Hidden Gem Classes to Take at USC
By: Kristen Adams ‘25
Looking for a fun elective to take next semester? Not sure what fun 2-unit elective to add to your schedule? Interested in taking a course that is outside your comfort zone? As a USC tour guide and student ambassador, I’m excited to introduce to you a wide variety of classes that will spice up your time here at USC.
For those interested in art and creativity:
PPDE 641: Art and the City
Housed in the Price School of Public Policy, this course explores the role of art in modern society, specifically in public spaces.
Maymester: Contemporary Art in New York
During this study abroad opportunity, you will learn about contemporary art and how art gets made. You will travel to New York, where you will visit museums and galleries, meet art professionals, and explore art exhibitions and installations.
ART 130: Ceramics
Learn how to make clay sculpture and ceramic objects through a fun art class.
ARCH 481: Furniture Design
Explore 20th century furniture design and its relationship to art and architecture.
Maymester in Rome
Offered by the Department of French and Italian in Dornsife, you will have the opportunity to study and live in Rome, visit local museums, and explore everything the city has to offer. Plus, no previous knowledge of Italian is required to participate!
For those interested in the world of science:
PSYC 301: Cognitive Processes
A fascinating cognitive science course that explores human memory, perception, thinking, and language through lectures and experiments. Note that PSYC 100: Introduction to Psychology is a required prerequisite course!
Maymester: Aquatic Microbiology
Travel to the beautiful Catalina Island to learn about the habitat and aquatic life. Note that BISC 220: General Biology is a required prerequisite course!
OT 220: Lifestyle Design
The Occupational Therapy program at USC offers a wide variety of courses that explore the role of meaningful activities in life, as well as health, well being, and self-care behavior.
ITP 125: From Hackers to CEOs: Introduction to Information Security
Learn about computer security, information integrity, and ethical hacking practices. Get the information to avoid hackers, or become a hacker yourself!
HBIO: The Science of Sport
If you are a sports lover interested in STEM, this is the class for you! Qualifying as a life sciences GE, learn about the physiological and nutritional components of human performance in athletics.
For those interested in fitness, dance, and acting classes:
DANC 188: International Style Ballroom Dance
Learn how to dance with a partner through different styles of ballroom dance.
THTR 417: Stage Combat
Have you ever wanted to learn how to fight someone without causing harm, but have it look real and authentic? If so, this is the class for you! Learn how to safely and effectively portray violence on a stage through unarmed stage combat training and practice. Note that THTR 216: Movement for Actors is a suggested prerequisite course!
PHED 115: Surfing
Learn how to surf by going to the ocean every Friday morning with your class to ride the waves!
PHED 155: Golf
Learn the rules and etiquette of golf and become a golf pro in no time!
For those interested in the entertainment industry:
THTR 307: Comedy in LA
Explore Los Angeles-based live comedy through text, performance, discussions, and experiential learning; learn what it takes to be a comedian!
THTR 423: Magic
Do you want to learn how to do magic tricks? If so, check out this class! Learn how to trick the audience into believing something that is impossible. From illusions to mentalism to vanishing to classic coin and card tricks, the possibilities are endless.
CTCS 466: Theatrical Film Symposium
During one of the most iconic classes at USC, you get to watch all of the newest movies before the rest of the world gets to see them. Following the screening, you will also get to meet the cast and crew of the film; for example, Chloé Zhao and Kevin Feige came to this class to talk about The Eternals when it first premiered in theaters!
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