Life > October 4, 2007

By Mary Beth Ballard and Lauren Brown | Senior writers

Two senior writers share their picks of classes that are not to be missed during one’s Wake career.

Classics 261: Greek Myth

Sure you’ve heard of Zeus and Athena, but maybe you didn’t realize that this powerful goddess of wisdom was born from Zeus’ head after he swallowed her impregnated mother. That piece of crazy trivia is only a taste of what this amazing class has to offer. Associate professor of classical languages James Powell is one of the highlights of this lecture-intensive course. Though his class might be spilling out the door, he won’t turn you away. The class is demanding, but if you take notes like a fiend and follow his extensive study guide, then you’ll be fine. You won’t even realize how valuable learning classic myths can be until they repeatedly surface in your everyday life. Literature is chock-full of myth references, not to mention movies and art.

Communication 246: Introduction to Film

Of course we all love movies. But do we understand why? And what makes one more enthralling than another? Or what constitutes a genre? Or causes one director to stand out against all the rest? If you’ve ever asked these questions, then taking a film class will illuminate all of the above and more. This course consists of lectures and a film screening once a week – and since you get to watch films in Annenburg Forum, you can enjoy the experience of your own private theatre. The course teaches some of the classics that you might have seen already, but are worth a second look. There are some lesser-known titles thrown in as well to appeal to the true movie buff. Basically, this class is a good jumping-off point for further film courses and makes for a nice break in your busy schedule.

English 366: James Joyce

As an English major, I should probably mention a course from my chosen area of study. (To not do so would indicate I’ve trekked down the wrong academic path for the past three years.) Taking a course solely on James Joyce has been one of the most rewarding literary experiences I’ve ever had. Taught by associate professor of English Scott Klein, this elective seems daunting at first. I mean, come on, Joyce is one of the most influential writers of the 20th century, and Ulysses – that’s a helluva book to tackle. However, the pace of the class makes reading them entirely possible. The course covers Dubliners, A Portrait of the Artist as a Young Man and spends the bulk of the semester on Ulysses. You don’t have to be an English major to reap the rewards from this course. Take the time to explore what few students are willing to with Klein as your guide. Unfortunately, he won’t be offering it next semester to undergrads, but non-seniors can take it the following year.

Health and Exercise Science 160: Beginning Golf

The game of golf is like the game of life my dad once told me. So now, in my senior year, I’ve decided to learn a little bit about this “life sport.” This course, taught by lecturer David Stroupe, meets once a week for a little over two hours and no experience is necessary, though a little understanding of the game doesn’t hurt. I’d say putt-putt experience will suffice. The class started off meeting in Reynolds Gymnasium, and now we’re at the driving range hitting real golf balls and working on our swing. Next, we’ll be out at Tanglewood, a par-three course, for some more in-depth instruction. Ladies and gents, if you want to meet some nice folks, this class is for you. Everyone is very laid back and it’s a great change of pace from the classroom lecture. If you can’t take advantage of learning a new, fun pastime (whether it’s golf, tennis or bowling), then you might want to reevaluate your college priorities. After all, not all higher learning has to take place sitting at a desk, because honestly, that’s not everything when it comes to “real life.”

Counseling 102: Career Planning

If you are like many students and are unsure of what you want to do with your degree, this course is made for you. This half-semester, two-hour class provides a crash course in careers and how to find one that suits you. The course is perfect for those looking for internships as well since class due dates for resumes and interviews help propel your search. Topics covered include: assessment of work-related values, interests and skills, exploration of career options, resume-writing, interviewing and job search skills. Regardless of your post-graduate plans or ideas, this course will provide you with some concrete guidance and preparation for life away from the ivory tower.

History 162: History of Wake Forest University

Have you ever wanted to go into the tunnels? Have you ever wondered after whom all of the buildings on campus were named? Have you ever wanted to go to the top of the bell tower in Wait Chapel? Have you ever wondered why our yearbook is called The Howler? Answers to these questions and many, many more are addressed in professor of history J. Edwin Hendricks’ thorough coverage of the history of our fine university. Renowned as the leading scholar on Wake Forest history, Hendricks has a wealth of knowledge from research and personal experience, having served as a professor here since 1964. The class itself is one and a half hours and can be taken for credit or on a pass/fail basis. For those who take the class pass/fail, a less rigorous syllabus is followed.

Theatre 140: Acting I

Even though you may not be a seasoned performer, do not let stage fright stop you from taking this class. The class teaches you acting from the very beginning as you work through warm-up exercises and small scenes, while constructive feedback is provided all along. This introduction to acting is an opportunity to improve upon skills that don’t involve multiple-choice tests or essay questions. Evaluations in the class are primarily performance-based, which is certainly a refreshing change from the typical class format. Acting I is a great opportunity to build your confidence in performance situations, a confidence that could even carry over to the dreaded oral presentation in other classes.

Any class taken abroad

Time spent studying abroad truly merits its own discussion as a requisite college experience. Roaming around the streets of an unknown town and talking to locals as you find your way to your destination could well be considered a must in the Wake Forest experience. Crucial to the full enjoyment of time spent abroad is immersion in the language of whichever place you may find yourself. Of course, traveling in an English-speaking country is comfortable, but taking the risk of learning a new language only works to your benefit. The university offers a plethora of programs during the academic year and during the summer. The destination is not as critical as what you make of your time there.