Interim Classes Offer Unique Learning Opportunities

The University of Alabama is offering several classes during its Summer 2023 Interim session that foster creativity, encourage independent thinking and explore various cultures. The classes run Monday, May 8, through Friday, May 26.

Subjects include literature, economics, politics, design production and several other classes beneficial to specific majors. Students can even travel to places like France, Germany, Northern Italy and New Zealand.

However, there are also non-traditional learning opportunities on campus and online. A few of those include:

The American War on Drugs on Film (AMS 345) – Dr. Michael Innis-Jimenez

The course starts with the premise that the content in films, and the events contemporary to the making of the films, should be critically analyzed for their perspectives, biases, reliability and interpretive choices. Students will examine the ability of film to successfully portray the war on drugs and analyze how present events, cultures and attitudes shape our view of the past. Students will examine how the history of drugs in the U.S. and how the war on drugs affects people of different nationalities and of different racial and ethnic groups.

Clamped, Stitched, Dipped (ART 508) – Sarah Marshall

This course focuses on the techniques of relief and silkscreen printing on fabric. No prior art experience is required. Students will develop images and print them onto a variety of fabric substrates. Basic dyeing materials and processes will be used to alter the fabric before and after printing. Participants will explore the history of printmaking as a decorative medium, the history of color and dyestuffs and the history of needlework as a communal activity.

Chemistry of Beer and Brewing (CH 474)

This course will focus on the complex chemical substances and chemical transformations responsible for the flavor, aroma, texture and color variations of beer. Participants will learn about the different types of grains and mashes used to make beer and will learn to evaluate beer, choose beer to compliment the chemistry and taste of foods and differentiate between many locally and internationally produced ales.

Handmade Nation: Knitting and History (HY 335) – Dr. Heather Kopelson

Knitting: It’s not a hobby — it’s a post-apocalyptic life skill. Students will learn to knit while they explore the history, art and politics of knitting and other handcrafts as a window onto gender, race and work before and after the Industrial Revolution, Native American cultural and political sovereignty and the rise of DIY activism and environmentally sustainable consumption.

BookArts Collections/Collecting (LS 590) – Dr. Robert Riter

This course explores societal problems and professional developments that have, or are likely to have, an impact on the practice of librarianship, which is the collecting, organizing, preserving and disseminating of information to those who need it.

Deeply Rooted (UH 229) – Dr. Tara Mock

Twisted locs, braids, bantu knots, cornrows and wigs are but some of the many aesthetic practices introduced globally by Africana people. Historically, Africana hairstyles were coded and complex and one’s hair could convey significant personal information, including a person’s marital status, wealth, age and more. This course traces the origins of African hair from the continent to the Americas. Students will explore the contemporary social construction of “Black Hair” and the manner in which hairstyles often signify, resist and conform to societal norms.

For more information on how to search for classes in myBama, visit the schedule of classes instructional page.