Atypical classes offered for curious UL students

UL Lafayette offers a diverse list of classes that cover a wide range of topics—some even unheard of to the students and professors, which provided the opportunity to promote four unique classes UL has to offer.

The child and family studies department offers a course (CAFS 243) regarding human sexuality, which is available in the spring and fall semesters.

"Yes! It's the most interesting and unique class I've taken here!" exclaimed Arthur Ponson, 23-year-old kinesiology major. "The class covered any and everything you could think of regarding sex and human nature, and what college student doesn't love sex? Professor (David) Yarbrough was able to get us involved in the class topics, which ranged from STDs and pregnancy to how the body functions sexually. I think everyone should take the class!"

The sociology department also offers a class (SOCI 480) on the other end of the human spectrum, death and dying, which was first introduced in 1981. The class covers many aspects of death including burial practices, religious practices, grieving and how others can help someone deal with a loss.

"We offer two sections every semester (taught also by DeAnn Kalich, Ph.D.)," said Margot Hasha, M.S.W., Ph.D., who has taught the class since she arrived at UL four years ago. "The class certainly is didactic, but in large measure it's experiential—meaning we offer different exercises in class for students to learn about dying and grieving. We also offer exercises for students who've experienced their own loss.

"The classes are usually kept very small, usually 20 to 22 students. Students pledge confidentiality at the beginning of the semester so that they experience a safe environment in which to talk about these losses. The class bonds very closely; a lot of students feel the changes in their lives—it allows them to move through their issues because they have someone to talk to. I think the class is wonderful for those who haven't experienced losses. The process of normalizing the experiences of grief, death and loss is beneficial to any student."

An event that was heavily connected with Hasha's death and dying class is the Sept. 11 terrorist attacks. For those who want to understand 9/11 more, the political science department offers a class (POLS 390) specifically devoted to every aspect of the event. Ryan Teten, Ph.D., associate dean of the College of Liberal Arts, conducts the class.

"Going into the class, I really didn't know what to expect but Dr. Teten went beyond anything I could have ever expected," said Ryann Brazier-Carter, senior political science major. "Taking the class opened my mind to a new understanding of 9/11, and I have a greater appreciation for all those that gave their lives to save others. Every week I was excited to learn more and more, and each week I left a little sad, but intrigued. I recommend that everyone take the class; I loved the format and the class environment. Teten is a wonderful professor!"

The list concludes with a much-expected appearance from a kinesiology activity course. Terry Crownover's scuba basics course (KNEA 237) is offered in both the fall and spring semesters with two different times.

"Our first class is going to be nothing but agility tests—we have to swim 200 yards without stopping," said Angelica Shulaw, 20, junior visual arts major. "We have to have 40 hours in class and 40 hours in the pool to complete the class. Then he'll (Crownover) offer a chance to go to Destin, Fla., to get certified. To get certified, you have to have four open dives. It's exactly what I expected the class to be. A lot of students don't know this class exists—hell, some of the professors don't know the class exists. I just think it's a lot of fun. Terry, he's your typical scuba-diver guy! He makes it interesting."