Fall classes to open Monday, Aug. 25

Fall classes at Western Nevada College are set to open on Monday, Aug. 25, with hundreds of courses and dozens of programs to explore. Whether the goal is finding a career, preparing for transfer to a university, or personal enrichment, WNC invites a look at its diverse offerings.

Students may enroll in courses that count toward Associate of Arts or Associate of Science transfer degrees, and fulfill requirements toward four-year degrees. They may also work toward careers in dozens of areas, including Information Technology, Business, Applied Technologies, Education, and Allied Health services. Financial Assistance and placement testing are available.

Students find smaller and more personalized classes than at a large university, and have the chance to draw from the experiences and knowledge of professors such as Dr. Ryan Stryffeler. He will teach Gender in Literature and Introduction to Language this fall.

“Teaching at WNC gives me the opportunity to offer courses in my area of direct expertise,” Stryffeler said. “The most rewarding aspect of my job is the chance to help someone look at the world in a different way, from a perspective they never considered before.”

Students can choose to carve out a career in short order with courses such as Real Estate Principles I and II, from Century 21 Jim Wilson Realty agent Garrett Lepire.

“The market is so much better than what it was,” said Lepire, who has been an area agent for 14 years. “Things are picking up, and it’s a great time to get into the business.”

Students can also work toward certifications in areas as broad as sign language, peace officer academy, and K-12 teacher education.

A sampling of fall classes includes:

• Steering and Suspension (AUTO 155): Students will learn the diagnosis and service of suspension components, including shocks, springs, ball joints, manual and power steering systems, as well as four-wheel alignment. The class prepares students for Automotive Service Excellence certification, which increases opportunities for employment.

• Real Estate Principles I and II (RE 101 and 103): Students prepare for state and national real estate license exams through back-to-back four-week Saturday classes. They study Nevada real estate laws, listing procedures, contracts, closing statements and office procedures. In addition to the real estate sales industry, students can pursue career opportunities in commercial banking, escrow services, land planning and zoning and land development.

• Applied Industrial Technology (AIT 155): Students receive hands-on training from Professor Emily Howarth with a variety of AIT equipment. Additional day and evening lab hours are available.

• Fabrication and Soldering Techniques (ET 104): Students are provided with the knowledge and skills to become proficient in making and repairing high-reliability solder connections. Class includes lecture/discussion and extensive hands-on practice in the soldering lab. It also covers lead-free soldering issues and techniques.

• Home Technology Convergence (ET 155): Students use plans and diagrams to build, configure and install cables, wall plates, jacks, control modules and equipment to activate multiple technologies used in homes and small offices. They receive instruction in convergence of surveillance and security systems, computer networks, telecommunications and audio/visual equipment.

• Critical Analysis of Mass Media (JOUR 101): Surveys the role of the internet, newspapers, radio, TV, advertising and publication organizations. Interpretation of the day’s news and analysis of media performance also are discussed.

• Introduction to Creative Writing (ENG 205): In a beginning writers’ workshop, students learn to write poetry, fiction and creative nonfiction. The class allows students to work toward requirements at four-year colleges such as the University of Nevada, Reno.

• Introduction to Language/Literature Expression (ENG 282): The history and evolution of the English language is studied by looking at texts from four major time periods of development. Students gain a deeper understanding of the similarities and differences in the use of the language over time. The class will look at texts whose authors have shaped the expression of the English language.

“I purposely use texts and authors that students may have encountered in the past in order to contrast instruction with the study of the actual language utilized by the writer,” Stryffeler said. “For example, Shakespeare ‘created’ about 2,000 new words, words we often use today. But he also lived during one of the most fertile periods in the development of English as a language.”

• Beginning Improvisation (THTR 247): This once-a-week class explores basic theatrical improvisation through spontaneity, flexibility and structure. Students will study a variety of theatrical styles and improvisational techniques.

• History of India (HIST 295): Covers a broad survey of the history of India from prehistoric times through the regal empires, the colonial experience and modern history. Students will learn historical and current Indian political systems and its experience with socialism as well as its current economy. In addition, the course will use photography, videos and soundtracks to look at India’s culture, including Hinduism, Buddhism, the caste system and the position of women in India as well as its music, dance, literature and movies.

• Themes of Literature: Gender in Literature (ENG 223): The class explores what it means to be a man or woman in America through the literary production of the country’s greatest writers from 1840-1940. The course is based on the dissertation tProfessor Stryffeler wrote to earn his Ph.d.

“I explored the various versions of manhood available to young men growing up in America between the Civil War and World War II,” he said. “I created this course to examine different stories about what it meant to be a woman and/or man in America during this time.”

For information about WNC fall classes or registration, call 775-445-3000, email info_desk@wnc.edu or go to www.wnc.edu/academics/schedule.