Talk to an advisor (9 AM-9 PM EST): 866-442-6062

Talk to an advisor (9 AM-9 PM EST): 866-925-2803

Do you find biology boring? History humdrum? If typical College courses leave you about as excited as spending spring break in Siberia, an off--the--beaten--path approach to furthering your education may be just what the homeopathic doctor ordered.

One such offering is The Science of Harry Potter, a course at Frostburg State University (Frostburg, MD). Physics Professor George Plitnik conceived of the class after reading The Science of Harry Potter: How Magic Really Works, by Roger Highfield (Penguin Books, 2003). "The book looks at magic and Harry Potter, and says how we could do this with the science that's going on now or the science of the near future," says Plitnik, who couples Highfield's book with a physical science text to teach the class.

The course started as an honors seminar for 15 students, but has since evolved into a general requirements course that is currently overflowing its 90--seat capacity. Most of the students arenon--science majors, intrigued by the class because of the popularity of the book. Plitnik, however, uses this to his advantage, seeing it as a hook to get students interested in science.

And just because it's not unusual to find Plitnik dressed as Hogwarts' headmaster Albus Dumbledore (pictured at bottom), don't think the class is all fun and games. A typical session might include such heavy topics as how "apparating" - Harry--talk for teleportation -- could actually be done using wormholes or cloning; the physics of levitation (yes... of the flying broomstick variety); and how black holes relate to time travel. Practical magic, one could say.

"I 'Sea' a Classroom..."Those more interested in exploring different locales than time periods may want to participate in the SEAmester program at Southampton College of Long Island University (Southampton, NY). Each fall and spring, about 20 lucky students set sail aboard a large schooner destined for exotic ports, while earning 12 to 16 academic credits along the way. Students can apply as freshman, but must be sophomores to sail. Applicants must also provide academic and personal references, and have at least a 2.5 overall GPA.

Though the program was created with marine science students in mind, all majors are welcome, with courses ranging from Maritime History to Literature of the Sea. But student travelers take away much more from the program than what they are taught in the classes. Emily Shafonda, a teacher and 2001SEAmester participant, says what she learned in the program influenced her teaching style today. "I realize my students need to see and experience things to actually understand concepts, just like I did during SEAmester," she said.

This year, participants depart Boston in October aboard the Harvey Gamage for various east coast ports, as well as stops in the Bahamas, Dominican Republic, and the Virgin Islands, before finally ending up in San Juan, Puerto Rico in December. SEAmester is not all smooth sailing though. In addition to a heavy academic load, students have to take on the responsibilities of crewing a large schooner. "It's not easy - it's challenging, to say the least, but so worth it," says Patricia Dzintarnieks, director of off--campus and contract programs at the college. "I have heard from former SEAmester students who are now in their 40's, still saying it was one of the best things they ever did."

Theatre Life, Exposed
More comfortable keeping both feet on solid ground? How about a stage? At Davidson College (Davidson, NC), for two weeks each year, students are lucky enough to have in their midst arguably the greatest acting company in the world. The Royal Shakespeare Company (RSC) will visit the campus each spring through 2008 to perform and participate in classes, panel discussions, and workshops.

One of the challenges of the program is involving as many students across the campus as possible. A Julius Caesar production can easily involve history, political science, literature, and theater courses, but some unexpected connections have been forged as well. For example, the troupe's technical crew included psychology students by experimenting with different light and set arrangements then studying the effects of such choices on an audience.

"It helps students in so many ways," explains English Professor Cynthia Lewis. "It's a bridge between their academic studies and the outside world of action and performance. They see the relevance of their studies when they see a great group of actors interpret a play."

Students are equally impressed. Davidson senior Ryan Hastings participated during his freshman year and couldn't say enough about its impact on his College Experience. "I used to avoid Shakespeare because it seemed too hard and not applicable to modern times. The RSC residency brought Shakespeare alive for me," he says.

Cook Your Grades
If the Bard isn't your cup of tea, perhaps you'd enjoy baking tea's requisite scones instead. At Johnson & Wales University, approximately 1,000 students over four campuses are pursuing baking and pastry arts degrees. The well--rounded program exposes students to all aspects of the pastry field from cookies to bread showpieces.

The curriculum includes courses such as Intro to Breads and Rolls and Classical French Pastries to prepare the future chefs for careers in places like hotels, catering operations, and wholesale bakeries. Students attend labs garbed in professional uniforms where they listen to lectures and afterwards prepare whatever delicacy was assigned for the day. The finished product is then served to students in the dining room (or themselves!). In their sophomore year, students are also required to go off--site for hands--on experience.

After obtaining the school's two--year associate degree, those with a serious pastry passion (and acceptable GPA) can apply to continue on for a bachelor's degree. Martha Crawford, assistant dean/university director of IBPI (International Baking & Pastry Institute), says, "It's tough. There are quizzes and mid--terms and finals and papers and so forth. It's not, 'OK, let's cook for recreation.' You're learning a profession."
...As you are with all of these  

Cool college programs

 . The bonus is you're having the time of your life along the way!



Jackie A. Bondanza is a former writer for The CollegeBound Network. Learn more about finding a school that's right for you.

Sound Off! Post Your Comments