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Wednesday, April 30, 2025 — Houston, TX

Arts and entertainment courses to keep you sane this fall

artsy-fall-courses-joanna-li
Joanna Li / Thresher

By Arman Saxena     4/8/25 11:17pm

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.



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