April 14, 2025 • 23 mins
Weird college courses have become legendary in our cultural mythology—but how strange do they really get? Grandpa Is Him takes you on a bewildering tour through academia's most eyebrow-raising offerings, from "The Philosophy of Star Trek" to "Thinking About Toilet Paper."
After sharing his own unconventional education story—graduating college in 2020 alongside his oldest son due to COVID—Grandpa Is Him reveals a carefully curated list of 25 actual university courses that will make you question your tuition dollars. With his teenage grandchildren as guest reactors, he unpacks offerings like "The Art of Walking" (Center College), "Underwater Basket Weaving" (various schools), and "Cyber Porn and Society" (Cal State Northridge), delivering hilarious commentary on what these classes might entail and whether they have any practical value.
Between fits of laughter, something unexpected emerges from this academic sideshow. When Grandpa Is Him asks his grandchildren which courses they find most intriguing, their thoughtful responses reveal how these unconventional classes often serve as creative frameworks for exploring legitimate academic subjects. His grandson Trenton astutely observes that courses like "Lady Gaga and the Sociology of Fame" use popular culture as entry points to deeper concepts—perhaps these bizarre-sounding offerings aren't as frivolous as they initially seem.
The episode wraps with a charming family discussion where the grandchildren imagine creating their own college courses, including one about navigating life as a left-handed person. Grandpa Is Him's knowledge shines through as he explains how such courses actually exist within interdisciplinary studies. Whether you're a current student, college graduate, or just someone who enjoys pondering the purpose of higher education, this episode will leave you questioning what truly makes a subject worthy of academic study—and maybe secretly wishing you could take "History of Surfing" for credit.
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Transcript
Episode Transcript
Available transcripts are automatically generated. Complete accuracy is not guaranteed.
Lynn Dimick (00:10):
Welcome back, folks , to Grandpa's Hymn, the podcast
, where we take a long, hardlook at the world around us,
often irreverently, and thenshake our heads in bewildered
amusement.
Now, in my life, I have neverdone things the traditional way.
I have always done them my way.
One of the detours I took inlife was that I did not graduate
(00:31):
from college until 2020, thesame year and from the same
school that my oldest songraduated from.
Because of COVID, thecommencement was done virtually.
Again, I did it my way.
To be honest, I was at thepoint of my life when a degree
would not have any impact on mycareer path or income potential.
I did it because I havegrandchildren who have started
(00:54):
college or will start attendingcollege in the very near future.
I wanted my grandchildren tosee that it was never too late
to accomplish a goal.
This leads us to today's podcast, and boy do I have a doozy for
you.
Today we're diving deep and Imean deep in the wild world of
(01:14):
college courses.
You think you've seen it all.
Hold on to your hats, folks,because these courses are well.
Let's just say that there'ssomething else and they're very
special.
Oh, and be sure to stick arounduntil the end because the kids
uncover.
Before I review and reveal thelist, I've invited some special
(01:35):
guests to sit in with us tolisten to the podcast.
Take notes because we're goingto interview them afterwards.
These are some of mygrandchildren.
Trenton Dimick (01:43):
Hi, I'm Trenton, I'm 17 and I'm a senior in high
school.
Rosalynn Dimick (01:48):
Hi, I'm Rosalyn , I'm 15 and I'm a freshman in
high school.
Hi, I'm Lily, and I'm 14 ineighth grade.
Hi, I'm Penny.
I'm 13 and I'm in seventh grade.
Lynn Dimick (02:01):
Let's get started From Georgetown University in
Washington DC and a slew ofcommunity colleges.
We start off with thephilosophy of Star Trek.
This course explores the deepphilosophical and ethical
questions posed by Star Trek.
I'm picturing a classroomdebating the Prime Directive and
arguing if a Tribble is ametaphor for consumerism.
(02:23):
They probably have exams on howto properly use a phaser.
I'd fail that one, but not bymuch.
Next, from Montclair, newJersey, and extending into the
neighboring towns of Clifton andLittle Falls and probably your
home couch, we have how to WatchTelevision.
They analyze television as acultural medium, its influence
(02:48):
and narrative structures.
I spent years perfecting mycouch potato technique and these
kids get college creditUnbelievable.
They probably have a section onthe correct way to hold a
remote.
All right, that was a weird one, and it's only the beginning.
All right, that was a weird one, and it's only the beginning.
Number three on our list comesfrom Columbia, south Carolina
(03:10):
and other sites within the stateLady Gaga and the Sociology of
Fame.
This course uses Lady Gaga'scareer to explore themes of fame
, identity and socialconstruction, using meat dresses
as a lecture.
I'm starting to think that mygeneration had it right with our
boring textbooks.
I wonder if they grade on howwell you can sing Poker Face,
(03:34):
let's put that one in the roundfile under degrees nobody asked
for but somehow exists.
Direct from the Ivy League.
Cornell University offers acourse on tree climbing.
This course teaches safe andeffective tree climbing
techniques.
Back in my day we climbed treesfor fun, not for a grade.
(03:54):
I guess they needed a diplomato get out of the lower branches
.
