By AMY YOUNG
After a long summer break of fun and sleeping in, many students struggle to get back into the monotony of exams and papers.
The thought of climbing up the big hill south of campus or the stairs behind the RB to sit through yet another lecture offers little comfort to the weary student. Where can one find a release or creative outlet?
BYU students are in luck. With almost 140 teaching areas to choose from, students can find a class to meet almost any interest. Here are a few fun, useful ways to fill up your schedule this fall.
VASTU 394R
All of those who thought classes in basket weaving were nothing more than mere jokes should check in with the Visual Arts Department.
This semester, the ?special problems in art? class teaches students the art of basket making.
?There are many different styles of baskets, but this class concentrates on the Appalachian or Smoky Mountains style,? said Sharon Heelis of the Visual Arts Department.
The class provides students with a creative outlet and teaches an appreciation of other cultures, said Heelis, who taught the class in previous years.
?Each teacher tries to bring some of the history and culture of the people into the class,? Heelis said.
Students may take the class more than once. The first time in the class, everyone works on the same basket. If they choose to enroll a second time, students can work with the instructor to customize a more in-depth project.
For those interested in the Appalachian style of basket, the class meets on Wednesdays or Thursdays from 5:10 p.m. until 8 p.m. and two spots remain.
RMYL 223R section 5
For the more adventurous students, the Department of Recreation Management and Youth Leadership offers courses in outdoor specialty areas.
Section 5 is an in-depth approach to fly-fishing.
?You can?t just study academics all of the time, you need a balance,? said Ramon Zabriskie, one of the class?s instructors. ?With fly fishing you can learn a new hobby and a skill for the rest of your life.?
The class, which meets only eight times due to its block schedule, begins with an introduction to fly fishing, covering the equipment and techniques involved, as well as the life cycle of a fish. The second class covers casting a rod and tying flies, and by class number three, students are on the river fishing.
?As you get on the river and start to catch fish, you are motivated to learn the skills better and tie good flies,? Zabriskie said.
The class culminates with a two or three day trip to Green River, where students can put to use the previous seven lessons.
?To pass the class, I tell students they have to catch a fish on a fly they tie themselves,? Zabriskie said. ?No one has failed yet.?
The class starts this week and students wishing to join can sign up on a waiting list.
Bus M 313R
In an effort to prepare students for life after college, the Marriott School?s Business Management Department offers a course in home buying basics.
Adjunct Professor Weston Edwards leads students through the nine key steps in purchasing a home. With more than 30 years of experience in building and managing residential brokerage, Edwards advises students on managing their credit ratings and selecting mortgages they can afford.
?Everybody has to live in a house eventually,? said Shirley Klein, department chair of the School of Family Life. ?This class helps students take a more realistic approach to the process.?
The class lectures are enhanced by visits from practicing professionals. For every step of the home buying process, experts attend class and offer advice and answer questions.
The highlight of the class is the mid-term exam. The students visit six homes currently on the market in the Provo/Orem area. They are required to evaluate how each home meets their individual needs, what improvements could be made, and what price they should bid for each house.
?Owning a house is the best way to increase your personal wealth ? if you do it wisely,? Klein said.
The class meets Fridays from 11 a.m. until 12:50 p.m. and openings are still available.
PAS 112
The Department of Plant and Animal Sciences offers a release for students with a more creative side.
PAS 112 instructs students in the history and principles of floral design. Students are taught proper care and handling of cut flowers and how to arrange flowers and plants for home or professional use.
?For each lab we bring in fresh cut flowers,? said Dorine Jesperson, department secretary. ?Every week you start a different project.?
The labs do not begin until the third week of school, but the class meets for lectures to prepare for the lab.
The class meets for lectures Tuesdays and Thursdays from 8:35 a.m. until 9:50 a.m. and smaller groups meet for mandatory labs Tuesday and Thursday afternoons. There is a one-time $90 fee to cover the cost of flowers throughout the semester.