1. THE DISNEY PILGRIMAGE: A JOURNEY IN THE LIFE OF WALTER ELIAS DISNEY
Western Michigan University
Take a biographical road trip from Walt Disney’s birth in Chicago to his gravesite in California. The course covers nearly 40 destinations with a connection to Disney, including stops at two official Disney museums and Disneyland. Students will go beyond any personal Disney experiences and instead learn about Disney’s struggles, risks and successes throughout American history and culture.
2. CIRCUS ACTS
Triton College (IL)
Being the class clown doesn’t come naturally to everyone, but at Triton College, you can earn credit for trying! If oversize red shoes make you shudder, jump to another ring to learn to juggle or ride a unicycle (simultaneously, if you’re really coordinated!). Too tame? Go all in with the daredevils and explore the tight-wire, tumbling, trampoline and web rope. There’s even a little bit of magic instruction—like making your fear of leotards disappear.
3. THE AMERICAN VACATION
The University of Iowa
Learn how vacation experiences—at places like Coney Island, Niagara Falls, Gettysburg, Atlantic City and national parks—are shaped by race, age, gender and social class. Discover the origins of the concept of vacation as part of the middle- and working-class life. Other highlights include labor legislation, tourism, vacations as social rituals and the golden age of family vacations. Buckle up!
4. TIGHTWADDERY, OR THE GOOD LIFE ON A DOLLAR A DAY
Alfred University (NY)
Step away from the credit card! Part philosophy, part economics and part self-exploration, this course will have you questioning your values as a consumer both in theory and in practice. There are even field trips to yard sales and thrift shops! You’ll begin to consider how living frugally benefits your mind, body, relationships, community and the environment. Don’t pay full price for your textbook!
5. KITCHEN CHEMISTRY
Massachusetts Institute of Technology
Kitchen experiments cover extraction, denaturation and phase changes with meringue, bread, cheese, guacamole and ice cream, among others. In addition to chemical principles, the course looks at biochemical, biological, microbiological and physics principles. It’s molecular gastronomy at its tastiest—just don’t let the dog eat your homework.
6. THE HUNGER GAMES: CLASS, POLITICS AND MARKETING
American University (Washington, D.C.)
Examine the role of politics, class, ethics and marketing using the famous trilogy as a case study. Students will draw parallels between the fictional world of Panem and modern America, discussing real-world problems like wealth inequity and hunger. It’s no doubt a popular class, so may the odds be ever in your favor at registration.