These days, I bet they have towear safety harnesses and
helmets, and my guess is thatmore than one of them has fallen
out of the stupid tree and hitevery branch on the way down.
At number five we have what Ithought would be the undisputed
number one and I'm sure you didtoo underwater basket weaving.
(04:16):
The course is taught everywhereand no one claims ownership or
origination.
This one is a classic.
They are teaching how to weavebaskets underwater.
I'm picturing fish givingcritiques on the craftsmanship.
I wonder if the final examinvolves weaving a basket while
holding your breath.
Just FYI, most of theseofferings are not for credit.
(04:38):
Next on our list is the onethat will have you scratching
your head, called the Art ofWalking, offered at Center
College in Danville, Kentucky.
This course examines walking asa physical, philosophical and
cultural activity.
They're studying walking.
(04:58):
I've been doing that for freefor my whole life.
Where's my degree?
I bet they have field trips tothe park.
Number seven on our list comesfrom the city of Austin in the
Republic of Texas.
Invented languages, klingon andbeyond.
They delve into the creationand study of constructed
(05:19):
languages, focusing on Klingon.
They're teaching Klingon.
I can't even get my grandkidsto learn English.
Oh, zippity toilet or somethingI don't know.
Oh, zippity toilet or somethingI don't know.
This next course makes me wonderabout the residents of Muncie,
indiana, where Ball State offersGetting Dressed.
(05:40):
Yes, it's a course calledGetting Dressed.
This course explores the social, cultural and psychological
aspects of clothing.
They're teaching people how toget dressed.
I thought that was somethingyou learned before kindergarten.
I wonder if pajamas are allowed, if they have a pajama day.
I don't know.
I don't know about you, but ifI was footing the tuition bill
(06:04):
for this nonsense, I would be alittle bit upset and seriously
questioning my life choices.
Little bit upset and seriouslyquestioning my life choices.
This next one seems to be anatural.
It's offered by University ofCalifornia, san Diego, where
they offer the history ofsurfing.
This course explores thecultural, social and
(06:25):
environmental history of surfing.
They're studying how to hang 10.
I guess that is better thanstudying how to hang on to a job
.
I wonder if they have popquizzes in the water.
I guess the field trips wouldbe fun.
And again, let's stay inCalifornia, where number 10 is a
natural.
Cal State, northridge isconducting a course on cyber
(06:48):
porn and society.
This course examines the social, psychological and legal
implications of onlinepornography.
Well, I never thought thatwould be a college course.
I guess that is one way to getan A+.
I hope they have a super strongfirewall in the classroom.
Now we have Maple Syrup thehistory and practice coming to
(07:12):
us from Alfred University andAlfred New York.
I guess it's close enough toCanada for this course to make
sense.
This course delves into thehistory, production and cultural
significance of maple syrup.
I always thought that maplesyrup just came from the store.
Yes, I was wrong.
I wonder if they have a tastetest portion of the course and
(07:33):
if they grade on how well youcan tap a tree.
It might even be BYOW, bringyour own waffles From the
1,880-acre campus of Universityof Iowa located in Iowa City.
We have course number 12, theAmerican Vacation.
This course analyzes theconcept of the American vacation
(07:55):
, a course on vacations.
I've been taking those all mywhole life.
Finally, my experience countsfor something.
I bet they have a section onthe best road trip snacks.
And is this a vacation to Iowaor away from Iowa, from the
college Columbia Chicago,located surprisingly enough in
(08:18):
Chicago, illinois?
They offer Zombies in PopularMedia.
This course uses the zombiegenre to analyze social
anxieties and cultural trends.
Zombies In college.
I thought they were supposed tobe studying brains, not eating
them.
I wonder if they do groupprojects?
Hmm, offered just abouteverywhere.
(08:40):
We have Adventures inBabysitting.
I thought that was a book.
This course provides practicaltraining in child care, safety
and basic first aid.
Finally, a practical course.
I wish they had this when mykids were little.
I could have used the help.
I wonder if they teach how tochange a diaper.
Now, if you had to design yourown utterly useless course, what
(09:02):
would it be?
I'll give you a hint orsomething to think about From
the Needing a 10-Foot Poledepartment.
We have, from Kilgore College,located in Kilgore, texas, a
course called how to Win aBeauty Pageant.
This course offers instructionsin poise, public speaking and
stage presence.
(09:23):
I guess there is a science tolooking good, I would have
failed that course.
I bet they have a section onhow to wave properly.
I suspect that one sure thingthat they teach is the use of
bright pink lipstick.
The 17th course on our listcame as a surprise to me.
Uc Irvine is known more fortheir attraction to Middle Earth
(09:45):
than Gotham City.
They offer the Science ofSuperheroes.
This course applies scientificprinciples to analyze the powers
and abilities of superheroes,so their study of Superman could
really fly.
I guess that is one way tospend your tuition money.
I bet they have some fun labexperiments involving capes and
(10:07):
maybe they can quantify whoreally is better, stronger
Superman, batman or Spider-Man.
Number 18 comes from the stateof New Jersey, but it could be
in the city of New Brunswick,newark or Camden or any
combination or all three, whereRutger University has campuses
(10:31):
and offer Politicizing Beyoncé.
