All work and no play makes for a miserable semester. Although everyone has elective hours to take, there are some options that won’t be a form of torture. Here is The Red & Black’s guide to the most interesting classes the University offers this spring.

- MUSI/AFAM 2960 – African American Percussive Music: From Africa to the Americas
When: TR 2:00 to 3:15 pm
Professor: Arvin Scott

MUSI2960 lets students beat to their own drum – literally. Taught by Arvin Scott, the course allows students to experience African percussion music from their own perspectives, while learning about the history of music on the continent. There is no musical experience necessary to enroll, but come prepared to find your own rhythm.

- RLST 4000 (soon to be RLST 3130)- Program and Event Management
When: TR 9:30 to 10:45 am
Professor: Nic Holt

RLST4000 gives students a firsthand opportunity to experience program and event management and to plan their own service project. Previous projects have included “A Day at the Braves” with the Emory Autism Resource Center and the Kartwheelathon with the Georgia Gymdogs and Interplast. Students can expect to learn skills in research, planning and coordinating events throughout the semester.

- GEOL 3350 – Lifestyles of the Big and Famous in the Mesozoic
When: TR 12:30 to 1:45 pm
Professor: Raymond Freeman-Lynd

“Jurassic Park” it is not, but GEOL3350 allows students to learn about the Mesozoic era and the creatures that dominated it. Students will become familiar with the appetites, movements and reproduction of dinosaurs, along with the ever-sensitive subject of extinction.

- ECHD 3050- Career and Life Planning
Offered at various times with various instructors

ECHD3050 provides students with an opportunity to prepare for the real world, with lectures on creating and building a resume, perfecting cover letters, improving interview skills and tools for finding the ultimate internship. Available to juniors and seniors, the two-hour credit class is ideal for students who need the extra push to get started on their resume and thinking about life after graduation.

- PSYC 3260- Human Sexuality
When: MWF 9:05 to 9:55
Professor: Kacy Welsh

Let’s talk about sex – in class, three days a week. Open to any student who has credit in PSYC1101, Human Sexuality offers a chance to understand the “why” behind certain sexual behaviors, deviances and lifestyles. Some of the topics discussed in the course include contraceptives, sexual orientation and sexual anatomy.

- CBIO (IDIS) 3100- People, Parasites and Plagues
When: TR 11:00 am to 12:15 pm
Professor: Julie Moore

Malaria, smallpox and HIV, oh my! Not for students with weak stomachs or that are constant worriers, CBIO 3100 discusses various human epidemics and health issues that affect people around the globe. The course also includes conversations on vaccines, worms, bioterrorism and the West Nile Virus. CBIO3100 is also offered in an honors section.