There's no denying that a lot of our summer plans got canceled. Some of us may not be able to work, or are struggling to find a way to meaningfully pass our time. But one thing is certain: taking summer classes is a fantastic way to stay productive, earn some credits and learn something new. Here's our top 10.

1. Earth, wind and fire
Everybody loves a good disaster movie. There's something thrilling about watching a Jeep successfully drive over flowing lava. But could that actually happen? Go behind the plotlines of Hollywood movies to learn about the geologic phenomena they portray … and what to do should an asteroid strike your town.
Course: Disasters: Geology vs. Hollywood (EES 0836)
Fulfills: GenEd Natural Sciences or Technology
Credits: 3

2. Call me crazy, but ...
What does it mean to "go mad" or "be insane" and, for that matter, who decides?  Explore what mental illness is, how we perceive it and how the definition of it has changed over time. 
Course: The Meaning of Madness (CLA 0828)
Fulfills: GenEd Human Behavior 
Credits: 3

3. Take me out to the ball game
If you've been missing being able to watch the games and participate in the athletic activities you love, then you know how important sports are to American culture (and you'll love this course). Across sports, the way we play, who we cheer for and even what sneakers we wear can tell us a lot about ourselves and our society. Trace a brief history of the U.S., looking at concepts of freedom, democracy and equality, through the lens of sport and leisure. 
Course: Sports and Leisure in American Society (AAAS 0857)
Fulfills: GenEd U.S. Society 
Credits: 3

4. The sound of Philly
Philadelphia is home to some of hip-hop's greatest talents, and the genre plays an important role in our city's history and culture, which is exactly why we're so pumped about this course. Take a look at the evolution of the musical and cultural phenomenon, including its representations, misrepresentations and relevance in the modern African American experience.  
Course: Hip Hop and Black Culture (AAAS 2175)
Fulfills: Elective
Credits: 3

5. How'd they do that?
Did you ever watch a movie and wonder "how in the world did they pull that off, I mean, seriously?" In this asynchronous online course (that means each student does the work for the course when it's best for them), you'll find out. Learn how media reflect human psychology and complete fun, hands-on assignments to help you understand what goes on behind the scenes of the movies and shows you love. 
Course: From Page to Stage (TFM 0810)
Fulfills: GenEd Arts
Credits: 3

6. Climate conversations
Today it seems everybody and their brother is talking about being "green" and "reducing their carbon footprint." But what does that mean? This course's mission: enhance your ability to be an environmentally informed consumer and citizen based on a sound understanding of the ecological, technological, economic, political, and ethical dimensions of environmental sustainability.
Course: Sustainable Environments (EES 0842)
Fulfills: GenEd Natural Sciences or Technology 
Credits: 3 

7. Point and shoot
If you love taking photos on your phone and posting them online, but want to elevate your game, then this course is for you. Learn how to see the world through a camera and create meaningful content that communicates your personal vision. 
Course: Art Photography/Digital Online (ART 1603)
Fulfills: Elective
Credits: 3

8. It's the economy, stupid
Unemployment, budget deficit, minimum wage, healthcare, economic stimulus. These days we're hearing these terms on the news a lot, but sometimes it can be hard to make sense of it all. While economic theory is not the centerpiece of this course, it should teach you just enough to understand and discuss policy in an informed manner. And, it will introduce you to important sources of economic information, from government websites to major publications. 
Course: The American Economy (ECON 0858)
Fulfills: GenEd U.S. Society and American Culture 
Credits: 3

9. Oh-o, say can you see?
As a Temple student, you go to school and live in a city full of immigrants. Perhaps your own relatives were immigrants to the U.S. But have you ever listened to their stories? Take an in-depth journey through the immigrant experience as expressed through immigrants' own voices in literature and film.
Course: Immigration and the American Dream (ANT 0831)
Fulfills: GenEd: Race & Diversity 
Credits: 3

10. Professor Plum … in the library … with a candlestick
If you love curling up with a good detective novel, then this course will be your new guilty pleasure. From the works of Sir Arthur Conan Doyle to Agatha Christie to those by more contemporary authors, you'll examine whodunnits from around the world.
Course: The Detective Novel (ENG 0857)
Fulfills GenEd World Society 
Credits: 3

BONUS
11. Just dance
No, you won't do any actual dancing in this course (unless you're dancing when your Zoom video is switched off) and you don't even get to vote anybody off a show. But you will get to watch films that feature some smooth dance moves and explore the way dance acts as a mirror for our society. 
Course: Shall We Dance? Dance as Narrative in American Film (DANC 0831)
Fulfills GenEd Arts
Credits: 3

Check out the full list of summer courses and register now. Be sure to connect with your academic advisor if you have any questions.