This course examines thecultural and political
significance of Beyoncé's musicand persona.
They are using song lyrics forpolitical study.
I guess that is a new one forme.
I wonder if they have a sectionon her dance moves Coming in at
number 19,.
We have Greenville, northCarolina, courtesy of East
(10:54):
Carolina University offeringPhilosophy, and South Park.
This course uses the satiricalanimated series South Park to
explore philosophical concepts.
I guess that is one way toteach philosophy.
I am just surprised that theyare allowed to show that in
school.
I bet they have a section onexistential dread.
You know, I've never seen SouthPark, but from what I've seen
(11:17):
this is probably a class I wouldnot take.
Next up is another class that Iprobably would not take, and
it's the Simpsons and Philosophy.
It's offered by the Universityof California in Berkeley, or as
we sometimes refer to it as UCBerserkly.
(11:42):
This course uses the Simpsonsto examine philosophical
concepts.
Well, if any show can teachphilosophy, it is the Simpsons.
That show has been on forever.
I think they just signed it forthe 37th season.
I bet they even have a sectionon Homer's wisdom that one won't
take long to go through.
Actually, I want to think aboutthis one before I completely
write it off.
I want to think about this onebefore I completely write it off
(12:05):
.
Somehow, this course offered byUniversity of Wisconsin is
probably the last place I wouldexpect to see Elvish, as she
spoke, offered.
This course is dedicated to thestudy of the Elvish languages
created by JRR Tolkien.
They're teaching Elvish.
I can't even understand half ofthe slang words that the kids
use these days.
I wonder if they have a sectionon how to make a limba's bread.
(12:28):
Staying in the state ofWisconsin but moving to Appleton
, we have a course calledLeather and Latex Second Skin
Subcultures.
This course examines the socialand cultural significance of
leather and latex clothing.
Well, that is a very specifictype of clothing to study, I
guess.
Is it a fashion statement?
(12:48):
I hope they have a section onhow to clean those types of
clothes.
I'm a little afraid to find outwhich each section is for that
course.
It could be bizarre and Ireally hope they don't have any
field trips.
And now we're down to our lastthree courses and we move over
to the West Coast for a coursecalled Waste Management and the
(13:12):
Environment offered by SantaClara University.
This course studies the complexsystems of waste disposal,
recycling and environmentalimpact.
Finally, a practical coursethat is useful to the world.
I am glad that somebody isstudying how to keep our planet
clean.
I bet they have a field trip tothe landfill.
It actually makes sense to havethe course up there because
(13:34):
that area does have a lot ofrecycling activity going on, and
I can tell you now, looking atthe financial reports from those
companies.
It's very profitable and not abad business to get into as long
as you're not on the street.
All right, this next one soundslike a total joke, but hear me
(13:56):
out, give it a chance.
And coming in at number 24 is acourse that everyone casually
thinks about almost every day.
It's called Thinking AboutToilet Paper and because it is
so ubiquitous it is offered allover the country.
While often a joke, this coursecould explore resource
(14:18):
management, consumerism and thehistory of everyday objects.
Well, that is a course thateveryone can relate to.
I wonder what the final exam islike, and I hope I don't find
out.
And finally, we have a coursethat may be the most popular PE
course offered in almost everyschool bowling.
(14:39):
I remember attending Cal State,fullerton, many years ago and
going down to the bowling alleyto sit, snicker and relax
between classes At.
Most of those alleys also havebeer licenses.
I never partook, but I knowmany students that did.
This course teaches thefundamentals of bowling as well
(15:00):
as its history and rules.
I guess that is a good way toget some exercise.
I wonder if they offer a beerand pizza portion of the course.
You know that was one thing Idid do is eat some of the pizza
there, and it was bowling alleypizza.
All right, that's it for thepodcast portion.
Now we go to the interviewportion.
What was your favorite course,lily?
Rosalynn Dimick (15:21):
Definitely the bowling.
Lynn Dimick (15:24):
Bowling.
That seems pretty safe.
Trent, you're closest to goingto college.
Which course attracted yourattention?
Trenton Dimick (15:31):
It would have to be between Philosophy of Star
Trek and Lady Gaga and theSociology of Fame.
Lynn Dimick (15:38):
You're not into toilet paper.
Trenton Dimick (15:40):
I mean that one was also a good one because all
three of those can be kind ofthought about outside of the
classroom like waste management.
Lynn Dimick (15:47):
Yeah, that's probably something that is
incredibly valuable even outsideof the classroom it sounds to
me like you're starting to catchon to the point of these these
classes are, and that is to finda catchy way to get people in
to discuss issues and usingpopular icons ie Lady Gaga, the
Simpsons to kick off somediscussions of study topics.
(16:10):
Roz, did you hear any thatmakes you want to go to that
particular school?
Rosalynn Dimick (16:14):
The history of surfing.
Lynn Dimick (16:15):
The history of surfing.
Why I don't?
Know, you just want to see asurfer dude.
Yeah, washboard abs okay,anybody have any differences or
ideas.
You think what's weird?
