The 10 Weirdest College Courses Ever

You are in college and living on your own for the very first time. You are dealing with the stress of moving into student housing, adjusting to roommates (and adjusting your roommates to you), maybe trying to get a job to help pay for your student apartment, and finally experiencing your first true taste of freedom. All of that can become overwhelming, particularly if you are an over achiever that said to yourself, “8:00 a.m. Honors History, physics, organic chemistry, and advanced literature this semester? No problem!” If you are overwhelmed by the college experience, don’t you wish your school offered classes that would amp you up for that 8:00 a.m. slot? If organic chemistry doesn’t do it for you, try finding something that does.

Here’s our pick of some of the most bizarre college courses we could find that are legitimately offered on American College campuses. We’re pretty sure your college has a few too.

1. The History of the Compact Fluorescent Light, UC Davis. 

Ok, so this class may not be ideal if you are looking for something to keep you awake in those intensely boring lecture hall classes. Honestly, if you are on a first date, you may not want to delve too deeply into this subject matter. If you are into “useless knowledge” trivia and seeking an elective, go for it!

2. Human Beings and the Machines of Sunshine, Rice. 

This course is on the list mostly for its remarkable title. As far as content, it studies the relationship between humans and machines, and how it may be taking a turn for the worse. As society becomes more and more digitized, a course examining the effects of machines could be really useful. As far as the name – wouldn't you listen to a band called Human Beings and the Machines of Sunshine? I can see the bumper sticker on the back of the car now.

3. STI Prevention, Johns Hopkins University.

We get that preventing sexually transmitted diseases is important. What is confusing is how someone makes it all the way to college without knowing how to prevent STI's. Apparently, it is enough of a problem that you can take a whole class on it. Somebody missed out on those awkward high school sex ed classes. 

4. Horse Behavior and Welfare, Michigan State.

This course is just sort of random. Unless you are majoring in some form of veterinary science, or really dig horses, it’s hard to see this course being a stepping stone for your career.

5. Invented Languages: Klingon and Beyond, UofT, Austin.

If you've seen The Big Bang Theory, you know there's a possibility that one day, you will meet a partner who is perfect in every way except wanting your wedding invitations in Klingon. Fortunately (or unfortunately), this class does not teach you Klingon, but it does teach you the rules and social constructions of invented languages.

6. Those Sexy Victorians, Ole Miss.

Again, this makes the list mostly because of its glib title. This course explores sexuality in an era where modesty was of paramount import.  

7. Age of Piracy, Arizona State.

Alternative lifestyles are pretty widely accepted now. However, lifestyles of a pirate? Argh! This course teaches you how pirates actually lived back in the day, not the glamourized Hollywood version we see now.

8. The Good, the Bad, and the Revolting, Alfred U.

Oh yes, this course teaches you literally what it means to be shameful and disgusting. If you are interested in exploring these kinds of feelings.

9. The Lucifer Effect: Understanding How Good People Turn Evil, MIT.

It would be safe to call this class dark philosophy. In this classroom, you will explore why good people do bad things (and vice versa). Maybe it will offer a few insights into your ex or your roomie’s.

10. Alien Sex, University of Rochester.

This tops the list of bizarre subject matter with little practical application (as far as we know). In this class, you can study the various depraved sex acts performed between humans and also between monsters (in case you were interested in monster kink).

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Categories: College Life   Tags: weirdest college courses, college course