Occidental College
Campus Conversations
My final semester is in sight - classes picked!
Last week I completed my final undergraduate class registration for Spring 2012. Not sure how I feel about that. Classes have always been a love/hate relationship as I typically enjoy the courses' content but dread the homework. So registration is a time where you can get excited to think about the topics you'll be learning about and not have to think about all the coursework that come along with them. For me, the registration process has never been too painful. I honestly can't remember a semester that I had to take a class that I didn't really want to or that I was required to anyway. This semester, they switched around the process so you pick two classes first in your first round, then your second two during a second round - giving everyone a better chance at getting their most desired classes. I have no complaints, especially since I'll only be taking three courses and got into all three that I wanted. I'm only taking three because I don't need to take four to graduate (since I've taken extra credits in other semesters and came in with AP credits) and I'm already too busy with the Green Bean and Blyth Fund commitments anyway. I think these three with provide a well-rounded conclusion to my liberal arts education. Here they are: Managerial Economics (Economics Department)(MWF 9:30-10:25am): The application of economic theory and analytical tools to business and management decision making. Topics to be covered will include examples from a variety of fields, including pricing, ethics, entrepreneurial startups, strategy, new products, acquisitions, marketing, human resources, and production. The course will include a large number of case studies with required student presentations. Sports and Diplomacy in a Globalized World (Diplomacy & World Affairs Department) (M 2:30-5:25pm): A critical examination of the political and economic role that sports plays in the globalized world--the diplomatic, political, and economic effects of the Olympics, the World Cup, other international sporting events, and the increased globalization of professional sports leagues across national boundaries. A look a case studies of ping-pong diplomacy, rugby reconciliation in South Africa, and soccer wars in Latin America, as well as an analysis of the impact of foreign players on national economies and societies from American baseball players in Japan to Russian ice hockey players in the United States. Mass Media in American Politics (Politics Department)(MWF 10:30-11:25am): Examines the relationship among the media, the government, and the people. Topics include: factors that influence the content of the news; impact of the media on behavior of political actors; the impact of the media on public opinion and voting behavior. > Should be entertaining given that the Republican presidential candidates will continue to spar throughout the spring. That's right, kids - only classes Monday, Wednesday, Friday!