Elective classes at Wesleyan offer students a break from the normal core class routine and provide students with something academic in topics of their choice. Electives give students an opportunity to learn about something they like and take a class on it to advance their skills, or, on it gives students the chance to discover a new skill or pick up a new hobby.
One of the multiple elective classes that Wesleyan has to offer is AP music theory. In this class students learn how to read advanced music in different forms such as piano and guitar. Students love this elective class, not only for a nice change of pace from the regular class schedule, but also to advance their musical even if they are already very talented. Junior Jameson Hilton said, “Before I took this class, I played by ear, and kind of informally, but now that I’m taking this class I can see how music is really written, so now I can organize it, and get it to what it’s supposed to really be.” Hilton and other students also enjoy the creative aspect that one may not get in a regular core class. Hilton said, “In math you just have to solve problems, and in this class I can create.”
Not only are these classes great to get a break and an opportunity to use the right brain, but they are incredibly useful in the real world. Public speaking is another elective Wesleyan offers, taught by Wesleyan alumni and high school theater director Caroline Mitchell. Mitchell said, “I think Public Speaking is tremendously important. I wish I had this class when I went to school here. I went to college, took public speaking, and it was by far, even above my majors, one of the most helpful classes I ever took. It helps you grow in confidence and gives you a very useful skill that everyone will have to use at some point in their life.” Both Mitchell and teacher of Digital Design, and photography, Dru Phillips, both said their favorite part of the class is watching their students grow and improve throughout the class.
In digital design, students learn how to make creations in InDesign and Photoshop with interesting and creative prompts. Dru Phillips said, “They start not knowing how to open up photoshop, and end with making something truly amazing and creative.”
Pyper Merchant, who is in AP art, also really enjoys her elective. As the common theme goes, Merchant’s favorite part of this class is, “how it is a break in my day. We are all able to talk and relax while also working on our art.” But it isn’t just a give me, there is homework in this class as well. Merchant says, “You do have to work on prices at home if you do not have time to come during the school week for an extra hour or miss a period of it.”
Although core classes are extremely important, there are countless elective classes with tons to offer that people might never consider. Along all the ones named, there is also cinematic survey of arts, Ceramics, Anatomy, Psychology, and Marine Science just to name a few. So as a challenge, sign up for something new.
