You need to know what to do after you start studying at Southern Methodist University. You don’t want to be caught doing damage limitation when you don’t meet the grades you have always hoped to make. Add these ten easy classes to your list of classes at SMU, and success is guaranteed.
1. ADV 1300 – Survey of Advertising
Introductory course for majors and nonmajors that surveys the field of advertising and explores how it fits into society. Topics include history, law, ethics, social dynamics, economic implications, and the advertising campaign planning process. Examines the process of advertising from the perspectives of art, business, and science. Required for all majors and minors.
2. WL 4365 – Introduction to French Cinema
An introduction to French cinema’s major works, filmmakers, and trends with an emphasis on the historic and cultural context of this cinema.
3. THEA 5258 – Photoshop
A continuation of the exploration of tools for computer image creation (e.g., AutoCAD, MiniCAD, and Adobe Photoshop) and their applications.
4. SOCI 2300 – Social Problems
Examines social problems within the contexts of their particular societies and cultures; how a social problem is defined; and how solutions are shaped by politics, corporations, media interests, and social movements.
5. PSYC 4376 – Psychology of Religion
Introduces the major issues, theories, and empirical approaches to the psychology of religion. Topics covered include the role that religion plays in the beliefs, motivations, emotions, and behavior of individuals.
6. PSYC 1300 – Introduction to Psychology
Broad introduction to psychology as a behavioral science with special emphasis on cognition, development, learning, social, personality, physiological, and clinical psychology (psychopathology and psychotherapy).
7. PHIL 1305 – Introduction to Philosophy
A general introduction to the central questions of philosophy. We will discuss topics from such areas as the theory of knowledge, philosophy of religion, metaphysics, philosophy of mind, ethics, and political philosophy. Typical questions might include: Can we know the world outside our minds? Is it rational to believe in a God who allows evil to exist? Do the laws of physics allow for human freedom? Is morality more than a matter of opinion? Can there be unequal wealth in a just society? Readings will include classical authors such as Plato, Descartes, Locke, Hume, and Mill, as well as contemporary philosophers. The focus of the course will be on arguments for and against proposed solutions to key problems of philosophy.
8. GEOL 1315 – Introduction to Environmental Science
Uses the fundamental principles of ecology, hydrology, geology, population dynamics, land-use management, and related fields as the basis for understanding many of the major environmental issues that face the planet: greenhouse climate changes, soil and water pollution, acid rain and related atmospheric pollution problems, habitat destruction and species extinctions, waste disposal, land-use management, energy resource development, geologic hazards, and others.
9. ETST 2301 – Introduction to Race and Ethnicity in the United States
An interdisciplinary seminar designed to introduce students to the analysis of race and ethnicity in the United States.
10. FILM 1301 – Art of Film and Media
Introduction to the fundamental visual and audio techniques used in cinema, television, and emerging media to convey meaning and mood. Careful analysis of selected films, TV shows, and other media. Required of all majors.