Rosalynn Dimick (16:27):
how they have all these different courses.
It makes me think less of them,because it's like, why do you
have such silly classes if it'sa real like good college?
Lynn Dimick (16:35):
well, but they're trying to.
Rosalynn Dimick (16:37):
It's almost like clickbait okay, but why
would you, why would you want tolearn tree climbing?
Lynn Dimick (16:44):
I don't know, maybe it's so they could protest.
That's what they do up there inberserk way it could be
literally just to get a creditlike underwater basket we, even
if they gave you credit for ityeah do you think that having a
different title makes the classsound more interesting?
Yes, yes okay, so I thinkthat's what's happening here.
Does it make you want to go toone of these classes more when
(17:05):
it has a flashy title like that?
Trenton Dimick (17:07):
yeah uh, to be honest, no, because I mean most
people are in college just toget an education so that they
can get into a career that theywant.
Like you're not necessarilydoing it to take fun classes,
you're usually doing it just totake what you need to take and
get out of there.
Lynn Dimick (17:26):
But yeah, if you had to take one of these courses
.
Which one would you take andwhy?
Trenton Dimick (17:34):
The philosophy of Star Trek, because that is
actually in a lot of debatephilosophical side of Star Trek
and what it really means.
So it would be interesting totake a class on that.
Lynn Dimick (17:47):
Is it more interesting to take the class
because of those side topics,like the philosophy of it or the
moral dilemmas, or because itmight be a chance to learn
Klingon?
Trenton Dimick (17:57):
Because of the moral implications of certain
things in the show.
Lynn Dimick (18:03):
Your turn, Penny.
What class would you like totake and why?
Rosalynn Dimick (18:06):
I would like to take the art of walking,
because everywhere I go I'mconstantly falling over things.
Lynn Dimick (18:13):
What do you think would be in a class like that?
Rosalynn Dimick (18:15):
Um, no furniture.
Um, I feel like I would takeeither the history of surfing,
because I think it's really coolto learn about how surfing came
to be, or I would take bowling,because then I could get into
like a big professional thingyand then I could win the Super
Bowl.
(18:35):
Oh yeah, oh yeah.
Lynn Dimick (18:39):
All right, I can see what the first lesson has to
be.
If you were going to createyour own college course, what
would you call it and what wouldit be about?
Rosalynn Dimick (18:49):
Trying to function as a left-handed person
because like hear me out.
Trenton Dimick (18:53):
Cognitive disability oh, I'm interested in
this one because I'mleft-handed Okay.
Lynn Dimick (18:57):
I know what the problems are.
Rosalynn Dimick (18:59):
If you open a refrigerator with one door
handle, you're going to bangyourself in the head with the
refrigerator Because it's goingto open on and it's going to hit
you in the head.
Lynn Dimick (19:09):
You need to take pinnis classes by maneuvering
around the frame.
Rosalynn Dimick (19:12):
Yeah, or like if you're writing and then it
smears the thing that you'rewriting, like the pen or like
the ink or like the lead Okay,lily, I think that's valid.
Lynn Dimick (19:26):
But, believe it or not, there have been college
courses that touch on theexperience of being left-handed
in a right-handed world.
These are usually offered ininterdisciplinary departments
like psychology, sociology oreven cultural studies.
They're often framed morebroadly, like left-handedness,
history, biology and identity.
(19:47):
This kind of course mightexplore neurological differences
, myths and stigmas aroundleft-handedness and how tools,
writing, systems and socialnorms are designed with
right-handed people in mind.
Or the next class, handednessand Brain Lateralization a
psychology or neurosciencecourse that could dive into how
(20:09):
handedness is linked to braindevelopment, cognitive
differences and learning styles.
And another one marginalizedidentities and cultural norms.
Occasionally, left-handedness isused as a metaphor or case
study in courses about socialnorms and othering, highlighting
how something seemingly smallaffects daily life in unseen
(20:32):
ways.
Some colleges even run quirkyone-credit seminars or Jan term
meaning January term classes onniche topics.
Something like this Survivingin a Right-Handed World, a
left-hander's guide to tools,writing and microaggressions.
Microaggressions, seriously.
Well, I guess.
(20:55):
Let's move on from college toone of my favorite topics.
My family Three of mygrandchildren have been here
visiting for about four or fivedays for the spring break and
we've done some fun things, andit doesn't hurt that we have
some of the best weather in thecountry and a large heated
swimming pool.
Yesterday, while we werevisiting, I got a phone call
from Blake and Trenton got toobserve what it's like to be
(21:17):
with Grandpa's him and he wantedto share this story.
Trenton Dimick (21:22):
So yesterday Blake called Grandpa and goes
Grandpa, so you're him right.
Well, I just dropped my tabletand won't turn it on.
What do I do?
That thing is totaled.
Lynn Dimick (21:36):
So what did Blake do?
He reached out to Grandpa, ashim and we worked together on a
little bit of troubleshooting.
I gave him some tips on how topower it off.
