A SURVEY OF CLASSES THAT PROMOTE SOCIAL AWARENESS AND LIFE ENJOYMENT

BY ASHLEY DAY

PRIDE STAFF WRITER

photo courtesy of blogspot.com

Many students are leaving CSUSM soon, but have not fulfilled all their graduation requirements.  Before they step into the “real” world, here are some classes that stimulate the mind and propel them toward graduation day. Each class is followed, in parentheses, by the undergraduate requirement it fulfills.

Philosophy 110: Critical Thinking (A3)

Philosophy 110 explores approaches to nature and logic as well as rational arguments and fallacies used in everyday conversations. This class makes one think about different ways people argue and how they cannot really support their arguments.

GES 105: Intro to Physical Science (B1)

Let’s face it. Many of us are scientifically challenged. GES 105 is a general science class intended for people that are not too “science savvy.” This class provides a conceptual viewpoint to different aspects of physical science.

FMST 100: Intro to Cinema (C1)

Intro to Cinema is a fine art requirement class. It is one of the eleven class options CSUSM offers in fine arts. The class explores the four elements of cinema: categories, structures, theories and production of cinema. This is a class for film junkies and people interested in learning about the world of movies.

WMST 205: Gender & Identity in Pop Culture and the Media (C2)

This women’s studies class surveys the way pop culture and the media have shaped gender roles, sexuality and race through the generations. This course is available to fulfill a humanities requirement. Women’s studies courses are great for students looking to embrace the way women have developed modern day society.

ECON 202: Principles of Macroeconomics (D)

Economics courses are not only for business majors. We live in a capitalist country, so to make it in society, you need to understand the relationship between the U.S. economy and the world.  Principles of Macroeconomics may not be everyone’s “cup of tea,” but this class will help you learn about gross domestic products (GDP), inflation, unemployment, monetary policies and deficits.

ASTR 342: Elements of Astronomy (BB Math or Science)

Elements of Astronomy counts as an upper division math or science graduation requirement. The course examines human knowledge of the solar systems, galaxies, and their relationships to Earth.

ANTH 380: Current Archaeology (DD Social Science)

This anthropology course delves into one anthropological subdivision: archaeology. Elements of Current Archaeology explores local archaeological sites and indigenous culture. This class piques the interest of people who would like to connect modern society with our biological ancestors.

PSYC 330: Developmental Psychology: Infant/Child (DD Social Science)

Most students may one day have children. It would be a great idea to start learning about children now. This upper division psychology class explores the aspects of physical and emotional development of a child from conception to early life.

HIST 347: California History (DG Gov)

This history course provides an in depth look at different periods in the history of the Golden State. This includes periods of Spanish, Mexican and U.S. governance. The course also covers each government’s relationship with the original inhabitants of this land.

TA 301: Intro to Acting

This is a three-unit course that may be repeated for up to nine units. Intro to Acting is a small class that allows the student to practice basic acting techniques and bring out their inner “drama king/queen.” During the semester, the student has to prepare their own monologue and scene to perform in front of the class. This is a course for those of us who always dreamed of being in the spotlight.