As we all know, at USC, we're provided with 18 units each semester at the flat tuition rate. The average student usually enrolls in four 4-unit classes, bringing up the total number of units to 16, leaving those two units to waste (did you know that two units at USC cost approximately $2,300?). With undergraduate tuition rising, why not consider getting your money’s worth by taking a fun 2-unit elective? As USC students, we’re granted with 24 units of P/NP so you can take these electives as P/NP and you won’t have to worry about it affecting your GPA. College is the time for experimentation and self-discovery. It is the optimal time to explore different interests and pursue other avenues that you may find you actually enjoy or have an affinity in. With registration for the fall 2016 semester coming up, I’ve compiled a list of fun USC electives that you can take to spice up your schedule!
1. Introduction to Screenwriting (CTWR 412) – 2 units
USC is renowned for its Cinematic school that was home to now-famous screenwriters like Shonda Rhimes ("Scandal," "Grey’s Anatomy") and Josh Schwartz ("The O.C.," "Gossip Girl"), to name a few. If you’ve always enjoyed writing, why not try this introductory screenwriting class and walk the same halls that Shonda Rhimes has walked in? This is an elective that I’ve personally taken and it’s been great so far. I'm currently taking this with Professor Daniel Martin, and the workload is pretty light with one short screenplay each week. The class is "workshop style," which basically means we read aloud our work in an open setting and give feedback to each other. This may sound a little daunting, but everyone in the class has been really supportive. One other great professor you can take the class with is Jason Squire; I initially wanted to take his class, but it was full. His class fills up really quickly because his former students include really cool people like Kevin Fiege, the president of Marvel Studios and producer of all Marvel movies, and Doug Liman, the director of "Mr. and Mrs. Smith" and "Edge of Tomorrow."
2. Introduction to Creative Writing (ENG 105x) – 4 units
This is another elective that I've personally taken as well last semester. Again, if you've always liked writing, this elective is perfect for you! You'll be reading great creative works and discussing them in addition to writing your very own creative writing assignments every week and culminating in a seven- to 10-page story as your final assignment. I took this class with Lisa Locascio and I highly recommend her class -- it was awesome!
3. Introduction to Adobe Photoshop (ITP 090x) – 2 units
Have you always wanted to master the art of Photoshop? Lucky for you, USC provides an elective that teaches you how to do just that! Learn the basics of Photoshop with this elective and improve your skills in graphic design -- it could be handy for giving you a killer, new profile picture!
4. Surfing (PHED 104a) – 1 unit
This is one of the most popular and well-known "fun" classes in USC. Students basically meet up once a week in Santa Monica beach and literally learn how to surf together. How cool does that sound! Students will learn a variety of things such as the fundamental instruction of surfing skills (so you don't have to worry if you're a complete newbie), water safety and etiquette, judging surf conditions, and more. You can also check out other cool sports-related classes under Physical Education, like Self-Defense or Basketball, to name a few.
5. Improvisation and Theatre Games (THTR 122) – 2 units
Was your childhood dream to be an actress or actor? Well, now you get to live your childhood dream for a semester and have a little taste of what it's like to be an actor with this USC elective. With this class, you'll learn how to do improv acting; it'll surely help you think faster on your feet and teach you to let go of your inhibitions! The class is based on individual and group exercises to "free the actor physically and emotionally and to stimulate creativity, imagination and self-expreesion."
6. Beginning Pop/Rock Guitar (MPGU 120a) – 2 units
Have you always wanted to learn how to play an instrument? USC offers multiple beginner instrument classes such as this beginning pop/rock guitar class. You can also learn other instruments like the piano. Check out USC's Thornton School of Music for more options.
7. The Digital Playbook for Entrepreneurs: Creating a Tech Startup (BAEP 465) – 2 units
Are you a budding entrepreneur? Have you always dreamed of starting your very own startup? This class will teach you how to use digital tools and technologies, such as social media, mobile, cloud computing and e-commerce to launch and grow entrepreneurial ventures.
So, there you have it! A list of fun USC electives I hope you'll consider as you enroll for classes next semester. Keep in mind that these are only a few of a very wide range of options that USC provides and I only picked the ones that I thought sounded most interesting to put on this list. There are a ton of other great USC electives that's out there so if none of these classes are your cup of tea, don't be discouraged and do browse through the USC class schedule to find other electives and get your money's worth!
