From fandoms to world politics, UVic has a low-barrier class for you
Illustration by Sage Blackwell.
Want to get a couple classes out of the way before the new school year starts in September? From environmental art and movie soundtracks to family dynamics and the history of sexuality, try these low-barrier electives this summer.
THEA144: Selected Topics in Theatre: Musicals!
Get ready for some showtunes and iconic shows with this summer class offered by the theatre department. Whether you love Broadway musicals or just need a lower-level elective but want to have a bit of fun, this special topics theatre course is the perfect addition to your summer schedule. Watch musicals in-class while developing your own performance skills through in-class exercises and workshops.
THEA 144 runs from May 11 to June 24 on Mondays and Wednesdays from 5:00 p.m. to 6:20 p.m.
AHVS310D: Environmental Art
Curious about representations of the environment in art? This 300-level Art History and Visual Studies course offers a survey of Environmental Art from the mid-twentieth century to present, beginning with the ‘60s Land Art movement. The AHVS Instagram advertises that this course will examine Environmental Art “through the intersections of geography, time, memory, and culture.”
AHVS 310D will be Mondays to Fridays from 12:30 p.m. to 2:20 p.m. This condensed course is fully online, and runs from May 11 to June 3.
MDIA325: Current Topics: Fans and Media Fandoms
If you’ve ever wanted to study and discuss fan activities and fandoms in a university class, then Media Studies has the perfect course for you. This summer, Media Studies 325 is focusing on fans and media fandoms for their special topic. According to the course listing, this class aims to incorporate experiential learning and community-based media practices. The only prerequisite is that students must have their Academic Writing Requirement (AWR) satisfied.
MDIA 325 runs from May 11 to June 26, and is fully online. The class will be held on Wednesdays from 12:00 p.m. to 12:50 p.m.
HSTR385C: History of Sexuality
History 385C (cross- listed as Gender Studies 326: History of Sexuality) explores the history of sexuality in the Western world, focusing particularly on nineteenth and twentieth century Europe and North America. The course topics vary each semester, but they may include marriage, heterosexuality, same sex desire, bisexuality, courtship, and free love.
This condensed course is from May 11 to June 3, and runs Monday to Friday from 12:30 p.m. to 2:20 p.m.
MUS109: Great Film Music
From Jaws to James Bond, Music 109 introduces students to the role of music in American cinema since the 1930s. Open to students outside the School of Music, this course blends history with music to help students consider the intention behind and impact of music in film.
MUS 109 is online, and runs July 6 to Aug. 21, with classes held Tuesdays and Thursdays from 9:30 a.m. to 12:20 p.m.
SOCI205: Sociological Perspectives on Family Relationships
Explore and unpack the dynamics of family relationships in this 200-level sociology course. Students will learn about various theoretical approaches to studying families and family relationships in Canadian contexts and globally. Topics and themes may include the history of families, parenting, intimate partner violence, immigrant families, Indigenous families, intimate relationships, and navigating tensions and conflicts within family dynamics and relationships.
SOCI 205 is offered online from July 6 to Aug. 21, and classes will be held Wednesdays from 2:00 p.m. to 4:20 p.m.
POLI210: Comparing Politics around the World
From human rights and social movements to regime types and political parties, Political Science 210 introduces students to a range of key political science concepts, focusing on international political dynamics. Students will learn the basics of comparative politics, particularly by analyzing the similarities and differences of state institutions across the globe.
This online course runs from July 6 to Aug. 21, with classes on Mondays and Wednesdays, from 9:30 a.m. to 11:50 a.m. Students must also register in one of the available tutorials for the class.
If none of these classes spark your interest, here are three bonus classes without prerequisites (or that just require your AWR to be fulfilled) being offered at UVic this summer:
- EOS170: Natural Hazards – May 11 to June 3
- ASL100A: American Sign Language I – May 11 to June 26
- ENSH315: Coming of Age Novels – July 6 to Aug. 21
Get ready, as summer registration opens March 9!
