Here's The Six Coolest Classes Dallas Community Colleges Are Offering This Semester.
There's some weird college classes out there, y'all. No, really: The University of California-San Diego actually has an underwater basket weaving class. It's not just a joke, turns out.
So, in preparation of the upcoming fall semester, we decided to dig around in our own Dallas County Community College District's catalog and pick out some pretty colorful options to further your higher education.
Y'know, because you're never too old to go back to school to prove to your dad you're not a fool.
Level Design.
GAME 1304 (3 credit hours).
Offered at: Richland College.
Prerequisites: GAME 1303.
Description: “Introduction to the tools and concepts used to create levels for games and simulations. Incorporates level design, architecture theory, concepts of critical path and flow, balancing, play testing, and storytelling. Includes utilization of toolsets from industry titles.”
Why We Dig It: You're not just playing videogames in this class, you're learning how to design them. Yeah. This is real life. This is a real college class. Though geared towards those interested in game design and ultimately aiming to make it in the biz, this course could definitely make semesters a little more interesting for anyone. Let's-a go!
Cake Decorating I.
PSTR 1206 (2 credit hours) .
Offered at: El Centro.
Prerequisites: PSTR 1301 with a “C” or better.
Description: “Introduction to skills, concepts and techniques of cake decorating. Baking and pastry lab classes require extended periods of time standing in place, lifting heavy weights (up to 60 pounds), reaching, bending, working around open flames and with cleaning chemicals. This course requires practical knowledge of requirements for Food and Sanitation Guidelines as set by Health and Safety Standards and practical knowledge using commercial baking equipment.”
Why We Dig It: Some semesters — unfortunately not this one, sigh — DCCCD offers a competitive pastry baking class. It's officially the cutest sport in the world. You better tighten your apron, though, as it sounds like these little chefs mean business. If you think your delicious little concoctions made of dough and sugar can outshine the competition, you knead this prerequisite to get the dough ball rolling.
Electronic Music I.
MUSC 1390 (3 credit hours).
Offered at: Brookhaven, Cedar Valley, Eastfield, Mountain View, North Lake, Richland College.
Prerequisites: Completion of a Music Fundamentals, Music Theory, Private Piano or Class Piano course.
Description: “Introduction to the use of synthesizers, computers, sequencing and music printing software, multi-track recorders and other MIDI (Music Instrument Digital Interface) devices in the notation, arrangement, composition and performance of music.”
Why We Dig It: There's a class for playing synth! That's just cool. What's more, this one's probably a good idea for all manner of rising hip-hop and electronic producers to consider.
Introduction to the Internet.
ITNW 1437 (4 credit hours).
Offered at: El Centro, Mountain View, Dallas Colleges Online.
Prerequisites: None.
Description: “Introduction to the Internet with emphasis on using the World Wide Web to locate, transfer, and publish information. Survey of emerging technologies on the Internet.”
Why We Dig It: Even if you don't have the latest copy of Windows 95, you can still take this class — well, if you can somehow manage to find your web browser on your own. Unfortunately, you can't take this one online, either.
Beginning Walking for Fitness.
PHED 1123 (1 credit hour).
Offered at: All campuses.
Prerequisites: None.
Description: “This course is designed for the student who desires cardiovascular fitness by means of a low impact method. Maximum physical fitness is achieved by vigorous walking. The heart rate is elevated to the appropriate target zone for peak conditioning. An extensive warm-up and cool down increases joint and muscle flexibility.”
Why We Dig It: Because walking is exhausting enough, amirite? In case you haven't mastered walking on your own yet, it's also offered online. Baby steps, everyone!
Journeyman Brewery Certificate.
Offered at: Eastfield College.
Prerequisites: None.
Description: “Eastfield's Journeyman Brewer Certificate covers 177 hours of brewing technology and practical experience with industry equipment. Students will have a working knowledge of various equipment used within the brewing industry and develop an understanding of various brewing practices used in a variety of brewery settings.”
Why We Dig It: To be brewtally honest, this class sounds pretty cool. You get to learn how to become a part of the growing craft beer community in town. It's pretty intense, but of all the off-the-wall classes, this one is sounds the most like a party. Y'know, 'cause beer.