Let’s be honest: we’ve all sat in a class we know is dull, thinking “Why am I here when I could be taking a subject that’s entertaining, fun and that I’m actually interested in?” Voila! A finalized list of the ten subjects we wish we could take and why. These select subjects are listed in increasing order of necessity – or outrageousness, if you prefer.
1. Cooking
Who wouldn’t want to spend three hours a week learning how to make pancakes or the perfect marinated chicken kebab? As a subject, we would find this to be an appetizing way to learn how to eat healthier whist gaining new (and safe!) skills with a cleaver.
2. Film
Whether interested in directing, editing, or producing, students who want to make it in Hollywood would benefit from such a subject at a high school level. A stimulating, thought-provoking and idea-brewing art in its own right, studying film is probably one of the most challenging but fun subjects you could take.
3. Event Planning
If you want to break out into the social scene, and be known as the person who throws the best parties, this is the course for you. This would enable you to gain a couple of skills that would benefit you for the rest of your life.
4. Personal Style
A useful subject if you are into fashion and presenting yourself as a chic professional. First impressions are always important, and can even set the tone for an entire interview. This skill will definitely become of use when you’re looking for a job, so pay attention!
5. Conversation
Hours on end of just discussing whatever you please would be the ideal way to replace subjects such as chemistry. Rather than discussing chemical equations, you discuss life or major world events. During this class, intelligent conversation would flow, promoting eloquence and articulateness.
6. Dispute
Whether it’s how to get out of one, how to win one, or how to stand up for yourself, this is another subject you would use later on in life. More so if you want to become a lawyer, a media personality or a diplomat but this is an essential skill, everyone needs to be able to win an argument, walk away from one and above all, everyone should learn how to stand up for what they believe in.
7. Wittiness
Even if it’s coming up with a snappy comeback in less than three seconds, or writing a hilarious article, wittiness is a skill that will always come into use. Broadening ones’ views of pop culture references would also aid one to participate in a multitude of witty conversations.
8. Thriftiness
We all have those days where we’re strapped for cash but are not sure what to do about it, but those days are over. By learning how to have the time of our lives on less that RMB 10, students in this course will help deflect any negative stigmas of penny pinching
9. Extreme Sports
Who wouldn’t want to drive at 230mp/h for three hours a week? Or bungee jump from a building in San Francisco? Or windsurf in all the oceans? If you’re craving some adrenaline that isn’t from a can, this is the class for you.
10. Trampolining
Not quite an extreme sport, but still worthy of this list. This is one activity that this writer feels should get a mention of its own.
Admit it: reading this list has broadened the options for what classes should be offered and taken. This list only contains ten of the numerous possibilities that exist. Make sure to create your own, and enjoy this food for thought.
About UNIT-E
UNIT-E was founded in the spring of 2010 with the aim of establishing a non-profit, student-run magazine for international students in Beijing. Staffed by current students from a range of international schools, the magazine provides an amalgam of cultural tidbits, fragments of Beijing student life, and a broad spectrum of unique perspectives from a diverse group of young adults.
