College is indeed the time to find yourself in the world. But it could include an enormous amount of stress too. What better way to deal with your busy class schedule than taking easier courses that will help you transition and develop yourself? Here are the 10 of the easiest courses you can take at Brandeis University.
1. WGS 166A – Gender, Sexuality, and Social Media
Asks how gender, sexuality, race, dis/ability, class, and other intersections of identity impact how we use and appear on social media. Early internet theorists imagined the World Wide Web as a “free” society, where “bodily” issues such as race, gender, and disability would somehow disappear. However, these identities have not vanished; in fact, we might argue that they remain even more potent in today’s age of constant media connection. We will explore feminist theories of media, gender, sexuality, and race, as well as applying these theories to current events online. Students will explore the boundaries of digital activism, question the ways we continue to be embodied online, and consider power relations, discipline, and surveillance
2. MUS 1A – Exploring Music
A general introduction to the materials and forms of music and their role in human social life with examples drawn from around the world. Training in analytical listening, based on selected listening assignments. Open to non-majors who are assumed to have little or no previous knowledge of music.
3. HWL 35 – Power Walking
Counts as one-half activity course toward the physical education requirement. Fulfils one Mind and Body Balance module for the Health, Wellness and Life Skills requirement. Designed to help increase the fitness level of students through a high-intensity, low-impact workout. The workout consists of walking with hand-held weights
4. THA 110B – Modern Dance and Movement
Offers a variety of fundamental dance/movement methods, while focusing primarily on the basic forms and movement vocabulary of Modern Dance. Students will learn to appreciate modern dance as a valuable art form and engage in collaborative creative projects, history, research, and a variety of choreographic styles. Students will develop physical and mental strength and flexibility by participating in warm-ups, traveling phrases across the floor, combinations, and structured improvisations.
5. PSYC 33A – Developmental Psychology
An examination of normal child development from conception through adolescence. Course will focus on theoretical issues and processes of development with an emphasis on how biological and environmental influences interact.
6. AAAS 5A – Introduction to African and African American Studies
An interdisciplinary introduction to major topics in African and African American studies. Provides fundamental insights into Africa, the Caribbean, and the Americas through approaches and techniques of social science and the humanities.
7. HWL 8 – Fit Camp
Designed around goal setting, self-improvement and teamwork, this course caters to all fitness levels. Classes will focus on a variety of exercises to build endurance, flexibility, core and overall strength. Individuals will be tested on the first day through a timed mile, the number of push-ups in 1:00 minute and the number of sit-ups in 1:00 minute. The individual will then work with the instructor to go over an obtainable goal to strive for at the end of the semester. At the end of the semester, the individual will retest.
8, ANTH 1A – Introduction to the Comparative Study of Human Societies
Examines the ways human beings construct their lives in a variety of societies. Includes the study of the concept of culture, kinship, and social organization, political economy, gender and sexuality, religion and ritual, symbols and language, social inequalities and social change, and globalization. Consideration of anthropological research methods and approaches to cross-cultural analysis.
9. CHEM 11A – General Chemistry I
Covers a wide array of topics, embracing aspects of descriptive, as well as quantitative, chemistry. No prior study of chemistry is assumed, as the course begins by looking at the atomic foundation of matter, the elements, and the organization of the periodic table, working its way up to studying how atoms are bonded together to form larger units of matter. Students who complete this course will have an understanding of the three major phases of matter—solids, liquids, and gases—and how they behave, as well as a knowledge of the major types of chemical reactions and how to represent them. A strong focus is put on learning methods of creative problem-solving—using the material as a way to develop creative approaches to solving unfamiliar problems—a skill that carries students far beyond the confines of the classroom.
10. HWL 14 – Yoga
Hatha yoga is physical in nature and is based on proper body alignment and is distinctive in its use of props such as belts, walls, and blankets. Classes start with gentle stretches and work toward more challenging poses.
