The Top 12 Classes to Take This Spring
With spring course registration right around the corner, we figured now would be a great time to review some of the most interesting classes available!
Starting with the art lovers, there are a wide range of wonderful courses to take here at Miami. Whether your niche is printmaking, theatrical performance or something in the middle – there’s a class for your method of artistic expression.
Classes for the Hands-on, Artsy People and Those Wanting to Try Something New
Apparel Construction Technique, FAS 201
Learn the basic principles of garment construction: cutting, sewing, fitting, pressing and finishing garments. This is a making course, with emphasis on professional design studio practices.
Acting for Non-majors, THE 123
Focus on developing basic acting skills through improvisation and scene work in acting for non-majors!
Notable Attributes: IIA. PA-3A.
Beginning Glass Beading, ART 140
This is a basic course providing foundation exercises and instruction in various glass techniques such as hot glass process, torch work, and beadmaking techniques.
Painting Studio, Spaces and Places, ART 331B
This class explores spaces and places through observational painting indoors and outdoors around Oxford’s campus. Beginners build foundational skills; returning students refine aesthetic strategies; advanced students develop a cohesive, self-directed body of work.
Don’t fret if mental exploration is more your speed than art, though. Miami University has so many wonderful different paths to explore for your classes – even with content like mental health!
Classes for the Psych/Mind/Mental Health Lovers
Psychology of the Learner, EDP 101
Critically investigate issues, theories, and principles related to the nature of the learner and learning process in this course. Learn about topics such as perception, cognitive processing, personality, and social dynamics, within the context of historical, social diversity, and cross-cultural perspectives.
Notable Attributes: IIC. PA-2A. CAS-C.
The Sciences of Mental Health, ATH 258
Examine the neurobiological, psychological, and cultural contributors to mental health disorders, including depression, anxiety, and substance abuse – as well as the ability of the brain to change in response to positive and negative experiences.
Notable Attributes: IVA, IC. PA-2B, PA-4B, SI-02, SI-05. CAS-C, CAS-D. Cross-listed as BIO 258, PSY 258.
Would you rather get moving than be hitting the books for your electives?
Here’s some classes for you this spring.
Classes for Getting Active
Pickleball, SLM 130A
Develop basic skills, techniques, and fundamentals for singles and doubles play. Instruction will include rules, scoring, etiquette, and strategies of play. Don’t miss this opportunity to play pickleball daily.
Broomball, SLM 140M
Get a feel for the basic broomball skills in SLM 140M. This course is for those who have never played, with limited experience, or with experience, but no formal instruction.
Beginning Horseback Riding, SLM 150E
Come learn the fundamentals of horsemanship, basic horse care, and safety around equines!
Finally, dive into culture next semester in ways that you haven’t before with the following courses.
Classes for the Cultural Appreciators
The Chinese Supernatural, CHI 231
This course explores the supernatural in China across thousands of years and invites students to reconsider what it means to be human. By examining Chinese cultural conceptions and representations of the supernatural and the fantastic, it engages students deeply with myth, belief, and wonder as vital forms of cultural expression and self-understanding that technology cannot replicate!
Notable Attributes: PA-3B. PA-4B. CAS-B.
More than Sushi, JPN 151
Japanese cuisine is a window into Japan’s history, society, and culture. This course explores Japanese food beyond the cliches and stereotypes, examining regional differences, seasonal traditions, dining etiquette, health beliefs, economic and entrepreneurial dimensions, and the cultural significance of food in both historical and contemporary perspectives. You will analyze how Japanese food reflects identity, social norms, and globalization. Activities include class discussions, multimedia analysis, and food-related cultural experiences!
Notable Attributes: PA-3B, PA-4B.
Magic and Power in Russian Folklore, RUS 137
This is an introduction to Russian folklore, including study of the folk tale, charms and incantations, ceremonial poetry connected with the calendar, jokes, proverbs, folk ditties, wedding ceremonies, funeral customs, modern gestures, and graffiti. There will be some discussion devoted to Slavic pre-Christian society and survivals of pagan customs in the Christian era.
Notable Attributes: IIB, IC. PA-3B, PA-4B, SI-02, SI-04. CAS-B-LIT.
No matter which courses you take, we hope you have a wonderful semester this spring!
Savana Scott | Class of 2027