11 of the Quirkiest Courses You Never Knew Were Offered at UVic

Looking for an interesting elective to spruce up your schedule? We've asked some students to select a few of the most unexpected and intriguing courses offered at UVic, many of which are available in 2015.

EPHE 156: The course UVic deserves

School of Excercise Science, Physical and Health Education, Faculty of Education

The Science of Batman. It's not just entertainment! Using Batman as an example of the ultimate in human conditioning, this course seeks to determine our physical potential as humans. How adaptable is the human body? Can we become Batman?

ASTR 201: Anyone out there?

Department of Physics and Astronomy, Faculty of Science

The Search for Life in the Universe. Could intelligent life forms exist beyond our planet? What are the likeliest locations of life in our Solar System? How are we searching for extraterrestrials? Designed for all students, not just science majors. Plus you get to use the awesome telescopes on campus.

TS 320: Rediscover your childhood love of video games

Technology and Society, UVic Faculty of Social Sciences / Via onlineacademiccommunity.uvic.ca

Special Topics in Technology and Society: History of Video Games.* Video games aren't just a fad. They're popular, they're diverse, and they're here to stay. Study the evolution of video games and gaming culture by focusing on influential games and designers, narrative and interactive game play, emergent sub-cultures and online communities, and social controversies and media depictions. If Mario is too mainstream for you, check out DHUM 350.

HSTR 300A: Adventure without leaving the classroom

Department of History, Faculty of Humanities

Backpacker's Guide to European History. Explore European history from the perspective of student travel. Lectures examine the historical context of popular destinations and sights, approaching history in a deliberately practical way. You may even pick up a few hints for your own travel plans. Summer in Europe, anyone?

ENGL 250: Sex, scandal and politics in the 16th century

Department of English, UVic Faculty of Humanities / Via english.uvic.ca

Literature and Culture: Tudor Queens and Other Boleyn Girls.* Why do we as a society remain fascinated with figures like Anne Boleyn, Queen Elizabeth, and Mary Queen of Scots? Our obsession and (mis)representation of the 16th century continues today throughout various genres.

HSTR 300B: How aboot a little hockey, eh?

Department of History, Faculty of Humanities

Hockey Nation: Sports History and Canadian Identity. Examine the history of Canada through the history of sport, from pre-industrial times to the late 20th century. Includes Aboriginal games, lacrosse, hockey, baseball, basketball, football and track and field. There's also HSTR 101B: The History of Leisure, Sport and Tourism in North America.

MUS 391: Not just for the single ladies

Department of Music, UVic Faculty of Fine Arts / Via finearts.uvic.ca

Cross-Cultural and Historical Topics in Music: Beyoncé.* What is authenticity in music? What is the role of female sexuality in pop music? How can social media influence fandom? This course examines how we can situate popular music as a cultural construct, using Beyoncé as a case study. If Beyoncé's not your jam, try MUS 316B: The Beatles.

HSTR 336T: One course to rule them all

Department of History, Faculty of Humanities

The Created Medieval History of J.R.R. Tolkien's Middle-Earth. From the creation of the universe in the Ainulindalë to the War of the Ring, an exploration of the history of Tolkien's world. Tolkien built a tangibly recorded history based on what he knew as a medieval scholar, and whether you're a fan of the books, movies, mythology or medieval history in general, this course is for you.

ENGL 395: Enter the coven

Department of English, UVic Faculty of Humanities

Special Topics in Cultural Studies: Out of the Darkness into the Light: Heavy Metal Subculture(s).* This course will introduce you to the cultures of metal by exploring diverse topics like gender, race, globalization, religion and textual analysis. Rock on.

FA 335: Attend concerts... get credit?

UVic Faculty of Fine Arts / Via finearts.uvic.ca

Live Music and Popular Culture.* This course looks at the role of live music in society, with a focus on current listening practices. Investigate your role as a listener by attending concerts (and class)! What more could you ask for in a course?

GMST 454: Vampires in film. Vampires in literature. Vampires in the classroom?

Department of Germanic Studies, UVic Faculty of Humanities

A Cultural History of Vampires in Literature and Film. A study of literary and cinematic vampires in historical context. Without focusing exclusively on German literature and film, this course will follow the vampire myth and its various guises from classicism to postmodernism—perfect for a culture obsessed with vampires since the early 1800s.

Honourable mentions

• ART 141: An Introduction to Contemporary Art Photography

• CCS 167: Game Strategy, Interaction and Design

• ENGR 100: Security, Privacy, and You

• GEOG 391: Geo-caching*

• GRS 204: The Ancient World on Film

• HLTH 251: Healthy Sexuality

*Please note that some of the courses are special topics and may vary from year to year. Visit the Academic Calendar for a complete list of UVic courses.