My college doesn’t consult me when it comes to devising their course offerings, but if they did, these would be my suggestions.
1. Title: Fanfiction: The Craft of the People
Department: EnglishCourse description: 4 da reel goffs only, prepz gtfo. This course will cover the good, the bad and the ugly of fanfiction, the art of writing pieces based on existing works. Anyone can write one, but not everyone should. Required readings will include My Immortal, Hogwarts School of Prayer and Miracles, and excerpts of "Fifty Shades of Grey." Students will also embark on their own fanfiction-writing adventures. Topics covered will include common fanfiction tropes, Mary Sues, shipping, smut and others.
2. Title: Hamilton: The Man, the Musical, the Legend
Department: History, possibly cross-listed with TheatreCourse description: This course will uncover the subject of the biggest musical on Broadway, the bastard, orphan, son-of-a-whore himself. Learn where the musical got Hamilton right and where it got him wrong. Discuss why the story appeals to audiences everywhere—is it inherent in the story, is it in the writing, or is it a mix of both? Required reading includes Ron Chernow’s biography and "Hamilton: The Revolution." The cast album is required listening. Because obviously.
3. Title: The Sorting Hat
Department: Psychology, possibly cross-listed with EnglishCourse description: Sorting people into Hogwarts houses is a favorite activity of many a Harry Potter fan. In this course, you will learn about the Hogwarts houses and the art of sorting. We will examine why people sort and what sorting accomplishes. Reading "Harry Potter" is a prerequisite, and students are encouraged to reread the series before the semester begins.4. Title: The Vlog: Reaching the People
Department: Film and New Media Studies
Course description: These days, YouTube is perhaps the most popular path to fame for anyone with a camera and things to say. Many vloggers have seen their popularity ascend beyond their wildest imaginations and might even be considered celebrities. How do vloggers become so popular? What makes an everyday person into a sensation? In this course, students will learn the theory behind vlogging and about the pros and cons of the art form.
5. Title: The Blog: The Modern-Day Soap Box
Department: Creative WritingCourse description: The sister class of The Vlog. Before there was vlogging, there was blogging. In this course, students will develop their own blog-style voices while writing about subjects they care about. We will discuss what makes a blog post effective and a blog eye-catching. There will also be some instruction on the basics of utilizing platforms such as Wordpress.
