College students know all about “filler” classes; those taken to rack up a full schedule, or to count as an elective. However, filler classes don’t have to be a waste of time, in fact several classes at UTM could be considered essential for the future.
There are classes like Event Planning (MKTG 377), Psychology of Marriage (PYSC 400), Argumentation and Debate (COMM 377) and more.
Event Planning is taught by Ashley Kilburn, professor of Marketing.
“My students put the content to work through two projects: a comprehensive wedding plan and the design, decor and on-site management of the annual College of Business Honors Banquet, including a client pitch to the CBGA Dean and his staff to finalize budget and selections.”
It is an extremely applied class that former students really seem to have enjoyed.
“Event Planning is such a fun and challenging class all in one. We had many different major types in my section of the course because it ultimately is a fun way to learn life skills that people will need in the professional workplace,” said Morgan Curlin, a senior Marketing major.
Event Planning could go a long way for all majors. Bosses ask for event coordinators often; it would be worth it to stand out in a situation such as that.
A lot of students do not realize the variety in courses this university offers. Some of these classes could be extremely beneficial in life after graduation.
One of those classes is Psychology of Marriage, taught by Associate Professor Joseph Ostenson.
This is a class that a lot of students wouldn’t think about being offered, but would actually enjoy the lessons they learned.
“My course is intended to disrupt students’ thinking about marriage so they are well informed about what marriage is and don’t go into it blindly,” said Ostenson.
He thinks it is a course that gives students a better understanding of what marriage is, and why people think of it in the way they do.
Jacob Fiala, a Psychology major that has previously taken this class, noted some of the widely applicable lessons that were taken from the class.
“As always, Dr. Ostenson takes a very holistic approach, encouraging students to consider the institution of marriage from every angle,” said Fiala.
“Over the course of the class, students examine the psychological motivations for and aversions to marriage, the individual and familial impacts of marriage, and the historical and current socio-political functions of marriage. I believe that everyone- from psychology majors to physics majors, from the fiercest opponents of marriage to the strongest advocates, would feel enriched after taking this class!”
Being that many students get married soon after college, it’s no question why students may want to have this knowledge in their wheelhouse.
One thing that has been very popular recently is the act of arguing. However, often, we see that arguments aren’t civil and not informed.
Chara Van Horn, associate professor of Communications, teaches a class called Argumentation and Debate, which could help the general populous in their attempt for robust debate.
“Students learn how to construct strong arguments and then learn how to defend those arguments against attack,” says Van Horn.
Everyone runs into a situation at one point in time where they need to be able to have a civil disagreement.
Van Horn even has students participate in an in-class debate tournament, at the end of the semester.
One of those students was Breydon Horton, a senior Communications major, who enjoyed the class.
“Argumentation and Debate has been one of the most enjoyable classes I have taken,” Horton said. “This class is very beneficial to anyone who wants to better their public speaking skills, their debate skills or strengthen their ability to have civil debate and conversation.
In this class, you aren’t expected to be the greatest orator and debater; you are just expected to try. So, it truly is a class that anyone of any ability can take.”
Another unavoidable responsibility of adulthood is managing money. Questions for those newly on their own are often related to when to save, what to save for and how much to save.
The difficulties of budgeting can be a reality check for those unprepared.
Shirley Borden, lecturer professor of Finance teaches Financial Planning (FIN 160).
“It is a practical course with many assignments designed for the students to learn about their own personal financial situation and then to explore ways to improve upon that. Emphasis is placed upon getting your money to do what it is you want it to do,” Borden says.
College stretches most students to their limit when it comes to having money and using it the right way. This responsibility probably isn’t made better by going to La Cabana every night, but hey, it happens. Maybe after taking Borden’s class students can learn to budget for the extra queso.
One other class that sparked interest is Healthy Aging (HHP 360).
Laura Brown, associate professor for Health and Human Performance gives students a look into trends in an aging society, nutrition and living options as well as policy and ethical issues.
She does this by creating a major assignment in which students research a topic of their choice related to healthy aging and present it to the class.
A former student of Brown has offered her thoughts on the class.
Sarah Droke, an HHP major says, “It’s a really eye-opening class because it explains all the non-glamorous things that aging brings. I think the class is helpful for everyone to take to know what the future brings and how to help yourself age in a more healthy manner.”
Healthy aging has been big in the dermatology field and is often trending among beauty gurus, though the information is applicable to all people. Every piece of information could help people look their best when their 20s are a thing of the past.
UTM has several interesting classes to offer. As you’re registering for classes, look deeper at the opportunities available.
Don’t just look at the classes which prepare you for graduation, remember to note the classes that really prepare you for life.
