On March 3, Elizabethtown College students were able to view the course listings for the fall 2023 semester. The course listings included a number of new classes that students may be interested in taking, such as novel writing with Assistant Director of Academic Advising Curtis Smith and game design and virtual reality with Associate Professor of Engineering & Computer Science Dr. Joseph Wunderlich. These additional courses provide an opportunity for students to study interesting topics while also fulfilling requirements.
The creative writing class, CW 230: Novel Study and Writing, is a way for students to be introduced to and learn more about novel writing. The course description states that students would be asked to study four novels per semester and, based on the things they learn, generate their personal creative work. In order to take the class, students are required to have taken EN100: Writing and Language.
“I’m excited to teach a course on the study and writing of the novel,” Smith said. “I think many folks think about writing a novel one day—and if one could get a head start while they’re still in college, all the better. Students will study four novels—and do a lot of writing on their own project.”
Even though this may seem like a course that may be hard to fit in one’s schedule, it is designed as a 2-credit class to help students fit the course into their schedules, no matter their major. The class is also designed to be repeatable, and students can get two more credits if they take it in the spring semester as well. They would be again asked to study four novels and create their own piece of work. In other words, the spring semester can be viewed as a continuation from the fall semester’s class or it can be taken as a standalone class.
When asked why he wanted to teach the class, Smith expressed a desire to share his experiences as a writer with Etown students. Smith has published more than one hundred stories and essays in numerous magazines and literary journals. His work has been cited and/ or included in “The Best American Short Stories,” “The Best American Mystery Stories,” “The Best American Spiritual Writing,” “The Best Short Fictions” and in the “Norton Anthology New Microfictions.” In addition to that impressive background, Smith is the author of two chapbooks of flash fiction, a book of creative nonfiction, two essay collections, three story collections and multiple novels.
“We’ll learn about a novel’s structure and different techniques for bringing the story to the page,” Smith said. “I’ve been lucky enough to publish six novels—and I’m looking forward to sharing what I’ve learned about the process with the students here at Etown.”
Another class that could be of interest to students is CS 170: Game Design and Virtual Reality. This course is meant to be an introduction to the basic aspects of designing, developing and finally producing computer games. This course would also serve as an introduction to virtual and augmented reality in computer games as well as other possible applications. Currently, no programming experience or prerequisites are required; however, students with those skills and experiences are going to have access to special project opportunities. The course is offered in the fall semester on odd-numbered years. The class meets three times a week and is worth four credits.
With a background in electrical and computer engineering, engineering science/ computer design and architectural engineering, Wunderlich is a great resource for students who are either interested in pursuing a career in the industry or for students who simply want to learn more about the processes behind game design and virtual reality.
In order to register for classes for the upcoming semesters, students must have an advising appointment with their primary major advisor between March 13 and April 17. Failure to meet with an advisor will result in a Registration Clearance Flag, which prevents students from registering for classes.
The course registration period is between April 10 and April 12. Students should check the email from Associate Registrar Erika Dupes to note the times they will be able to register for classes and plan accordingly. If students have questions about the registration process, they are advised to stop by Registration and Records, which is in Zug Hall, or call 717-361-1409.
