Class registration begins on Wednesday, bringing with it all the usual stress, indecisiveness and DARS-stalking we all know and love. So in hopes of making of making your lives easier, we’ve decided to compile a list of what we think are essential classes to take before you graduate.

In no particular order …

— ENG 300W: Alternative Fictions (Virginia Shirley)

BU Brain says: The class examines ways in which the production of narrative structures are influenced by alternative categorizations of gender, sexuality, class, ethnicity, age and culture.

We say: You get to read books you actually want to read and challenge yourself and your horizons. The emphasis is on creativity and group work, not your typical essay.

— RHET 240: Intro to Journalism (Mary Haupt)

BU Brain says: Introduction to newspaper reporting and writing. Topics include news judgment, reporting and interviewing techniques, legal and ethical issues.

We say: It’s basically a crash course in everything you need to know about journalism, writing and the media, and Haupt makes it genuinely enjoyable. The class is interactive and practical, and students of every major will find it useful. Don’t forget her News Editing class, as well!

— ENG 300V: Television in American Culture (Ryan Vaughan)

BU Brain says: The course will focus on all genres of American television, and it will attempt to broaden students’ knowledge of the power of television and their individual roles as meaning makers.

We say: Vaughan is pretty much the shit. Remember those classes of 50 where the professor couldn’t even bother to learn your name? Not here. At the beginning of semester Vaughan takes a picture of every single student in a very crowded Lecture Hall 1 and memorizes their names. He’ll know who you are, and he’ll make class ridiculous.

— PLSC 380F: Contemporary International Law (Virginia Brown)

BU Brain says: This course will deal with the structure and function of international law and institutions, with an emphasis on contemporary issues, including the law of war, international criminal law, human rights and trade.

We say: You learn a lot, and it’s all incredibly relevant, regardless of your major. Brown knows her stuff, and as a bonus, the class only runs to March 12.

— CW 250: Fundamentals Creative Writing (TBA)

BU Brain says: New but serious creative writers begin to explore the art.

We say: It’s a true elective — something you don’t usually do, but should at least attempt. If nothing else, your writing skills will improve and you’ll get less nervous about reading in front of others.

—ENG 300S: Literature of War/Anything with Richard P. Pindell

BU Brain says: In the mask of the literary analyst, we will infiltrate war to decode its uncivil secrets, which have been for so long watch-dogged by taboos.

We say: Pindell is a character. He’ll talk and relate everything to your life and urge you to make it all it can be. He’ll make the reading relevant to what you care about and make you care. Bottom line, he’ll get you thinking like no other professor at BU, and about way more than just books.

There are too many to list, but don’t forget: Opinion Writing, Medical Ethics, Psychophysiological Awareness, Comics, Great Ideas of Physics, Introduction to Theater, Modern Satire, Sports Writing and more. Have another favorite class? Let us know.