Sarah Jagielski is a content writer for KCPR. The opinions expressed in this article do not necessarily reflect those of Mustang Media Group.
A lot of students don’t choose to attend a college solely because of specific class offerings, as things are a bit more multifaceted than that. But interesting classes certainly can sweeten the deal.
There are an abundance of resources at Cal Poly to make the absolute most out of a student’s time in San Luis Obispo. Learning something unexpected, unique and/or completely major unrelated gives students the liberty to customize their education.
Not only can it make your days on campus that much more exciting, but it can broaden your skillset and horizons. Well-roundedness is a virtue – you’ll want to build up some party tricks and niche trivia knowledge somehow.
When it comes to browsing the class search during registration, it can be hard to know where to begin to find an enjoyable, recreational class. While sorting through, keep in mind these handpicked highlights — most of which are being offered this spring quarter (that is, if you can get in.)
ES 311 (3311) – Beyoncé: Race, Feminism, and Politics
Yes, Cal Poly offers a Beyoncé class. Explore pop constructions and representations of race, gender and sexuality through her life and times. Become more acquainted with her discography and make connections to societal views and values.
KINE 108-176 (1108-1176) – Physical Activity
Get that free workout class (where attendance is taken) to hold yourself accountable and earn an academic unit while you’re at it! Estimated experience levels vary, but there’s something for everyone.
Options include but are not limited to: bowling, flag football, golf, yoga, racquetball, ultimate disc, swimming, beach volleyball and fitness walking.
DANC 130-135 (1130-1135) – Beginning Dance
Should you feel so elegantly inclined, try your hand (and feet) at a new style of dance – pilates and conditioning, ballet, modern, jazz, ballroom and international folk dance are all offered.
IME 142 (1142) – Materials Joining
If you’ve ever wanted to learn how to weld, here’s your chance. The class covers conceptual bases of various welding processes and allows for students to “play with fire” in the lab.
This is a very hands-on class. Instructor Kevin Williams will surely bring up stories of past injuries, but don’t let that get you down. Just be careful in the lab, you don’t want to be his next example.
HIST 306 (3306) – Witch Hunts Europe 1400-1800
Delve into the whys of persecution and skepticism. Discover the historical context of the witch hunt phenomenon, focusing on the European middle ages. With what you learn in this class, you’ll easily be able to back up or refute contemporary witch hunt metaphors.
HIST 317 (3317) – The Lure of the Sea
If you’re someone who feels drawn to the sea and you want to explore that feeling some more, this is for you. You’ll learn about the history of the sea and seaside civilizations — the Cal Poly 2026-2028 Catalog also outlines a focus on “piracy, fisheries, sea shanties, [and] surfing.”
PLSC 175 (1175) – Beekeeping
Often regarded as one of the most popular classes at Cal Poly, students explore the history and practice of beekeeping with a classic “learn by doing” approach.
Pros: fresh honey, wearing a space suit and smoking out bees during lab time.
Cons: demand is high, so enrolling may be difficult… good luck!
PLSC 110 (1110) – People, Pests, and Plagues
It’s time to overcome your fear of bugs (though the proper term is insects.) When you learn more about them, they really do become a lot less scary.
This class is a general intro to the field of entomology. You’ll learn about the importance of insects, how to identify them and so much more. Plus, the lab component is basically running around outside with a bug net; it’s a lot of fun. Rumor has it there may be a beekeeping unit, too.
PLSC 450 (4450) – Current Issues in the California Strawberry Industry
Through this course, students can help contribute to the operations of Cal Poly’s Strawberry Center.
Dr. Gerald Holmes, course instructor and founding Director of the Cal Poly Strawberry Center, describes how the course covers growing practices, food safety, breeding of new strawberry varieties, disease and insect management, production costs and labor issues. Invited lecturers speak and share their expertise with students in order to address a wraparound perspective of current issues facing the California strawberry industry.
“Each year the material covered is unique because the speakers are different,” says Holmes.
PLSC 205 (2205) – Orchard and Vegetable Enterprise Project
With this course, you’ll gain hands-on experience in production and marketing of fruit and vegetable crops. Gardening can be therapeutic and access to fresh produce is a treat!
FSN 121 (1121) – Fundamentals of Food.
The “theoretical aspects and practical applications of the principles of culinary science and food preparation,” as defined by the 2026-2028 Cal Poly catalog.
This course involves learning about and practicing food preparation, cooking and baking! You’ll sometimes get to bring your “classwork” (meals) home. That’s one less dinner to worry about.
ART 330 (3350) – Book Arts
This course is perfect for independent publishers, scrapbookers, collage enthusiasts and others alike. Book Arts outlines various book binding processes and provides an exploration of the book as an “art object,” according to the ART Catalog. Students have the opportunity to get creative and make the assignments their own!
MU 151, 154, 155 (1151, 1154, 1155) – Beginning Music Classes
If you’ve never learned an instrument before, you’re here, so why not take a class? Start with the basics and learn to play or sing your favorite songs. If you like it, stick with it! Music is good for the soul.
Choose from Beginning Piano (MU 151), Beginning Voice (MU 154), or Beginning Guitar (MU 155)!
MSCI 300 (3300) – Marine Ecology
Quite a few prerequisites for this one, but once you’re past those, you’re qualified to take the “tidepooling class.” Learn about the biology and importance of marine plants and animals, both in and outside of the classroom.
“Lab is like a day in the life as a marine biologist,” says currently-enrolled student, Olivia Stevens.
Highlights of the course include Elephant Seal education and a trip to the Monterey Bay Aquarium.
PHIL 319 (3319) – Existentialism
Does anything matter? If you’ve ever desired a space to question the meaning of life and get graded for it, this is the right place. You’ll learn about and participate in class discussions of existentialist themes and major philosophers. You’re in good company alongside Kierkegaard, Sartre, Nietzsche and other philosophical friends.
ENGL 388 (3388) – Poetry Writing
Writing is a fantastic outlet. Get to know yourself better and expand upon your poetry comprehension and construction skills. The class covers literary devices and analysis; Students also have plenty of opportunity to reflect upon their own experiences and values in order to compose individual poems.
WVIT 102 (1102) – Global Wine and Viticulture
For fans of the finer things in life… the wine industry awaits. This course is an introduction to the winemaking process and business. Students taking WVIT 102 (1102 after the semester conversion) learn about the history of the process, major wine regions of the world and more.
WVIT 300 (3300) – Fundamentals of Viticulture and Enology
This is more of a survey course, still focusing on winemaking and grape growing. Students learn about grapevines and wine regions of the world. There is additional emphasis on the exploration and comparison of red, white, sparkling and fortified wine production and chemistry.
JOUR 320 (3320) – Cal Poly Radio Laboratory
Also known as KCPR’s general meeting. Applications for KCPR’s teams open during Spring and DJ applications open in the Fall! Student teams include news, content, music, socials, art, podcasting, marketing and production.
At the end of the day, your college experience is what you make of it. You might as well decide to take the class that sparks your curiosity as it may just end up being a highlight of your time here in San Luis Obispo. To browse all future course offerings, visit the Cal Poly Catalog
