Awesome classes you (probably) didn’t know existed

University is that time in your life when stress, homework and ambitions all come together to help you reach one step closer towards your career goal, one class at a time.

But, what many students don’t realize while planning and registering for electives is that there are so many class options out there that can actually interest you and be fun. Yes, I really did say fun.

Steve Johnson, a fourth-year BBA student at Mount Royal University, found the gold mine of elective classes: PHED 2108 Introduction to Golf.

“I was looking for an easy class to fill an open elective, and found the Intro to Golf class,” he said. “No one told me about it, it was sort of a lucky find I would say.”

But how does one find these sorts of classes?

Looking through all the course listings on the Mount Royal University website can be quite daunting and many students miss out on electives that could boost their GPA. Johnson thinks that because these sorts of classes aren’t core classes, most people overlook them.

“Maybe the university should have an advertisement down Main Street to show students some of the easy electives people can take during their years at the school,” he added.

Since winter registration is coming up and because the university has yet to do this, I thought I’d help you out.

Below are our top five suggestions for fun, interesting or easy elective classes that you should definitely look in to:

ENGL 2295 Fantasy

I can attest to how fantastic this class is. I took it last semester with Professor David Hyttenrauch, and I couldn’t have asked for an easier class.

If you’re a fan of J.R.R. Tolkien’s work and enjoy reading, you’ll love this class. You go through his epic novels like The Hobbit and The Lord of the Rings, as well as watch scenes from the movies during class.

(Alternate recommendation: ENGL 2293 Science Fiction)

PHED 2424 Introductory Rock Climbing

You might remember going rock climbing in your high school gym class. Well, this is just like that, but for credit and an instant GPA booster! You’ll get to learn the tricks and tips to rock climbing safely, and will have the chance to test yourself on both indoor and outdoor rock climbing walls.

(Alternate recommendation: PHED 2228 Flexibility and Relaxation)

ROST 1101 Topics in Romance Culture

I’m taking this class this semester and I have to say it’s not a bad class at all. We get to learn about a few “romantic” countries — like Spain, Italy and France — and get to know the culture inside and out.

But, I think my favourite part of this class is that you get to eat the food from those particular countries.

HIST 3329 The Witch Trials of Early Modern Europe

For all you historians out there, this class is for you. While I can’t promise you that it’ll be easy, I can say for a fact that that it’ll be a breath of fresh air from your normal routine.

I’ve only ever heard positive remarks about the class, as it goes through the origins, development and decline of the trials and executions of “witches.” Though this class has recommended preparation, there are no mandatory prerequisites.

(Alternate recommendation: HIST 3361 The Holocaust)

HUMN 2201 Outstanding Lives

Have you ever wanted to learn about one particular person totally in depth? In this class, you have the chance to study one interesting person throughout history, in all sorts of areas (arts, science, religion, politics, etc.).

If you want a really cool class next semester, take this one — you’ll learn about Jesus! (But don’t worry, it’ll be more interesting than Sunday school.)

So when it comes to registering for next semester, look carefully through the course listings and check the above classes out. You’ll no doubt have a more interesting (or less stress-inducing) semester ahead of you.

Editors note: The original story stated that HIST 3329 has prerequisites. Though there are recommended classes to take prior to this one, they are not required. The online article has been altered to reflect this. The Reflector regrets the error.