Why It’s a Blast to Take a One-Credit Class

Written by Grace Canlas

It’s 6:00 p.m. on a Monday. To get ready for my upcoming class, I tie my hair in a messy bun, put on some funky-looking bright blue pants, and grab my water bottle. I then hustle across campus to Founders Gym. This is probably starting to sound like a very unconventional class, which in all honesty, is quite true. Welcome to my Monday night Brazilian jiu-jitsu class! For the next two hours, I practice new techniques, review material from previous weeks, and finish off with some free rolling (jiu-jitsu sparring rounds). Not only is my Brazilian jiu-jitsu class a ton of fun and a great workout, but I also receive a credit at the end of the semester. How neat is that?

Hillsdale College offers its students numerous one-credit class options, ranging from Brazilian jiu-jitsu to voice lessons to museum studies. While these classes have a lower credit value, they hold high value for cultivating both passions and friendships. Here are three reasons why you should consider taking one-credit classes. 

1.) One-credit classes are an absolute blast! They are a time you can look forward to during your long week, offering a break from your endless readings and half-finished essays. One-credit classes generally require less time commitment and less work outside of class. This allows you to enjoy the class with limited academic stress. Some of my favorite memories from my time at Hillsdale have been made on the mats during jiu-jitsu. 

2.) One-credit classes give you the opportunity to build amazing friendships. My Brazilian jiu-jitsu class has enabled me to meet so many incredible people, such as my remarkable coaches and my dynamic classmates. Jiu-jitsu is particularly situated to cultivate lasting friendships because of the trust required between partners and the need for each other to train in the first place. My classmates are not only fun to train with on the mats, but great to talk with off the mats. I always look forward to catching up with my training partners on Monday nights, whether that be hearing about their recent Strongman Competition, their exciting fall break trip, or their fascinating theology essay.  

3.) One-credit classes fuel current passions and inspire new interests. These classes allow you to try activities or study topics you might not have the opportunity to do or time for in the future, such as learning archery or the history of Anatolia. Personally, I can’t wait to take Dr. Stewart’s one-credit class on pirates (it may or may not be a mini obsession of mine). 

I encourage you to take advantage of the one-credit courses offered during your time here at Hillsdale College. You never know the unique memories and friendships you might make at 6:30 on a Monday evening.

Grace Canlas, ’27, is pursuing a major in English and double minor in psychology and military history and strategy. When she’s not studying, Grace can be found practicing martial arts or laughing with her family and friends.

Published in November 2024