Dear RIT students,
I am writing you on behalf of the staff at Reporter that, as a whole, is very concerned with your well-being. We have heard that you have been stricken by the grim event of an approaching registration and the anxiety that inhabits it. Our hearts go out to all of you facing this stressful time. It is never one that comes easy.
Perhaps your body just needs a change: A new schedule for going about your daily life. The problem may be as simple as filling up those credits to be considered a full-time student. Whatever it is, everyone can always use some sound counsel from time to time.
Hence, we have enclosed a list of classes that may help bring some relief to the strain you are feeling. The list includes a series of classes we have all found beneficial in similar times of struggle. Please consider the list when as you proceed with your recovery, as we have all found the results quite soothing.
We encourage you to remain strong through these tough times and try new classes that appeal to you. The following list is only a guideline to the immense opportunity that awaits.
Good luck and choose wisely and freely. Our heart is with you always.
Sincerely,
Reporter
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| Katie Anderson |
Wines of the World 8621-501
“You could take it with me next quarter! What could be better?”
Eric Drummond, Photo Editor
Description: Despite the obvious attraction of drinking during class, this course can offer a lot of beneficial insight if you are planning for a somewhat-executive career. Wines of the World will give you skills and knowledge that won’t necessarily get you that job, but will impress your bosses after they take you out to dinner — after being so impressed by your résumé, of course.
Availability: Four sections are available in the 2008-2009 Winter quarter. This one goes fast. There is a $100 lab fee.
Credits: 2
Programming Language Concepts 4003-450
“Computer Science majors are required to take this course; every other computer-related student should be required to take it. In the Real World, you’ll need a hell of a lot more than the Java you get from the introductory computer programming classes. This course will show you just how ignorant you are of life outside of object-oriented code and will then attempt to correct that ignorance.”
Jen Loomis, Copy Editor
Description: A study of the syntax and semantics of a diverse set of high-level programming languages. The languages chosen are compared and contrasted in order to demonstrate general principles of programming language design. This course emphasizes the concepts underpinning modern languages rather than the mastery of particular language details.
Availability: One section is available in the Winter and two in the Spring quarter.
Credits: 4
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| Katie Anderson |
Modern European History 0507-302
“...Because everyone should know it.”
Chris Zubak-Skees, Online Editor
Description: Ever wonder what was going on in Europe while we were all wrapped up, being depressed in the 1930s or stop to think how WWI and WWII affected countries other than America? If you want to expand your knowledge on these two areas as well everything that happened in Europe in the twentieth century as it crescendoed into the twenty-first, then you may consider this class. It will explore all the events and movements of the 1900s that made Europe what it is today and how those movements have impacted the rest of the world.
Availability: Two sections open in the 2008-2009 Winter quarter.
Credits: 4
Writing the Technical Manual 8535-446
“I made a technical manual with my group about recording a song in RIT’s sound room. I learned about manual writing and how to use InDesign Software.”
Rachel Hart, Sports/Views Editor
Description: This course is an expansion of Technical Writing (0502-444), where you with learn all that goes into writing a technical manual from researching to designing to writing to editing. Students will design and produce their own technical document based on what they learn from the class and their skills in technical writing.
Availability: This class was only offered in Fall quarter, so look out for it next year. Technical Writing and Technical Writing & Editing through the Applied Arts and Sciences school will be offered in the winter.
Credits: 4
Typography 2010-302
“It is good information to know even if you aren’t interested in design.”
Susie Sobota, Art Director
Description: A lecture/studio-based class where students will get experience in the history, principles, and methods of typography as means of visual communication. Students will apply what they learn from the lecture to the studio in order to create projects aimed to solve communication problems and develop their computer skills.
Availability: Three sections of Typography I available in the 2008-2009 Winter quarter.
Credits: 3
Public Speaking 0535-501
“Great class to improve personal speaking skills, sales presentations, and persuasive writing rolled into one. Counts as an Arts of Expression, too, if you don’t want to take a language!”
Kyle O’Neill, Ad Manager
Description: It’s public speaking and the theory behind it. This class not only centers on infamous speeches, but also dissects them, highlighting everything from organization to the technology that goes into making a persuasive speech. Though the course is designed as a requirement for communication majors, this class is open to anyone that needs to fill a free elective.
Availability: Available quarterly. Four sections open this Winter quarter.
Credits: 4
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| Katie Anderson |
Creative Writing 0502-451
“An awesome way to exercise your poetic soul and earn four credits... Not your average Liberal Arts course.”
Andy Rees, News Editor
Description: This class explores both open and closed forms of poetic language and everything in between. You will read poetry and write your own every week, working towards a final portfolio that will reflect the amount of work you put into the class. Don’t be fooled by misconceptions. There is a lot of work involved in this class, but if you enjoy poetry or writing in general, it’s definitely something to look into.
Availability: One section is available in the 2008-2009 Winter quarter.
Credits: 4
Rock Climbing 1112-050
“I started rock climbing eight years ago because I wanted to get over my fear of heights. I took the class because I missed it and I needed exercise. I’m still afraid of heights [but I enjoyed the class].”
Madeleine Villavicencio, Features Editor
Description: Get your wellness requirements out of the way with this, a course in indoor rock climbing and the science behind it. From stretching to descent, this class goes over everything you’ll need to improve your skills as a rock climber. Though a course fee does apply, it is the only thing that will cost you money, as all the proper equipment is provided.
Availability: There are eight sections of this class open in the Winter quarter, but there’s a reason for it. This class is popular and seats will go fast.
Credits: 0
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| Katie Anderson |
Viking Myth and Saga 0504-465
“First, [the professor] Saari is practically a Viking herself. Second, you watch a movie every class on crazy Viking adventures of old (be prepared to learn a lot about boats). Third, the readings are epic sagas! And who knows — you might just discover your concentration. I did!”
Katie Anderson, Illustrator
Description: This is a literature class delving in the subject of the Viking world through readings of myths, sagas, and folktales. The class will explore these texts, not only as powerful narrative works, but also as a definition of a culture that has been a dominant force in the evolution of western culture.
Availability: One section is available this year, but not until Spring quarter.
Credits: 4
