From Pixar movies to horror video games, these prerequisite-free classes are perfect for your fall schedule
Illustration by Sage Blackwell.
Whether you’re a first year student looking for class recommendations or you need an extra upper-level elective before graduation, try one of these six prerequisite-free courses this fall.
WRIT109: The Writer’s World in Books and Film: Pixar or Marvel
Perhaps one of UVic’s most popular courses, the writing department is offering Writing 109 with a focus on Pixar again this fall. Students will explore Pixar films and the people behind them in this course, which is open to all faculties. The films may vary each semester, but previous films include Toy Story, Monsters Inc., Ratatouille, and Wall-E. Section A02 runs Thursdays from 3:30 p.m. – 6:20 p.m.
Not interested in Pixar? There’s also a section focusing on Marvel on Wednesdays from 3:30 p.m. – 6:20 p.m.
EOS170: Natural Hazards
Learn all about wildfires, earthquakes, volcanoes, flooding, and other natural hazards in Earth and Ocean Sciences 170, as well as hazards related to climate change, and major natural disasters throughout history.
This introductory course runs on Mondays and Thursdays from 1:00 p.m. – 2:20 p.m. and does not require a science background, making it the perfect elective for any major.
GRS200: Greek and Roman Mythology
Ever wanted to learn about Greek and Roman mythology? This 200 level introductory course is the perfect way to explore these myths in historical and contemporary contexts, including through film and visual arts. Topics may include heroes, the gods, local myths, and the influence of Greek and Roman myth on European culture.
Greek and Roman Studies 200 runs Mondays and Thursdays from 10:00 a.m. – 11:20 a.m.
ENSH240: Introduction to a Major Author: Taylor Swift
English 240 is a variable topics course focusing on a single author, and this fall, it’s Taylor Swift. According to the course description, this class “will treat Taylor Swift as the major author she is, and treat her song lyrics as serious verse.” Taking a variety of her songs and albums, students will explore different themes, including gender norms, adolescence, misogyny, and girlhood.
The course runs on Mondays and Thursdays from 4:00 p.m. – 5:20 p.m.
HSTR300A: The Backpacker’s Guide to European History
Looking for an upper level elective that doubles as a travel guide? Get ready to explore Europe’s history through the lens of student travel in History 300A. Students will examine the historical context of major destinations and sights in Europe, looking at a range of topics that could include catacombs, cemeteries, prehistoric and medieval ruins, major structures like the Roman Colosseum and the Eiffel Tower, as well as food, drink, and other aspects of daily life.
HSTR 300A runs Tuesdays, Wednesdays, and Fridays from 10:30 a.m. – 11:20 a.m.
AHVS311F: Horror Video Games
Dive into the horrific and grotesque side of video games in this course offered by the Art History and Visual Studies department. Students will look at independent and mainstream digital games to analyze their use of horror tropes using a variety of theoretical perspectives, including zombies, gendered monsters, body horror, and the Satanic Panic.
This online course runs on Mondays and Wednesdays from 4:30 p.m. – 5:50 p.m.
