Explore our variety of class options for the 2027 SEP! Have more questions? Visit our FAQs<\/a> or reach out over email!<\/p> 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.<\/span><\/p> 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. <\/span><\/p> *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.<\/span><\/p> 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.<\/span><\/p> 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.<\/span><\/p> 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.<\/span><\/p> 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.<\/span><\/p> 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.<\/span><\/p> 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.<\/span><\/p> 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.<\/span><\/p> 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.<\/span><\/p> 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.<\/span><\/p>Picture This: A Photography 101 Course with Dr. J.D. Swerzenski<\/a>, Communication & Digital Studies<\/b><\/h4>
Introduction to Healthcare Practices*<\/strong> with Dr. Deborah O’Dell<\/a>, Department of Biological Sciences<\/h4>
Sustainability Toolkit with Dr. Eric Bonds<\/a>, History, American Studies, and Sociology<\/b><\/h4>
Stage Lighting with Professor Michael Benson<\/a>, Theatre & Dance<\/b><\/h4>
Chemistry Glow Up!<\/strong> with Dr. Leanna Giancarlo<\/a>, Department of Chemistry & Physics<\/h4>
AI Ethics with Professor Jeffrey Goldthorp<\/a>, Computer Science<\/b><\/h4>
Pop Culture* with Dr. Adria Goldman<\/a>, Communication & Digital Studies<\/b><\/h4>
COMM Play! Using Games to Learn About and Improve Our Communication Skills* with Dr. Adria Goldman<\/a>, Communication & Digital Studies<\/b><\/h4>
Building Time: Investigating Your Everyday Environment with Dr. Christine Henry<\/a>, Historic Preservation<\/b><\/h4>
Mindblowing Monotypes with Professor Coorain Devin<\/a>, Studio Art<\/strong><\/h4>
Introduction to Green Engineering with Dr. Suzanne Nguyen<\/a>, Chemistry & Physics<\/b><\/h4>
Digital Detectives: A Cybersecurity Adventure* with Dr. Xin-Wen Wu<\/a>, Compter Science<\/b><\/h4>