Classes To Take at Loyola University Chicago

Well, I had already completely written this blog with incredibly long detailed descriptions of each of these courses. Maybe eventually I’ll come back, edit and lengthen them, but I’m now laughing and crying at the same time so I’ll just redo this in a nutshell. (Also, note to self: make sure my wifi hasn’t cut out before clicking “save draft”).

Anyway,

As a senior, I’ve had the opportunity to take a variety of classes at Loyola. While I enjoyed taking a majority of my classes, there were a few classes that, at face value might not seem like they would be all that interesting, but ended up being some of my favorite classes. If you’re deciding upon courses to take, take a look at these. These teachers really taught me a lot and enriched my experience as a student, an adult and in my transition to becoming a professional. Read on and see for yourself.

Core: HIST 212 – United Stated History since 1865 – Elizabeth Shermer

Professor Shermer was an incredibly nice teacher. She takes her class very seriously but in a way that really encourages you to understand how the material relates to our world today. The class was atypical to most history classes. There was no memorization required, rather, we wrote 2-3 page papers after each class where we chose from about 9 supplied paper topics that required you to take a position and use readings provided as sources to back it up. There were no exams and the teacher’s critiques on the papers were helpful in learning how to research well and form a solid argument. She also graded grammar, spelling and writing style as an english teacher would which was also helpful in shaping better habits. For a COMM major who likes writing and despises exams (especially in history), this class was absolutely perfect for me.

Elective: THTR 261 – Beginning Acting – Timothy Kane

I totally recommend this course for every student. I thought it would be an easy, blow-off class padding my busy schedule but it wasn’t. Instead, it was an easy class because it was challenging but fun. Professor Kane is a really nice down to earth guy that really knows how to break you out of your comfort zone. The memorization can be a challenge and coordinating with a partner who may have a different schedule, skill-set and confidence level could be hard but it really forces you to learn, understand and adapt. It’s a great class to practice public speaking and having had taken it around 8:45AM, it woke me up and put me in a good mood ready to attack the rest of my day.

COMM Elective: COMM 327 – New Media Campaigns – David Kamerer @DavidKamerer

Easily one of my favorite classes that I’ve taken at Loyola. Professor Kamerer inspired me to create business cards and his class forced me to create tangible materials that would be helpful in my attempts to sell myself and impress potential employers. The class helps you build a website, a blog and familiarizes you Google Analytics and Wordpress.

A nice precursor to Kamerer’s class is COMM 200, Communications & New Media with Meghan Dougherty @mdocx1. Professor Dougherty is engaging and interesting and her class also requires you to create a blog using either WordPress or Tumblr. (I recommend WordPress because it will help with building a solid website in Kamerer’s class)

Both courses require you to work with and experiment with social media and other platforms that will make you comfortable and confident to add new skills onto your resume. Communications major or not, do yourself a favor by taking these courses.

J-Term Online: COMM Core: COMM 201 – Fundamentals of Marketing – Maryann Mc Grath

Considering taking a J-Term course? If you get the chance, take this one. This class lasted only 10 days and they were only 2 hour long sessions. The teacher led via webcam from another state while using some online presentation software. We communicated with the teacher using the program’s chat function and then used our own microphone for one assignment that required you to present. The homework was a bit extensive but the tests were simple if you created an outline which made navigating your book for the answer more easy during the tests. You may not think you could absorb this information in such a short time but Professor McGrath does an excellent job teaching and she makes sure you’re learning the material. Think about it. 4 months or 10 days? Your call.

I hope my recommendations are helpful to you and if I’m to make one more, I’d say choose a class that seems like it could be fun and just try it out. You may find your life’s passion. If not, the worst that could happen is you’ve wasted a little time, but at the very least, you’re still three credits closer to a degree and now know not to pursue that path. You never really know unless you try it! #AmIright?

Tell me what your favorite courses at Loyola were in the comments below.