By 
By: CHRISTINE AIKEN
Staff Writer
Do you aspire to someday have your own political show like Sean Hannity or Bill Maher? Are you obsessed with everything related to zombies? Would you like to learn about the dark side of communication?
If you answered yes to any of these questions, there might be a perfect class for you.
It is advising time, and that means it is also time to register for summer and fall classes. If there is a class that you are really interested in, it is best to register as soon as possible before the roster fills up. There are several popular and engaging classes out there to choose from.
One unique class available this fall is Professor Elizabeth Bennion’s POLS-Y 380 class, focusing on a weekly public affairs program called “Politically Speaking.” The show is broadcast live each Sunday on WNIT with a viewership of 1.2 million people. The program focuses on the impact of public policy decisions on residents of Michiana.
Students in this three-credit applied research seminar get to screen calls, critique episodes, learn amateur videography and much more.
“The exciting thing about this course is that students gain so many skills,” Professor Bennion explained. “Whether conducting background research, taping citizen videos, debate issues in class, or screening calls at the TV station, students are forced to confront a wide variety of opinions that challenge their existing views and make them think about politics in a new way.”
If you have a love for the undead, perhaps Professor Jay VanderVeen’s class on “The Anthropology of Zombies” is more your style. ANTH-A 460 is offered in the fall and focuses on a number of topics including zombies in pop culture, the history of zombies in the Caribbean and West Africa, and the biological concerns of being undead. The syllabus comes with a disclaimer that there may be some disturbing imagery in the books and films used in class, so it might not be a good choice for those with a weak stomach.
For a different sort of dark side, consider spending your summer or fall learning about “Deception and Lying” with Professor Tami Martinez. This course can be taken as SPCH-B 399 or SPCH-S 322. Why learn about lying, deception and manipulation?
“These are key areas that need to be understood, and these are what we delve into in this particular class,” Martinez said.
The coursework will cover forms of deception ranging from “little white lies” to games such as poker, full blown hoaxes, cons and identity theft. If you’re looking for a great April Fools’ Day prank for next year, this might be the class for you.
If you want to get involved with any of these classes or any of the other fascinating subjects slated for the summer and fall schedules, make sure you register at the first opportunity.
Photo credit/Christine Aiken