The battery was at 80% when itbroke, so I told him to make
sure that he runs the batteryall the way down to make sure
that it's powered off, power itback on after charging it for a
while, and that the problemcould be either the battery was
(21:58):
dead, the battery shorted,something broke inside, or even
it could be something as simpleas a screen is broken, but
because of the age of the tablet, it probably was not going to
be repaired.
And to wrap it up this week, onto another of my favorite
topics dinner For dinner onenight we went out to Ruby's to
have hamburgers.
(22:18):
I placed an order for onionrings for everyone to share and
the kids thought that they werepretty tasty.
And then, because Grandpa ishim, I shared with them a new
sauce.
I took some barbecue sauce anda little bit of ranch dressing,
mixed it together to get a nicerich pink color and we took
turns dipping our onion rings init.
They decided that this was thebest sauce ever.
(22:41):
They have decided that theylove Grandpa's sauces because
Grandpa is him.
Hey, thanks for listening.
So what did we learn?
College is strange, uselessnessis relative, and I still want
to know how to pass advancedpuppet mastery.
Welcome back, folks , to Grandpa's Hymn, the podcast
, where we take a long, hardlook at the world around us,
often irreverently, and thenshake our heads in bewildered
amusement.
Now, in my life, I have neverdone things the traditional way.
I have always done them my way.
One of the detours I took inlife was that I did not graduate
(00:31):
from college until 2020, thesame year and from the same
school that my oldest songraduated from.
Because of COVID, thecommencement was done virtually.
Again, I did it my way.
To be honest, I was at thepoint of my life when a degree
would not have any impact on mycareer path or income potential.
I did it because I havegrandchildren who have started
(00:54):
college or will start attendingcollege in the very near future.
I wanted my grandchildren tosee that it was never too late
to accomplish a goal.
This leads us to today's podcast, and boy do I have a doozy for
you.
Today we're diving deep and Imean deep in the wild world of
(01:14):
college courses.
You think you've seen it all.
Hold on to your hats, folks,because these courses are well.
Let's just say that there'ssomething else and they're very
special.
Oh, and be sure to stick arounduntil the end because the kids
uncover.
Before I review and reveal thelist, I've invited some special
(01:35):
guests to sit in with us tolisten to the podcast.
Take notes because we're goingto interview them afterwards.
These are some of mygrandchildren.
Trenton Dimick (01:43):
Hi, I'm Trenton, I'm 17 and I'm a senior in high
school.
Rosalynn Dimick (01:48):
Hi, I'm Rosalyn , I'm 15 and I'm a freshman in
high school.
Hi, I'm Lily, and I'm 14 ineighth grade.
Hi, I'm Penny.
I'm 13 and I'm in seventh grade.
Lynn Dimick (02:01):
Let's get started From Georgetown University in
Washington DC and a slew ofcommunity colleges.
We start off with thephilosophy of Star Trek.
This course explores the deepphilosophical and ethical
questions posed by Star Trek.
I'm picturing a classroomdebating the Prime Directive and
arguing if a Tribble is ametaphor for consumerism.
(02:23):
They probably have exams on howto properly use a phaser.
I'd fail that one, but not bymuch.
Next, from Montclair, newJersey, and extending into the
neighboring towns of Clifton andLittle Falls and probably your
home couch, we have how to WatchTelevision.
They analyze television as acultural medium, its influence
(02:48):
and narrative structures.
I spent years perfecting mycouch potato technique and these
kids get college creditUnbelievable.
They probably have a section onthe correct way to hold a
remote.
All right, that was a weird one, and it's only the beginning.
All right, that was a weird one, and it's only the beginning.
Number three on our list comesfrom Columbia, south Carolina
(03:10):
and other sites within the stateLady Gaga and the Sociology of
Fame.
This course uses Lady Gaga'scareer to explore themes of fame
, identity and socialconstruction, using meat dresses
as a lecture.
I'm starting to think that mygeneration had it right with our
boring textbooks.
I wonder if they grade on howwell you can sing Poker Face,
(03:34):
let's put that one in the roundfile under degrees nobody asked
for but somehow exists.
Direct from the Ivy League.
Cornell University offers acourse on tree climbing.
This course teaches safe andeffective tree climbing
techniques.
Back in my day we climbed treesfor fun, not for a grade.
(03:54):
I guess they needed a diplomato get out of the lower branches
.
These days, I bet they have towear safety harnesses and
helmets, and my guess is thatmore than one of them has fallen
out of the stupid tree and hitevery branch on the way down.
At number five we have what Ithought would be the undisputed
number one and I'm sure you didtoo underwater basket weaving.
(04:16):
The course is taught everywhereand no one claims ownership or
origination.
This one is a classic.
They are teaching how to weavebaskets underwater.
I'm picturing fish givingcritiques on the craftsmanship.
I wonder if the final examinvolves weaving a basket while
holding your breath.
Just FYI, most of theseofferings are not for credit.
(04:38):
Next on our list is the onethat will have you scratching
your head, called the Art ofWalking, offered at Center
College in Danville, Kentucky.
This course examines walking asa physical, philosophical and
cultural activity.
They're studying walking.
(04:58):
I've been doing that for freefor my whole life.
Where's my degree?
I bet they have field trips tothe park.
