NEW BRUNSWICK, N.J. – While alchemy isn’t officially included among the 100-plus courses in the catalog, students can engage in the medieval practice, after a fashion, if they register for Winter Session at Rutgers-New Brunswick, where they can transform free time into valuable course credits.
In just a few short weeks, from Dec. 23, 2013 through Jan. 17, 2014, students from Rutgers and elsewhere can advance their academic goals in an intensive, fast-paced environment. “With nearly 150 offerings, and more than 65 offered in online or hybrid format – part in-class, part online – the choice belongs to the students,” said Elizabeth Beasley, director of Winter Session at Rutgers-New Brunswick, which is part of the Division of Continuing Studies. “This is the largest number of online and hybrid offerings we’ve ever had. They allow students to work from home over the holiday break, which is convenient and saves them time and money on commuting.”
Students can earn up to four credits toward graduation, fulfill a prerequisite, reduce their spring course load, or take a course not available in the fall or spring semesters or one that is heavily subscribed during the rest of the academic year, Beasley added.
Students may take a single class in an intensive format that is ideal for learning subjects that require massed practice or rehearsal, such as foreign languages and public speaking. The small classes during the shorter term also allow students to build collegial relationships with classmates and professors.
Matt Backes, an instructor in the Department of American studies, who previously taught “Decade in American Culture: The 1980s,” during Summer Session, will revisit the course this winter. “Students who weren’t born in the 1980s seemed to enjoy hearing personal anecdotes,” said Backes, 42. “By the end of the decade, I was old enough to have held political opinions and I have adult memories of important events. It’s hard to treat the ’80s as history, and I try to keep myself out of it, but to the students, this is ‘old stuff.’ They like the idea of hearing history from someone who was there.”
Besides in-class, online and hybrid course selections, additional Winter Session options include internships in such areas as business and labor studies; independent studies in African language and literature, Middle Eastern studies and social work; and research opportunities in animal studies, ecology and religion.
“There’s an incentive for out-of-state students returning home for the holidays. They benefit from lower, in-state tuition,” Beasley said. “But students should check with their own colleges before enrolling to confirm that credits earned at Rutgers will count toward their graduation requirements.”
Regular registration without a late fee runs through Dec. 9. Late registration, which carries an extra $50 charge, starts Dec. 10 and ends Dec. 20 for Rutgers students. For visiting students, the last day for late registration online is Dec. 16.
For information about Winter Session, including courses, important dates and deadlines, limited need- and merit-based scholarships, and enrollment restrictions, click here.