Preceptorials Are Here!

Yup, it's that time of the year again. For those n00bz out there, Preceptorials are non-credit seminars organized by SCUE and taught by Penn faculty, graduate students and even some undergrads on a variety of topics. Preceptorials aim to foster an academic environment and instill a sense of educational values into the–

Okay, basically, they're cool classes that aren't graded. If you're lucky enough to get a spot (registration closes on Penn InTouch on Monday), you may get to drink wine (for free!), make a bowl (not that kind) or get a girlfriend/boyfriend! Check out our favorite choices after the jump.

For the tipplers: PREC 707.001: The Culture and Taste of Wine (21+ only) Wine has a rich history and is an integral part of many cultures. We will learn about different varieties of wine from around the world, the art and science of viticulture and wine-making, and how to serve and enjoy wine. Join us as Professors Sonya Gwak, Stephen Phipps, and Talid Sinno share their insight and guide us in exploring the nuances behind the culture and taste of wine!

For the forever alone but forever frugal: PREC 616.001: How to Find a Boyfriend/Girlfriend According to Economics Professor Burdett will muse on the topic of his research: How should you be looking for a mate according to economics?

For your Aunt Diane: PREC 706.001, 002, 003: Mad Potter's Wheel Interested in playing with clay? Join us as we go through the basics of pottery and learn about the art of throwing vases, bowls, and cups! This preceptorial will teach you how to craft a beautiful bowl from scratch. Professors from the Department of Fine Arts will guide us through the steps of clay wheel throwing from preparing the clay to shaping. Come discover the artist within you or just have fun with the spinning clay!

For the kids who got Chinese characters henna'd on their ankles that one summer, but hey, don't make fun of me, it means "good fortune" in Chinese: PREC 703.001: Art of China: Introduction to Chinese Calligraphy  Introduction to the common tools that are used by calligraphers, including bamboo brushes, ink stick, inkstone, rice paper, paper weight, seal and seal paste. Introduction to the history of the development of Chinese characters from oracle bone script to today's Mandarin. Learn how to write basic strokes of Chinese characters using a bamboo brush. Every student will have a chance to practice Chinese calligraphy!

For those who giggle when professors say "damn": PREC 624.001: Lies, Damned Lies, and Statistics In its most noble incarnation, the practice of statistics quantifies and clarifies uncertainty, illuminates and tersely summarizes mounds of data, and grants us the gift of prophecy, of predicting future events. But false prophets have always lurked among us. Because of them, election predictions have been muffed and a financial crisis was wrought. We will see how statistics can be abused (the preceptorial will not necessarily be a practical guide) and have been abused. You will hopefully leave a little more vigilant, savvy, and cynical.