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It’s that time of year again on the Heights: the sun is shining, the grass is finally showing and it’s warm enough to ditch your winter coat. You know what this means? It’s time for class registration.
If you’ve been too enthralled by the weather the last few weeks, you may not have even looked at course offerings for the fall. For those of us lucky enough to be returning to Boston College next year, here are some alternative class options for the Fall 2015 semester.
Death and Dying
T/Th: 10:30-11:45
Taught by Professor John Williamson, this sociology course may fulfill your social science core, but it certainly isn’t one you’ll want to skip. It’s a bit of an intense topic for a morning class, but you may want to just power through and get a larger sized coffee at the Rat every Tuesday and Thursday. The class is worth it.
C.S. Lewis
T/Th: 10:30-11:45
This philosophy class is entirely centered on C.S. Lewis of The Lion, the Witch and the Wardrobe fame, and the way that his writing intersects with philosophical concepts. Professor Peter Kreeft will teach not only Lewis’ nonfiction writing but also his popular fiction. Get ready to see your childhood through a whole new lens.
Pretty much any Forensics class
The two Forensics classes available next semester are Victimology (W: 4-6:50) and Forensic Science I (T: 4:30-7:30). All of the classes in the Forensics department—run out of Connell School of Nursing—are taught by Professor Ann Burgess. As if you didn’t already have enough excuses to binge-watch Law and Order, these classes can be another.
Magazine Production and Publishing
T: 4:30-6:55
Professor Chris Boucher knows all about magazine publishing. As managing editor for Post Road magazine (run out of BC’s own English department!), he really can teach students the ins and outs of the business. This is a great class for people who aren’t even thinking about going into publishing and just want to learn about how the industry works.
Marketing Social Media for Management
T/Th: 4:30-6:50
We all know how to use Facebook and Twitter, but Professor Gerald Kane will show you how to use it well. This class is a mix of both grad students and undergrads, so while you’re learning all about how to use social media for your advantage you can also be rubbing elbows with the people who may very well be TAs for some of your other classes.
Leadership
The Leadership classes in Carroll School of Management are open to students from any school at BC, and there are a bunch offered this next fall. The biggest perk of the class? Most go on a day trip to a ropes course. There’s no better way to learn about leadership than to learn while climbing up trees and doing obstacle courses with your friends.
Irish Tin Whistle for Beginners
Th: 6:30-8:00
Okay: This one takes a leap of faith and if you’ve ever looked it up, you’ll know that it’s zero credits. That’s right, zero credits. Before you scoff and scroll down, think about how neat it will be when, come Thanksgiving next year, you can pull out your grandfather’s old tin whistle (because everyone’s grandpa owns a bunch of random instruments like this) and show him a thing or two. Professor James Noonan definitely knows his stuff and is always enthusiastic to teach—even to beginners.
Elements of Dance
T/Th: 1:00-2:15
This may be the most obvious senior “I want an easy schedule” elective on this list, but hey, give it a chance. Fr. Robert Ver Eecke—yes, that’s right, a dance class taught by a Jesuit—and Professor Sun Ho Kim will not only give you a workout two days a week but also give you some really strong, useful instruction. Be prepared to move.
Are these classes or any of your other top choices already closed? Stay positive: you have all summer to perfect that ideal schedule for the fall. If it still doesn’t work out, hey, there’s always spring semester. Good luck to you all; may the odds be ever in your favor.
