Simternship, screenwriting and the World Cup: 11 courses to keep in mind for spring registration

ENG 337: Modern/Contemporary Arabic Literature

Suggested by Camille Kuroiwa-Lewis, Living Editor

Sad oranges, corrupt journalists and prison life are explored within the required readings of Modern Arabic Literature. The class follows Arabic literature dating as far back as 1962 and focuses on the historical and religious perspectives informing these often censored writers. The texts are based in five countries and authored by writers of different backgrounds — ensuring students don’t fall into a monolithic study of Arabic culture. While class discussions might invoke images of awkward glances and silence, the relevant topics, ranging from female liberation to political persecution, kept students on their toes and eager to come to class to discuss Zahra’s plight or the ending of “I’jaam.” My favorite reading from this class was Ghassan Kanafani’s “Men in the Sun,” which collects Kanafani’s short stories about Palestinian identity and displacement, ultimately proving literature’s place as a vehicle to discuss religion, family and war. 

ENG 311: Nonfiction Writing Workshop

Suggested by Julianna Pedone, News and Managing Editor 

I’ve never considered myself the type to easily write about personal experiences, but every opinion piece I’ve managed to produce — and actually felt proud of — has been shaped by the skills I gained in Professor John McDonald’s ENG 311: Nonfiction Writing Workshop. This class is a hidden gem offering far more than just writing tips. The class is about learning how to engage readers in ways that feel both authentic and compelling. But the magic of ENG 311 isn’t just in the craft of writing. It’s in the community. You form bonds with your peers through the process of offering and receiving feedback, sharing not only writing but also the struggles, the humor and the growth that comes with it. The environment is collaborative, supportive and genuinely fun. Whether you're refining your narrative voice or building friendships over shared vulnerability, this class stays with you long after it ends. 

PSY 391: Global Games: Sports, Culture, and Development

Suggested by Kimberly Cortez, Editor-in-Chief

I grew up with a dad who loved soccer. It was one of the main ways we bonded growing up, and somehow, a conversation about soccer ultimately turned into a conversation about politics. That’s why, at the end of my first year at UP, when I saw a class titled The World Cup in Mind and Society, I knew I had to take it. The fall of 2022, the first time this class was introduced at UP, coincided with the 2022 Men’s World Cup hosted in Qatar. The controversies surrounding this World Cup, ranging from human rights violations to deaths of migrant workers, made it the perfect case study to examine the ways social and psychological phenomena are embedded in sports and global spectacle. I still remember ideas from PSY 391 three years later, which speaks to its engagement with the topics. Yes, this class is for anyone who likes sports, but really this class is for those curious to learn more about the human experience through the vehicle of sport.

CST 301: Media and Society

Suggested by Kalena O’Connell, News Reporter

Media consumers are online for an average of 17 years of their lifetime. In this class, students focus on the presence of media and its implications for our society. Do you know how many times a day you mindlessly check your phone or get trapped scrolling? You might be surprised. Media and Society will explore how our algorithms limit knowledge while influencing our interests. As media consumers, we are often seeing what we want to see — not what we need to see. This discussion-based class starts with what you are paying attention to in the media. Students explore opinions on our rapidly advancing society and the future of media. Although I had an idea of how media influences life before this class, Professor Jennette Lovejoy widened my understanding of how my relationship with media correlates with my decisions, the topics I am knowledgeable about, my attention span and my understanding of the political climate. Whether media is within your field of study or not, we all are consumers and creators of media. Take this class to better explore your relationship with media and how it may harm or benefit our society.

SPN 451: Latin American Culture through Literature

Suggested by Tiffany Marquez Escobar, DEI Editor

Do you think you know everything there is to know about literature? Well, think again. Professor Maria Echenique will introduce you to the great writers of Latin America. From Pablo Neruda to José Martí to Gabriel García Márquez, she always finds writers that teach you more about the sociopolitical state of Latin America. However, she also finds ways to connect these topics to current issues in the United States. You don’t just get to read, but you also get to watch movies and listen to music and analyze lyrics from artists such as Calle 13. This class helped me realize that great literature can be found outside American or European authors. As a Latina, I finally felt represented in the classroom. I was happy to be surrounded by other Latinos and people curious to learn more about Latin American culture and history. Whether you’re looking to fulfill your language requirement or just want to practice your Spanish, this class will broaden your worldview.

