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Course spotlights for Spring 2017

Some of our frequent contributors review their courses and make recommendations for the Spring 2017 semester.

ENG 190: Graphic Memoir

M 6:45-9:15 p.m.
By Katie Pearce

Dr. Forsythe will be teaching Graphic Memoir once more next semester. The class is primarily for Holt students, but will have seats open for other interested students. The thoroughly enjoyable class lays the foundation of open discussion for major issues of our time, allowing us to explore them through the lens of experience and various perspectives. This enables us to view hard topics as lived, not just theoretical. Graphic Memoir texts will likely include Maus, Fun Home, March: Book 1, March: Book 2, Persepolis, and Child Soldier.

ICE 100A1: Film Scoring

MWF 9:00-9:50 a.m.
By Joseph Klens

Prospective students in the Innovate, Create, Elevate neighborhood this spring will have the opportunity to learn the art of film scoring. This describes music composition for cinematography, not simply rating films. In this course, Professor Jamey Ray will teach students the art of creating music for a film. The student will learn the history of music in film from the earliest days of filmmaking to the types of instruments used to convey specific emotions, among other aspects of film scoring. This is a 100 level course and fulfills the Expressive Arts requirements. An understanding of music theory is not a prerequisite and will be taught in the first two or three classes. Film scoring has become a prominent interest to filmmakers, not just composers, and is therefore a good class to consider for students who are interested in any form of media or visual arts.

COM 220: Interpersonal Communications

MWF 10:00-10:50 a.m. OR W 1:00-3:30 p.m.
By Maura Leaden

Interpersonal Communications with Dr. Hammonds is a class that will make you think about your daily interactions with your friends, roommates, and professors in a new way. Dr. Hammonds is a great professor who will keep you engaged, laughing, and clearly understanding every topic. He approaches class with humor and a sense of personalization that unites the class and creates great discussions.

Readings and lectures cover how communication elements and styles influence one’s relationships. For example, perception, understanding nonverbal nuances, and discussing why there are only ‘different’ listening styles and not necessarily ‘bad’ ones, are some of the topics covered. Furthermore, relationships (friends, coworkers, family, romantic) are analyzed to consider how communication skills influence their formation and maintenance. The class is mainly composed of Communication, Business, and Undeclared majors. All grade levels are represented and welcome.

WCC 100A3: Shakespeare’s A.R.S.E.

MWF 9:00-9:50 a.m. OR MWF 10:00-10:50 a.m.
By Ellie Rushing

Ageism, racism, and sexism continue to be molded by the morals, values, and interests of the evolving centuries. The way we interpret racist and sexist remarks in 2016 is much different than the way it was 30 years ago, let alone 400 years ago. Shakespeare’s A.R.S.E course allows students to dive into infamous plays and examine them on a deeper level—generating an opinion on what kind of playwright William Shakespeare was. By analyzing textual evidence while learning about social standards of the Elizabethan era, anyone who takes this class will leave understanding the complex language of these plays on a more profound level. This 100-level neighborhood course, taught by Professor Eric Zivot, exemplifies cultures colliding and emphasizes personal viewpoints on worldly issues and literature interpretation.

REL 217: Jewish Life and Thought

M 4:00-6:30pm
By Micah Bradley

Jewish Life and Thought, taught by Rabbi Olshansky in the Philosophy and Religion department, melds elements of history, religion, and philosophy to give insight into Judaism. Some topics covered by the course include the Hebrew Bible, the Maccabees, the Holocaust, and modern Jewish politics—giving a great overview of Jewish studies. Under the old general education system, the course counts as a “C” elective. The course also counts towards two different minors—it can be an elective for Middle Eastern and North African Studies or serve as a core course for the Jewish Studies minor.

THE 133: Acting I: Fundamentals

TR 11:00 a.m.-12:15 p.m.
By Rebecca Candage

This semester I had the privilege of taking Acting I: Fundamentals with Dr. David Charles. Affectionately called David or Dr. D by his students, he stresses that this class should be an open environment. He employs both written assignments and onstage activities to help develop our acting skills. He also leads Rollins Improv Players (RIP) and brings some of his improvisation expertise to our class. A major part of the curriculum is preparing to audition, where even the best actors can slip up; it is especially helpful as he goes through the process of choosing and working a new monologue and skills for cold readings. Almost everything is taught, such as aspects of relationships, thinking on your feet, and confidence. These are skills which can be transferred into any career. He will be teaching this course again in the spring along with Improv I: Fundamentals (MW 11:00 a.m.-12:50 p.m.).

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