ENG 231 1X Bible as Literature
Professor O’Sullivan TR 2-3:15 p.m.
Reviewed by: Danielle Del Pico
Personally, I have taken four classes taught by Professor O’Sullivan, and this course was one of the most intellectually challenging. The Bible is dissected in a similar style to most upper level literary discussion courses. The Bible is discussed in terms of theme, narrative, tone and characters, focusing on the different forms of language and context used. One of the many interesting points in this class is looking at the different books and comparing writing style. The class removes the religious and spiritual aspect of the Biblical text, which allows for moving and insightful discussion to thrive. Take this course if you want to explore different lenses in viewing this best selling text.
ARH 275 Fashion in Africa
Dr. Ryan TR 2–3:15 p.m.
Reviewed by: Alexandra Mariano
This course is dedicated to studying textile and dress traditions across Africa and can fulfil C, AAAS, INB, and SWAG requirements. Students will delve into the specifics of textile manufacturing and their appearances in contemporary art. Class discussions will place the clothing trends in political, historical, social, and religious context. Dr. Ryan is one of the only academic scholars to specialize in East African textiles. Her love of the colorful, mass produced kanga cloth is sure to be a hot topic within the classroom. Her passion for the subject exudes from every word she speaks, and not a second will lack interesting discussion.
ART 295 Photo I: Tech, Form, Content / ICE 200A Intro to Photo: Tech, Form, Content
Professor Roe TR 9:30–10:45 a.m. / TR 8–9:15 a.m.
Reviewed by: Alexandra Mariano
This introductory course covers how to use a Digital SLR camera, frame an image, enhance digital negatives and RAW files in Adobe Photoshop, and critically analyze photographs as an artwork. The forms explored include negative space and abstraction; the techniques include experimenting with opposite spectrums of the aperture and shutter speed to create images under prompts such as “time passing” or “dreaminess.” For the final project, students are given the freedom to photograph under any conditions they wish as long as they produce a set of images that share a collective theme. You don’t need to be a Photoshop whiz to take this course—most of the editing is very basic, as more emphasis is placed on the choices that go into formally composing a photograph. While earning an A credit, anyone can cultivate their inner artist.
ENG 367L Performative Workshop: Wilson/Kapil
Dr. Aggarwal F 1/29 6–8 p.m., S 1/31 12–4 p.m.
Reviewed by: Alexandra Mariano
This workshop is a unique creative opportunity taking place the weekend of Jan. 29–31. Two renowned artists, Bhanu Kapil and Ronaldo V. Wilson, will be coming from Naropa and UC Santa Cruz, respectively, to lead the 1-credit course. These authors tackle the limits of the body through the various lenses of belonging, race, movement, purpose, and transformation. Wilson expresses his ideas through live and video performances that mix poetry, song, dance, and traditional art. Kapil is a writer who approaches performance through her background in body therapy, tapping into her experiences with women’s identity in the U.S., England, and India. Students will learn from these masters, working outdoors and indoors, thinking about their physical presence in the world through writing, speaking, and—of course—performance. Dr. Aggarwal has worked hard to bring these two extraordinary individuals to Rollins and is sure that students will be exhilarated.
FRN 320 Intro to French Civilization
Dr. Lima MWF 12–12:50 p.m.
Reviewed by: Alexandra Mariano
This course is perfect for INB majors who need a higher-level foreign language elective or anyone who has finished their intermediate-level requirement and are interested in pursuing a French minor (which only needs four more classes after FRN202—only three more if you take FRN320). This course explores the history of French civilization, focusing on West Africa and the Caribbean. The rise of French civilization encompasses a broad array of subjects, including culture society, politics, economics, intellectual thought, and linguistics. By the time you leave Hauk Hall after your final exam, you will have become a regular French connoisseur.
GMN 251 German Literature and Film (L, FILM)
Dr. Decker MW 12–1:15 p.m.
Reviewed by: Alexandra Mariano
This fascinating international course explores German literature, exposing students to more than just the British Anglo-Saxon canon and earning them their L credit. Taught entirely in English, students will read texts such as Grimm’s Fairy Tales and Nazi Germany escape stories, in addition to analyzing the novel Dracula and its influences on the world’s first horror film, the 1992 German Nosferatu. Students with the appropriate German language background can join Dr. Decker for an additional hour per week to consider a text written completely in German.
ICE 100A Before the Curtain Rises
Dr. Griffin MWF 9–9:50 a.m.
Reviewed by: Alexandra Mariano
This course is meant to show students who have little to no background in theater the teamwork and magic that go into creating exceptional stage productions. A play is not created by just the actors or the designers or even the director—it takes many parts that come together as a whole. Students will lead discussions on readings and carry out team projects throughout the semester emphasizing theater’s collaborative nature; they will also watch shows at the Annie Russell Theatre, critiquing productions through their new perspective.
MM 200H Greek Initiation
Dr. Kenyon TR 8–9:15 a.m.
