9 Random Courses To Consider Taking (think outside the box!)
UAlberta Arts Courses for Fall 2020 — Post 4
Hmmm… Do you feel like you are missing something in your post-secondary journey? Are you wanting different experiences than what you may have been used to? Are you willing to go out of your comfort zone for growth? Are you wanting to learn different skills?
If yes, then check out the courses below that will open your mind to new opportunities and experiences.
*Please note that course content, delivery method and instructors are subject to change. Refer to the course syllabus for full and final details.
1. History 205 (HIST 205) — Capitalism
Number of Sections Offered: 1
Professor/Instructor: Kenneth Mouré
Delivery Method: All sections of this course will have a combination of “anytime learning” (asynchronous delivery) AND “real-time” (synchronous delivery)
Course Time: T/R from 9:30–10:50 am MDT (Note: Course will require some participation in synchronous components, these requirements are TBD. Synchronous components, when scheduled, will take place during the normal course day/time)
Pre-requisite: None
Course Description: Explore the development of capitalist economies and behavior from the beginnings of economic activity to the present, focusing on the development of trade, markets, and consumer economies since the eighteenth century. Learn the history of economic development and growth, the nature of markets, the importance of law in providing security and stability, and the relationships between “capitalism” and changing political regimes and rhetoric.
Why Take This Course: This course better prepares you for a career working in Law, Finance, or working in Government.
Other faculties/programs that would take this as an option course: Native Studies and Business
2. Sociology 402 (Soc 402): Topics in Sociology: Changing Relationships of Care
Number of Sections Offered: 1/4
Professor/Instructor: Amy Kaler
Delivery Method: A combination of “anytime learning” (asynchronous delivery) AND “real-time” (synchronous delivery)
Course Time: R from 2–4:50 pm MDT
Pre-requisite: SOC 100 — Introductory Sociology
Course Description: This course is about the diverse ways that people express care, mutual support, and responsibility. These can take the form of families, partnerships, friendships, and other forms of connection. We will be taking a sociological approach, which means we will be focusing on how these relationships and connections are shaped by large-scale political, economic, and cultural dynamics. This course connects the ordinary and the extraordinary OR how we really live.
Why Take This Course: This course better prepares you for a career working in Government or Teaching. It also prepares you for a career working in Medicine and Health professions (ex. Medicine, Nursing, Dentistry, Pharmacy, Rehab Med, Public Health, etc).
Other faculties/programs that would take this as an option course: Education and Science
3. DRAMA 247 — Introduction to Oral Communication
Number of Sections Offered: 1
Professor/Instructor: Amanda Bergen
Delivery Method: A combination of “anytime learning” (asynchronous delivery) AND “real-time” (synchronous delivery)
Course Time: M/W/F from 9–10:50 AM
Pre-requisite: NONE
Course Description: Students will learn first and foremost about communication and connection. It will be tailored to the current online format to focus on some of the barriers we come across expressing ourselves in a video format without forgetting about the application to IRL (in real life) communication. Speaking in front of a group can be a daunting task that students may dread or simply want to get better at. Through vocal and physical warmups, exercises aimed to reveal personal styles of expression, and a lot of practice, students will become more comfortable than they ever imagined they could. Students will learn how to be clear, concise, and meaningful speakers and active listeners; skills that are valuable in any field.
Why Take This Course: This course will prepare you for a career working in Law, Teaching, or Business.
Other faculties/programs that would take this as an option course: Education students and any English language learners. It is a great way to meet and connect with people if they are used to very large classes where there is little to no peer to peer connection. The skills taught in this class are truly transferable to any career in which you have to interact with others!
4. History of Art, Design & Visual Culture 257 (HADVC 257): History of Art Design and Visual Culture in Canada Culture
Number of Sections Offered: 1
Professor/Instructor: Lianne McTavsh
Delivery Method: A combination of “anytime learning” (asynchronous delivery) AND “real-time” (synchronous delivery)
Course Time: T/R from 12:30–1:50 pm MDT
Pre-requisite: None
Course Description: This is an entirely new version of the Canadian visual culture course, taught by a different professor who is recreating the course from scratch. This course will begin with contemporary Indigenous art and then study the themes raised historically. The course is organized by such themes as land, region, identity, war, and institutions. This course is currently in development for online delivery. Students will learn how to look at and think carefully about Canadian visual culture, engaging with the cultural, political, and social arguments made by such visual culture, with a focus on the ongoing impact of settler-colonial practices and structures. This course concentrates on visual culture and colonialism in Canada.
Why Take This Course: This course prepares you for a career working in analyzing and interpreting visual culture which is key for almost every field and future career. It also prepares you for a career in Teaching or Communications (advertising, marketing, journalism, as a writer/editor, etc).
Other faculties/programs that would take this as an option course: Native Studies & Education
5. Drama 149 (DR 149): Dramatic Process 1
Number of Sections Offered: 3
Professor/Instructor: Kenneth T. Williams (A1)
Delivery Method: A combination of “anytime learning” (asynchronous delivery) AND “real-time” (synchronous delivery)
Course Time: M/W/F from 11 am — 12:50 pm MDT (A1)
Pre-requisite: None
Course Description: Dramatic improvisation as an introduction to the creative process as it applies to the process of acting and to dramatic form. Students will learn how to develop their ability to be creative in performance. They will develop an awareness of their own imaginative abilities, their ability to be mindful and present, and their ability to be physically and vocally expressive. They will learn how to craft narratives with attention to dramatic structure exploring various sources of inspiration. They will also develop their ability to be present as an observer or witness to the creative process of others providing constructive, perceptive critique.
