Course registration for the Spring ‘25 semester will soon be upon us, and there are so many courses to choose from. To help you pick, our staff has compiled their thoughts on which classes they deem essential to the Skidmore experience. Whether this is your second semester as a freshman or your last semester as a senior, consider taking one of these classes; you won’t regret it!
Oliver Tymann ‘25
News Section Editor
Major: History
“If you are interested in British history, the British Empire, or colonization, I highly recommend the British Empire/Modern World (HI 212P) course with Professor Nechtman. This course offers a study of what was the largest empire in the world and how its expansion and dominance can still be felt globally today. I enjoyed the class discussions and Professor Nechtmans’ ability to keep the class engaged in the subject. Overall, this class was fascinating, entertaining, and made me want to learn more about British history and empire.”
Remy Poisson, ‘27
Sports Section Editor
Major: Business
“Business and Organization Management (MB107) is one of the most impactful courses I’ve ever taken. Whether you’re interested in business and management at Skidmore College or simply want to understand how companies operate, this is the perfect starting point. The course pushes you out of your comfort zone and challenges you to think critically, just like a business leader. Ultimately, learning how to manage and save money effectively is a valuable skill for everyone, and MB107 equips students with those essential tools.”
Jake Gordon ‘25
A&E Section co-Editor
Major: English
Minor: Media and Film
“If you have a big imagination and love to write, Screenwriting (MF 151) is the perfect course for you. In Screenwriting, you can write a logline, skeleton treatment, and a final film treatment for your movie screenplay. You will learn about the basic components that go into formatting, world-building, scene development, and storytelling. It is a very fun workshop course that allows you room for creative expression. Additionally, if you develop a screenplay you would like to continue, you can take Advanced Screenwriting (MF 351).
Ashley Narsu ‘25
A&E Section co-Editor
Major: English
“As students and future employees, it is essential that we understand how to craft a concise, effective email. A class at Skidmore that helped me with this was an English course called “Prose Boot Camp” (EN 254) taught by Linda Hall. In this class, we learned how to communicate formally through emails and letters. We essentially learned to vocalize our thoughts and opinions in a respectful manner. I would recommend this course to every Skidmore student, regardless of major.”
Adam Berger ‘27
Opinions Section Editor
Majors: Economics, History
“Rather than a specific class, I’ll say this: take a class that’s difficult and totally outside of your interests or major. Via all-college requirements, I’ve found myself in classes learning things that, realistically, I’ll never practically use and that require quite a bit of effort. While I complained at the time, I still think about what I learned there and apply it to different situations—often, ones directly connected to my major. It’s tempting to go the easiest possible route and aim for a “satisfactory” in an easy class for requirements, but I would advise a new student to really explore something different; your brain will thank you.”
Bella Lagatta ‘26
Features Section Editor
Majors: Classics, English
“Classical World (CC 220) is a class that is essential for anyone to take at Skidmore. Classics is a subject that is relevant to many aspects of academia and even modern media. In this class, students are asked to read many foundational Greek texts, such as The Odyssey, The Aeneid, and Plato’s Symposium. Learning the basics of ancient mythology and culture is essential for a better understanding of other texts.”
Will Bryce, ‘26
Treasurer
Majors: History, International Affairs
Minor: German
“I believe the history department’s American Indian History course (HI 267), taught by Professor Morser, is among the best of the department’s offerings. It retells the story of colonization and of American history from the perspective of Indigenous populations. It offers a wholly new perspective of American history and should be a course taken by every student at Skidmore.”
Caleb Taran, ‘25
Photographer
Major: History
Minor: Media and Film Studies
“The Skidmore Media and Film Studies program is, in my opinion, one of the most underappreciated aspects of this school; a major isn’t even available. Students hoping to delve deep into the world of cinema have but a few course options, and this one is the perfect introduction. Taught by Professor Ron Taylor, 16mm Filmmaking (MF 130) provides a chance to gain some hands-on filmmaking experience using real film. While many have used digital cameras, shooting on film is a different beast entirely. It’s challenging to learn, but fulfilling in the end. No prior filmmaking experience is required.”
Lucia Wiegert ‘27
Copy Editor
Major: English
“The course Poetry Workshop (EN 379) with Professor Peg Boyers invites students to read and critique their peers’ poetry, offering valuable insights into each piece. The classroom fosters a supportive community and an environment for creative expression, while Professor Boyers encourages students to develop as poets beyond their final revisions. Every student should consider taking advantage of this incredible opportunity.”
Amanda Francis ‘25
Copy Editor
Majors: Dance, English
“Professor April Bernard’s Reading for Writers: Poetry and Nonfiction (EN 377P) course was one of the most influential courses I have taken at Skidmore. Prof. Bernard has students read various works of poetry and nonfiction by distinguished writers and has the class imitate the author’s writing style to tell their own stories. In sharing my story, I learned so much about my voice as a writer and storyteller. She is wonderful, and I would recommend that any writer take her class.”
Zara Nwosu ‘27
Copy Editor
Majors: English
“A course that I would say genuinely represents the Skidmore experience is Astronomy with Lab (PY 111) with Professor Mary Crone-Odekon. Professor Odekon is always ready to help her students. She works with them to make sure they genuinely understand the material. As math is not my strong suit, and the class focuses on astrophysics, I sincerely appreciate her patience with me and willingness to make sure I get the help I need to succeed. Additionally, she always finds ways to diversify her teaching styles, such as by taking our studies outside the classroom. A more recent example was when she set up a time one night for the class to go stargazing during the “Super Moon.” She brought a portable telescope, and we saw constellations such as the Milky Way and even the planet Saturn. It was truly amazing to move away from traditional classroom learning and to learn by directly engaging with one’s surroundings. Overall, I highly recommend this class to anyone, and I am glad I took it during my first semester at Skidmore!”
Grace Mahon, ‘26
Graphic Designer
Major: English
“A course I’ve greatly enjoyed as an English major was Victorian Illustrated Book (EN 222W) with Professor Golden. We discussed the development of the Victorian Book in the 19th century and the critical role of illustration in such works. As both an artist and writer, it was a pleasure to learn about their compatibility in the Victorian Era. I strongly encourage any artist to learn about the history of the relationship between the two, and this class provides the perfect opportunity. Professor Golden is an exceptionally kind and knowledgeable professor, and I felt like I truly grew as a writer and an art critic by taking this course.”
Sruti Ramaswamy ‘26
SkidNews co-Editor-in-Chief
Majors: Psychology and Computer Science
“If you are looking for a course to fulfill your language requirement, consider taking Elementary Sanskrit (AS 110). While our college boasts an impressive number of niche courses, I can’t think of a more unique addition to a liberal arts curriculum. As one of the earliest ancient languages known to us, Sanskrit’s global influence on many languages, including modern English, is undeniable. In class, I often found myself making connections I hadn’t previously thought existed between the language and arts, science, religion, and politics. One of the greatest opportunities we have as college students is to continuously push the boundaries of our knowledge, and taking this course is a surefire way to do so.”
Bella Hynes ‘25
SkidNews co-Editor-in-Chief
Major: History
Minors: Dance, Honors Forum, Political Science
“Both the Making of the Modern Middle East (HI 145P) and History and Cartography (HI 351D) courses in the history department are of the most impactful classes you can take during your four years here. The classes entail engaging readings, interesting assignments that let you think creatively about the topic areas, and always have fascinating class discussions. Further, taking a history course, especially these two in particular, as I have found, will be foundational for lots of future course work.”