Number seven on our list comesfrom the city of Austin in the
Republic of Texas.
Invented languages, klingon andbeyond.
They delve into the creationand study of constructed
(05:19):
languages, focusing on Klingon.
They're teaching Klingon.
I can't even get my grandkidsto learn English.
Oh, zippity toilet or somethingI don't know.
Oh, zippity toilet or somethingI don't know.
This next course makes me wonderabout the residents of Muncie,
indiana, where Ball State offersGetting Dressed.
(05:40):
Yes, it's a course calledGetting Dressed.
This course explores the social, cultural and psychological
aspects of clothing.
They're teaching people how toget dressed.
I thought that was somethingyou learned before kindergarten.
I wonder if pajamas are allowed, if they have a pajama day.
I don't know.
I don't know about you, but ifI was footing the tuition bill
(06:04):
for this nonsense, I would be alittle bit upset and seriously
questioning my life choices.
Little bit upset and seriouslyquestioning my life choices.
This next one seems to be anatural.
It's offered by University ofCalifornia, san Diego, where
they offer the history ofsurfing.
This course explores thecultural, social and
(06:25):
environmental history of surfing.
They're studying how to hang 10.
I guess that is better thanstudying how to hang on to a job
.
I wonder if they have popquizzes in the water.
I guess the field trips wouldbe fun.
And again, let's stay inCalifornia, where number 10 is a
natural.
Cal State, northridge isconducting a course on cyber
(06:48):
porn and society.
This course examines the social, psychological and legal
implications of onlinepornography.
Well, I never thought thatwould be a college course.
I guess that is one way to getan A+.
I hope they have a super strongfirewall in the classroom.
Now we have Maple Syrup thehistory and practice coming to
(07:12):
us from Alfred University andAlfred New York.
I guess it's close enough toCanada for this course to make
sense.
This course delves into thehistory, production and cultural
significance of maple syrup.
I always thought that maplesyrup just came from the store.
Yes, I was wrong.
I wonder if they have a tastetest portion of the course and
(07:33):
if they grade on how well youcan tap a tree.
It might even be BYOW, bringyour own waffles From the
1,880-acre campus of Universityof Iowa located in Iowa City.
We have course number 12, theAmerican Vacation.
This course analyzes theconcept of the American vacation
(07:55):
, a course on vacations.
I've been taking those all mywhole life.
Finally, my experience countsfor something.
I bet they have a section onthe best road trip snacks.
And is this a vacation to Iowaor away from Iowa, from the
college Columbia Chicago,located surprisingly enough in
(08:18):
Chicago, illinois?
They offer Zombies in PopularMedia.
This course uses the zombiegenre to analyze social
anxieties and cultural trends.
Zombies In college.
I thought they were supposed tobe studying brains, not eating
them.
I wonder if they do groupprojects?
Hmm, offered just abouteverywhere.
(08:40):
We have Adventures inBabysitting.
I thought that was a book.
This course provides practicaltraining in child care, safety
and basic first aid.
Finally, a practical course.
I wish they had this when mykids were little.
I could have used the help.
I wonder if they teach how tochange a diaper.
Now, if you had to design yourown utterly useless course, what
(09:02):
would it be?
I'll give you a hint orsomething to think about From
the Needing a 10-Foot Poledepartment.
We have, from Kilgore College,located in Kilgore, texas, a
course called how to Win aBeauty Pageant.
This course offers instructionsin poise, public speaking and
stage presence.
(09:23):
I guess there is a science tolooking good, I would have
failed that course.
I bet they have a section onhow to wave properly.
I suspect that one sure thingthat they teach is the use of
bright pink lipstick.
The 17th course on our listcame as a surprise to me.
Uc Irvine is known more fortheir attraction to Middle Earth
(09:45):
than Gotham City.
They offer the Science ofSuperheroes.
This course applies scientificprinciples to analyze the powers
and abilities of superheroes,so their study of Superman could
really fly.
I guess that is one way tospend your tuition money.
I bet they have some fun labexperiments involving capes and
(10:07):
maybe they can quantify whoreally is better, stronger
Superman, batman or Spider-Man.
Number 18 comes from the stateof New Jersey, but it could be
in the city of New Brunswick,newark or Camden or any
combination or all three, whereRutger University has campuses
(10:31):
and offer Politicizing Beyoncé.
This course examines thecultural and political
significance of Beyoncé's musicand persona.
They are using song lyrics forpolitical study.
I guess that is a new one forme.
I wonder if they have a sectionon her dance moves Coming in at
number 19,.
We have Greenville, northCarolina, courtesy of East
(10:54):
Carolina University offeringPhilosophy, and South Park.
This course uses the satiricalanimated series South Park to
explore philosophical concepts.
I guess that is one way toteach philosophy.
I am just surprised that theyare allowed to show that in
school.
I bet they have a section onexistential dread.
You know, I've never seen SouthPark, but from what I've seen
(11:17):
this is probably a class I wouldnot take.
Next up is another class that Iprobably would not take, and
it's the Simpsons and Philosophy.
It's offered by the Universityof California in Berkeley, or as
we sometimes refer to it as UCBerserkly.
