Course Descriptions for 2026 are HERE!
Explore courses designed to spark curiosity, creativity, and growth! Ready to learn more? Read on to see what we have to offer:
Making Miniatures with Dr. Bridgette Dennett, Department of Theatre & Dance
Get ready to roll up your sleeves and dive into the messy, creative world of theatrical design! In this hands-on course, you’ll build a scale model of a storefront—then explore the ways that you can add age and decay to create visual interest. No experience in design is needed—just bring your creativity and a love for all things worn, weathered, and wonderfully dramatic.
Packs, Pouches, and Totes: An Introduction to Sewing with Nichol Forbes, Department of Theatre & Dance
Join us in the Theatre Department’s costume shop! Learn the basics of sewing by constructing a drawstring backpack, a zipper pouch, and a tote bag. We’ll be using the sewing machines, sergers, irons, and tools that are used to construct costumes for all of our UMW Theatre productions.
Introduction to Environmental Engineering* with Professor Suzanne Moore Nguyen, Department of Chemistry & Physics
Have you ever wondered what an environmental engineer does – or how environmental engineering is different than 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. Through collaborative problem-solving approaches that mirror real-world engineering practice, you’ll experience how environmental engineers combine technical expertise with teamwork to address environmental challenges and develop sustainable solutions.
Let’s Cross that Bridge with Dr. Andi Smith, Department of Historic Preservation
Step into the world of bridges, where history, engineering, and human ambition collide—from ancient stone arches to record-breaking modern spans. Explore the awe-inspiring designs that connect us, the features that keep them standing, and the famous disasters that reveal what happens when things go wrong.
Free Markets, Free Speech with Professor Kim Kinsley, Department of Business
Discover the power and limits of free speech when promoting brands, as an entrepreneur, influencer, consumer, or employee. In this class we’ll explore the differences between commercial speech and political speech, learn about landmark U.S. Supreme Court cases, artificial intelligence, copyright, and discover the connections of these to social media.
Comm Play! Using Games to Learn and Improve Our Communication Skills* with Dr. Adria Goldman, Department of Communication & Digital Studies
This course uses a combination of self-reflection, group discussion, and game play to learn about various aspects of Communication, including effective uses of verbal and nonverbal behaviors, active listening, interpersonal skills, public speaking, and small group communication. We will have a fun time playing all while learning ways to improve our communication skills for personal, professional, and academic settings.
Pop Culture 101* with Dr. Adria Goldman, Department of Communication & Digital Studies
What is pop culture? How do you participate in it through production and consumption? What can we learn from it? How does it impact our identities? How can we use it in our personal and professional lives? This course will answer these questions and more as we pull in different examples of pop culture (from slang, toys, and clothing trends, to television, film, and social media) to explore how we engage with the content and how it can have implications for our lives personally, professionally, and academically.
Think Fast, Speak Up! The Art of Argument with Dr. Kaitlyn Haynal, Department of Communication & Digital Studies
Unlock your potential as a confident leader and compelling advocate with the power of persuasion. In this course, you will explore the fundamentals of persuasive speaking, critical thinking, and effective refutation. Through hands-on research, speechwriting, and participation in dynamic debates, you’ll learn to utilize evidence, speak with confidence, and hone the art of argument.
*This year’s course includes different activities from 2025. Returning participants could take the course again if they like.
The Art of Mathematics with Dr. Keith Nabb, Department of Mathematics
In this course students will explore the mathematics of pattern and design. Topics include tessellations, fractals, perspective, slice forms, and origami. Students will create their own artwork and develop an appreciation for the connections between mathematics and art.
Culinary Chemistry* with Dr. Kelli Slunt, Department of Chemistry & Physics
Everyone must eat to survive, but do you ever think about the food you are eating? What gives it flavor, odor, and color? How can you create unique edible products? In this course, we will explore the science of food and molecular gastronomy. Note, this is a science class and not a cooking class. 😊
Mindblowing Monotypes* with Professor Coorain Devin, Department of 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.
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.
Electronic Music Production* with Professor Michael Bratt, Department of Music
We will learn the fundamentals of audio production and mixing in a highly-interactive course aimed at beginners! This hands-on course is geared towards anyone with an interest in crafting electronic music. Students will engage with the fundamentals of production theory, audio recording, and live sound engineering
Digital Detectives: A Cybersecurity Adventure with Dr. Xin-Wen Wu, Department of Computer 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!
Sci-Fi in a Flash: Read, Remix, & Express Yourself with Dr. Brenta Blevins, Department of English & Linguistics
Explore the imaginative worlds of science fiction through short stories, then bring them to life in new forms! You will read and discuss sci-fi tales, creatively adapt them into comics, performances, or illustrations, and finally craft your own original flash fiction inspired by the genre.
Zine Scene: Create Your Own Mini-Magazine with Dr. Brenta Blevins, Department of English & Linguistics
Dive into the DIY world of zines! You will explore the history and culture of zines, then design and produce your own personal zine on a topic of your choice. From layout to content creation, this hands-on course encourages self-expression and creativity. Memorialize your time at SEP with a custom zine full of writing, art, and memories.
Secret Languages* with Dr. Gonzalo Campos-Dintrans, Department of Modern Languages & Literatures
In this course, we explore the centuries-long art of secret communication through ciphers and codes. We will explore ancient encryption methods, and we will have hands-on practice on creating and breaking ciphers.
Say It, Taste It, Make It: A Journey Through World Languages*** with Various Faculty from Modern Languages and Literatures
In this sub-program, we’ll explore a different language and culture each day. You will learn simple greetings and useful expressions while discovering how language connects to everyday life, art, and food. Each day’s classes will highlight one language through conversation, stories, music, and creating art/culinary projects. By the end of the week, we will have traveled across five cultures, expanding your global awareness and gaining a deeper appreciation for the beauty and diversity of world languages.
EXPLORING TEACHING–Responsive Classroom: Building Relationships** with Professor Brooke Powell and Professor Susan Pearson, 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.
EXPLORING TEACHING Asset-Based Instruction: Teaching Linguistically and Culturally Diverse Students** with Dr. Danielle Ott, Department of Education
Your future classroom is a tapestry of amazing students each coming to you with different experiences and perspectives. Come explore various strategies you can use when working with learners who are linguistically and culturally diverse.
* 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.
** Exploring Teaching courses may make campers eligible for tuition assistance for SEP 2025.
***IMPORTANT – Journey Through World Languages is a special immersive sub-program that will involve all three SEP class periods during the day. Students in this program will not take any other SEP classes, but they will still have enrichment sessions and social events as usual with SEP.
Choose your adventure and register for an unforgettable summer of learning at UMW!
