Exploring Elective Classes: Hands-On Art and Geology

Are you looking for enriching elective classes that can enhance your academic experience and personal growth? This article delves into two particularly engaging and beneficial elective options: anthropology and geology. Whether you have a passion for hands-on creative pursuits or a love for the natural sciences, these elective classes can provide unique and valuable experiences.

Engaging in Hands-On Art Classes

One of my favorite elective classes was anthropology. Anthropology is a fascinating field that explores the human experience through various lenses, including cultural, biological, and archaeological perspectives. However, if you're more inclined toward hands-on projects and creative techniques, consider enrolling in art classes. Jewelry making, for instance, is an excellent choice for those who enjoy crafting something tangible and visually appealing.

Jewelry Making and Its Benefits

Enrolling in a jewelry making class can offer several benefits:

Creative Development: Engaging in jewelry making allows you to explore your artistic side and develop new skills in design and craftsmanship. Hobby and Appreciation: Jewelry making can serve as a lifelong hobby that brings joy and appreciation for the objects you create and those made by others. Sense of Accomplishment: Completing a piece of jewelry can boost your self-confidence and provide a sense of achievement. Critical Thinking: It trains your mind to consider form, color, and design principles, enhancing your problem-solving skills.

Sculpting the Earth: Geology

If you have a natural curiosity about the world around you and enjoy science, geology can be a highly rewarding elective. It is a field that explores the formation and evolution of the Earth's surfaces and interiors. Taking a geology class can deepen your appreciation of the natural world and equip you with a unique perspective on the physical environment.

Why Choose Geology?

Geology presents several compelling reasons to consider it as an elective:

Fieldwork and Experiences: Geology often involves outdoor fieldwork, allowing you to explore various geographical locations and gain hands-on experience. For instance, taking a course might lead to field trips to remote islands, volcanic regions, and local beaches and cliffs. Career Opportunities: Geology can open the door to numerous career paths, including environmental consulting, exploration, and resource management. This field provides a direct connection to the natural world and can be thrilling for those who are passionate about the Earth and its natural processes. Enthusiasm and Family Involvement: Geology can be a fun and engaging pursuit that extends beyond the classroom. For example, I now assist with field work at the college where I teach, and my four-year-old son has already shown an interest in geology by taking fossilized dung (coprolite) as a show-and-tell item in school. This early exposure to geology can inspire a lifelong love of the subject. Social Aspects: Geologists are often described as friendly, down-to-earth, and fun-loving individuals. Engaging in a geology course can introduce you to a vibrant and supportive community.

Conclusion

Enrolling in elective classes can significantly enrich your academic journey and personal development. Whether you choose anthropology for its cultural insights or geology for its connection to the natural world, these classes offer unique opportunities to explore, create, and grow. Whatever your interests, there is a world of knowledge waiting to be discovered through the right elective class.