(11:42):
This course uses the Simpsonsto examine philosophical
concepts.
Well, if any show can teachphilosophy, it is the Simpsons.
That show has been on forever.
I think they just signed it forthe 37th season.
I bet they even have a sectionon Homer's wisdom that one won't
take long to go through.
Actually, I want to think aboutthis one before I completely
write it off.
I want to think about this onebefore I completely write it off
(12:05):
.
Somehow, this course offered byUniversity of Wisconsin is
probably the last place I wouldexpect to see Elvish, as she
spoke, offered.
This course is dedicated to thestudy of the Elvish languages
created by JRR Tolkien.
They're teaching Elvish.
I can't even understand half ofthe slang words that the kids
use these days.
I wonder if they have a sectionon how to make a limba's bread.
(12:28):
Staying in the state ofWisconsin but moving to Appleton
, we have a course calledLeather and Latex Second Skin
Subcultures.
This course examines the socialand cultural significance of
leather and latex clothing.
Well, that is a very specifictype of clothing to study, I
guess.
Is it a fashion statement?
(12:48):
I hope they have a section onhow to clean those types of
clothes.
I'm a little afraid to find outwhich each section is for that
course.
It could be bizarre and Ireally hope they don't have any
field trips.
And now we're down to our lastthree courses and we move over
to the West Coast for a coursecalled Waste Management and the
(13:12):
Environment offered by SantaClara University.
This course studies the complexsystems of waste disposal,
recycling and environmentalimpact.
Finally, a practical coursethat is useful to the world.
I am glad that somebody isstudying how to keep our planet
clean.
I bet they have a field trip tothe landfill.
It actually makes sense to havethe course up there because
(13:34):
that area does have a lot ofrecycling activity going on, and
I can tell you now, looking atthe financial reports from those
companies.
It's very profitable and not abad business to get into as long
as you're not on the street.
All right, this next one soundslike a total joke, but hear me
(13:56):
out, give it a chance.
And coming in at number 24 is acourse that everyone casually
thinks about almost every day.
It's called Thinking AboutToilet Paper and because it is
so ubiquitous it is offered allover the country.
While often a joke, this coursecould explore resource
(14:18):
management, consumerism and thehistory of everyday objects.
Well, that is a course thateveryone can relate to.
I wonder what the final exam islike, and I hope I don't find
out.
And finally, we have a coursethat may be the most popular PE
course offered in almost everyschool bowling.
(14:39):
I remember attending Cal State,fullerton, many years ago and
going down to the bowling alleyto sit, snicker and relax
between classes At.
Most of those alleys also havebeer licenses.
I never partook, but I knowmany students that did.
This course teaches thefundamentals of bowling as well
(15:00):
as its history and rules.
I guess that is a good way toget some exercise.
I wonder if they offer a beerand pizza portion of the course.
You know that was one thing Idid do is eat some of the pizza
there, and it was bowling alleypizza.
All right, that's it for thepodcast portion.
Now we go to the interviewportion.
What was your favorite course,lily?
Rosalynn Dimick (15:21):
Definitely the bowling.
Lynn Dimick (15:24):
Bowling.
That seems pretty safe.
Trent, you're closest to goingto college.
Which course attracted yourattention?
Trenton Dimick (15:31):
It would have to be between Philosophy of Star
Trek and Lady Gaga and theSociology of Fame.
Lynn Dimick (15:38):
You're not into toilet paper.
Trenton Dimick (15:40):
I mean that one was also a good one because all
three of those can be kind ofthought about outside of the
classroom like waste management.
Lynn Dimick (15:47):
Yeah, that's probably something that is
incredibly valuable even outsideof the classroom it sounds to
me like you're starting to catchon to the point of these these
classes are, and that is to finda catchy way to get people in
to discuss issues and usingpopular icons ie Lady Gaga, the
Simpsons to kick off somediscussions of study topics.
(16:10):
Roz, did you hear any thatmakes you want to go to that
particular school?
Rosalynn Dimick (16:14):
The history of surfing.
Lynn Dimick (16:15):
The history of surfing.
Why I don't?
Know, you just want to see asurfer dude.
Yeah, washboard abs okay,anybody have any differences or
ideas.
You think what's weird?
Rosalynn Dimick (16:27):
how they have all these different courses.
It makes me think less of them,because it's like, why do you
have such silly classes if it'sa real like good college?
Lynn Dimick (16:35):
well, but they're trying to.
Rosalynn Dimick (16:37):
It's almost like clickbait okay, but why
would you, why would you want tolearn tree climbing?
Lynn Dimick (16:44):
I don't know, maybe it's so they could protest.
That's what they do up there inberserk way it could be
literally just to get a creditlike underwater basket we, even
if they gave you credit for ityeah do you think that having a
different title makes the classsound more interesting?
Yes, yes okay, so I thinkthat's what's happening here.
Does it make you want to go toone of these classes more when
(17:05):
it has a flashy title like that?
Trenton Dimick (17:07):
yeah uh, to be honest, no, because I mean most
people are in college just toget an education so that they
can get into a career that theywant.
