So before anything else, this is kinda a joke, but also not really. You could say this is for the meme.
University of Mars is a class available at Penn State, is classified as a Natural Sciences gen ed, and is worth three credits. What’s so special about this class is the fact that it is taught through a video game, which is why its going on the blog! Honestly, if you wanna take this class for the gen ed credits, then go for it. It’s a slog, but you can’t help but want to try it out.
The whole premise behind the game is that you and two other students, Fabian and Linassa, enroll into the University of Mars, where you fly over to Mars, and live there, while also learning all about the planets, stars, galaxies, and the universe too. For you three to actually learn stuff, you have two robot teachers to monitor, lecture, and quiz you, Copper and Lerpz. This game actually has lore to it too, which is the funny thing about it, considering this is just a class for college credits.
If I had to be blunt, this was an experience to say the least. You would think that the idea of not needing to go to a lecture, and instead play a game, is an appealing one., but no. Each unit felt like it dragged on for an eternity, and a lot of the materials taught are most likely not on the quizzes. I will say however, is that if you don’t play this game seriously, then its so funny.
Honestly, the reason why I’m even writing this in the first place is because of how funny this class can be conceptually. Like going along with my friends, bashing on the game, hyping it up; it was so funny. Some quotes from my recent memory are “bro that Venn diagram was AWFUL,” “Fabian is best boy,” “Copper is the HOMIE,” among others.
If anyone at Penn State needs the credits, I would recommend this class. The assignments are tame, the exams aren’t too bad, and if you take 7N, the art assignments are a breeze too. I do encourage 100% that you take this class with friends, or else you will absolutely hate this class.