As always, one semester flies by and another must be accounted for! Picking which classes will fill your schedule is a big choice and sometimes a little guidance goes a long way. That’s why we have compiled a list of courses offered next semester that us BOREDies have loved in the past. Registration is from November 10th to November 14th, so make sure to check out the schedule to find your time. And, to look further into these courses, use UVM’s course search tool.

EMILY: CDAE 1170 | DIGITAL ILLUSTRATION

3 Credits; In person, Community Development & Applied Economics Major/Minor; or Instructor Permission, Prerequisites: CDAE 1150 or Arts 1400

This course is so incredibly perfect for anyone who grew up with a love for the arts and wants to reclaim their excitement and joy about it. The focus in this class is more on the process than the final product, on ideas rather than application, and on the meaning behind your work rather than style, which creates a really supportive learning environment and community. In this class, I had opportunities to experiment with different digital software including Adobe Photoshop, Adobe Illustrator, and Procreate in addition to my initial pen and paper sketches. I took this class with Veronica Pham and deeply appreciated her care for the subject and for her students. While the projects certainly were a lot of work, I always felt supported through them and received such helpful feedback through discussion based critiques with both Veronica and my peers throughout the process. If you’re looking for a course that allows you to express your creativity while surrounded by support, community, and collaboration this is the course for you!

FINN: FTS 2655 | Production Foundations

3 Credits; In person; Prerequisites: FTS 1400, FTS 1420, or FTS 1430

I took this class a couple of years back with Myles Jewell (who I should clarify is a different professor from Milton Guillen!), but regardless of any variation there may be, this course was truly a joy. Anyone with an admiration for film who wants to explore the process of creating would adore this class. The opportunity to familiarize myself with high level equipment—cameras, mics, lighting—and get my feet under me when it comes to editing in Premier was such a privilege. I was given the freedom to explore the tools and pursue the creative spark that seemed to be catching. Through this exploration, you will build a collection of finished work to be proud of. I still cherish the work I did in this class today.  This course did not only fulfill the prerequisite for higher level filmmaking classes that I have taken here at UVM, but it was also the force that pushed this passion along! I could not recommend it more. 

EMMA: ANTH 1600 | LINGUISTIC ANTHROPOLOGY

3 credits; In person; no prerequisites

If you’re interested in the way language is used, in both America as well as around the world, this is the class for you. I took ANTH 1600 when it was offered virtually, so I didn’t get too many chances to discuss what we studied with classmates, but I vividly remember the readings and lectures being super engaging. In one of our first sessions, we learned about the cultural significance of the dap-up, so it’s safe to say I was hooked. While I am a linguistics minor and may be biased, I truly believe that learning about why we talk the way we do is both fun and important. The workload is very consistent and manageable, and at the end of the day, I’d recommend this course for anyone, no matter their major!

JOSIE: HSCI 1980 | Writing for Health and Equity

3 Credits; In person; Prerequisite: ENGL 1001 or equivalent.

I elected to take this course because I wanted to practice writing analytically from a social-justice-oriented standpoint. This class provides an exceptional introduction to the research process, literary analysis, and public health advocacy. If you’re interested in learning how to write in this format without having to discuss heavily scientific topics, this is the class for you. This class fulfills the Catamount core requirement for Diversity through the topic of Race and Racism in the US. A recommendation of this course would be incomplete without mentioning the instructor, Professor Jaime Karnes. Not only does she offer ample opportunity for revision and group feedback, but she also prioritizes meeting with each of her students individually. Professor Karnes is one of the most caring instructors I have ever known. Writing for Health and Equity provides eye-opening discussion opportunities and growth to writers at all levels.

COOPER: ENGL 1730 | INTRO TO CREATIVE WRITING

3 Credits; In person; No prerequisites 

Realizing I had some flexibility in my schedule, and desiring to dip my toes into some minor options, I decided to register for this class. I’ve always loved to write, but I hadn’t consistently written creatively in many years. I wanted to reconnect with this passion – and it was the best choice I could’ve made. This introductory course covers writing techniques in a variety of forms – from short prose fiction to creative nonfiction, poetry to plays. By reading relevant pieces throughout the course, paired with plenty of writing exercises, drafting, and peer workshops, students build familiarity with, and skill in, respective forms of creative writing, but more broadly the act of writing itself. My experience in the course was nothing short of magical, thanks in part to my wonderful classmates and stellar professor Jenny Grosvenor! It ignited my passion; after taking it, I declared a writing minor. But regardless of who you’re taking the course with, or when, or why, I’d recommend it to all. Writing creatively is so enriching and such a privilege – and I really believe it’s something everyone can do.