Like you're not necessarilydoing it to take fun classes,
you're usually doing it just totake what you need to take and
get out of there.
Lynn Dimick (17:26):
But yeah, if you had to take one of these courses
.
Which one would you take andwhy?
Trenton Dimick (17:34):
The philosophy of Star Trek, because that is
actually in a lot of debatephilosophical side of Star Trek
and what it really means.
So it would be interesting totake a class on that.
Lynn Dimick (17:47):
Is it more interesting to take the class
because of those side topics,like the philosophy of it or the
moral dilemmas, or because itmight be a chance to learn
Klingon?
Trenton Dimick (17:57):
Because of the moral implications of certain
things in the show.
Lynn Dimick (18:03):
Your turn, Penny.
What class would you like totake and why?
Rosalynn Dimick (18:06):
I would like to take the art of walking,
because everywhere I go I'mconstantly falling over things.
Lynn Dimick (18:13):
What do you think would be in a class like that?
Rosalynn Dimick (18:15):
Um, no furniture.
Um, I feel like I would takeeither the history of surfing,
because I think it's really coolto learn about how surfing came
to be, or I would take bowling,because then I could get into
like a big professional thingyand then I could win the Super
Bowl.
(18:35):
Oh yeah, oh yeah.
Lynn Dimick (18:39):
All right, I can see what the first lesson has to
be.
If you were going to createyour own college course, what
would you call it and what wouldit be about?
Rosalynn Dimick (18:49):
Trying to function as a left-handed person
because like hear me out.
Trenton Dimick (18:53):
Cognitive disability oh, I'm interested in
this one because I'mleft-handed Okay.
Lynn Dimick (18:57):
I know what the problems are.
Rosalynn Dimick (18:59):
If you open a refrigerator with one door
handle, you're going to bangyourself in the head with the
refrigerator Because it's goingto open on and it's going to hit
you in the head.
Lynn Dimick (19:09):
You need to take pinnis classes by maneuvering
around the frame.
Rosalynn Dimick (19:12):
Yeah, or like if you're writing and then it
smears the thing that you'rewriting, like the pen or like
the ink or like the lead Okay,lily, I think that's valid.
Lynn Dimick (19:26):
But, believe it or not, there have been college
courses that touch on theexperience of being left-handed
in a right-handed world.
These are usually offered ininterdisciplinary departments
like psychology, sociology oreven cultural studies.
They're often framed morebroadly, like left-handedness,
history, biology and identity.
(19:47):
This kind of course mightexplore neurological differences
, myths and stigmas aroundleft-handedness and how tools,
writing, systems and socialnorms are designed with
right-handed people in mind.
Or the next class, handednessand Brain Lateralization a
psychology or neurosciencecourse that could dive into how
(20:09):
handedness is linked to braindevelopment, cognitive
differences and learning styles.
And another one marginalizedidentities and cultural norms.
Occasionally, left-handedness isused as a metaphor or case
study in courses about socialnorms and othering, highlighting
how something seemingly smallaffects daily life in unseen
(20:32):
ways.
Some colleges even run quirkyone-credit seminars or Jan term
meaning January term classes onniche topics.
Something like this Survivingin a Right-Handed World, a
left-hander's guide to tools,writing and microaggressions.
Microaggressions, seriously.
Well, I guess.
(20:55):
Let's move on from college toone of my favorite topics.
My family Three of mygrandchildren have been here
visiting for about four or fivedays for the spring break and
we've done some fun things, andit doesn't hurt that we have
some of the best weather in thecountry and a large heated
swimming pool.
Yesterday, while we werevisiting, I got a phone call
from Blake and Trenton got toobserve what it's like to be
(21:17):
with Grandpa's him and he wantedto share this story.
Trenton Dimick (21:22):
So yesterday Blake called Grandpa and goes
Grandpa, so you're him right.
Well, I just dropped my tabletand won't turn it on.
What do I do?
That thing is totaled.
Lynn Dimick (21:36):
So what did Blake do?
He reached out to Grandpa, ashim and we worked together on a
little bit of troubleshooting.
I gave him some tips on how topower it off.
The battery was at 80% when itbroke, so I told him to make
sure that he runs the batteryall the way down to make sure
that it's powered off, power itback on after charging it for a
while, and that the problemcould be either the battery was
(21:58):
dead, the battery shorted,something broke inside, or even
it could be something as simpleas a screen is broken, but
because of the age of the tablet, it probably was not going to
be repaired.
And to wrap it up this week, onto another of my favorite
topics dinner For dinner onenight we went out to Ruby's to
have hamburgers.
(22:18):
I placed an order for onionrings for everyone to share and
the kids thought that they werepretty tasty.
And then, because Grandpa ishim, I shared with them a new
sauce.
I took some barbecue sauce anda little bit of ranch dressing,
mixed it together to get a nicerich pink color and we took
turns dipping our onion rings init.
They decided that this was thebest sauce ever.
(22:41):
They have decided that theylove Grandpa's sauces because
Grandpa is him.
Hey, thanks for listening.
So what did we learn?
College is strange, uselessnessis relative, and I still want
to know how to pass advancedpuppet mastery.
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