Classes that will expand and entertain the mind

So you've just gotten to Hopkins and have no idea what any of the classes are like, except for the ones you may have sat in on during a recent campus visit. Or you're an upperclassmen looking for advice because you want to pick the best classes this place has to offer.

You won't find anything math, science or boring related here (Statistics being the lone exception). But you will find classes that will make you think and, above all, keep you entertained. College should be fun and although the following courses require work just like any other class, you should find yourself having a good time.

In any case, here's a list of 10 classes you should definitely take before you graduate.

Holocaust Testimonies with Ruth Leys

You may think you know all there is to know about this tragedy. But what you learned in high school and watching Schindler's List pale in comparison to the knowledge you will gain from this insightful class. With Leys you will learn about facets of the Holocaust you didn't know existed and also examine the testimony of survivors. Is their testimony accurate? Or are they too traumatized to pain an objective picture? What exactly did happen in the concentration camps among prisoners? This class addresses these questions and much more. And Leys is one of the brightest lecturers here at Hopkins. You won't be disappointed.

The Freud Wars with Ruth Leys

If it aint broke, don't fix it, so here's yet another Leys class. Learn about the history of Freud and study his cases in this stimulating class. And prepare to be intrigued by the "Freud Wars" D the continual debates among scholars concerning the validity of Freud's theories. This class has great reading and fascinating class seminars.

Constitutional Law with Joel Grossman

If you're thinking about law school down the road, you have to take this class. Constitutional Law, affectionately known as "Conlaw" in the inner circles, takes you on a two-semester journey from Marshall to Rehnquist. Almost all the significant cases in American history are covered, and Grossman is an authority on them all. The first semester is a larger class, and is not nearly as exciting as the second semester, where Grossman leads a small group in examining cases such as U.S. v. Nixon and Miranda v. Arizona. Grossman likes to talk a lot, but every word is worth listening to D you'll have a much better idea about law school after Grossman takes you under his wing.

Any Screenplay Writing Class with Mark Friedman or Marc Lapadula

What's more fun that writing movies? Learn how with two writers who know the ins and outs of Hollywood script writing. You'll find out that writing a screenplay is a lot harder than it looks. Start with "Art of the Screenplay" with Lapadula, and then make your way to more advanced workshop classes with Lapadula or Friedman. Check the Writing Seminars and Film and Media Studies departments for different screenplay course offerings. Screenplay writing is some of the most fun and challenging writing you can do while at Hopkins. And Lapadula and Friedman are fun, energetic and engaging.

Shakespeare on Love and Knowledge with Allen Grossman

Taught by the legendary Allen Grossman, this will be the best Shakespeare class you ever take. Grossman is getting on in his years (he'll remind you of an aged Ben Franklin), but his insight is unparalleled. It's a lot of reading and a fair amount of writing, but if you go to class and do the work, you'll have a Shakespeare experience like no other. Grossman's lectures will make you understand the Bard on a whole new level.

Introduction to

American Politics with Benjamin Ginsberg

This course will very much remind you of our high school government class, with one major difference: It's taught by the king of cynics. Ginsberg will give you a new, cynical perspective on American politics and you'll never look at the things the same way. The class isn't overly challenging and serves as a good foundation for understanding what's happening in our nation's capital. I recommend taking this class over the summer, where every week you get to take a trip to Washington, D.C. and get a taste of politics where it's really bustling.

The Buddhist Expereince

Come on, you know you want to learn about the Buddha. This course explores Buddhism and the Buddha himself. It fulfills a history requirement and I know one friend who took it twice because he enjoyed the course so much.

Statistics

Some say this is the easiest course they've taken at Hopkins. Some say it's the hardest. Either way, I've been told by many professionals that Statistics is the one math course you shouldn't do without. So, bear down and get it under our belt. Talk to others who have taken it and see if you can find a good professor.

Peabody Classes

It's 10 minutes down the road and any Hopkins student can register for classes. The renowned music school offers courses in theory, piano, ear-training, conducting, music history and more. Private lessons are also available for a small fee. Those who play a musical instrument or have studied music previously will enjoy these courses, but anyone can register. It's just one extra form at the Registrar's office, so get off your bum.

A class covering something you know nothing about

You are here to learn, after all. You've got four years, but they go by quickly. Be sure to take a class that will expand your knowledge. Don't be intimidated by subject matter that you know nothing about. That's why there are so many different courses D so you can learn more. After college, there isn't much learning left to do. Take as much as you can away from Johnny Hop.

So, good luck young bretheren, and if you find a great class not on the above list, be sure to let this guru know so I may pass it on to the next batch of young, eager freshman.