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Student-to-student: Interesting 1-2 credit courses to fill out your fall schedule

April 4, 2018 By Emily Hamer

It’s that time of the year again  — enrollment dates for the fall semester are just around the corner.

Seniors will start enrolling next week, followed by juniors later that week, then sophomores the week after, and freshman the week after that.

In these final days before enrollment begins, it’s time to meticulously find the right classes and plan your perfect schedule. And in the course of planning, sometimes you’ll have a little extra room in your schedule.

Adding a one- or two-credit class to your schedule can be a great way to branch out and learn about something beyond what’s required in your major. You can add variety to your classes and avoid overburdening yourself with another three or four-credit course.

Here are 10 interesting and unique one or two-credit classes you could take next semester to diversify your academic experience.

Kendo: Integration of Martial Arts and Liberal Art

In this class, you’ll explore Kendo practice, which is a martial art. Students will not only learn martial arts techniques and combat, but also the history and philosophical importance of Kendo.

Take this two credit class to challenge yourself — both mentally and physically.

Financial life skills for before and after graduation

Stressed about becoming a real adult who has to deal with real adult responsibilities? There’s a class for that — there’s actually two classes for that. One that teaches you financial skills for while you’re an undergraduate, another for after you graduate.

Add one of these one credit courses to be prepared for taxes, budgeting, student loans, credit, housing, investment, and even planning for retirement.

Aquatics

This Kinesiology course teaches you how to achieve proficiency in swimming strokes and aquatic skills. You also gain an understanding of the physiological processes behind aquatic performance.

Just add the one-credit class to your schedule and head over to the Natatorium!

People swims laps in the pool at the Gymnasium-Natatorium at the University of Wisconsin–Madison on April 12, 2014. (Photo by Jeff Miller/UW-Madison) Photo: Jeff Miller

Gems: The Science behind the sparkle

Expand your horizons with this geoscience course on gemology. You’ll learn about the formation and properties of popular gemstones, and how they’re collected and treated.

Plus, since the 1-2 credit class is online, you won’t even need to leave your bed to learn.

African Dance

Learn about other cultures in an experiential way.

In this one-credit course, you’ll practice the techniques of several basic African dance forms. In addition, you’ll explore the musical, historical and cultural contexts of the dances.  

Introduction to Music Cultures of the World

Sick of the top 40 pop hits in America? Take this two-credit course to learn about a variety of music from the non-Western world. From Africa to the Middle East, India to East Asia, this class will help diversify your audio options.

Exploring psychology

If you’re interested in psychology, but didn’t end up majoring in it, this two-credit class is a great opportunity. Study a wide range of areas in psychology, including perceptions, cognition, child development and neuroscience.

Counseling Psychology: Emphasis on Stress Reduction and Relaxation

Stressed? Have trouble relaxing, sleeping or managing life in general? This one-credit class is for you. You’ll learn relaxation and mindfulness techniques to help you improve your wellness and live more peacefully.

UW senior Samantha Taylor, a personal finance major, and UW senior Cristina Callan, an economics major, listen during Rob Sepich’s class on stress management. Emily Hamer

 

Exercise, Nutrition and Health

Learn to live healthier in this two-credit kinesiology class. Discover methods for fitness, nutrition and stress-reduction. Plus, learn about the physiological and psychological impact these healthy lifestyles can have on you.

University Chorus

If you’re passionate about singing or just want to learn some singing techniques, there are a variety of one-credit choir classes you can take. This one, University Chorus, you don’t have to audition for. Just sign up and start singing!

Beverly Taylor, music professor, conducts Concert Choir students in the Mosse Humanities Building at the University of Wisconsin–Madison on April 2, 2009. Photo by: Bryce Richter