Course Descriptions for 2027 are HERE!
Explore our variety of class options for the 2027 SEP! Have more questions? Visit our FAQs or reach out over email!
Picture This: A Photography 101 Course with Dr. J.D. Swerzenski, Communication & Digital Studies
What makes certain photos pop while others fall flat? How do you get the lighting just right on your subject, or use the “rule of thirds” when you’re behind the camera? In this workshop, we’ll tackle these questions by exploring the basic principles of photography, including framing, lighting, and composition. Then, using UMW’s DSLR cameras and the campus as our backdrop, we’ll put these concepts to the test so you can build and show off your own photography skills.
Introduction to Healthcare Practices* with Dr. Deborah O’Dell, Department of Biological Sciences
In this fast-paced, hands-on course, we will explore the theory and practice of healthcare. Students will learn basic health care assessment methods and investigate different healthcare careers. We’ll complete a variety of laboratory activities similar to those completed in medical labs including clinical chemical analyses and culturing bacteria.
*Note that this class will also have one enrichment period connected to it for a field trip. Campers who take this class will choose 4 other enrichment sessions during SEP instead of 5.
Sustainability Toolkit with Dr. Eric Bonds, History, American Studies, and Sociology
What can we do as individuals to live more sustainably—and is personal action enough to create a greener society? Through a mix of hands-on workshops, guest speakers, and local excursions, you’ll build a practical toolkit of skills ranging from composting and urban agriculture to environmental policy-making. We will get out into the community to see local conservation and gardening in action while tackling the big questions about our environmental future.
Stage Lighting with Professor Michael Benson, Theatre & Dance
Step behind the scenes to learn the craft and technology of theatrical lighting! Designed for budding stage and A/V technicians, this hands-on course covers everything from the basics of electricity and DMX data control to the different types of stage fixtures. You will learn how to change lamps, build electrical cables from scratch, read a designer’s lighting plot, and ultimately hang, circuit, and program stage lights yourself.
Chemistry Glow Up! with Dr. Leanna Giancarlo, Department of Chemistry & Physics
Why does something glow-in-the-dark? How is light observed and measured? Let’s explore the interaction of light with matter. In this class, we’ll study the absorption of light by atoms/molecules and fluorescence, the light released by molecules. We will also look at how measurements are made by spectroscopic instruments.
AI Ethics with Professor Jeffrey Goldthorp, Computer Science
Artificial intelligence is everywhere, but how do we make sure the technology shaping our world aligns with our values? AI brings up important questions concerning privacy, fairness, transparency, and security. In this course, we’ll apply classic ethical theories to modern technological dilemmas to see how AI impacts society and how you can retain control as you apply it. Across five days, we will talk about how AI works and tackle big questions around algorithmic bias, transparency, privacy, and accountability—exploring how AI makes decisions and who is responsible when things go wrong. AI is not perfect. Only people can choose to make it better.
Pop Culture* with Dr. Adria Goldman, Communication & Digital Studies
What is pop culture, how do we use it, and what can we learn from it? Each day, we’ll dive into a different corner of the cultural landscape—from everyday slang and viral trends to legacy television, digital media, and celebrity fandoms. Together, we’ll explore our roles as both consumers and creators of media, looking at how pop culture shapes our identities and impacts our lives personally, professionally, and academically.
COMM Play! Using Games to Learn About and Improve Our Communication Skills* with Dr. Adria Goldman, Communication & Digital Studies
This course uses a combination of self-reflection, group discussion, and gameplay to explore various aspects of communication—including effective verbal and nonverbal behaviors, active listening, interpersonal skills, public speaking, and small group dynamics. We will have a fun time playing games all while learning practical ways to improve our communication skills for personal, professional, and academic settings.
Building Time: Investigating Your Everyday Environment with Dr. Christine Henry, Historic Preservation
Learn to explore the many layers of history that our buildings, landscapes, and everyday places can reveal. Through reading and hands-on activities, you will investigate how buildings and landscapes are designed, what tools and materials are used to construct them, and the hidden human stories that all places hold.
Mindblowing Monotypes with Professor Coorain Devin, Studio Art
Printmaking changed human history and allowed us to share data, cultural information, and creativity in new ways. In this course, we will explore how this history changing media can still be relevant today using monotypes and non-toxic inks. Monotype prints are completely unique- no 2 are alike. We will experiment with various approaches to applying ink, and use layers to build up images. We will look to art history for inspiration, but explore and develop our own artist vision.
Introduction to Green Engineering with Dr. Suzanne Nguyen, Chemistry & Physics
Have you ever wondered what an environmental engineer does—or how environmental engineering is different from environmental science? In this course, you will learn the answers to those questions by applying scientific and engineering principles to hands-on design-build challenges. We will build bridges, clean water, and track pollutants as they move through the environment, mirroring actual engineering practice.
Digital Detectives: A Cybersecurity Adventure* with Dr. Xin-Wen Wu, Compter Science
Step into the exciting world of cybersecurity in this hands-on class! Over five dynamic sessions, you’ll become a digital detective—learning how to encrypt messages, scan networks, crack passwords, and uncover vulnerabilities. Whether you’re new to cybersecurity or already tech-savvy, you’ll gain practical experience, explore ethical hacking, and discover how to protect the digital world. Join us and become a next-generation cyber sleuth!
Secret Languages* with Dr. Gonzalo Dintrans Campos, Modern Languages & Literatures
In this course, we explore the centuries-long art of secret communication through ciphers and codes. Moving through history, you’ll learn a new encryption technique each day and put your skills to the test—working solo or with classmates to create and crack secret messages.
EXPLORING TEACHING–Responsive Classroom: Building Relationships* with Professor Brooke Powell, Department of Education
In our class, we’ll learn the importance of building relationships. Throughout the week, we’ll play games and work together to complete a variety of activities that strengthen our perceptions of and skills for interpersonal relationships. We’ll observe and explore how these approaches help teachers build stronger classroom communities.
* Previously Taught Courses: These courses, denoted by an asterisk, were offered in previous summers and are designed for first-time students. Returnees are encouraged to explore different classes.
Choose your adventure and register for an unforgettable summer of learning at UMW!
