The "CURR_TERM" views automatically return rows only from the "active" current term. The current term data becomes active on the first day of class for the term and will remain active until the first day of class for the next term. For example, the "CURR_TERM" view will return row for the Fall 2003 term from Sept 02, 2003 to Jan 5, 2004.
The regular academic and course views contain information from all terms since banner went live (200209 and greater). When you query non "CURR TERM" views, remember to use the "TERM_CODE_KEY" in your select statement.