Top Ten Most Unusual Classes at New Trier

One of the many great things about going to such a large school as New Trier High School is the diverse course load available from students — from computers to art, there's something for everyone.

Here's Patch's top picks of the most unusual courses offered at New Trier. More information on courses at New Trier is available here.

1) International Foods: This culinary course will teach students to prepare food from the British Isles, Scandinavia, France, Asia, the Caribbean, Mexico and many other nations.

2) Marketing and Merchandising in Fashion: Budding fashionists are encouraged to take this course on the business aspects of merchandising. It will also explore the history of fashion, business fundamentials and fashion promotion.

3) Yoga and the Art of Self Defense: This yearlong course teaches students yoga, mediation, relaxation, martial arts, kickboxing, ground fighting and self-defense skills.

4) Forensic Science: For CSI fans, here's a course on crime scene processing and evidence. Students will learn about evidence collection, equipment and analysis, serology, anthropology, DNA, drugs and fingerprints, among other topics.

5) Popular Culture: Students in this class will get the opportunity to examine contemporary art and entertainment, using both critical essays and things like TV shows, film and music to learn.

6) Sports in American History: This is the perfect class for sports fans who want to take their knowledge to the next level. Students will learn how sports have transformed the U.S. and how they've acted as a catalyst for social change.

7) Marine Biology: This course will teach students through hands-on lab settings all about marine life and the ocean. One quarter of the course will be spent in the New Trier pool where students will earn their SCUBA certification.

8) Outdoor Education: Athletic students can learn skills such as kayaking, rock climbing, rapelling, camping, high ropes and skateboarding — among other skills. Students will have the option to participate in a one-day excursion to an off-campus indoor rock climbing facility in the first semester, and to participate in a three-day off-campus rock climbing and camping experience int he second semester.

9) Glass Art: Students lucky enough to take this course (which as three levels) will learn how to produce glasswork in mosaic, stained glass, kiln formed fusing and box casting. They'll also learn to make objects such as bowls, plates, jewelry and sculpture.

10) Automotives: The introductory course to automotives (there are three levels available) will teach students how to own and maintain his or her own car. Students will learn things such as body and fender work, brakes, tires and tune-up procedures.

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