talking about my age. Count me in! This class is a comprehensive study of the years between adolescence and adulthood, your 20s! Focusing specifically on the behavior of people in their 20s and defining it as a 10 year time period of self discovery, self-focus, inspiration, curiosity, instability, and infinite possibilities. This elective meets once a week and is a seminar style class which makes it fun and engaging.
9. Studio Art Classes in Steinhardt:
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Introduction to Drawing I*
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Introduction to Painting I*
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Introduction to Printmaking I*
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Introduction to Sculpture I
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Introduction to Digital Photography*
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Introduction to Ceramics I*
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and many more!
Art classes are a great way to step away from the stress of college and just take some time to think and create. You can learn something new, make something for yourself, or even make something for someone else (hello mother’s day gift). Although technically Tisch is the art school, Steinhardt offers a variety of studio art classes for beginners. Many of the classes meet once a week and require a lab fee. However, you do get to keep all of your work at the end!