Courses You’ll Actually Want to Take
Courses in the College of Arts and Sciences are designed to broaden your perspective, challenge assumptions, and introduce new ways of thinking, preparing you for success beyond the classroom.
Whether you’re exploring new interests or building practical skills, these courses help you shape a path that’s uniquely yours—while preparing you to thrive beyond your time here. They highlight some of the most engaging ways to meet requirements while exploring topics that spark curiosity and connection.
Explore these offerings and see how Arts and Sciences can help you shape your story.
Spot VolCore Courses by These Abbreviations
- Arts & Humanities (AH)
- Social Sciences (SS)
- Natural Sciences (NS)
- Quantitative Reasoning (QR)
- Oral Communication (OC)
- Engaged Inquiries (EI)
- Global Citizenship—U.S. (GCUS)
- Written Communication (WC).
These courses give you the opportunity to meet university requirements while exploring what interests you.
Pop Culture, Media, and Storytelling
History through Video Games (HIST 150)
Uses the Grand Theft Auto series to explore how US culture, politics, and society have changed since 1980. (GCUS)
Introduction to Games and Narratives (ENGL 244)
Explores how video and tabletop games tell stories through design, worldbuilding, and player choice. (EI)
The Broadway Musical: History of American Musical Theatre (THEA 215)
Follows the evolution of musical theatre across styles, genres, and cultural influences. (AH)
Speaking of Sports (ENGL 142)
Examines how sports are represented across media while building skills in speaking and presenting. (OC)
Big Questions About People, Culture, and Belief
Introduction to Greek and Roman Archaeology and Art (CLAS 132)
Explores ancient Greek and Roman art, architecture, and material culture to understand how people lived, created, and expressed ideas across the classical world. (AH, GCI)
Introduction to Classical Civilization (CLAS 101)
Introduces the history, literature, and cultural traditions of ancient Greece and Rome, and how they continue to shape modern society. (GCI)
Witchcraft, Magic, and Religion (REST 360)
Examines how societies define magic and religion, from historical beliefs to modern movements. (EI)
Sexualities (SOCI/WGS 346)
Dives into how sexuality and identity are shaped by social norms, culture, and institutions. (SS)
Frauds and Fantastic Claims in Archaeology (ANTH 340)
Investigates popular myths like ancient aliens and lost civilizations through real archaeological evidence. (SS, WC)
Power, Policy, and Real-World Issues
Southern Spaces and Places (GEOG 363)
Examines how history, culture, and geography shape life in the American South. (GCUS)
Religion, Politics, and Law (POLS 436)
Explores how religion influences law, policy, and public debate.
Politics of Housing and Homelessness Policy (POLS 443)
Examines housing as a major social issue and how policy shapes access and outcomes.
Politics in China and Japan: Culture, Power, and Competition (POLS 454)
Explores political systems, culture, and global influence in East Asia.
Congress (POLS 412)
Looks at how the US Congress operates and shapes national policy.
Science, Life & the Universe
Astrobiology: Life, the Universe, and Everything (EEPS 210)
Explores where and how life might exist in the universe using biology, geology, and physics. (NS, EI)
Age of Dinosaurs (EEPS 205)
Studies dinosaur evolution, environments, and extinction. (NS)
Evolution, Disease, and Medicine (EEB 310)
Uses evolution to understand disease and how medical science responds to it. (QR)
Animal Behavior (PSYC/EEB 450)
Explores why animals (including humans) behave the way they do through scientific study.
Data, History, and How the World Changes
Actuarial Science Problems in Financial Math (MATH 322)
Explores how math is used to evaluate risk and make financial decisions in fields like insurance and investments.
History by Numbers: The Age of Mass Migration (HIST 130)
Uses data to understand how mass migration reshaped societies between 1850 and 1914. (QR)
Mathematical Modeling (MATH 411)
Uses mathematical models to explore real-world challenges and understand how data shapes decisions. (EI)
Political Economy of Natural Resources and the Environment (SOCI 464)
Explores how power, inequality, and environmental systems are connected globally.
Ready to Register?
Visit the Fall 2026 timetable to register for these courses and more!