9 Weird Courses That US Universities Actually Offer!
Attending university offers an opportunity to receive a thorough education and training tailored to your career goals. Nevertheless, the routine of lectures and extensive reading lists, despite their benefits, can sometimes become monotonous. To maintain student engagement, an increasing number of universities in the United States employ imaginative and unconventional course titles to captivate their students' interest.
But do they sometimes push the boundaries too far? Would you be interested in focussing on subjects like zombies, wizards, and superheroes in your academic studies, or do you believe that fantasy topics should remain outside the classroom? Here is a list of 9 university courses in the US that sound fictional but are actually offered!
Fantasy Literature: Harry Potter
Offered By: Ohio State University
Ohio State University offers a course called Fantasy Literature: Harry Potter. This intriguing class delves into the wizarding world and educates muggles (non-wizards) on the literary techniques and cultural influences present in the novels. Students are expected to read all seven books, along with various articles and materials related to the fantasy genre. It's a magical academic journey indeed.
The Vampire in Literature and Cinema
Offered by: University of Wisconsin-Madison
Vampires are currently a hot topic! From books like Twilight to TV shows such as The Vampire Diaries, True Blood, and the iconic Buffy the Vampire Slayer, these blood-sucking creatures have gained immense popularity worldwide. Surprisingly, they've even made their way into higher education.
The University of Wisconsin-Madison offers a course titled The Vampire in Literature and Cinema. Despite its spooky name, the course is far from eerie and doesn't involve any blood samples or lab work. Professor Tomislav Longinovic, who leads the class, explains that the objective is to challenge negative cultural stereotypes about Eastern Europe by examining the region's folklore, literature, and films, particularly the portrayal of vampires.
Invented Languages: Klingon and Beyond
Offered By: The University of Texas at Austin
Sci-fi fans will be excited to learn about a course called Invented Languages: Klingon and Beyond. This unique class at the University of Texas at Austin explores the language of the fictional alien race from Star Trek, which has sparked numerous discussions and research over the years.
While some people, much like Sheldon from The Big Bang Theory, dedicate years to learning Klingon, this course doesn't focus on teaching students to speak it. Instead, it uses invented languages as a tool to delve into contemporary linguistic theories, particularly the relationship between language and society.
Daytime Serials: Family and Social Roles
Offered By: University of Wisconsin-Madison
Professor Virginia Matzek at Santa Clara University offers this intriguing course, which surprisingly attracts many students. In this class, students examine garbage with the investigative approach of archaeologists uncovering hidden treasures. Professor Matzek emphasizes that this course is serious, using trash and waste as the core subjects to teach essential scientific principles. The overarching goal is to illustrate how societies manage their waste and, by extension, their environment.
The Joy of Garbage
Offered By: Santa Clara University
Professor Virginia Matzek at Santa Clara University offers this intriguing course, which surprisingly attracts many students. In this class, students examine garbage with the investigative approach of archaeologists uncovering hidden treasures. Professor Matzek emphasizes that this course is serious, using trash and waste as the core subjects to teach essential scientific principles. The overarching goal is to illustrate how societies manage their waste and, by extension, their environment.
The Science of Superheroes
Offered By: University of California, Irvine
The Science of Superheroes is a novel and creative approach to teaching physics! While it may sound unconventional, this course uses the fictional superpowers of beloved superheroes like Spider-Man, Superman, Wonder Woman, and Batman to illustrate real physics principles. This innovative method makes the challenging subject more engaging and accessible to students.
A History of the Pig in America
Offered By: Xavier University in Cincinnati
Professor Karim M. Tiro offers a fascinating course called A History of the Pig in America at Xavier University in Cincinnati. This class delves into the historical significance of pigs, their representation in literature, and their societal perceptions. If you're intrigued by pig-related trivia, such as the origin of the 16th-century term "buccaneer" (referring to the grills used for cooking pork) or the conflicts between British colonists and Native Americans over pigs, then this course is perfect for you!
Zombies in Popular Media
Offered By: Columbia College Chicago and the University of Baltimore
Zombies are gaining increasing popularity in academic circles. Two universities now offer courses on Zombies in Popular Media, exploring the portrayal of the ‘walking dead’ in contemporary culture. These classes also delve into the influence of zombies on Haitian voodoo, films like Resident Evil, and video games such as Doom. If you're a fan of movies like The Dawn of the Dead, this course might be perfect for you.
Lessons from Lost: A Case Study
Offered By: Vanderbilt University
Moving from zombies to something a bit more upbeat, let’s talk about TV shows—specifically, Lost. This iconic series has achieved such immense popularity that Vanderbilt University has introduced a course dedicated entirely to it. Taught by Professor John M. Sloop, the class examines "Lost" as a case study for its diverse characters, themes of religion versus science, and complex storylines. Students in the course watch episodes and engage in discussions, making it an engaging and unique academic experience. If that doesn't sound intriguing, what does?
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