Class registration can be a tumultuous if not frightening time for the Brandeis student body. Deciding on a semester schedule while balancing major and minor requirements can be a challenge for anyone interacting with the registrar, prepared or not. Given the mounting stress prior to class registration day, The Justice’s Editorial Board wishes to recommend some classes we have taken that may fly under the radar come fall registration.

STEM Classes

One of the biggest stressors can be satisfying core requirements that reach outside the bounds of a chosen major. For those in the arts and humanities fields who are having trouble choosing how to satisfy a math or science requirement, we recommend “BIO16A: Evolution and Biodiversity.” Your grades in the class are based on your completion of five projects, all of which allow ample creativity and flexibility for students to interpret and apply the readings as they see fit. We also recommend “NPSY 11B: Introduction to Behavioral Neuroscience.” Prof. Donald Katz (PSYC) is supportive and engaging, and tests are more spaced out than other STEM courses, providing opportunities for students to grasp the content fully before exams.

Humanities Classes

On the other hand, we know there are some STEM majors that are apprehensive about venturing into the humanities. “ANTH 110B: Discipline, Rules, and Power” taught by Prof. Brian Horton (ANTH/WGS) is an excellent introduction to the systems of power that dominate the world today and makes students versed in knowledge that is transferable to other classes, disciplines and majors. Also, “AAPI/WGS 137B: Performing Asian/American Women on Screen and Scene” is a culturally relevant class that encourages in-depth conversation during class.

Journalism Classes

For readers who may have an emerging interest in journalism, we recommend either “AMST/JOUR 137B: Journalism in Modern America” or “JOUR 45A: Sports Journalism and Innovation.” Journalism in Modern America is rich in both content and subject matter, giving an in-depth look at how our current society has been shaped through the consequences of the modern news circuit. Sports Journalism and Innovation provides a more casual entry point into the subject, exploring the media circuit across all platforms including social media. 

For Fun!

Lastly, we want to recommend a fine arts class that can give an opportunity to destress, “FA 16B: Sculpture: Object in Clay.” The class meets participants at any skill level and pottery is a hobby that everyone can enjoy.

Above all else, when class registration arrives and the classes you wanted are already full and it seems like everything is entirely out of your control, just take a deep breath and remember: You’ve got this.