Murder. Sex. Death. Three topics forbidden in polite discussion.

And yet, if you take a look at the UW's spring quarter 2007 time schedule, you'll notice a trend. The murder class (Sociology 275) is bursting with 536 students. Psychology 210: Human Sexuality has 525 people enrolled, and the Comparative Study of Death class (anthropology 322) is overloaded with 201 students. Interesting.

I'm enrolled in the death class this quarter, and I have friends enrolled in both the sex and murder classes. Based on my own experience and conversations with peers, it's easy to see why these three classes are perpetually popular at the UW.

They are the all-stars of University electives; they are taught by top-notch professors who are both engaging and knowledgeable.

On the first day of my death class, our professor told us the waiting list for the class started during winter break, months before registration even started. Under the course description for the class, the professor writes "Due to the high demand for this course, I give priority to seniors in anthropology, then to seniors in other areas, since it is their last chance."

These classes address taboo subjects in an open forum, making it easy for students to discuss the undiscussable.

This point is, I think, where the nail is hit on the head.

Our society gives people young and old no outlet to discuss forbidden or uncomfortable topics in a safe environment. This becomes an unnecessary problem, because it results in a fear of the unknown.

The death class has been an eye-opening experience. I come from a family very willing to talk about these squeamish topics, and yet the class has certainly raised some issues I've never thought to think about.

For example, do I want to be embalmed? (After watching a video of an embalming, I don't think so.) What about my parents and husband? What about organ donation? And living wills?

It's much smarter to start thinking about these sorts of issues now, rather than when facing a critical emotional juncture in life, like the death of a parent.

I leave each lecture ready to talk, because a dialogue has been opened about really critical issues. I talk to family and friends about what's on my mind, and mostly seem at least interested, if not relieved, to be given the opportunity to discuss a difficult topic.

I've had similar experiences with fellow students from the other classes centering on these taboo subjects. They seem eager to talk about their lectures, too.

In truth, everyone thinks about the taboo topics of death and sex. The problem is, we've allowed our society to condition us to feel dirty when having sexual thoughts or morbid when contemplating death.

While death is unpleasant and sex is private, they are both a part of life. There is no sense in ignoring them, just as it would be senseless to ignore other basic bodily functions like breathing.

These are the types of classes that set the UW apart from other universities. To offer students the chance to grow as people as well as academics is a tremendous opportunity everyone should take advantage of.

Only four weeks into my death class, there's no way I would drop this one. I hope students are lining up months in advance to learn about death, murder and sex for years to come.

Reach Amy Korst at opinion@thedaily.washington.edu.