If you ask me, undergrad is the time to take unexpected electives. Your flat-rate tuition covers 40 credit hours over the course of fall and spring semesters, as well as the August and winter intersessions.
I know that for various reasons — financial pressure, trying to graduate early, etc. — not everyone can afford to use up a credit hour or two on what may seem like random classes, including Archery (SPH-I 103) or Introduction to Scuba (SPH-I 270).
But if you’re able to take them, there’s value in those random courses. I learned some helpful things when I took Wilderness First Aid (SPH-W 116) in the fall of 2019. Five years later I can still tell you that “cotton kills” — you shouldn’t wear cotton material in situations where there’s a risk of hypothermia. Jeans just aren’t good survival wear.
Indoor Climbing (SPH-I 137) helped me become more determined with physical challenges. I rarely send a route the first time I attempt it, but falling off the wall five times in a row doesn’t discourage me like it used to.
Canoeing (SPH-W 132) taught me to be careful with how I distribute my weight in a canoe. For example, lunging to retrieve a sponge from the water with my paddle during a game may very well cause me to tip my partner and myself into the water (sorry Fiorella!). The rest of the class got to practice how to do a T-rescue, which is when the rescue canoe positions themself perpendicular to the flipped canoe and helps get it right side up again. Then, you move the canoes so that their sides are touching, and the rescuer holds the other canoe steady while the very wet person clambers back in.
Plus, these classes are just fun. You learn new things and have a good time doing them, and there’s value in that.
So, I have some recommendations for classes to round out your spring 2025 schedule. You might notice that these are SPH classes, either SPH-I or SPH-W. If you want more ideas than what I provide here, look up those class codes on Course Search. We may not have underwater basketweaving at IU, but there are some pretty cool courses being offered this spring.
Billiards: SPH-I 113
The course description is that students will learn the basic skills of billiards, things such as bridge forming, bank shots, cue ball spin and various stroke techniques.
Fencing: SPH-I 127
This class involves learning proper footwork, defensive and offensive skills and guard positions. There’s an overview of sabre and epee, but the focus is on using a foil.
Self Defense: SPH-I 151
In this class students receive training on various self-defense skills and situations in which they might be necessary. You don’t have to wear a uniform.
Outdoor Survival: SPH-W 111
The course is meant to teach students basic outdoor survival techniques and to take them outside of their comfort zone. Topics include shelters, finding and purifying water, building a fire and hunting and gathering food. This second-eight-weeks course has an overnight component from April 18-20.
Fundamentals of Search and Rescue: SPH-W 120
This class prepares students to receive Search and Rescue Tech II certification, per the standards of the National Association of Search and Rescue. Class material covers survival and support, search and rescue. Simulated night and day rescues are part of the course.
Whitewater Kayaking: SPH-W 135
Students will learn needed skills for whitewater kayaking such as water safety, river dynamics, equipment management and kayaking tactics. There will be a weekend-long field experience.
Ice Climbing: SPH-W 143
This might be the most unexpected of all the electives on this list. It provides instruction on how to top rope climb waterfall ice, including topics such as belaying, choosing equipment, moving on various surfaces and placing your hands and feet. There will be a weekend field experience.
