Unique SMC classes to consider

Throughout a high schooler’s career, the monotonous tempo of the mandatory school class curriculum can get a little old. However with a great community college right around the corner, it doesn’t need to be! Besides the widely known history and math classes, Santa Monica College offers a multitude of incredibly unique courses that may peak your interest and allow yourself to stretch outside your comfort zone beyond the walls of Samo. American Sign LanguageWhile most high schools require their students to take a language in order to graduate, many schools don’t offer courses in languages that peak their student’s interests. If you are considering a class at Santa Monica College that will allow you to learn a unique language that will diversify yourself from your peers, consider taking ASL! The college offers multiple levels of difficulty within their sign language program, so you can become fluent in the language, or just grasp the basics. Learning ASL is a skill that will allow you to communicate with the deaf members of our community. Additionally, learning sign language opens up volunteer opportunities, such as helping young elementary school children at our local Marlton School for the Deaf and Hard of Hearing. If you want to pick up a fascinating new language, American Sign Language might be a great option for you at SMC! BotanyAre you interested in pursuing a biological science course outside of the Samo curriculum? Santa Monica College offers a study of the Plant Kingdom through their botany class, which is a rigorous course available for sharp, science-loving high schoolers. If you are looking to major in a science in college, or if you are just looking for a way to pad your resume with a couple advanced and challenging classes, the college botany course is an interesting way to serve your needs. Additionally, the class takes periodic field trips to local natural reserves and botanist conventions, where the in-class learning is applied to the real world. You are able to absorb the material through hands-on learning, and have a great time while doing it.  Sociology and Social Issues If you are looking to challenge yourself with a college level class but would prefer to stay on the Samo campus, consider the sociology course! This class is just as rigorous as the original SMC course, and is definitely a difficult program of study. However, sociology replaces your first period, and only happens twice a week. This means that on three school days, your periods won't start until much later, and you will have the morning off! The course dives into the study of society and human social interaction, along with social class, race, ethnicity and gender. It deals with controversial topics that will broaden your mind and widen your perspective about the world around you. Up to a college-level challenge on the Samo campus? This class may be the perfect fit for you. Projection and Lighting DesignFor those who have a passion for theater and want to learn how a show really ends up onstage, check out the Santa Monica College course for stage lights and set design! The class brings students on the journey of designing high quality projection and lighting for professional theatrical performances, and teaches them how to create the expert lighting designs themselves. If you are intrigued by the crew behind a theater’s light box, this course will provide you with an in depth view of how the “lighting magic” is made onstage. Students are immersed in the hands-on experience of creating a production on stage through working with advanced equipment such as moving lights and LEDs. Additionally, students learn how to work with online software that will allow them to increase the level of quality of their light design. If you want to acquire a unique skill that gives you an insider’s perspective to theater, this class may be for you! JournalismIf you have a love for writing and developing stories, look into the Santa Monica College journalism course. This introductory course provides students with a basic look into the reporting world, and allows them to build their skills in the newsroom. From planning stories to perfecting their AP style, this course is a demanding class that will whip any writer into shape. Additionally, students are given insight into how to address controversial issues when writing a story, and are able to focus on the many legal and ethical issues related to the reporting field. Students should plan to write stories including local news, features, city events and public events that affect their community. If you want to start your journey as a journalist, this college-level class may be for you!