Advising season is back, and with it come the struggles of registration. Registration can be difficult, especially when you are trying to meet the minimum 12-hour requirement. Listed below are some fun electives you should consider.
THEA 1005: Theatre Production Laboratory
ULM’s Talon Theatre program delights campus with a variety of performances. This year, the program assisted with the production of “Little Shop of Horrors.” Students create the sets surrounding the actors in Theatre Production Laboratory. The group also keeps VAPA events running from behind the scenes. Freshman English major Rachel McPherson recommends the elective to everyone.
“In the fall, we prepare for the play that will be occurring that semester,” McPherson said. “My favorite thing that we did last semester was set up for the jazz band performance. My favorite part this semester was getting to paint the set for the musical because you get to tune out all of your school problems like midterms and just focus on the paint and your brush.”
ART 1001: 2D Design
Drawing can be a great way to express your feelings. Students interested in learning about the meaningful uses of color, as well as the basics of 2D art, should consider this class. It is an excellent class for those who love to draw. Freshman construction management major Kaitlin Lavery enjoyed the different lessons.
“We do various projects based on the fundamentals of art, and it can be a very fun experience,” Lavery said. “Color theory is the main thing we learned, which is useful.”
ART 1009: Art Appreciation
Unlike 2D design, Art Appreciation focuses less on hands-on art creation and more on art history. Students who take this class learn about the different eras of art and their influence on the present. Sophomore English major Kerrigan Tatum found the lessons fascinating.
“We go through art from the paleolithic age to modern art, including different types like sculpting, photography and painting,” Tatum said. “We learn about the basics of design too. My favorite bit is the focus given to artists other than the big ones. I think learning about more modern and lesser-known artists as well as less appreciated types of art are really interesting.”
ART 2007: Beginning Ceramics
Pottery and ceramics are the only art types where eating off your creation is socially acceptable. Students in this class learn the basics of pottery, such as throwing, glazing and firing. Instructor Megan Smith has years of experience teaching ceramics.
“Students in ceramics learn the basics of working in clay from start to finish,” Smith said. “Projects include hand building and wheel throwing. Students also learn about the process of kiln firing and how pieces move their way through the ceramics studio. We also learn how to finish work by glazing, and students leave with completely finished pieces.”
MUSC 1001: Fundamentals of Music Theory
Fundamentals of Music Theory might be a better introduction for those interested in VAPA but cannot play an instrument or read music. In this class, students learn the basics of reading music and understanding rhythm. Professor and professional musician Adam Johnson teaches music theory as if it were a second language.
“I taught lessons to beginning students, from sixth grade all the way through college,” Johnson said. “I found I needed to be able to relate musical ideas to people who didn’t have the framework to understand any advanced musical concepts, so I began using analogies. Everyone can relate to learning how to talk.”
MUSC 2006: University Chorale
ULM has many chorale ensembles, such as Concert Choir, Chamber Singers, Warhawk Singers, Bayou La Belle and Bayou Masterworks. For students wanting to try their hand—or their voice—at singing in a group, the University Chorale offers a community to anyone wanting to join. Freshman music major Lily Pham is in Concert Choir.
“A large number of students in ULM’s Concert Choir are non-music majors,” Pham said. “As a member of the Concert Choir, I thoroughly enjoy the community aspect and the nurturing environment. Kilpatrick, Havard and the other students in the choir contribute to the lighthearted, judgment-free zone and encouraging atmosphere. I enjoy the creative process, and the long-term friendships built.”
MUSC 2007: Marching Band
ULM’s Sound of Today will begin its next marching season in the fall of 2025. Many people who participated in band during high school stopped once they entered college. Director Allen Parrish will answer any questions from those interested in ULM’s bands.
“It teaches [students] to work with other people,” Parrish said. “The nature of band is coming together with your part and fitting that together. There are different personalities you have to interact with, and there’s also the expectation of preparing so that the whole group is at the level they’re supposed to be at.”
