Buried in the catalog: Hidden-gem courses

Any degree pursued at college requires many preparatory courses - to not only fulfill the necessary credit requirement but also to prepare students for a professional career in their chosen occupation. But what if students are not sure what they would like to major in? Or if they’re just tired of taking repetitive math and english courses? This is where electives come in.

There are a variety of non-traditional courses offered for students attending the University of Alaska Anchorage. Hidden among the many standard courses offered are unique courses such as Dog Mushing and Modernist Cuisine. 

To find these electives, students just have to know the right terms to search for in the registration section on UAOnline. Selecting the correct semester will offer more electives as some courses are only offered during specific semesters.

There will be a variety of interesting courses offered with the Culinary Arts program in the upcoming fall semester.

Many Culinary Arts courses require registration into the associate of applied science in Culinary Arts program or admittance to one of the occupational endorsement certificates offered through the UAA Culinary Arts Department. 

But, some courses don’t have those restrictions. 

These courses with few restrictions on enrollment include African Diaspora 2, Butchery 101: Pork, Cheese and Wine pairing, and Holiday Baking. They are listed under “CA A490 Current Topics in Food and Hospitality.”

Other culinary courses include The Hospitality Industry: Careers, Trends, and Practices CA A101, and Beverage Management CA A114.

Outside of culinary arts, there are a variety of Physical Education & Recreation courses. Some upcoming fall courses that will get students out of the traditional classroom include Beginning River Rafting PER A152, Beginning Sea Kayaking PER A153, Backpack Alaska PER A170, and Crevasse Rescue Techniques PER A181. 

Many of the courses mentioned and more that are located in the catalog can be taken for a minor in outdoor leadership – or simply for a fun break from the classroom to engage in a unique experiential learning experience. 

There are also a variety of courses offered within the Department of Art – whether you’re wanting to take one art course, or if you’re looking for an art minor or occupational endorsement certificate in Graphic Design. The program includes studio courses such as Beginning Drawing ART A105, Beginning Wheelthrown Ceramics ART A202, and Beginning Graphic Design ART A252. Advanced and intermediate levels are also available for many of the beginner courses.

Each semester has different electives available so if students are not interested in the offered elective that semester, check in for an updated selection the following semester. 

Whether you’re an incoming freshman or a seasoned senior, if you want a change of pace from typical classes, explore the catalog. You never know what you’ll find there!