Arts and entertainment courses to keep you sane this fall

Joanna Li / Thresher
Another course registration period – closing this Friday – has forced us to contemplate whether to drop a major or drop out altogether, but no worries: to assist you in considering your options, the Thresher has compiled a list of unique classes offered this fall semester.
HART 209: Beginning Digital Photography
For those looking to see the world in a new light, HART 209 introduces the fundamentals of digital photography — from capturing images to editing and printing. Students will explore visual awareness, technical skills and the continuing history of photography through hands-on practice and class discussions.
HART 209 fulfills a Distribution Group I credit and will meet from 10:50 to 12:05 p.m. on Tuesdays and Thursdays.
ENGL 269: Science Fiction and the Environment
How does science fiction help us consider our relationship with nature, culture and society? ENGL 269 examines the ways sci-fi storytellers have imagined — and challenged — ideas about the environment. Students will dive into novels, films and other media to see how speculative worlds can reshape our views of the real one.
ENGL 269 fulfills a Distribution Group I credit and will meet from 9 to 9:50 a.m. on Mondays, Wednesdays and Fridays.
FILM 308: Improvisation for Stage and Screen
Calling all comedy fans: FILM 308 teaches the art of comedic, long-form improv for both theater and film. Students will learn core techniques, from character work and status play to beat structuring and pattern creation, and experiment with live scenes, sketches and video recordings.
FILM 308 will meet from 2:30 to 3:45 p.m. on Mondays and Wednesdays.
LPAP 134: Indian Dance: From Classical to Bollywood
Get moving with LPAP 134, a class that highlights Bharatanatyam, one of the oldest forms of classical Indian dance. Students will explore the history, technique and expressive storytelling at the heart of this style, along with fun Bollywood-inspired movements.
LPAP 134 will meet from 11 to 11:50 a.m. on Mondays and Wednesdays.
LPAP 137: Introduction to East Coast Swing
If you’ve ever wanted to glide across the dance floor, LPAP 137 is your chance. This course focuses on East Coast Swing — a lively partner dance featuring triple step moves, fun patterns and plenty of opportunities to develop your leading or following skills.
LPAP 137 will meet from 11 to 11:50 a.m. on Tuesdays and Thursdays.
FOTO 205: Introduction to Photography
Interested in darkroom magic? FOTO 205 gives students hands-on experience with black-and-white photography, film cameras and light-sensitive materials. You’ll study the art and science of capturing images while exploring the rich legacy of photography’s past.
FOTO 205 fulfills a Distribution Group I credit and will meet from 9 to 11:50 a.m. on Tuesdays or 1 to 3:50 p.m. on Thursdays.
ARTS 225: Beginning Drawing
ARTS 225 is perfect for anyone wanting to sharpen their skills in line, tone, composition and more. Through drawing exercises in wet and dry media, students will learn to capture the world around them and develop a personal style along the way — no prior experience necessary.
ARTS 225 fulfills a Distribution Group I credit. It has two different instructors and eight sections meeting at various times.
More from The Rice Thresher

Thresher’s guide to arts and entertainment in Houston
New to the city? Unsure how to spend your time procrastinating on homework? You’re in luck — Houston is a playground if you know where to look, and most of it is an easy metro ride or short commute from campus. Here’s a starter pack of spots that deliver fresh air, brain food and the occasional “wait, this is in Houston?” moment.
Thresher’s Lollapalooza report: Who ruled Grant Park?
Chicago’s Grant Park ran on pure dopamine this weekend — surprise debuts, late-but-worth-it arrivals, confetti, fireworks and at least three mass sing-alongs an hour. From Joey Valence & BRAE road-testing new indietronica to A$AP Rocky cracking open his vault, T-Pain turning the field into karaoke and Olivia Rodrigo summoning Weezer, Lollapalooza felt like a live-wire mixtape. Doechii built a universe, TWICE made history and Sabrina signed off with a superstar-cementing finale. Here’s what actually lived up to the skyline.
“Ginny & Georgia” Season 3: A Messy, Magnetic Villain Origin Story
I’ll admit it: I came into “Ginny & Georgia” expecting another glossy Netflix soap that looks great in a weekend binge but evaporates from memory by Monday. By the end of season three, I realized I’d been doing something I rarely do with shows like this: I was taking notes. Not on the plot (though it’s as twisty and outrageous as ever), but on the characters. I loved them. I was grinning from ear to ear watching them scheme, stumble and monologue their way through impossible situations. That’s when I knew: this show had done something right.
Please note All comments are eligible for publication by The Rice Thresher.