Reviewed by: Alexandra Mariano
“Basically, it’s every Gen Ed I’ve ever taught rolled into one,” said Dr. Kenyon. Tying into the Mysteries and Marvels theme, this course will explore the ancient Mystery Cults, religious groups who purified their recruits before accepting them—similar to going through Rush before entering Rollins Greek Life. Students will examine various aspects of ancient Greek life including history, myth in The Illiad, theater in the plays of Euripides, art, ethics in Plato’s writings, physics, and medicine. Get ready to discuss the allure of purification, virtue, vice, and secrets that keep modern thinkers coming back to the Greeks for solving contemporary mysteries.
ENG 167 Intro to Creative Writing
Dr. Williams TR 2–3:15 p.m. / Dr. Aufhammer M 6:45–9:15 p.m.
Reviewed by: Minoska Hernandez
The Spring 2016 semester is packed with fascinating classes, including Intro to Creative Writing. This is a great introduction class for aspiring writers who are looking to learn more about the world of creative writing and all that it entails. I took this class the first semester of sophomore year and can say that it has definitely helped enhance my writing skills for future classes. As an English major, I was able to learn different forms of writing and gained confidence in my own work. I highly recommend this fun writing course, whether you are pursuing English or not. It is a great way to strengthen your writing skills and gain some new ones. Intro to Creative Writing will be given on Tuesdays and Thursdays from 2:00 p.m.—3:15 p.m. by Dr. Williams and Mondays from 6:45 p.m.—9:15 p.m. by Dr. Aufhammer.
ECO 202 Econ In Historical Perspective
Dr. Balak TR 11 a.m.–12:15 p.m.
Reviewed by: Nicolas Nagaoka
Are you looking to complete your “D” credit in a fun and innovative way? ECO 202 or Econ In Historical Perspective is the place to go. Taught by Professor Beni Balak, the course centers on learning economic history in a new and interesting way. Professor Balak uses a new system called 3D GameLab as a way to organize and motivate students to push themselves to create their own paths of learning. He also uses video game knowledge and video games themselves to apply the concepts introduced in class. If you are tired of the old Syllabi system, check this class out next semester.
SEB 200 Social Entrepreneurship: Leading Change
Dr. Michelle Stecker MW 1-2:15 p.m. / MW 2:30-3:45 p.m.
Reviewed by: Eric Hilton
Anybody, regardless of major or background, is capable of innovative thinking. In Dr. Michelle Stecker’s class SEB: 200 – Social Entrepreneurship: Leading change, students are instilled with the values and methods that result in meaningful social change from an entrepreneurial perspective. Social entrepreneurs, their business, and their methods of thinking are all examined. Learning to examining problems with empathy plays a huge role in this class, and Dr. Stecker encourages students to share their personal insights into the material. I enjoyed this class because it works to destroy the stereotype that innovation can only stem from a desire to benefit oneself. I highly recommend this class to anyone interested in social entrepreneurship or learning how to be a more empathetic thinker and communicator.
PEA 62 Sailing / Canoeing
Coach Smith MW 12–1:50 p.m. / TWR 2-3:50 p.m.
Reviewed by: Kalli Joslin
If you need to satisfy a PEA requirement next semester, or simply want to enjoy the Rollins scenery a little bit more, look no further than Sailing and Canoeing. By meeting only once a week for two hours, it is a break from the normal day-to-day class life. Coach Smith is a character—he is funny, charismatic, and knows what he is talking about in relation to boats. The first half of class is typically spent in the classroom, going over terminology or methods, and the second half is spent out on the water. Most days see students sailing; by the end of the semester, the entire class will feel very comfortable operating a Sunfish sailboat. On days when Lake Virginia’s wind is fickle or nonexistent, the class will peacefully take canoes around the lake and through canals into the adjacent Lake Mizell. Plus, students eventually get to check out boats by themselves or with friends on the weekends, a perk that lasts as long as you are a student at Rollins. What could be better than that?
PEA 73 Basic Yoga
T. Portoghese MW 11-11:50 a.m. / 1-1:50 p.m.
Reviewed by: Lea Warren
In Basic Yoga, students are given the opportunity to learn not only the physical motions of an ancient art, but also some history behind the philosophies from which yoga has developed. The class slowly introduces students to yoga, first through easy poses and simple breathing methods, then slowly building the mental and physical strength of students until they find themselves capable of poses and clarity of thought that may have been leaps and bounds away from being possible just weeks before the start of the course. Basic Yoga is a wonderful way to stay in shape and learn to relax. This course can even help with relieving stress and building confidence in day-to-day life.
ART 110 Two-Dimensional Foundations
Dr. Simmons TR 11 a.m–12:15 p.m.
Reviewed by: Lea Warren
Two-Dimensional Foundations is an art course that is sure to have something for everyone. If you are new to the world of art, this class could be a huge eye-opening experience as it covers at least one dozen different art forms. For experienced artists, the course could be a way to expand into new horizons. Two-Dimensional Foundations takes students through dozens of different techniques and media, demonstrating perspective, block printing, charcoal illustration, painting, mixed-media art, and much more throughout the semester. The class is well-structured, and therefore fosters success for all students, but also leaves enough freedom for students to explore their own strengths and interests in almost every project. For anyone wishing to learn more about the art world or looking for a class to strengthen pre-existing artistic skills, Two-Dimensional Foundations is perfect.
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