Worthwhile 2-Unit Classes to Supplement your Schedule

By: Sophia Pei ‘22

Did you know that every semester you pay for up to 18 units with your tuition? Most students take 4 classes (16 units), but there are a bunch of fun 1 and 2 unit courses you could take to supplement your experience. The add/drop deadline is January 21, so go ahead and try out some classes. Keep reading for a list of worthwhile 1-2 unit courses!

Be a Global Citizen

Want to brush up on a language but don’t have time to add a minor? Investigate the various 2 unit language courses to practice your conversational skills. Whether you’re hoping to study abroad or simply expand on your language requirement, check out the following classes.

EALC-101: Conversational Chinese and Intercultural Communication (2 units)

Did you know that Mandarin (the official language of the People’s Republic of China) is expected to be the most commonly spoken language by 2030? This class teaches basic Mandarin conversational skills. The best part is that this class is open to all levels whether you’re a beginner or if it’s your first language.

EALC-102 : Language, Art and Culture: Calligraphy (2 units)

Okay so maybe you don’t want to speak Chinese but you appreciate writing more. This course introduces students to the origin of the basic components of Chinese scripts and styles of calligraphy. 

SPAN-280: Conversational Spanish (2 units)

Discuss short films and literature with your classmates in Spanish. It is expected that you have completed or tested out of Spanish 3.

Have an interest in music?

Look into the various electives offered by Thornton Music School! From jazz improvisation classes to introduction to harp there are so many cool options. Most of the classes have a lecture component and 1:1 work with a TA or music professor. I would highly recommend if you want to brush up on an instrument or pick up a new one.

MPKS-150A: Beginning Piano (2 units)

Maybe you’ve played piano since you were 4 but haven’t practiced your entire freshman year, or maybe this will be your first exposure. Piano is a great beginner instrument and this class will teach you the techniques of performance, note reading, and basic musicianship.

MPST-163: Harp (2 units)

Ever wanted to learn harp? Now’s your chance! You’ll learn fundamental techniques and receive demonstrations in lecture as well as have individual coaching from the wonderful TAs and professor. In my opinion, harp is the most beautiful sounding instrument.

MPGU-120A: Beginning Pop/Rock Guitar (2 units)

Whether you want to learn to play the Beatles or just properly hold a guitar, this class is the perfect introduction to guitar. The course covers the basic techniques of pop/rock guitar as well as fundamental music theory.

MUJZ-150: Beginning Jazz Improvisation (2 units)

Want to develop your musical improvisational skills? Take this class. Also a great class if you want to develop ear training.

Get Active

Did you want a class to keep you accountable for your New Year’s resolution of engaging in regular exercise? Check out the following fun 1 unit classes offered by the Physical Education Department! Since these are only 1 unit feel free to take two!

PHED-148: Archery (1 unit)

Whether you’re just starting out or if you have experience, this new PE class will teach you and improve your archery techniques.

PHED-115: Surfing (1 unit)

This class meets every Friday morning at Santa Monica Beach. Try out the signature sport of our golden coast but definitely register ASAP – spots tend to go quickly. Take this class to learn fundamental surfing skills, water etiquette and safety, and surf culture. To register, you need to be able to swim 150 yards in 3 minutes, tread water for 10, and be able to dive and retrieve a block.

PHED 120-125: Yoga (1 unit)

A refreshing break from back to back lectures. It’ll improve your physical and mental flexibility. I took a yoga series my freshman year and loved it. While I do not practice yoga daily, I use many of the mindfulness techniques.

PHED-140: Self Defense (1 unit)

A worthwhile class for anyone regardless of body type. The class is targeted towards beginners to give them the tools to get out of various compromising situations (including with weapons).

NAUT-001A: Deepwater Cruising (2 units)

Okay so this isn’t an official PHED class but it’s every bit as cool. This class takes an experiential approach to the sailing ship and seafaring. You’ll learn in lecture all the parts of the boat, sailing theory, and basic oceanography then the course culminates with a 2 day sailing trip to Catalina island! 

Be creative!

Take some fun classes in Roski School of Design. Whether you’re painting or doing anatomical drawings, it’ll be a refreshing break where you can express your creativity.

ART-314: Illustration for Art and Design (2 units)

This class covers illustration techniques ranging from fine art to animation. It covers both traditional techniques as well as digital. Best of all, though it is an upper level elective, it’s open to everyone!

ART-443: Woodworking  (2 units)

Learn the fundamentals of woodshop and how to use relevant machinery and tools.

Start Coding

As they say, technology is the future. Programming definitely has a large learning curve but it’ll teach you to think logically and problem solve. Check out the following ITP and CSCI classes.

CSCI-102: Introduction to C++ (2 units)

This is essentially the introduction to the introduction of coding in C++. Here you learn some basic programming idioms that will be the foundational to later coding projects. Though I did not take this, I really wish I did. I jumped into CSCI103 with no prior programming experience and struggled. I would highly recommend this for anyone on the fence about adding a computer science minor.

ITP-115: Programming in Python (2 units)

Learn how to use Python and apply to science, business, finance, and the web. Python is a great starter language with clear syntax and many practical uses.

ITP-125 L: From Hackers to CEOs: Introduction to Information Security (2 units)

Ever wonder how hackers do what they do? What is ethical hacking? This course will cover all the basics of computer security and security management.

Love dancing?

Try one of Kaufman’s dance classes. These classes are taught by Kaufman dance instructors but are open to all skill levels. Whether you’re looking to improve your coordination, body alignment, or just have a good time, I recommend investigating the following.

DANC-188: Ballroom Dance (2 units)

Introduction to international styles of ballroom dance. Grab and partner and try it out. You never know when an opportunity to tango at a party may come up.

DANC-183: Ballet (2 units)

Ever wanted to be a ballerina? Maybe you took lessons as a child and stopped. Now’s the opportunity to give it another shot. This teaches classical ballet and barre techniques.

Pre-Health?

Look into the Healthcare Studies Minor (MEDS). Even if you decide to not officially add the minor, it offers a plethora of amazing courses that allow to explore various aspect of medicine and healthcare. Ranging from stem cell literature to an exploratory class on the role of medical coroners to applications of bionics to medical ethics, there are countless classes sure to pique your interest even if you’re not sure you’re not going into a healthcare profession.

MEDS-220: Preparation for the Clinical Experience (2 units)

I took MEDS220 last semester, a 2-unit class taught by Dr. Emily Rose. The class is seminar style with a host of guest speakers including current medical students, residents, and physicians. I would highly recommend this course if you’re on the fence about going into medicine (MD, PA, OT, etc.)

MEDS-380: Stem Cells: Fact and Fiction

You hear that stem cells are the future of regenerative medicine, but how much do you really know? This class essentially goes over all the myths, current uses, and potential future applications of STEM cells.

MEDS-260: Biomedical Ethics

Many medical schools want you to take a medical ethics class in some form so here’s one for just 2 units. This course examines fundamental ethical concepts that healthcare professionals commonly encounter when practicing clinical healthcare and research.

PHED-161 First Aid (1 unit)

Okay, so this isn’t a MEDS class but it will greatly help in your healthcare career. Looking to train to get a Red Cross certification? Take this class and get first aid safety training and learn to conduct CPR.

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