While it is important for colleges to offer courses that prepare students for the workplace, some might argue that it is equally important to provide opportunities for personal development, intellectual curiosity, and self-expression. When universities offer a diverse range of elective classes, they can create a vibrant and enriching learning environment that nurtures students' well-rounded growth and prepares them for a lifetime of learning and exploration.
That said, some of the classes offered at some very well-known schools border on the bizarre, and can cause one to question what value they truly offer and do they really help make more well-rounded students at the end of the day. With the cost of college rising and the overall value of a degree being questioned, should students indulge in these classes or instead focus their efforts on studies that will truly benefit them in their future careers.
It's easy to debate one side or the other, regardless, the fact remains that these classes exist and persist, meaning students must be taking them. So let’s take a look at some of the classes that are actually offered in college, where you can take them and what you can expect to learn.
Underwater Basket Weaving - UCSD
Offered only in the Spring by the UCSD Recreation Department, this one-day class has been an on-going experience for decades. Students learn and actually weave a basket while sitting in a pool or spa. Upon completion of the 90-minute class, students receive a Certificate of Dubious Merit in Underwater Basket Weaving as evidence of their hard work and determination.
The Geography of Wine – Arizona State University
This class covers the relationship of the physical and cultural environment to wine production throughout history. It has 2 required textbooks and several assignments and reports due, including a Wine Tasting Report. This 3-Credit course does not note a pre-requisite age in the course information and syllabus, but it stands to reason that those 21 and older, those who can legally consume wine, might benefit the most from this class.
Paintball Kinesiology – Texas A & M University
Offered as a PEAP (Physical Education Activity Program) class, student at Texas A&M can incorporate physical activity into their class schedule. Designed for beginners the class teaches students how to competitively compete in paintball tournament-style play. It is meant to prepare students who intend to continue with the sport of paintball.
The Last Great American Songwriter: Storytelling with Taylor Swift – Stanford University
Fans of Taylor Swift will enjoy this course that looks at the artists long lyrics as literature and analyzes similarities of her songs to the classics and poetry. Class size is limited to 20 students and auditing is not allowed, so interested students should plan accordingly and complete the enrollment application early.
The Joy of Garbage – Santa Clara University
As part of the Center for Sustainability, the Joy of Garbage is an Environmental Studies course students can take. Students look at and evaluate garbage through the lens of an archeologist as they attempt to understand how a societies waste can help define it and the how they take care of their environment.
Tree Climbing – Cornell University
Cornell has a class, which qualifies for a PE (physical education) credit in Tree Climbing. Students will learn how to ascend and descend trees as well as move about tree canopies. As part of this class, students can even opt to camp overnight in a tree, suspended in hammocks.
While most students attend college to learn a marketable skill, they can also learn some unusual skills as well that complement their individual interests. What may be a joke to some, underwater basket weaving and sifting through garbage, can be a genuine enjoyable experience for others.