Unique Classes I Have Taken at DePaul University
DePaul prides itself in being a versatile and multifaceted university, and that shines through in the classes available for students. You learn about your major requirements and liberal arts of course, but in my time here, I have taken some really unique courses that I never would have expected to even exist. They have prepared me for post-grad life, helped me to adjust with technological advancements, highlighted niche topics, and provided me with a powerful toolkit to get ahead in my profession. Since you can take 18 credits per quarter, it is easy to fit in some unique courses; I definitely recommend giving these ones a chance!
1. Managing Difficult Conversations
Initially, I added this course to my schedule for credit reasons, but it has been one of the most influential topics I have learned about. Personally, I struggle with assertiveness and handling conflict; it is hard to change those habits, but not being able to have a difficult conversation can hinder your opportunities in life. During this course, I learned about the psychological reasons why people struggle with conflict, how to analyze your own behavior, and tools to better manage conflict in the future. Even after a few weeks of taking this course, I felt confident enough to advocate for my needs at work- which had a positive outcome! Personally and professionally, the ability to communicate properly in a difficult conversation is endlessly valuable.
2. AI in Marketing
AI is on the rise, and more and more companies are starting to incorporate it in role responsibilities. I honestly did not know much about how AI as a tool worked until this class. I knew that you could use Chat GPT for simple questions and ingredient lists but that was about it. Jackie Kuehl’s class on AI in Marketing showed me how to use multiple AI platforms and the best ways to prompt them for accurate, on-task, and useful answers. Beyond learning to use Chat GPT’s functions, we were able to create a fake product using the LLM and with it, an entire marketing campaign. It was down to every detail based on current market research, from an in-depth target audience, channel prioritization, budgets, content calendars, and posts. Employers are expecting rising professionals to learn these tools and use them in the workplace, and this class is guaranteed to set you apart from competitors in the job market! Plus, it is exciting to learn and accessible regardless of your previous AI experience.
3. Cannabis and 60s Psychedelic Culture
This is another class that I chose purely based on the name, but it proved to be really insightful and taught me a lot about music and psychedelic culture in American history. We dive deep into the history of cannabis, the evolving language surrounding psychedelics, and its impact on cultural landmarks. My favorite topic in the course was the backstory of Jimi Hendrix’s “Star-Spangled Banner” performance at Woodstock. I had already enjoyed watching the performance before, but after taking this class, I understood its significance on a whole other level. While an unconventional topic, it challenges students to look at something that has a lot of stigma in an entirely new academic lens.
4. Leisure and Recreation
It feels ridiculous to take a class on learning to practice leisure, but it honestly shows people how important work-life balance is in a well-rounded and happy life. I thought I knew how to relax until I started learning about leisure’s foundation, causes, and benefits- and I discovered that I rarely prioritize my self-care. It is also a big adjustment going from being a student your whole life to working the traditional 9-5 post-grad, where most young people are unprepared and imbalanced. This course is an eye-opener for the always-busy hustlers and go-getters. It shows that leisure is more than just relaxing- it is a necessity for physical, mental, social, and emotional health (and much, much, more). This is a 4-credit course, but a similar topic is available as a 2-credit course, so you can fit it in with your normal 4 courses per quarter without paying any extra! If you take this course, you can find a balance between your work and your personal life, averting the crisis of post-grad burnout.
5. Public Relations Campaigns
This is a major-specific course for Public Relations and Advertising Students, but I would be remiss to not mention it for its immersive experience alone. PR Campaigns teaches you how to develop a successful campaign from start to finish. What makes it so unique is that you get the chance to work with a real-life agency and popular brand (we have seen Dick’s Sporting Goods, Sally Beauty, Gatorade, and Folgers in the past year or so) on an executive brief. We are given a problem and budget, and, in teams of 4-5 students, we work through every detail needed for a successful and on-brand campaign, which is presented to the agency in a 30-minute presentation. Your PR skills are drastically improved across the board- we build up presentation skills, editing, content creation, media relations, research and analytics, and branding. This is an opportunity to build connections with professionals and sets you apart from other students- since you have directly applicable experience in the field. It is a must!
These are just some unique courses I have taken in the last few years at DePaul, but there are countless others to experience. Every college has niche topics, and there are also courses designed to build your professional skills. I recommend checking out the different offerings per quarter and trying something outside of your comfort zone- that is the best way to broaden your knowledge and horizons!
~Breanne