Winter quarter classes worth getting out of bed for

By Molly McGonigle

With class registration starting next week, this guide can help you determine how to spice up dreary winter quarter with some cool classes.

History 133 -- History of sexuality:

A class that many students find intriguing just based on the title, this course focuses on the evolution of sexuality in Europe through prostitution, abortion and pornography. It also examines the development of gender relations in terms of sexuality, as well as the social constructions that come with sexuality.

Anthropology 159 -- Critiquing cultural development:

This class examines issues of change in developing countries. The hope is that students will draw on study abroad and immersion trip experiences for discussions and class exploration.

"As Santa Clara encourages travel and immersion trips, it's important to understand our position in the world and see other cultures that are different from ours," said senior Allie Dunne.

"I think all students could benefit from hearing about people's experiences in the context of developing worlds and have their eyes truly opened," Dunne said.

English 126 -- Creative writing and social justice:

As a new class in the English department, this course will focus on the connection between social justice, creative writing and careers that intersect these concepts. The main subject matter will be homelessness and poverty. Students will draw off community placement experiences and guest speakers who are experts on the subject matter.

Professor Claudia McIsaac said, "Students will read and write creative nonfiction, fiction and poetry about important social issues such as child labor, genocide and homelessness." She also said students "will learn from guest speakers, including journalist Kevin Fagan, author of the award-winning series on homelessness for The San Francisco Chronicle."

Philosophy 5 -- Ethical issues in society:

This introductory philosophy class offers insight into some very controversial issues that influence our society. It also fulfills the core requirement for ethics. Class topics include the death penalty, gay marriage and racial and gender discrimination.

Environmental Studies 20 -- Water wars of California L&L:

This class is part of Santa Clara's growing environmental studies program. The focus of this class is discussion about the water wars that have been going on for decades, as California has a large population and receives less than 20 inches of rain per year. The class will also draw upon the connection between human population growth and climate change.

This class fulfills the laboratory science requirement, so it would be a useful and interesting option for every Santa Clara student.

Economics 160 -- Economics of poverty and inequality:

This class explores poverty and inequality throughout the United States. Students will gain a comprehensive understanding of policies that perpetuate poverty and new ways of fighting the war against poverty within our country. Prerequisites are economics three or economics 180.

For further information about winter quarter course offerings, pick up a copy of the winter course catalog at the Benson information desk or online at www.scu.edu/courseavail.

Contact Molly McGonigle at (408) 551-1918 or mmcgonigle@scu.edu.