1. COW TO CONE
Penn State
Although it’s not taught by Ben and Jerry, they did take this class! In fact, it’s the oldest and largest educational program dedicated to the science and technology of ice cream making. Students learn every aspect of creating the delicious dessert, from production and quality control to research and development trends. We’re guessing there’s at least a little sampling!
2. JOY OF GARBAGE
Santa Clara University (CA)
If Oscar the Grouch were to teach a college class, it would no doubt be this course from the department of environmental studies and sciences. Follow the journey of organic and nonorganic waste in America as it’s decomposed, treated, recycled, burned, landfilled, dumped on minority communities or sent abroad. Then search for sustainable solutions to the problems.
3. SUPERHEROES ACROSS MEDIA
University of South Carolina
They might not be real, but their ability to spin off millions of dollars of merchandise has made superheroes like Batman, Wonder Woman and Spider-Man worth their weight in Kryptonite. This course looks at the cultural, economic, technological and aesthetic appeal of these characters in comic books, movies, radio, TV and new media.
4. MONSTERS & MONSTROSITY
University of Virginia
Don’t let the zombies get your brain—you’re going to need it for this class! You’ll discuss our notions about beauty, race and culture in terms of monsters as “others” and how the symbolic power of monsters is birthed from our own latent wants and prohibitions. Topics of conversation may include Dracula, Frankenstein, The Thing and people who don’t use social media.
5. QUEEN BEES, WANNABES, AND MEAN GIRLS
Colorado College
Every high school has at least one (though they often spawn more): that girl who thinks she runs things. If you’ve ever wondered why these girls want so much authority and how they get there, this course is for you. The concept will be filtered through relevant literary works and movies, including the ideal specimen: 2004’s “Mean Girls.”
6. WASTING TIME ON THE INTERNET
University of Pennsylvania
You’re already doing it—tweeting, watching Vines, chatting, checking Facebook—so why not get credit for it? Be prepared to face a computer screen for three hours, only interacting through listservs, bots, chat rooms and social media. And—unlike your calculus class—distraction, multitasking and aimless drifting are mandatory!
