Continuing Education

Local institutions offer an array of interesting night courses.

by Tasha Kates

You learn something new every day, right? To help Philadelphians continue their education with night classes, we've compiled eight of the coolest courses around that will help expand your mind. The classes listed below only take a few hours once a week, and are located at various schools in the city and surrounding area.

Misuse of Science
Chestnut Hill College, Thursdays, 4-6 p.m. with a lab on Fridays from 10 a.m.-noon
No, this class will not teach you how to make your own fireworks. It will, however, take a look at how scientific theories of the past were applied incorrectly in social policy. Examples such as phrenology, the eugenics movement and physiognomic theories (used to justify colonialism and slavery) will be analyzed from scientific points of view.
Prerequisites: none listed
Professor: Meyer and Eisenhauer
For more information: www.chc.edu

Food Marketing Research
Genuardi Markets, Inc. headquarters, via St. Joseph's University, Thursdays, 6:15-8:55 p.m.
Irv, clean-up in aisle 4! Supermarket displays are more than artful piles of cereal boxes and ramen noodles. Students will learn how to market, price and place products in a supermarket at the headquarters of former family-owned Genuardi's. The company, which was bought by Safeway several years ago, should serve as a good example, both in marketing and forcing your customer base to shop at the Acme across the street because of poor service.
Prerequisites: MKT 1015
Professor: Staff
For more information: www.sju.edu/uc

Computer Forensics
Community College of Pennsylvania, Main Campus, Thursdays, 6-9 p.m.
Have computer hackers ever infiltrated your computer? Have you ever gotten a virus or worm on your machine just from daily use? Computer forensics is a stepping-stone to catching computer criminals by recovering, analyzing and preserving digital evidence for the justice system. Students will learn about topics from hacking to spoofing (imitating other Web sites). Even if you're not planning on working in forensics, this class will give you the skills to recognize when your computer is under attack.
Prerequisites: none listed
Professor: Freeman
For more information: www.ccp.edu

Weapons of Mass Destruction
University of Pennsylvania, Thursdays, 5-8 p.m.
First things first: you won't be creating any of them. Nor will you figure out where to find them in, say, Iraq. But this course on the history of the weapons will alleviate the fear and broaden the understanding of the Dubya Era buzzword. Penn's course covers traditional chemical, nuclear and biological weapons, as well as terrorist tactics like suicide bombing. The course also puts the WMDs into the complete picture of American society throughout the decades. If you haven't been paying attention to political issues since 2001, this is your chance to play catch-up.
Prerequisites: none listed
Professor: Staff
For more information: www.upenn.edu/penn_portal

Psychopathology
Temple University, Main Campus Mondays, 6-8:30 p.m.
Want to know why your little brother used to burn ants under a magnifying glass when he was 6 years old? This psychology class takes a look at the causes, symptoms and treatment of emotional and behavioral disorders. Abnormal psychology topics like schizophrenia and childhood disturbances will also make an appearance. Prepare to self-diagnose.
Prerequisites: Psychology C060
Professor: Rappaport
For more information: www.temple.edu

The Art of the Interview
St. Joseph's University Tuesdays, 6:15-8:55 p.m.
ESPN's Sal Paolantonio, who used to work at the Inquirer before making the voyage to Bristol, Ct., is heading up this course on conducting effective interviews. The class will look at how the interview is used in mass media, how to organize questions and how to apply these skills in beat reporting. Undoubtedly, Sal Pal will share some of his trade secrets and stories about his career.
Prerequisites: none listed
For more information: www.sju.edu/uc

Philadelphia Neighborhoods
Temple University, Center City campus Wednesdays, 5:30-8 p.m.
Finally, a history class that gives Philadelphians an edge. Students will learn the history of the city from a neighborhood perspective using museums and archives as background research. (Read: you're going on a lot of field trips.)
Prerequisites: none listed
Professor: Baron
For more information: www.temple.edu

Who Gets Elected and Why: The Science of Politics
University of Pennsylvania Mondays, 6-9 p.m.
Those who are still discussing Gov. Ed Rendell's stint as Philadelphia mayor might enjoy this course. After all, he's teaching it. (OK, at least on the weeks when the Birds aren't on Monday Night Football, we suspect.) Rendell will lecture his students about every facet of running for office, from staffing to campaign finance. Case studies from his life in politics are slated to appear.
Prerequisites: Permission of the instructor
Professor: Baron
For more information: www.upenn.edu/penn_portal