6 unique courses you didn’t know UNLV offered
Beer, wine or perhaps a spirit? No, UNLV isn't offering you a drink — not really — but a course that specializes in the specific beverages. The three separate courses are only a few of the university's more unique course offerings.
Pizza? Oh yeah, there's a class for that. The Beatles? Them, too.
Of course, many of these courses require you to major in the subject they're categorized under, but don't let that stop you. Here are some of the more interesting classes offered to students at UNLV:
FAB 366A: The Culture of Pizza
Offered during the spring semester, this first-of-its-kind course is taught by the owner of Metro Pizza, John Arena. The curriculum for the class provides students with the opportunity to learn the ins-and-outs of opening a successful pizzeria.
From marketing, finance, design and culinary, Arena says the course covers all aspects one would need to be a successful restaurateur in today's competitive food industry.
Of course, since the class is held at one of Arena's Metro Pizza locations, students get to eat their fair share of pizza. Arena's philosophy is, "You can't understand pizza without eating pizza.”
FAB 373: Chef Artist Event Management
Have you ever dreamed of working alongside a world-renowned chef? If so, this would be the class for you.
Students who register for this course have the opportunity to experience what goes into planning and hosting an actual dinner event. The course allows students to apply the skills they learn in class to a real life setting. To prep for the reception, students are responsible for managing, staffing, and marketing the event.
Being as though celebrity chefs are working right alongside the students at the events, tickets are sold to the public. Alumnus Guy Fieri and Devin Hashimoto, executive chef for Mizumi at the Wynn Las Vegas, are just a couple of the chefs who have worked alongside the students.
MUS 133: History of the Beatles
Students can enroll in a history of rock course anywhere, but how many can take a class only about the Fab Four?
According to UNLV's course catalog, the class takes students on a journey from the band's inception in Liverpool to their unparalleled world popularity. Professor Larry Pellegrino, who also created the curriculum for the class, says the demographic of students signing up for the class varies.
“I like when I see my students enjoying it, because I always get a mix of students who are already 'Beatle' fanatics like me. [However], then I get the students who are just here because they need a credit for an elective," Pellegrino said.
Upon completion of the course, not only do students’ earn 3 credits, but they’re guaranteed to learn some fun facts that will help them in a trivia competition.
DAN 103: Sex, Dance, and Entertainment
According to the course description, this is a "non-technical course providing understanding and appreciation of the sexual derivation and evolution of social, street, and fad dances from 1900 to the present, and the subcultures that created them. Intended for non-dance majors only."
Based on reviews for this course, the class is offered both online and on campus. However, if you take it on campus, you'll get to meet special guest presenters from Chippendale's and Lil' Darlings, the Rebel Yell reported.
This is a type of class you won’t find in many schools outside of Sin City.
JOUR 447: Online Games, Virtual Worlds, and Social Networks
In the technology obsessed world we live in, this might be one of the more undervalued classes out there. The curriculum for this class uses popular virtual environments (think Second Life) to help students gain an understanding of the culture and interpersonal interactions that occur online.
GAM 339: Protection of Casino Table Games
With a set-up that includes casino-level table games, it's no secret that UNLV is an industry leader when it comes to gaming and hospitality education.
For students pursuing a degree in gaming management, this class examines blackjack, baccarat, poker, craps, and roulette to examine the ways in which players can cheat. Sure, trade schools offer classes on how to deal these games, but not many places, if any, would have a university level course on methods of cheating at table games.
Contact Caitlin Lilly at clilly@reviewjournal.com. Find her on Twitter: @caitiesmith
