My vote is with an old camera
Reasons:
1) older cameras are generally more durable.
2) older cost less
3) the standard lenses on Canon A-1, K1000/Sp500 and others (usually a 50mm/1.4 - 1.7) are much better lenses than the 35 - 70 mm found on most newer camera packages (unless you want to break the bank)
4) you are taking a photograhy class to learn how to shoot properly in MANUAL modes, all the auto features on a newer camera will be more of hinderance than a benefit.
5) older cameras are cheaper to repair if you happen to drop / or otherwise damage your camera.
Recommendation (from my experience, by no means an extensive list and in no particular order)
1) Canon A1 or AE1
2) Pentax K1000 (the standard for tough barebones SLRs in schools everywhere, look for one with a metal rewind knob, they are generally the better of the K1000s)
3) Pentax SP500 (the predecessor to the K1000, about 35 years old)
4) Minolta X700 (or a older X370: the new ones have alot more plastic parts)
5) Minolta XG1
So I don't offend anyone, there are lots of good older Nikons out there to, but I don't have much experience with them so there are none on my list.
Stick with the big four: Canon, Nikon, Pentax and Minolta and you will have a easier time finding used lenses down the road.
I also recommend a Rebel, either a used 2000 or a new Ti. I'd sell you mine, but that would leave me with a Seagull TLR and a rather old Minolta SRT 101 (my father got one of the same model in the mid 70's 
