Between the blossoming of springtime weather, the sure-to-be-exciting basketball season and plans for the spring and summer breaks, Hoyas also need to make time to complete courses in the coming semester. Class doesn’t have to ruin those more fun aspects of the spring term, though. It is possible to choose the right classes for both education and enjoyment on the Hilltop. To help students ensure they fully enjoy their time both inside and outside the classroom, THE HOYA Editorial Board recommends the following course offerings.

PHYS-008-01, “The Quantum World Around Us,” James Freericks

Don’t let “quantum” scare you away from Professor James Freericks’ “The Quantum World Around Us.” This fascinating class introduces students to quantum mechanics without becoming too entrenched in mathematics and equations. Freericks’ enthusiastic teaching style gives a great introduction to a subject many students know nothing about.

ECON-122-01 or -02, “Intro to Econometrics,” Luca Flabbi

Econ majors always dread taking Econometrics. But Professor Luca Flabbi makes sure the students in his sections learn how to apply the material to the real world without focusing on complicated and unnecessary proofs. Flabbi is an easily approachable guy who brightens class each morning with his sporty Italian fashion.

ENGL-130-01, “Shakespeare,” Joan Holmer

A legend in the English Department, Professor Joan Holmer is a genuine expert on Shakespeare, and by the end of her course, she will have made you an expert as well. Thanks to her endless excitement about Shakespeare, you will find how quickly she imparts her passion about the material on her students. Bringing his plays to life, Holmer will give you a true appreciation of the greatest English playwright ever to have lived. There is no doubt that you will work hard, but Holmer will help you to realize the genius of Shakespeare, and she will make sure you understand him in ways that you never thought possible.

INAF-409-01, “The Bush Administration and the War on Terrorism,” Douglas Feith

Professor Douglas Feith’s May 2006 appointment as a visiting professor in the School of Foreign Service drew heated opposition, and now is the chance for students to hear him themselves. Feith, a former undersecretary of defense, was instrumental in the crafting of much of the Bush administration’s recent security policies and instrumental in the U.S. invasion of Iraq. For both ardent Bush supporters and those who vehemently oppose the war, this class will be a unique chance to hear the insider perspective from someone who has been in the center of some of the most significant global events of the past five years – whether you agree with him or challenge him, take advantage of this unique learning opportunity.

ENGL-040-03, “Gateway: Medieval and/or Renaissance Literature and Culture,” Penn R. Szittya

Professor Penn Szyitta, chair of the English Department, is a true gem of a teacher and one of the nicest professors at Georgetown. He is an intellectual and stimulates exciting class discussions. His Gateway focuses on medieval Europe, particularly Icelandic literature and Arthurian romances. The literature is very interesting and the connections Szittya draws between these two cultures always keeps the class lively.

GOVT-255-01, “The American Presidency,” Stephen Wayne

In “The American Presidency,” Professor Stephen Wayne shares with his students a uniquely formed knowledge of the United States’ executive branch. Students will have the chance to learn about everything from the history of the presidency to psychological evaluations of contemporary presidents ranging from President Lyndon B. Johnson to President Bush. Wayne’s sense of humor and entertaining lectures engage students in a fascinating subject. It’s not only a course on the presidency, but it focuses on the study of leadership. If you are an aspiring political leader or even just a presidential junkie, this course is for you.

ENGL-272-01, “Film Noir,” Steven Wurtzler

For all of you undergraduates interested in film studies, Professor Steven Wurtzler teaches fun, endlessly enjoyable classes about various aspects of the cinema. Even though the course contains a mandatory film screening every Wednesday, these sessions are great chances to catch up on classic movies you may have never gotten a chance to see. If you enjoy movies and are looking for a class that you will finally be excited to attend, you cannot go wrong with Wurtzler.

Any Consortium class

Georgetown’s membership in the Consortium of Universities of the Washington Metropolitan Area allows students to take courses on a space-available basis at any one of 14 area schools. While few Hoyas would consider going anywhere else for classes in fields like International Affairs, exploration of the course listings at other universities may offer interesting options for intrepid students with room in their schedules to commute. A sampling of classes available through the Consortium includes American Sign Language at Gallaudet, Graphic Design at American University and Hospitality anagement at George Washington University. Through the Consortium, students can get a taste of life at another area university without straying too far from the Hilltop.

Editor’s note: Have a favorite course that was not listed? Submit your recommendations to opinionthehoya.com. The top picks will appear in THE HOYA on Tuesday, Nov. 14.