When it comes to choosing college courses, many of us take the hard route—going to lectures, cramming for exams, and cracking textbooks. While a few lucky college students sometimes got the opportunity to watch movies in class, they frequently aren’t Oscar-caliber entertainment.

However, film junkies and slackers alike can take heart knowing that Harvard University is paving the way for a new breed of coursework. Harvard students can now earn college credit by watching primetime TV, therefore forcing dozens of students to find alternative methods of procrastination. The University is offering a class based on the hit cop drama “The Wire”.

And why not? According to Harvard sociology professor William J. Wilson, “’The Wire’ has done more to enhance our understanding of the systemic urban inequality that constrains the lives of the poor than any published study.” Now, if only we could earn a degree by watching old episodes of “Family Guy”, American universities would have no trouble retaining a strong student body.

Other colleges and universities should take a lesson from Harvard’s book and offer up their own courses on law, design, and marketing—while keeping the class syllabus strictly restricted to the remote control. If we could create our own dream curriculum, here are some of the classes that we wouldn’t dream of skipping:

Advertising in the Age of “Mad Men” – marketing and advertising students shouldn’t have to read boring textbooks or analyze old soap ads. By watching the advertising mogul, Don Draper, work his magic on “Mad Men”, students can learn how to sell their products while downing gin and tonics.

The Future of Nuclear Power in “The Simpsons” – Homer Simpson toils all day at nuclear power plant, but what the show’s cartoonists DON’T say is that nuclear power is the wave of the future! All you engineers out there, take note: nuclear energy is being lauded as a “green” and efficient way to keep our country running. We just hope that our nuclear scientists aren’t taking a page from Homer Simpson’s book an only eating donuts all day.

Political Science 101: the “West Wing” – everyone knows that the “West Wing” is based on what’s actually going down in our nation’s capitol. So by watching this hit political drama, students can learn the ins and outs of the political system, how to negotiate with corrupt Congressmen, talk your way out of a potentially career-wrecking scandal, and deal with breaches in security.

Theology: Is There a God in “Joan of Arcadia”? – if you have an interest in divinity and a Supreme Being, check out “Joan of Arcadia”. The title character interacts with God on a daily basis, who takes many shapes and sizes. Ranging from a goth God to a God who takes the form of a cute boy, viewers will learn all about the ethical implications of religion.

Culinary Arts for Dummies: “Chef Academy” – unlike other foodie shows like “Hells Kitchen” or “Top Chef”, contestants on “Chef Academy” are not booted off. The camera follows around a group of culinary students who are being trained under Chef Jean-Christophe Novelli. By watching the show, students can learn the art of French cooking with the click of a button!

Introduction to Careers in Interior Design: “Flipping Out” – there are a ton of design shows on television right now, but “Flipping Out” can teach students some valuable lessons beyond how to choose color and textiles. Jeff Lewis, the host of the show, teaches audience members how to deal with pushy employees, the best way to get money from a client who hasn’t paid, and the subtle art of displaying patience when a customer wants to see yet another paint splotch. These are great business lessons for every interior design student!

Introduction to Legal Careers in “Law and Order” – this television show is just as good as sitting in a lecture hall. If you’re interested in legal studies, “Law and Order” will give you a strong glimpse into the working lives of police officers, prosecutors, and other members of the criminal justice system.

Best of all, these are all courses that you could take online, without having to leave the comforting glow of your dorm room television.