I'd Love to Take That! Unique Courses at Pace

College represents a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity in myriad ways. By definition, a University is an institution designed for instruction and examination in many areas of advanced learning.

Across our seven schools, there’s quite a lot students can learn–from computer information technology to peace and justice studies, there is truly something for everyone. While the areas of study are truly endless, we decided to highlight a range of some truly unique courses students can enroll in while at Pace–types of courses that add an extra, distinctively satisfying dimension to the Pace educational experience:

PHI 230: The Philosophy of Happiness

For most of us, it takes more than a Pharrell song to be happy. This course, offered by the philosophy department at Dyson College, delves into one of the most profound–and difficult to answer–questions of the human condition. Namely, it tackles age old questions like: What is happiness? Is happiness sufficient for a worthwhile life? Is morality necessary for happiness? What is the relationship between happiness and a meaningful life?

Course Rotation: Westchester, Fall

MGT 312: Event Management

As anyone who has been involved in events will know, successful event management has more layers and tiers than the most elaborate of wedding cakes. Offered by Lubin’s department of management, this course introduces students to the principles, concepts, and steps involved in planning and executing successful events. Students taking this course will learn many aspects of organizing and managing special events, including venue selection, preparing and managing the budget, scheduling and staffing, food and beverage coordinating, decor, and much more.

Course Rotation: NYC, Fall

MCA 258: The Invasion of Reality Television

Reality television is not a new phenomenon. In fact, it’s been with us for three quarters of a century, ever since Candid Camera first aired in 1948. Yet, of course, the advent of Reality TV has truly exploded in the 21st century–from Survivor to American Idol, from The Bachelorette to Top Chef. Offered by the department of media and communication arts, this course examines the phenomenon of reality television from programming, economic, and social viewpoints.

Course Rotation: Westchester, Spring

Art 224: Hip Hop in Contemporary Art and Design

Hip hop shapes today’s visual culture, from magazines, clothing and design, to the art world itself. But what is it? Many of the elements of the culture can be traced back to the early 70's with graffiti on trains, and new forms of street dance, poetry and DJ'ing coming out of The Bronx. An afro-centric street culture became a new language which spoke to the world. This course combines lectures, slide shows, video and readings; engaging students in discussion and writing on the class topics.

Course Rotation: NYC, Fall

COS 250: Digital Youth Activism

What does activism look like in the digital age? How are youth engaging with digital technologies in everyday life, and what are the political implications of these everyday practices? This course examines the myriad forms and mechanisms of digital activism that have been embraced by youth throughout the globe, and consider how digital media can be a platform for both leisure and politics, and some of the ways in which each informs the other. Digital media—both its form and content, as well as its production and consumption—will serve as a lens onto issues of social inequality and national politics as they pertain to youth.

Course Rotation: NYC, Fall

INT 197G: Rome and the Eternal City

Dreaming of heading to Rome? Why not do so with course credit? This unique travel course provides students with an intense and comprehensive experience grounded in an understanding of history, art, architecture, religion, and Roman culture; the capital of the ancient Roman Empire, the Catholic Church, and the contemporary state of Italy. In other words–take an unforgettable trip to Rome, and truly get to know one of the greatest cities in the world.

Course Rotation: Travel Course

PAAT 481: The Pace LA Acting Experience

This comprehensive immersive learning course is designed to demystify the logistics of working and living in Los Angeles, the audition and booking process, as well as creating/implementing business strategies for a career in Film and Television. Taught in an immersive, hands-on approach, actors will work closely with current West Coast industry casting directors, talent agents, talent managers, studio and network executives in the areas of commercial, TV comedy, TV drama, soap opera, and feature film to gain a personal understanding of the expectation and preparation required to be a working professional actor in Los Angeles.

Course Rotation: Travel Course

MGT 397D: Contours of Black Entrepreneurship in America

In this anti-racism education (ARE) and civic engagement (CE) course, students learn about the trials and triumphs experienced by Black entrepreneurs from historical, contemporaneous, and sociological perspectives. Students learn about the various business disciplines; entrepreneurship, specifically Black entrepreneurship; historical, political, economic, and social factors affecting Black entrepreneurship; challenges facing Black entrepreneurs in New York City; and hear from Black Pace alumni entrepreneurs and entrepreneurs affiliated with New York City's Small Business Services Advancing Black Entrepreneurship (BE NYC) initiative.

Course Rotation: NYC, Fall and Spring

NUR 247: Pathophysiology and the Entertainment Media

House. ER. Grey's Anatomy. Medical shows, sure, but representative of an important media phenomenon. This course focuses on the analysis of media portrayal of disease states. The media portrayal of disease manifestations will be assessed and contrasted to evidence based disease manifestations and clinical experience. Students also analyze the effect of accurate and inaccurate disease portrayal on health care, health policy, and the general public.

Course Rotation: NYC and Westchester, Spring and Summer

COMING SOON: Digital Media Law + Taylor Swift

Law 320 Digital Media Law delves into the ever-evolving, complex relationship between entertainment, technology, and the law. How might this class look when its focus is Taylor Swift? Look out for Digital Media Law (Taylor's Version) coming to a Pace classroom near you—anticipated release date Spring 2024!

Have you taken a unique course you’d like the Pace Community to hear about? Let us know.