6 Trending Classes for 2016

A selection of fun, artsy, cultural classes to amp up your 2016 schedule.

1. Photoshop for Photographers: Forget filters...take your Instagram game to a whole new level.

(ART 180) This course will provide instruction in the use of Adobe Photoshop and other standard imaging software as used in fine art imaging and in the photographic industry. Content will include standard manipulation of photographic images, digital retouching, photographic collage and the creation of digital negatives from the perspective of a photographer. Digital equivalents to the traditional photographic darkroom and other techniques will be investigated with the goal of producing archival prints suitable for exhibition. 

2. Intro to Photography: Unplug and kick it old school - take photos with actual film on a 35mm camera.  

(ART 132) This is a black and white film and digital based course that will familiarize the student with basic photographic principles applicable to the 35 mm camera. The class includes study of film exposure, light metering, natural light control, focus, depth of field and shutter speed adjustments. When the camera controls are learned we will explore black and white film development, print enlargement and photograms as well as spot toning and mounting of the finished photographs. Both technical and aesthetic content are emphasized to strengthen the visual communication of the photographs. Lectures, slide shows, discussion, group critiques, field trips and exhibition viewing will also be included.

3. Pop Culture: Learn what it takes to become mainstream.

Photo: @socalitybarbie Instagram

(HUM 150) This course will be an interdisciplinary study of specific topics in popular culture in the United States and the world, both contemporary and historical. Areas of study will include television, popular music, graphic storytelling, video games, the internet and sports. Emphasis will be placed on how facets of popular culture fit into culture as a whole. 

4. Styles Sensory & Food Pairing: For foodies and beer lovers - eat, drink, and learn how to pair beer and food. 

(BREW 160) This course will provide students with an understanding of world beer styles and sensory skill training in evaluating and judging beer. The industry accepted Beer Flavor Wheel will be used to define sensory attributes of specific styles and to develop skill in determining off-flavors. An understanding of sensory panel training, experimental design of sensory tests, and statistical evaluation of panel results will be covered. Additionally, this course will provide students with knowledge of beer styles and sensory skill training in pairing beer with food, where students will learn attributes of different beer and food combinations and prepare food and beer pairings. Skills related to effective customer relations and interaction will be emphasized.

5. Short Stories: Think of them as bite-sized novels. 

(ENG 219) This class is an introduction to the study of the short story. Throughout the readings in this class, the elements of the short story will be critically evaluated, and the structure and meaning of the short story will be analyzed. By the end of the course students should have an understanding of this genre and its literary development.

6. Queer Literature & Theory: Explore gay & lesbian culture. 

(ENG 208) In this course students explore images of lesbians and gays and their roles in societies through reading, discussing and writing about literature selected from various genres (poetry, fiction, essays or plays). This course seeks to answer such questions as: What is lesbian and gay culture? How is it unique? What kinds of literary constructs suggest uniqueness? Course focuses on contemporary texts but includes examination of earlier works to highlight timeless themes. 

Interested? Register Now!