No matter what grade you’re in at Jackson-Reed, I can guarantee that you’ve taken or are taking an elective course. While some classes may feel like a waste of time with endless busy work, there are also some essential and engaging classes. To those of you who are not seniors, I sincerely hope you consider my suggestions when you complete your course selections for next year.
Film Studies: A true crowd pleaser, basically everyone I know has LOVED this class. Starting this year, there has been a continuation of the class added to the elective options, so if you enjoyed Film Studies I, sign up for Film Studies II.
Multi-Cultural Literature: If you are looking to take a rigorous and interesting semester class, multi-cultural literature (frequently referred to as multi-culti) is a great class to take. It certainly makes you read a lot, so be prepared (especially if you have other strenuous courses), but it opened my eyes to different types of books.
Piano Lab: Taking piano lab was a blessing in disguise last year. Instead of having to sing in front of the entire class, like in Music Theory, Piano Lab involved getting to class, learning chords, and doing the assignment, then having free time to study for other classes.
Imaging A: If you have an art credit to fill, take Imaging A. It involves a mix of photography and online editing that taught me a lot about what makes a good photo. You learn how to take a photo with an actual camera (not just your phone), and as someone who’s not the best artist, it was a great art option that focused on skills besides drawing and painting.
Women’s History: While I haven’t taken this course, it’s loved by many, and I plan to take it next year. Women’s history is not often discussed with the usual history classes at Jackson-Reed, but friends of mine have said they’ve learned a great deal about themselves and their backgrounds through this class.
Printmaking: While this is a full-year elective, I think it’s a necessary class to take. You make really cool projects and have a lot of control over your own art.
All in all, some electives are meant to be a source of relaxation, and I definitely recommend taking them if you are drowning in APs! While you aren’t forced to be enrolled in any of these classes, if you have a free period or open space in your schedule, these are great classes to take. •
