Classes are starting! I’m willing to bet that by now, you’re probably aware that professors can truly make or break the school year. Since I’m beginning my final year, I’ve had the opportunity to experience wonderful, passionate professors. These are some of the classes they’ve taught that I’m certain many would also enjoy.

One of the most inspirational classes I’ve taken was HSS 293, or Social and Psychological Dimensions of Physical Activity. Long name, fantastic class! This class was taught by Dr. Cheryl Hart, and if you’ve never had the experience to write about yourself so a professor can get to know you better than you’re missing out. Dr. Hart preaches what she teaches, and what she teaches is that self-confidence is the most important thing you can improve within yourself. In the end, although this class was about setting physical goals and following through with plans, the skills that can be gained from the class as a whole really pack a punch when it comes to being proud of who you are, and finding the determination to be your best.

Another great professor that I’ve had a class with is Dr. Lauren Freeman. This class is PHIL 323, or Medical Ethics. This class definitely provides a challenge, but that’s because it demands that you think through controversial issues that don’t necessarily have a right answer. Dr. Freeman presents topics in the medical field about which many people would benefit from knowing. Additionally, this class teaches about the tools of ethics, in making ethical decisions whether they are in the medical field or not. Overall, Dr. Freeman knows how to choose topics that both shock and intrigue, and that leads to many interesting class discussions.

Have you ever imagined taking a class about superheroes? Dr. Joseph Turner makes that dream a reality. HON 436, while definitely limited in who gets to take it, was the most fun class to do homework for that I’ve ever had. Comic books took up the majority of our time, and it was a wonderful experience for every person whether they were comic book enthusiasts or had never picked up a comic book before in their life. The official title for the class is Superhero in Pop Culture, and Dr. Turner presents a great understanding of how to lead a class discussion so that students can take deeper meaning from the works that are read. Even if you don’t get the chance to take the superhero class, Dr. Turner is a great professor who will definitely give both help and shoves in the right direction when needed.

The final class I’d like to mention is MUH 309, or Music in the Theatre with Professor Michael Ramach. This course consists of watching lots of opera and musical productions in class, so it’s truly an easy A if you show up and just enjoy the story. Also, Professor Ramach is just an incredibly cool person. He’ll tell you about the various work he does and has done outside of being a professor, and you’ll definitely be pleased to know him by the time school is over.

That said, I hope others can have the same amazing experiences that I’ve been able to have thanks to these fantastic professors and their classes. Good luck to everyone starting this new school year!