SU Offers Unique Classes During Winter, Spring Terms
SALISBURY, MD---Reading, writing and … oregano?
It may seem a little offbeat at first, but classes like “The History of Spice” provide Salisbury University students with a unique way to study subjects like biology, geography, history, the environment and more while reinforcing key research and study concepts.
“It’s important that all of our students achieve specific learning outcomes through their education at SU,” said Dr. Karen Olmstead, SU provost and senior vice president of academic affairs. “And our faculty do a great job of finding hooks that pull students in to the course material.”
The History of Spice (BIOL 105), chronicling the history of the spice trade, examining the environmental impact of the spice industry and exploring case studies of staples like pepper and vanilla, is just one such class offered during SU’s 2021 winter term.
Math and Gaming (MATH 105) uses one of the favorite pastimes of gaming to frame the importance of mathematics for non-mathematics majors. The class will explore the mathematics of a variety of dice, card and board games, including Yahtzee, Farkle, Blackjack and Monopoly.
Another 100-level course, Race, Identity and Power in the Modern World (HIST 103), examines the interaction of race and identity with the power structures that have existed across time and cultures.
Social media, contemporary tele-communications and other technological advances have had an impact on nearly every aspect of life, including interpersonal interaction. Technology and Relationships (COMM 390) looks at the ways these elements have changed how we interact with each other.
As nations around the globe continue to establish and evaluate laws and rules for their citizens, Gender, Sexuality and Human Rights (CADR 405) investigates how people may have different privileges, opportunities, access, and/or civil rights as a result of their gender indentity or sexual orientation.
Many winter classes will be held in a virtual format, and registration is still open for many.
In the spring, SU offers an interdisciplinary studies course, 7-8:30 p.m. Monday nights, on the current “syndemic,” examining the commonalities and impacts of issues facing the globe today – COVID-19, environmental change, obesity and under-nutrition.
Held remotely through Zoom, the class will explore causes and solutions to the syndemic from various disciplinary perspectives through lectures and discussions with SU faculty and other experts. Enrolled students can earn one credit hour. Those not wishing to receive credit for the course may attend the virtual presentations for free.
Another option for students this spring is the three-credit class History of Zoological Collections (BIOL 105). The course explores the captivity of animals from menageries kept by royals like Cleopatra through the modern zoos of today; what zoos’ purpose was when first opened in the early 19th century; and the role they play in today’s conservation, education and research goals.
A full listing of winter and spring SU courses is available at www.catalog.salisbury.edu/index.php.
For more information call 410-543-6030 or visit the SU website at www.salisbury.edu.