College is a wild ride. It can be difficult to take any class that doesn't directly help you get your major(s) and minor(s), but it is worth it. There are countless classes that can shape your worldview and mindset in college. You can also develop many important and applicable skills through classes that may not connect to your major.
If you happen to go to Butler University as I do, the specific class codes are listed throughout!
1. World Religions
Growing up, most of us only really learn about our parents religion. Putting in the effort to learn about other belief systems is valuable and rewarding. Learning about other faiths does not mean you're going to convert or lose faith in your own religion. The key to acceptance and communication is knowledge! If you want to have a valid opinion about somebody's faith, you should know the facts about their religion.
BU class code: TI250
2. Self Defense
This is not a course held by every college, but it is likely you can find a class in your city/area. I took this last spring semester and it was a fantastic experience. We learned practical skills and it was really empowering. You can learn some simple tricks and gain confidence with a self defense course. College is a great time to take a course like this because we're often in vulnerable situations and violent crimes are frequent.
BU class code: PWB160
3. Anthropology
Studying other cultures is always eye opening. Anthropology taught me to see everything is socially constructed and a part of culture. The title of my Anthropology class was "Being Human" and I think that is incredibly telling. Anthropology can teach you about what it means to be human in insightful ways.
BU class code: AN101
4. Public Speaking
No matter what you do with the rest of your life, being a good speaker will likely be useful. Unless you plan to hide in the forest and live a life of solitude, you will have presentations to give, in college and in your professional life.
BU class code: COM101
5. Coding
Computer science is a hard subject to predict if you would enjoy before you take a course in it. A friend of mine had never touched Computer Science before taking an intro to coding class. Afterwards she changed her major. Another benefit of taking a coding class is the practicality of the skill. In our modern technology heavy society, it doesn't hurt to have a bit of a coding background or understanding.
BU class code: CS142
6. Creative writing
Writing is always a useful skill to have. You will have to write multiple things in your college and post-college careers. Creativity is also a useful (and fun) skill to cultivate. Finding a way to express your ideas and emotions is important. Creative writing may not be your cup of tea, but give it a shot!
BU class code: PCA233
7. History
Generic history classes can be incredibly boring, but the study of a specific region or time period can be incredibly fascinating. Learning how a modern culture came to be by knowing their history and context is fascinating and makes you a much more informed voter/citizen. I learn a lot in a class on China & the Islamic Middle East. Knowing how modern China emerged and the history of Islam is important in today's society where relations with the Middle East and China are strained. You can't understand a society's problems without knowing their context. Studying tumultuous times in history are also important. A friend of mine took a history of the Holocaust class that focused on the psychology of those involved. Even if you're not a history or psychology major, courses such as these can be fascinating and informative.
BU class code: GHS209
8. Specific & uncommon classes
While writing this article I got a ton of awesome recommendations for classes anyone could enjoy but that were very specific and uncommon. Here are a few more awesome classes you may not find at your college, but you may be able to find something that teaches you similar skills!
Israeli dance: This is just one specific example of a class that throws you into another culture. My friend Cami took Israeli dance and said that she had fun dancing while learning about a culture in an immersive way. Try to find a class that will immerse you in a culture you're totally unfamiliar with!
BU class code: PWB102
Buda Khi: This is a unique full body work out that really challenges both your body and mind. Your college may not teach it, but you may be able to find a class at a local gym! My friend who took the course said that it helped her create a positive mindset that has helped her push through rough times in her life.
BU class code: PWB126
Arts in Society: This course looks at how art responds to social change. Connecting art to our society is a fascinating topic that can reevaluate how you see society and your definition of art. My friend who took this course said it made her reevaluate what art is and how it affects our society.
BU class code: AA315
Experiencing the City: Any class that connects you to your city/community outside of your college can be very useful. At Butler they offer a course that studies public art, architecture and performance to understand politics and aesthetics in Indianapolis. This class entails museums visits, tours of nonprofits and volunteer work! It's never too early to start networking and connecting with the city you're in.
BU class code: PCA267-HST
Hopefully you are now inspired to take at least one course from this list! As a double major, I understand how difficult it can be to fit in all your classes and take fun things on the side, but it can be very rewarding.