BUS 474: Digital Marketing

Suggested by Naara Conlon, Social Media Reporter

While this course may not intrigue you at first glance, Digital Marketing reminded me of why I’ve spent all these grueling hours working towards my degree. Digital Marketing prepares you for the corporate world through learning activities, marketing certifications and a Simternship. There is no better person to teach the class than Professor Ashley Hass. She encourages her students in and beyond the classroom. I’ve applied what I’ve learned from this class, including email marketing and buyer personas, to my internship, job searching and other courses. I highly recommend students of any major, especially marketing, indulge in Digital Marketing to carry what’s learned here throughout any professional career. 

ED 340: Health and Wellness for Educators

Suggested by Lexi Buckner, Photographer 

This course is designed for education majors to learn about integrating health and wellness into their lessons while also gaining experience planning and teaching games like “Simon Says” and “freeze dance.” It’s a low-stress class that requires only one textbook, and assignments include weekly discussion, reading questions and two presentations: a standards-based lesson and a short brain break activity. These assignments are low-stakes, so come prepared with a solid lesson plan meeting the time requirements. During presentations, you’ll either play the role of a student or a teacher, using classroom management skills in a 30-45 minute lesson or a five to 10 minute brain-break activity. The class environment is fun and chaotic (in a good way). Though Health and Wellness for Educators is required for education majors, anyone can enroll.

PSY 381: Psychological Perspectives on Mental Health

Suggested by Q Acosta, Photographer

Psychological Perspectives on Mental Health delves into the treatment of mental health alongside regular guest speakers throughout the semester. Professor Renee Crowgey navigates the class from one difficult topic to another, all while maintaining a warm class atmosphere — even when the class starts at 8:10 a.m. As a therapist herself, Crowgey is able to provide resources and insight into topics discussed in class. For example, at the end of one of her lectures, she recommended the graphic novel "Marbles" by Ellen Forney for students to further understand what those living with bipolar disorder experience. Overall, this class helps students learn more than they previously knew about mental health.

BUS 528: Sports Marketing

Suggested by Amanda Stern, Photographer

A class for athletes and sports fans alike, Professor Natalie Abele showcases marketing strategies and theory in the context of the sports industry. While only offered to Sports Business Certificate students and MBA students, BUS 528 engages the whole class through discussions and student-led presentations about sports and marketing. Guest lecturers from companies such as Nike, Backwoods Brewing, Populous, PointsBet and The Portland Thorns (to name a few) present each week on their marketing, promotions and sponsorship expertise. Abele does an excellent job of facilitating discussions balanced with periodic assignments that ask you to both apply your learning and showcase your marketing creativity.

FA 308: Screenwriting

Suggested by Aidan Hyde, Sports Reporter

If you like film and want to broaden your writing, then this class is for you. Professor Bryan Willis, a professional screenwriter, creates a fun learning environment and teaches video and film writing techniques. This class encourages creative thinking through writing, workshopping scripts and in-class discussions. You will engage in presentations and watch clips of films like “The Silence of the Lambs” to learn about breaking fourth walls and other aspects of screenwriting. Willis brings his knowledge of screenwriting to other film, TV and play scripts to show students how writing is transformed from the page to the screen.

ENG 343: Studies in Nonfiction 

Suggested by Riley Martinez, Copy and Opinions Editor 

I fell in love with nonfiction a long time ago. But ENG 343 — Studies in Nonfiction — made me fall in love all over again. From memoirs like “Stop Time” by Frank Conroy, to Gretel Ehrlich’s meditation on Wyoming, “The Solace of Open Spaces,” whatever reading Professor Pat Hannon assigns will move you. For many students, the world of literature can be stuffy — a canon of old white guys who wrote long, dense stories that few can relate to. ENG 343 opens up literature like a mystery box. You’ll find long-form journalism, memoirs, autobiographies, narrative essays and more. You’ll encounter head-scratching questions like “What counts as nonfiction?” and “What is capital ‘T’ Truth?” You’ll play the role of writer-mechanic, looking under the hoods of texts to see how and why they work. 

I could say more. But you’ll see for yourself why I’m raving about this class. 

This list was compiled by The Beacon staff. We can be reached at beaconeditor@upbeacon.com.