5 Nontraditional Elective Courses to Inspire Your Students’ Passions
In an age where you feel like you’re fighting to keep your students interested in their learning, it’s important to offer options that appeal to students and pique their curiosity. Elective courses often serve as a great way for students to take a class in something that they’re passionate about or want to explore. If you have a student with specific interests in a subject but don’t have the resources to offer that course, don’t fret—Courseware is here to help! Our diverse course catalog has a variety of unique electives, and we can even provide state-certified teachers via Edmentum’s EdOptions Academy too.
Here are five examples of out-of-the-box courses we offer that may appeal to your students’ wide variety of interests:
This one-semester course is focused on the history, applications, and innovations of artificial intelligence (AI). Students will learn about intelligence agents, problem-solving using search algorithms, knowledge representation, and reasoning in AI. Students will also learn about the basic concepts of machine learning, natural language processing (NLP), expert systems, computer vision, and robotics. This 12-lesson course also covers ethics and safety related to AI, and online discussions and course activities require students to develop and apply critical-thinking skills, while the included games appeal to a variety of learning styles and keep students engaged.
This one-semester course introduces the U.S. military and describes each of its branches, which include the Army, Navy, Air Force, Marine Corps, and Coast Guard, including the National Guards. Students also learn about the relationship of the military reserve to the branches of the military. The course covers noncombat careers in the military, such as military intelligence, information technology, healthcare, legal services, logistics, aviation, transportation, and other specialized careers. This course also covers enlistment and fitness requirements for military careers and personal traits that are essential for success in the military. The 16 lessons in the course provide students with both breadth and depth as they learn about the U.S. military.
Gothic Literature is a one-semester course with 14 lessons that analyze the conventions, elements, themes, and other characteristics of gothic literature. This course covers subject areas such as: morality and spirituality in gothic poetry, dual personalities like Dr. Jekyll and Mr. Hyde, Edgar Allan Poe, Dracula, gothic conventions across time, and much more.
Introduction to Veterinary Science
This one-semester course is designed to introduce all students at the high school level to the fundamentals of veterinary science and measures to control diseases in animals. Students will explore the history of veterinary science and the skills and requirements for a successful career in the veterinary industry. They will also explore the physiology and anatomy of animals, learn how to evaluate animal health, and learn how to determine effective treatments for infectious and noninfectious diseases in animals. Additionally, they will learn about zoonotic diseases and the impact of toxins and poisons on animal health.
Women’s Studies is a one-semester course with 14 lessons that introduce students to women’s studies, gender studies, and gender roles. The course traces the history of feminism, analyzes feminist theories, and examines intersectionality. Students will learn about social and family structures and socialization, including identifying prejudices, biases, and stereotypes that exist in society, and will examine how the media perpetuates some stereotypes about gender roles and identities. The course also covers different forms of oppression, ways to prevent oppression, and methods to help and empower victims. Students will learn about international activism for gender equality, legal rights, and the challenges in achieving equality for all citizens from every section of society.
Interested in learning more about the many options Edmentum offers? Browse our course catalog to view over 100 unique and diverse electives for your students to take this upcoming school year!