With the spring semester around the corner, it’s time to choose our classes for the upcoming semester (and get ready to fight for our lives). If you have free electives you still have to take like I do, you might be wondering: what classes are worth my time? Wonder no more! I’ve taken a handful of electives and I’m here to give you my top 5 class recommendations. My motto is that free electives should be used as a place to relax and unwind from the stress of your other classes, which is why most selections on this list will be geared towards the arts.
- BEOF 3261: Fundamentos de Dibujo
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This beginner-level art class was just what I needed when the semester began to weigh me down. Professor Damiani was genuinely a sweetheart who created a supportive space inside the classroom. After being walked through basic techniques, we were free to experiment with different mediums (colored pencil, acrylic, watercolor, etc.) as we pleased. I had so much fun just experimenting and challenging myself to make better pieces with each assignment that I never felt pressured by the deadlines — just motivated. I still take a small sketchbook with me wherever I go to practice what I learned in this class.
- ESGE 4995-063: Teatro y Performance Afropuertorriqueño
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Retrieved from: Pinterest This class is part of the minor in afro-descendence studies (Estudios e Investigación Transdisciplinaria en Afrodescendencia), but it’s also available as a free elective. I’d never taken a theatre class in college before and didn’t really know what to expect, but I was more than pleasantly surprised. Professor Gaspar introduced me to so much Afro-Puerto Rican culture that’s rarely talked about, especially in the theater sphere. I was hooked. I found myself learning about important figures and pieces that were previously hidden such as Sylvia del Villard. I was also free to create a poetic piece as part of the final project, which was later turned into a class performance along with my classmates’ pieces. It was way out of my comfort zone, but it was insanely fun. It was one of the few times in college that I felt truly seen and understood, and I can’t recommend it enough. Sadly, this class may not be offered every semester, but since most of the minor’s classes fall under the code ESGE4995, you’ll be able to find other classes that cover similar topics!
- BEOF3425: Introducción al Macrame
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If you had an arts and crafts phase growing up, this class is for you. Even if you didn’t, this class is still really fun. Here, you are introduced to macrame and get to complete different pieces throughout the semester, ranging from keychains, to purses, and wall decor. Even though my hands were definitely sore at times from the seemingly endless knot-tying, it was still a great way to destress. Taking it in the mornings when it was quiet was even better. Even though most of my pieces were wonky, I still enjoyed the challenge of creating new things and learning a new skill set. Professor Madiane worked with you to ensure that you truly had a grasp on the techniques.
- BEOF 3801: Introducción al Encuadernado
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Retrieved from: Pinterest This is one of those classes where you’re not sure why you’re there and never really know what you’re doing, but enjoy nonetheless. I’d never been introduced to bookbinding before, and yet, I walked out of the class with several pieces in different binding styles. My favorite was the Japanese binding style because of how neat it looked. Aside from following the general binding style, you’re free to pick out your own design and additional elements you want to incorporate. I definitely felt challenged at times with the process, but I still enjoyed my time in class regardless. As a bonus, I get to keep and use all the projects I worked on.
- INTD 4990: Género, Sexualidad y Escritura
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Probably one of my favorite classes ever. I took it as part of my Women and Gender Studies electives, but it’s also available as a free elective. When I took it, it centered around Puerto Rican lesbian literature, and boy was it awesome. I was introduced to a whole new literary world, with works by Yolanda Arroyo Pizarro and Laura Andrea. I was also encouraged to explore writing, whether it be poems or short stories. I had the most fun writing a gothic short story. I thoroughly enjoyed my time in that class and all the interesting and productive discussions we had, thanks in part to Professor Marsh’s way of instruction, which created a safe space for everyone to be heard. I learned more about myself and my interests through my writing, and am very grateful for the opportunity I was given through this class.
As I head into my last semester, picking out a nice and enjoyable elective becomes all the more important. It’s also important to take a chance and challenge yourself, to try and learn something new. Who knows, you just might discover a new hobby.
