UC undergrads: Spice up your spring class schedule

Upcoming A&S classes cover AI, Neurons and Picasso, Barbie and more

For UC students, spring semester may seem pretty remote. After all, homecoming, finals and holiday break are still around the corner.

But spring enrollment season is here, and if you want to get into some fun and interesting electives, the College of Arts and Sciences has a range of options, covering topics from artificial intelligence to the ancient world to the iconic classic Barbie doll.

Early enrollment started Sept. 22, and appointments for continuing undergrads begin Oct. 20. Why not take a class that helps get you a few credit hours while having a memorable time learning? Here is a sampling of the unique courses offered through the College of Arts of Sciences. 

See one you like? Don't wait--these classes fill up fast!

Sports and Entertainment in the Ancient World

Make your schedule sportier by exploring how ancient Greek and Roman athletes and spectators shaped entertainment long before ESPN. From the start of the Olympic Games in 776 BCE to the spectacles of Late Antiquity, this class dives into how sports and performance defined ancient culture — and how echoes of that world still influence ours today. In Catalyst, look for CLAS 2001. 

Artificial Intelligence and Sustainability

Are you curious about how AI can help or harm our planet? This class explores the intersection of artificial intelligence and sustainability — asking big questions about the role of technology in building a greener and greater future. Through readings, discussions, and hands-on projects, students will critically examine how AI can support a more sustainable world. In Catalyst, look for PHIL 3039. 

Plants: Their World and Yours

Spring up your schedule with this nature-focused course designed for non-science majors. You’ll dig into plant structure, photosynthesis, and biological principles using plants as your guide. By the end of the semester, you’ll have a deeper appreciation for the green life that sustains us. In Catalyst, look for BIOL 1003.

From Neurons to Picasso: How and Why the Brain Makes Art

What goes on in your brain when you create something? This fascinating course merges neuroscience and art to uncover how and why humans make art. From prehistoric cave paintings to digital design, you’ll study how creativity evolved alongside human intelligence — and how technology continues to shape our artistic expression today. In Catalyst, look for NS 3041C.

The Internet and Everyday Life

Wonder how does the Internet shape who we are, what we value, and how we connect? This course takes a deep dive into how digital media influences everyday communication. You’ll explore the Internet’s origins, study its social impacts, and learn the theories behind how online culture shapes our modern world. In Catalyst, look for COMM 2089. 

Barbie: Sociology of Culture

She’s way more than just plastic. This course uses the iconic Barbie doll to unpack cultural and sociological ideas about identity, inequality, and globalization. From her creation to her cultural influence, you’ll explore how Barbie reflects and challenges society’s ideals of beauty, gender, and success. In Catalyst, look for SOC 2059. 

Featured image at top: Students collaborate on a project. Photo/StockSnap for Pixabay.

Headshot of By Denise Meads

By Denise Meads

Student Journalist, College of Arts and Sciences Marketing and Communication

artscinews@uc.edu

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