Credit Where Credit's Due: Our Top No Exam Electives

Written by: Shernorise Davidson and Jonell Nelson

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Still, have exam PTSD huh? Before we jump into another back-breaking semester, let's give credit where credits are due, especially to this idea: Sci-Tech students need a break.

Between stuffing our brains with enough course material for a year-long course, racing to sneak assignments in via faulty files or "inaccessible" links, and swatting mindlessly for apocalyptic-level exams, we are very cozy with the "burnt out brain" idea! Some of us can't even think about all the electives we need just to meet the credit requirements of the degree.

So why not enjoy some mental relief? I'm talking about those glorious no-exam electives on campus strictly for enjoying the learning process. Like discussing women and their roles and perceptions in movies or why men are not "weak" and "jelly-back" but complex nuanced people! With chill classes like these woven into your schedule, you can destress and recharge those overworked cells and make learning what it should truly be about: a fun and engaging time.

We know, we know, easier said than done. We're Sci-Tech students after all, sleep and time are just figments of our imagination we see on holidays. But we've got your back! We've been collecting reviews for FST students by FST students, so you know what seems best to manage your schedule and keep your interest peaked!

Bored of books and conversation? We feel you. That's why we suggest exploring island beats and cinema with LITS2806 or partying for a grade in SOCI2020, both of them teach you how music builds community in the most interesting ways!

FST's got your back and your GPA!

Ready to save your degree? Here are some no-exam electives guaranteed to give your brain a break:

CLTR3530: Rastafari Women, Patriarchy and Gender

CLTR3565: Rastafari Ital Livity and Socio-Economic Justice

COMM1234: Basic Media Production

COMM2201: Introduction to Communication Research Methods

GEND2001: Gender in Caribbean Culture I

GEND2002: Gender in Caribbean Culture II: Linguistic, Popular Culture and Literature

GEND2004: Sexuality, Power and Illicit Desire

GEND2013: Introductions to Men and Masculinities in the Caribbean

GEND3031: Gender, Sex, and Society

GEND3033: Critical Perspectives on Gender & Violence

GEND3600: Gender, Sexual and Reproductive Health and HIV/AIDS

HIST2807: Digital History

LANG2001: Language and Ethics

LANG3001: The Art of Public Speaking

LIBS2704: Introduction to Museum and Galleries

LITS2806: Reggae Films: Screening the Caribbean

LITS2907: Women in Cinema

LITS3106: World Cinemas

LITS3806: Popular Film and Ideology

MATH1154: Intro. to Mathematical Software I

MGMT1002: Communication Skills for Managers

MGMT3058: New Venture Management

MGMT3101: Strategic Planning for Entrepreneurship

PUBL1001: Publishing in the Caribbean: From Idea to Product

PUBL3003: Editing and Proofreading

SOCI2020: Identity and Conduct in Dancehall Culture

Special Mention EDTK3004: Educational Technology

Special Mention: SOCI3025: Caribbean Culture

Don't feel like tapping your card on the table for any of these? Don't fret, there are dozens more low-pressure learning adventures out there without scary finals. UWI has something for every free spirit and FST will find them for you!

We'll be updating this list all semester long with new anti-burnout elective finds for you to browse. So bookmark this page for fresh ideas whenever your motivation and your GPA needs a pick-me-up! In the meantime, comment below with any courses you think we should check out and get reviews for.

Here's to a semester that feeds both our brains and our souls.

We got this!