It’s that time again, Owls—time to stack your schedule for next semester. This spring 2026 features fresh finds as well as cool classics.

Check out these unique courses that sound intriguing and informative.

Art appreciation
Have you ever looked at a painting and wondered what you’re seeing? Increase your visual literacy in this class, which introduces students to various ways of understanding a broad range of art and architecture from the past and present. The best part? Field trips to museums and galleries. Let’s explore! 
Course: Art Matters: Ideas in Art and Architecture (ARTH 0808)   
Fulfills: Arts GenEd   
Credits: 4

Super sleuths
Like us, you may enjoy a classic whodunit. Dive into detective fiction by authors such as Edgar Allen Poe, Agatha Christie and Arthur Conan Doyle in addition to writers from around the globe. Learn how the genre has evolved including the changing definition of crime and methods for solving it.
Course: The Detective Novel (ENG 0857) 
Fulfills: Global/World Society GenEd 
Credits: 3

Code to connection
Sometimes sending a DM feels easier or less intimidating than approaching someone IRL. Why is that? Discover how our behaviors differ online compared with offline and how digital technology influences human interaction. 
Course: Cyberpsychology and Behavior (PSY 0846) 
Fulfills: Human Behavior GenEd 
Credits: 3

Representation matters 
Many know that Thomas Edison invented the light bulb, but can they identify Carolyn Parker’s contributions to science? Examine the myriad ways that racial and gender stereotypes have influenced our perception of what makes an accomplished scientist.
Course: Hidden Figures to Gamergate: Race and Gender in Science and Technology (EES 0827)
Fulfills: Race and Diversity GenEd 
Credits: 3

Drumming up data
Data and analytics can seem overwhelming, but fear not. This course presents this information through a real-world lens: music. Explore beats, lyrics, history and more using tools like statistics and data analysis to better understand the music industry.
Course: Albums and Algorithms (EDUC 0865) 
Fulfills: Quantitative Literacy GenEd 
Credits: 4

Reduce, Reuse, Recycle 
The need for sustainable solutions is growing as climate change continues. Gain a greater awareness of how our everyday decisions can impact the environment and find out how you can become an environmental steward.
Course: The Environment (ENVT 0845)
Fulfills: Science and Technology GenEd 
Credits: 3

Herstory
Hear from the women themselves who’ve joined U.S. social movements from the mid-20th century to now. Through autobiographical narratives, you’ll learn about these activists’ role as radical change agents in the Black Power Movement, the Farmworkers Movement, disability rights movements and others.
Course: Living for Change: Autobiographies of Women in Radical Social Movements (GSWS 0863)
Fulfills: U.S. Society GenEd 
Credits: 3

Stoked for soccer
Get more hype about the FIFA World Cup’s stop in Philadelphia during summer 2026 in this course, which draws on this major global competition to examine political, socioeconomic and cultural elements of international sports. Game on!
Course: Special Topics in Anthropology: World Cup, Global Cities and Mobility (ANTH 2000)
Fulfills: Elective  
Credits: 3

Playing a role in history
Love a good RPG? Look no further than this class where you’ll portray characters immersed in revolutionary events through role-playing games. Focused on the American Revolution and the French Revolution in the 18th century, the course allows student-players to confront the ideas, choices and challenges people experienced during these momentous times.
Course: Special Topics: “Liberty or Loyalty?”: Gaming the Age of Revolution (HIST 2280)
Fulfills: Elective  
Credits: 3

Creating a new student media outlet 
Indulge your nose for news in this student-driven class that will produce a magazine-format show á la Vox and Vice. Students will think outside of the box to generate topical, edgy stories on politics, lifestyle and entertainment. And you’ll have the chance to wear numerous hats—from anchor to camera operator to reporter and more.
Course: The Temp: A New Kind of News Show (JRN 3556)
Fulfills: Elective  
Credits: 3

MLK in PHL
Did you know that Martin Luther King Jr. had significant ties to the Philadelphia region? Learn about his special connection through primary and secondary sources housed in the Charles L. Blockson Afro-American Collection, where the course will be taught. 
Course: Honors Special Topics: Inspiration and Activism: Philadelphia and Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. (HNRS 3900, 001)
Fulfills: Honors elective  
Credits: 3

Going green
Building community is important, especially in college. Consider what that means in the context of the third place, or where community happens, and more specifically green spaces. In this class, you’ll visit green spaces like public parks and community gardens around Philadelphia, hone your civic communication skills, and collaboratively draft a proposal for a revitalized or new green space here in the city.
Course: Honors Special Topics: Green Spaces and the Third Place (HNRS 4900, 002)
Fulfills: Honors elective  
Credits: 3