Oh, registration time. Time to craft the perfect spring quarter schedule that will provide you with plenty of free time to enjoy the impending sunny, warm weather. Or a time to squeeze in your last few distros before graduation. Either way, there are probably some classes in CAESAR you’ve overlooked. It’s not exactly the most user-friendly way to search for interesting classes. Check out our list of spring quarter classes that may have flown under your radar after the jump.
Astronomy 103: Solar Systems
Have you ever looked through the giant telescope in Dearborn Observatory? Or have you ever written a short science fiction story for a science course? Well, here’s your chance. The tests might freak you out at first, but the question ‘how much does the sun weigh?’ isn’t as daunting as it seems. Simply check out the multiple choice answers offered and you’ll smile and relax. If you don’t know that the sun doesn’t weigh one mile or three pounds, then you probably don’t deserve to be at Northwestern. Or at any university really.
History 368: Revolution in 20th Century Latin America: Mexico and its Revolutions
Sit down and think, really think, about how much you know about Mexican history. Nothing, right? Sure you’ve seen Disney’s El Dorado and thus know about the Aztecs, and you’re vaguely familiar that there was a US-Mexican war sometime between 1776 and now; but when it gets down to it you’re as dumb about our friend down under as you are about the crap that passes for entertaining children’s television these days (but that’s another argument). While most discussion of Latin American revolutions is hogged by Cuba and Che Guevara, the history of the (numerous) Mexican revolutions is fascinating and helps gain a deeper understanding of the rich (recent) history of the country. While the 368 tag might seem scary, the material is engaging and covers everything from rock n’ roll’s influence in Mexico’s revolution to the dramatic exploits of Emiliano Zapata. Like many history courses about war, suffering, and ultimately promise, you can get by skimming the readings and absorbing knowledge in lecture.
African American Studies 210-2: Survey of African American Literature
We all know you nerds like to trash talk and/or praise Toni Morrison while you are blacked out at parties. It’s one of the perks of going to a pseudo ivy institution. But how many of you have actually read Sula? Better question. How many of you still need to finish your last Lit distro? Either way, this is a solid choice if you’re looking for a lit class that won’t bore you to death.
Communication Studies 377: Development and Marketing of Popular Culture
Visiting Assistant Professor Jeff Kwatinetz is teaching this course. Kwatinetz, a graduate of Northwestern’s School of Communication, is the CEO of Prospect Park, a prominent management and production company in the entertainment industry headquartered in Los Angeles. Kwatinetz’s company has currently two television shows on the air, USA Network’s “Royal Pains” and FX’s “Wilfred.” Kwatinetz has produced a number of feature films, including Unstoppable and Big Mamma’s House. Students form production companies that pitch, develop, market, promote, and advertise a television based comedy or dramatic program. And most importantly, it is only one day a week.
Sociology 315: Industrial Revolutions
Sure the title is boring and the CTECs are bad, but if previous classes with Chikwendu Ukaegbu are any indication, those don’t matter. The class will be incredibly easy to the point that you’ll find yourself interested in the subject. (It’s amazing how much more you’ll be willing to commit to a class is when you’re not worried about grades.) This class certainly has a workload but you’ll never be thrown a curve ball. Show up the majority of the time, write your papers and study a little bit and you’ll get an A. You’ll probably even get a high A.
Asian American Studies 275: Introduction to Asian American Literature
If you’re looking to fill a lit distro, this is the class for you. The course load (one book per week) might seem a little steep, but you’re taking a lit class, so shouldn’t you expect to be reading? Also, the books are generally contemporary and engaging. And if reading just isn’t your cup of tea, at least you’ll get to enjoy the rants that litter Prof. Kim’s lecture.
Art Theory and Practice 120: Intro to Painting
This is a great, easy class for anyone. All skill levels welcome. Usually half the class has never painted before. It’s pretty much an excuse to listen to a new album on your iPod two times a week. Teachers grade solely on effort and attendance. Another thing that people don’t know/believe is that it is possible to get into when the class is full. The class fills up quickly, but if you show up on the first day, there is a 90 percent chance that you’ll get a permission number.
Sociology 201: Social Inequality: Race, Class, and Power
This sociology class is sure to be an eye-opener. Engaging discussions about how elements of race, class, and gender intertwine to create an overwhelming amount of discrimination for certain people in the United States today will really get you thinking about the unfair ways the country is run. Towards the middle of the class you’ll begin to question your own thoughts and prejudices about people on this very campus who you interact with every day. And because it’s a low 200-level class the workload is completely manageable.
Social Policy 201: Introduction to Social Policy
With a few assignments and one big paper, this class is relatively easy. But it’s interesting too, with some thought-provoking readings and discussions, covering all sorts of social policy from welfare to education to health insurance. As long as the Tuesday/Thursday night time slot doesn’t turn you off, take this class and spend your spring thinking about the world outside NU (yes, we promise it exists). Just be prepared, if you aren’t already a bleeding heart liberal, you certainly will be after taking this class.
it’s spelled “Caesar” for your tag…