The path of least resistance at Pepperdine runs through GEs, abroad, then headlong into a major. Wherever you are along this path, you always have the choice to stop and smell the course catalogue. I have, and I’ve compiled a list of some choice offerings this fall. None of these courses require pre-requisites, and the add/drop period ends Sept. 2.
AAS 200: Introduction to African‐American Studies
We have an African-American studies minor at Pepperdine that’s 23 or 24 units. This is its introductory course. It’s a good thing it’s offered, and you’d do well to take it because, let’s be honest: Pepperdine’s a little white.
ART 100: Drawing I
Art classes will teach you many things, chief of which is how many people are more artistic than you. But don’t be discouraged. Learning how to draw will really improve your cocktail napkin doodles. And, done properly, those can impress all the right kind of people.
ASIA 310: A History of Modern Japan and/or ASIA 365: Japanese and Asian Film
I’m a history major, and A History of Modern Japan has been my favorite history class at Pepperdine. Plus, it satisfies your non-Western history GE requirement. On the film side, did you know both “The Departed” and “The Magnificent Seven” were based on better, Japanese movies? Also, Hayao Miyazaki is the Walt Disney of Japan. And by not seeing his movies, you’re suffocating your inner-child. My neighbor, Totoro, would want you to see his movies.
BIOL 105: Introduction to Marine Biology
Remember that episode of “Seinfeld” where Jerry lies and says George is a marine biologist? No? You mean you didn’t spend junior high watching re-runs of ’90s sitcoms? Oh, you watched “Friends”? Well, that was a mistake.
CRWR 203: Introduction to Creative Writing
Take this class and you may discover a passion for poetry, fiction or drama. Then you can take further classes in those disciplines. But if you discover you really like creative non-fiction, tough luck. Pepperdine doesn’t.
GEO 321: World Regional Geography
I took this class from Professor Diener in his last semester here. (Oh, too soon?) But the curriculum is still solid, even though he’s not teaching it. This class is a requirement for liberal arts majors, who are usually studying to go into teaching. Now, you may wonder why anyone needs to study geography. Doesn’t Google Maps have that all sorted out? Well, just because information is available on the internet doesn’t mean it isn’t useful to have a working knowledge of it, too. After all, knowing the full list of states that once comprised Yugoslavia — there are seven if you count Kosovo — impresses cocktail parties even more than napkin doodles.
JWP 301: Junior Writing Portfolio
JK, LOL!
MUS 110: Piano Class I and/or MUS 118: Voice Class I
Learn how to play piano, and you can be that guy who plays “Clocks” in the Sandbar. (2004 was a good year; but just as Bush/Cheney won’t be on the ticket in 2012, songs from “A Rush of Blood to the Head” should fade away, too. Don’t worry. If you play enough Mumford & Sons, Waves will lose all appreciation for their music as well.) Learn how to sing, or at least sing better, and you can impress the people standing next to you at UM — because singing worship songs is all about making people like you. But take both piano and voice, and you’re well on your way to becoming the next Ben Folds or Lady Gaga. And who doesn’t want to be Lady Gaga? Right?
PE 120: FORM: Faith‐Ordered Rotational Movement
This class definitely wins for having the most intriguing name in the course catalogue. I did a little investigating and discovered what it’s all about. Priscilla MacRae, coordinator of the physical education program at Pepperdine, responded to my e-mail to say PE 120 “is stretching and strengthening while meditating on God’s Word … similar to pilates to scripture.” ’Nuff said.
PE 157: Surfing
“You go to Pepperdine? Is surfing like a class there?”
PHIL 200: Introduction to Philosophy
Did you know the philosophy minor is only 20 units? That means you only have to take five courses to learn how to ask more questions than you can answer. In fact, taking only PHIL 200 will probably help you do that. Remember, there’s nothing employers love more than critical thinkers, especially those critical thinkers too paralyzed by doubt to make decisions.
