Posted August 22, 2025

Stack your schedule with these courses!

These courses still have space and could make your semester more fun. 

Hooter wearing sunglasses and carrying a stack of books

The end of add/drop is almost upon us! Is your schedule just right yet? If not, we’ve got some pretty sweet suggestions for some of the most interesting courses being offered this semester. 

The below courses are open to all undergraduate students—yes, even the Honors courses—AND, last time we checked, still have seats available!* You may not know this, but most Honors classes, especially the Special Topics sections, are open to anyone who wishes to take them under the Honors Program’s commitment to “challenge by choice.” This means that these classes and the added challenge that comes with them are available to anyone up to the task—all you need to do is fill out this form.  

The rest of the courses listed below are General Education courses (otherwise known as GenEds) or part of the core curriculum that all Temple students must complete, meaning they’re open to everyone!  

  

*as of Aug. 20, 2025 

Honors courses open to all 

The most infamous name in theater 
It’s bold, it’s bloody, and it’s been adapted too many times to count. If you say its name in a theater, it’s considered bad luck. Come learn why Macbeth is one of the most beloved, terrifying, brutal works in the English language. 
Course: Honors Interdisciplinary Special Topics I: The Bloody World of Shakespeare’s Macbeth (CLA 3900) 
Fulfills: Honors elective 
Credits: 3 

Don’t worry, be happy 
Your mind is constantly playing tricks on you—inducing stress and anxiety where, evolutionarily, it doesn’t need to. Learn the science and psychology of happiness, perform happiness-building assignments and even complete a personal happiness project to finish the semester ... in other words, get happy! 
Course: The Psychology of Happiness and Flourishing (EDUC 2900) 
Fulfills: Honors elective 
Credits: 3 

You say you want a revolution 
Throughout history, Black revolutionary groups like the Panthers were organized not just in response to oppression, but to determine their own futures. In this course, you'll explore various movements from Africa and the diaspora, the important figures like Nelson Mandela who shaped them, and what they mean today. The revolution will not be televised, but it might be on the exam! 
Course: Black Revolutionary Movements (AAAS 2900) 
Fulfills: Honors elective 
Credits: 3 

Keeping history alive 
Just using our phones, we have access to generations’ worth of knowledge—but how did people begin archiving things, and why? In this course, you’ll learn about the role of archivists in our society and how information is preserved for generations to come. 
Course: Special Topics: Preserving History: Archival Theory and Practice (HNRS 3900) 
Fulfills: Honors elective  
Credits: 3 

To ChatGPT, or not to ChatGPT? 
THAT is the question. Now that we can instantly generate words and images with the press of a button, what does it mean to be creative? Is AI helping or hurting us? You’ll get to tackle important questions like these about the technology that is transforming our society. 
Course: Philosophy of Emerging Technologies (PHIL 2900) 
Fulfills: Honors elective  
Credits: 3–4 

Punk isn't dead 
And in this course, you’ll learn why it never was—from the Ramones to the DIY shows of today. Looking at punk art forms like zines, clothing and, of course, LOTS of music, students will learn about the philosophy that shaped (and continues to shape) one of the most influential subcultures in history. 
Course: Honors Search and Destroy: Punk's DIY Rebellion (TYLE 2968) 
Fulfills: Honors elective  
Credits: 3 

 

GenEds: 

Stage and screen  
Learn how a play progresses from an idea into a full-blown production—it’s so much more than just acting! In this class, you’ll discover the secrets behind set, light, costume and sound design as well as script writing and directing. You’ll come to understand the work behind the theater, film and television you love!  
Course: From Page to Stage (THTR 0813)  
Fulfills: Arts GenEd  
Credits: 3 

The makings of crisis 
Are we living in a time of global crisis? Many would argue that we are, but this course will provide you with the tools you need to find out for yourself. Focusing on world politics over the past century up to today, the course takes a historical approach to crisis.  
Course: The Global Crisis: Power, Politics and the Making of Our Times (HIST 0865) 
Fulfills: Global/World Society GenEd 
Credits: 3  

Get creative, get organized 
Not everyone thinks of themself as “creative.” However, you probably use creative thinking to solve problems every day, from what to make with the ingredients in your fridge to how to get home using a detour. This class will dive into how to use creativity to promote innovation—from the tiniest startup to corporations and governments. 
Course: Creativity and Organizational Innovation (SGM 0827) 
Fulfills: Human Behavior GenEd 
Credits: 3 

That Philly sound 
From 18th century classical composers like Francis Hopkinson to rock ’n’ rollers like Hall and Oates to rappers like Meek Mill, Philadelphia has always been one of America’s richest musical cities. Learn the history and intricacies of Philadelphia’s storied musical past, and use it to understand issues related to race and diversity that affect the world today—not just in the music industry, either! 
Course: The Sounds of Philadelphia (MUST 0808) 
Fulfills: Race and Diversity GenEd 
Credits: 3 

Explaining everything 
How does a computer store information? Do humans and other animals see color the same way? What makes certain musical notes sound good together? These sound like simple questions, but knowing the scientific facts about how the world works is fundamental for being an informed citizen and consumer. In this course, you can answer them! 
Course: How Things Work: The Physics of Everyday Life (PHYS 0847) 
Fulfills: Science and Technology GenEd 
Credits: 3 

So why should you care? 
It’s crossed all of our minds: why should I even bother with college? This innovative new course delves into what universities actually do and why they matter in our culture and economy, from education and research to sports and social milestones. 
Course: Why Care About College: Higher Education in American Life (EDAD 0855) 
Fulfills: U.S. Society GenEd  
Credits: 3