J-term classes challenge students in unique ways
FOR RELEASE: Sunday, January 13, 2013
HUNTINGTON, Ind. Hip hop, combat fighting, hobbits and X-Files. It's all in a day's work for Huntington University students. During the month of January, Huntington students have the unique opportunity to take one, concentrated class for credit. Many of the classes count toward electives in their majors, but all challenge the students to think outside of their typical realm of understanding.
In "The X-Files: Quest for Truth," Dr. Lance Clark is challenging his students to discover how the post-modern world is yearning for the spiritual while exploring the supernatural aspects of "one of the greatest television series in the history of TV," he said.
"Most, if not all, of the students in the class have never seen an episode of 'The X-Files.' They are discovering it for the first time and soon become huge fans," he added. "We have great class discussions on metaphysics, transcendence and the pursuit of truth in the Christian faith."
Clark is not the only professor challenging with students with pop culture, though. In "Contemporary American Hip Hop and Biblical Prophecy," Professors Dr. Del Doughty and Heath Pearson are examining the history of hip hop from its roots in the black church to its movement to mainstream. In "The Heroic & the Ordinary," students drill down and explore heroes and the meaning of "ordinary" via a wild range of films and other materials, such as novels and poetry, with Professor Mike Hertenstein. And in Drs. Tanner Babb and Paul Michelson's class, students are taking a trip to Middle-earth and back again with a study of "The Hobbit" and its place in J. R. R. Tolkien's creation of "The Lord of the Rings."
In the theater, students are learning what it feels like to be a part of the movies by learning basic stage combat. In the class, students work with John Lennox, who has taught stage combat and choreographing at workshops around the world. He has more than 20 years of experience in the craft.
Each year during J-term, students study on campus, travel abroad and are placed in internships. Each experience provides a unique opportunity for students to expand their knowledge and their academic careers. J-term runs this year from Jan. 7 to Jan. 23.
For a full list of J-term classes offered this year, visit www.huntington.edu/registrar/schedule-classes.