Why Take This Course: This course will prepare you for a career working in Teaching, Law, or Communications (advertising, marketing, journalism, as a writer/editor, etc).
Other faculties/programs that would take this as an option course: Education and Science
6. Sociology 100 (Soc 100): Introduction to Sociology
Number of Sections Offered: 1/5
Professor/Instructor: Herb Northcott
Delivery Method: A combination of “anytime learning” (asynchronous delivery) AND “real-time” (synchronous delivery)
Course Time: M/W/F from 9–9:50 am MDT
Pre-requisite: None
Course Description: This section of SOC 100 revolves around the question of ‘the lies that we tell each other as members of society.’
Relevant Quotes:
Truth isn’t truth (Rudy Giuliani NBC Meet the Press, August 19, 2018)
Things are not what they seem (Peter Berger, 1963)
Humankind cannot bear very much reality (T. S. Eliot, 1943)
The theme of the course is an introductory course that will open your eyes and help you get into Law school OR an introductory course that will open your eyes to worlds of possibility.
Why Take This Course: This course will prepare you for a career working internationally, in Law, or Teaching.
Other faculties/programs that would take this as an option course: Education and Native Studies
7. Drama 307 (DR 307): Studies in Drama 1 (NEW COURSE)
Number of Sections Offered: 1
Professor/Instructor: Kenneth T. Williams
Delivery Method: A combination of “anytime learning” (asynchronous delivery) AND “real-time” (synchronous delivery)
Course Time: T/R from 2–3:50 pm MDT
Pre-requisite: None
Course Description: Students will learn how scripts for the stage are adapted for film. Playwrights take on Hollywood! This is a new course where you will watch movies, and learn how playwrights turn plays into movies.
Why Take This Course: It prepares you for a career working internationally, in Business or in Communications (advertising, marketing, journalism, as a writer/editor, etc.).
Other faculties/programs that would take this as an option course: Education and Science
8. Norwegian/Swedish (NORW 211/SWED 211) — Intermediate Norwegian or Swedish
Number of Sections Offered: 1
Professor/Instructor: Dr. John Eason
Delivery Method: All sections of this course are being offered in “real-time learning” (synchronous delivery)
Course Times: M/W/F from 12:00–12:50 pm MDT — Synchronous (Zoom)
Pre-requisite: NORW 111/112 or SWED 111/112 or equivalent. (Note: Course is not to be taken by students with native or near-native proficiency)
Course Description: Intermediate Norwegian (NORW 211) and Swedish (SWED 211) build on the knowledge acquired in Beginners’ Norwegian/Swedish to advance grammar and communicative skills. The vocabulary is increased through listening and reading comprehension activities representing various types of texts and presentations. As in Beginners’ Norwegian/Swedish, the course is built on a foundation of interaction, communication, and culture. Activities consisting of individual, paired and small group work are designed to give you ample opportunity to actively practice your speaking ability and to develop your language skills for real-life situations. Moreover, the inclusion of music and film will offer a unique approach to enhance your awareness of Norwegian/Swedish culture while aiding in the practice of communication skills. Though the course combines both Norwegian and Swedish learning, your focus will be on your target language, that is, the language you have signed up for.
At the end of this course, you should be able to communicate in Norwegian/Swedish about everyday life, including sports and outdoor life, entertainment, and interests, daily routine (things you do in your everyday life), climate, and weather, seasons and holidays. You should be able to write with greater dexterity, coherency, and vocabulary. You should also be comfortable with spoken Norwegian/Swedish used in the virtual classroom as well as to be able to read a variety of types of texts emphasizing more sophisticated aspects of Norwegian/Swedish culture, life, and society. Due to the fact, both languages will be dealt with in this course, as a bonus, you will also gain some passive knowledge of the other language.
Why Take This Course: It prepares you for a career working internationally, Business, or in Communications(advertising, marketing, journalism, as a writer/editor, etc).
Other faculties/programs that would take this as an option course: Education and Business
9. Sociology 461 (SOC 461): Sociology of Art
Number of Sections Offered: 1
Professor/Instructor: Richard Westerman
Delivery Method: All sections of this course are being offered in “real-time learning” (synchronous delivery)
Course Time: T/R from 2–3:20 pm MDT
Pre-requisite: SOC 212 — Classical Social Theory OR consent of instructor
Course Description: Disenchantment. Alienation. Meaninglessness. Does art reflect these social problems — and can it help overcome them? What is art — and can we critically interrogate its philosophical and social scientific definitions? This course focuses on interdisciplinary inspiration OR arm yourself for debate.
Why Take This Course: This course better prepares you for a career working in Teaching and it also involves writing to prepare you for a career in Communications (advertising, marketing, journalism, as a writer/editor, etc.).
Other faculties/programs that would take this as an option course: Education, Kinesiology, Sport, and Recreation.
