Each semester Brigham Young University offers over 5,000 classes. Between your GE’s, major/minor, and “fun” classes, it can be hard to narrow down which classes would be the most beneficial to you. Before I started my Freshman year, I literally looked through the whole course catalog and made a list of all the classes that would be “fun” to take. I’ve barely even made a dent in that list because trying to fulfill all your major and minor credits in 4 years is no joke!
But each semester I’ve set aside at least 1 credit for the classes that I actually want to take- and though I’ve been taking between 16 and 17 (or 18...) credits my whole college career, it’s been totally worth it because where else would I get to take ballet and ice hockey and stage makeup FOR FREE (Well… besides tuition…). You’re going to pay the same amount regardless of if you are taking 12 or 18 credits, so might as well make it worth it!
Without further ado, and at long last, in no particular order, here are my favorite classes I’ve taken at BYU thus far!
HIST 205 (Intro to Family History)- 2 Credits (MUST TAKE FROM APRYL COX) FULFILLS RELIGION CREDIT I did not understand what the “Spirit of Elijah” truly meant until I took this class. Sister Cox has the most enthusiasm and genuine love for Family History that I have ever seen. Her assignments require effort but are very reasonable and help you come closer to your ancestors in a very real way. Every time I completed these assignments I felt the spirit so strongly. I cried when this class ended. It was that good.
SWELL 151 (Ice Hockey)- .5 Credits (Pass/Fail) I had originally wanted to take figure skating (which was held at the same time and the same place) but was so far back on the wait list that I dropped out and joined Hockey instead. And it was the best decision I’ve probably ever made. I became a 1534% better skater (and you have to be when you’re skating for your life ha ha!), learned just how much I love competitive sports (you have almost an hour of playing time each class!), and even met one of my best friends (and now roommate). Take this class and I PROMISE you won’t regret it!
ASL 101 (Introduction to Sign Language)- 4 Credits I have never been particularly good at learning languages, but I've always admired the deaf community and thought this would be an amazing opportunity to learn a new skill. ASL 101 has been amazing. I've learned so much, feel so much more confident in my abilities, and can now say quite literally hundreds of words in Sign Language. Though 4 credits is a lot, I can honestly say it was so worth it (+ I audited it so it was a lot less stressful! No tests or homework :)
DANCE 290 (Accelerated Technique 1 Ballet)- 1.5 credits This class is hard core. I did ballet for 3 years before coming to BYU and so I “thought” I knew what I was getting into. I didn’t. The very first day of class (unbeknownst to me until 5 minutes before class… This is why you always get to class early on the first day!) was an “audition”. We were required to come, dressed in full leotard, tights, and shoes, and perform a series of steps that the teacher would call out. She would judge our skills and let us know by the end of the day if we had gotten in. I thankfully barely passed. I learned so so much in this class! My technique became so much better and I progressed rapidly. Though this class is held 7am, 5 days a week (which is a lot harder done than said), it was totally worth it!
PETE 169 (Elementary Skills and Activities)- 1 Credit (half term class) This class is basically your average Elementary School PE class and you will love it. Because you are learning how to teach PE, the teacher models their methods on you. And it is SO fun. Also, I can flip a mean jump rope now.
TMA 123 (Acting Fundamentals)- 2 Credits I am a Theater Minor so this one fulfilled a credit and filled my heart with happiness. I. LOVED. THIS. CLASS. A lot of this had to do with my teacher (she made our class feel so connected and genuinely turned our time together into a “safe space”) but the content itself was wonderful and really stretched me. We did two graded monologues and one graded partner scene, as well as several voice and acting exercises, script readings, and some critiques. I met one of my best friends in this class (we are doing the DCP together!) because we were partners for our scene. I can truly say that I learned more about myself in this class than ever before.
TMA 267 (Principles of Makeup)- 2 Credits I learned so much in this class. I never wear makeup and never really learned how to do it until I took this class. Now I’ve done makeup for people performing at college wide events! In this class you learn about wigs (and how to do pin curls/secure them), facial hair, special effects makeup, glamour makeup, aging makeup (yes, I looked like a 60 year old man for a while), and stylized makeup. At the end of the semester, for your final project, you are given the chance to design your own makeup and carry it out. It’s quite intimidating but so rewarding to see the final product! I was the Evil Queen from Snow White just as she was transforming. This class requires time and effort (and you have to be really on the ball because they will not remind you in class about due dates!) but it is so worth it.
MUSIC 201 (Civilization: Music 1)- 3 Credits (MUST TAKE IT FROM LUKE HOWARD) FULFILLS CIV 1 CREDIT Professor Howard is the best teacher you will EVER have. Like… EVER. He is the kindest Australian man with the best accent. His tests are open book/open note, and his quizzes can be taken an infinite amount of times. This is a very low stress class that allows you to focus on the material and really enjoy it. He doesn’t use slideshows very often, so you have to take notes just on his words alone. But it is impossible NOT to pay attention when he speaks. I can’t even explain it. Just take this class and your life will be changed.
TMA 160 (Theater Production 1)- 1 Credit As a theater guru it was super interesting to have a crash course in all the aspects of Theater Production. Each class period centers on a different aspect of production- costumes, lighting, sound, hair/makeup, props, and set dressing. You play fun games to remember all the things that you learn (I got a lot of candy in this class), and you get to fulfill 10 service hours in your theater of choice. This gave me an excuse to contact my favorite (and the most popular) theater in Utah- Hale Centre Theatre- and ask them if they had any volunteer openings. Needless to say, I spent 16 hours on different occasions helping paint sets (which involved painting in some tight places ha ha! I got so dirty!) and honestly had the time of my life. I got to go BACKSTAGE at a professional theater, walk and see the small details of all their current sets, and was even given free tickets to come back and see my work in action. It was the most amazing experience!
TMA 127 (Beginning Stage Combat)- 1 Credit This class is just what it sounds like- fighting... for the stage. We learn real fighting techniques but without the risk of injury. The first part of the semester focuses on hand to hand combat (punching, kicking, hair pulls, falling safely, rolls, etc.) while the second part focuses on sword fighting. Sometimes the teacher will even turn on the Pirates of the Caribbean Soundtrack and you just can hardly believe this is real life. Let's just say there's no other way I would rather start my morning than getting stabbed in the chest.
Let me know what your favorite class at BYU was/is down in the comments! As always, feel free to contact me at my insta with all your questions, comments, etc. Love you all!
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