Spring Registration is upon us!  Next week I will be signing up for new courses and I definitely want to make my last semester at SLU count.  Reading through the course catalog got me thinking about my personal catalog.  I have enrolled in a variety of courses over the years and not all of them were what I expected.  Some of the most random or unusual classes end up being the best!  I thought you might like to read a list of my top picks from the past 6 semesters.

Bowman's Elite Eight

Methods of Critical Analysis: (Spring Semester, Freshman Year) I enrolled in this class because it was required for the English major.  I had no idea that it was ordinarily for juniors and sophomores.  I really fell in love with the English department throughout the course.  It was hard work and completely research oriented.  I learned to think for myself, analyze text and really grew as a writer.  This is a class that required that extra mile from each student and completely paid off!

18^th Century English Literature: (Fall Semester, Sophomore Year) This class had five students.  That alone made it a fun experience.  Class transformed into an intimate discussion each week between the five of us and our professor.  It was also where I discovered the joys of the Gothic Novel in The Monk.  I have never been more surprised by a book before!

Drawing II: (Spring Semester, Sophomore Year) Art classes are always a great experience.  This course was so enjoyable and relaxing.  I was able to sketch for three hours twice a week while listening to my favorite music!  It made getting up at 8:30 in the morning to catch the class bearable!

Art and Politics in Nigeria: (Spring Semester, Sophomore Year) I originally did not want to take this class.  All of the other relevant courses for my minor were at conflicting time slots.  This was the only one that would give me credit and worked into my schedule.  It was one of the best chance courses I have ever taken.  We studied art, politics, novels, music, poetry and the war in Biafra.  The course was cross listed and brought together a truly diverse group of students.  Our seminar discussions were some of the best I have ever participated in!

Shakespeare: (Fall Semester, Junior Year)  I read Shakespeare in high school.  I had thought that was all I really needed... I was wrong!  Through the semester we read the comedies and the text really came alive for the first time to me.  One of my favorite classes was when the American Shakespeare Center troupe came to our class. 

Hebrew Bible: (Fall Semester, Junior Year) I wanted to take this course because the literature I have been studying is so directly influenced by the Bible and specifically the Old Testament.  The Professor really brought a wonderful energy to the class.  You could tell that he loved what he was teaching and we all caught his bug for the Bible quickly!

The London Stage: (Spring Semester, Junior Year) While abroad in London I was able to see a play once a week for this course.  Each Friday the class would meet at my Professor's house and have tea while discussing the play.  The class was incredible not just because of the material we saw (Entertaining Mr. Sloane, War Horse & The Pitmen Painters to name a few!) but also because of the professor.  To this day she is one of the coolest women I have ever met!

Writing in London: (Spring Semester, Junior Year) This class changed the way I approached creative writing.  Our class went to museums, exhibits and other London events to get inspired.  We would then write and share stories.  The class was so encouraging of each student's writing but we were always motivated to take our work that next step! 

My course selection at SLU has really taught me to think outside the box. The classes that sound crazy are usually the most inspired and passionately taught. My first semester of senior year has been just as great and I am looking forward to next semester!