2025 Course descriptions coming soon. In the meantime, check out our previous year’s offerings:
2024 Summer Enrichment Courses are Here!
Discover the SEP 2024 Courses!
Secret Languages* with Dr. Gonzalo Campos-Dintrans, Department of Modern Languages and Literatures
In this course we’ll learn how secret languages/codes have helped their speakers keep information away from others, create a sense of community, and sometimes to simply have fun.
The Science of Paint with Professor Bridgette Dennett, Department of Theatre & Dance and Dr. Sarah Smith, Department of Chemistry & Physics
Interested in what makes one kind of paint different from another? Join professors Bridgette Dennett and Dr. Sarah Smith as we explore what makes paint… paint. In this course we will explore the chemical composition of multiple types of paint, the ways that color theory can be used to mix colors of paint, and we’ll work on creating our own forms of paint from scratch.
Polymers, Plastics, and Me with Dr. Leanna Giancarlo, Department of Chemistry & Physics
Have you ever wondered what DNA, plastics and slime have in common? Learn about and investigate polymers in this lab-based exploration of these natural and synthetic molecules.
Distance and Scale in Astronomy*** with Dr. Matt Fleenor, Department of Chemistry & Physics
The Universe is really big, but how can we measure it? Students will make their own observations using robotic telescopes and determine distance to observed objects in the solar system, galaxy, and beyond.
Adventures in Mapping* with Dr. Jackie Gallagher and Dr. Steve Hanna, Department of Geography
Mapping allows us to explore, understand, and communicate about the world we share. It is an important skill for careers in urban and community planning, environmental monitoring and advocacy, intelligence, and meteorology. We’ll use UMW’s Geographic Information Systems laboratory and excursions outside to explore mapping techniques and ultimately create different kinds of maps including mental maps, printed maps of data they collect, and online story maps. Be prepared to do some walking outside on campus.
Hip Hop 101: A Study of Culture, Communication, and Creativity with Dr. Adria Goldman, Department of Communication & Digital Studies
This interactive course explores the culture of hip hop–past, present, and future. Each class period, students will engage in discussions about the meaning and significance of hip hop, as well as what we can learn from studying communication, different cultures, and creative expression. The course will cover topics specific to hip hop (ex: emceeing, deejaying, breakdancing, graffiti, socially conscious rap), in addition to general topics we should consider when studying pop culture (ex: rhetoric, identity, media effects, celebrity culture).
Picture This: Intro to Photography with Dr. J.D. Swerzenski, Department of Communication & Digital Studies
What makes certain photos pop or seem dull? How do you get the lighting just right on your subject? What is the rule of thirds and how do you use it when behind the camera? In this workshop, we’ll tackle these questions by going over some of the basic principles of photography including framing, lighting, and compositional conventions. Then, using your smartphones and the campus as our backdrop, we’ll put these concepts to the test to show off your own photography skills.
Write Now? Right Now! with Dr. Brenta Blevins, English & Linguistics
Unleash your creativity by learning different writing strategies, prompts, and templates that you can apply to creative writing—and beyond! You’ll learn how these tools can be used for creative thinking and communicating in the sciences, digital environments, and traditional storytelling. We’ll write in class every day, so by the end of the week, you’ll have written a couple of short stories, several poems, and much more. You’ll leave with a variety of creativity and writing prompts that you can use again in the future. This was taught in a previous session, but campers are welcome to repeat and create new materials.
Explorations of the Digital World: Memes, Influencers, and Technology, Oh My! with Dr. Brenta Blevins, English & Linguistics
What’s trending? Learn about memes, emoji, hashtags, influencers, viral content, and the digital technology that makes all this possible. We’ll explore a little of the history behind these terms, check into what’s trending, create some digital content of our own, and more. Would you want to go viral? We’ll discuss! #UMWSEP ❤️ #UMWSEPCampersAretheBest
Let’s Cross that Bridge! with Dr. Andrea Smith, Department of Historic Preservation
Ever wonder why covered bridges are so common in the US when they are rare in the rest of the world? Would you like to know the difference between a bascule bridge and a vertical lift? In this course you’ll learn about the history of bridges and get to build bridges of your own using LEGO, Popsicle sticks, and other media.
Experiencing South Indian Classical Music with Dr. Robert Wells, Department of Music
We will engage with the world of South Indian Carnatic music, a centuries-old classical tradition rooted in Hindu spirituality. We will explore the music’s cultural and theoretical underpinnings and then will put our knowledge into practice by learning selected Carnatic rhythm exercises, traditional vocal melodies, and basic playing techniques on instruments such as the tambura, mridangam, naal, kanjira, shruti box, and ghatam. No prior musical experience is required!
Introduction to Percussion* with Dr. Matt Case, Department of Music
Interested in learning about playing percussion? We’ll explore this diverse family of instruments and develop basic skills to play them and perform in an ensemble. This course is designed for students with little experience with percussion instruments, but students who already have skills can participate as well!
Electronic Music Production* with Dr. Michael Bratt, Department of Music
Campers 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.
An Introduction to Cybersecurity* with Dr. Xin-Wen Wu, Department of Computer Science
A hands-on exploration of cybersecurity. The course covers network attacks and defense, system security, privacy, and more. Meticulously designed hands-on activities are provided for students to enhance their understanding of cybersecurity concepts.
EXPLORING TEACHING: Responsive Classroom: Building Relationships** with Professor Brooke Powell and Professor Sarah Pearson, College of Education
Wonder what it takes to build a positive classroom community where learning can thrive? In this SEP course, campers will participate in responsive classroom activities that serve to build a strong classroom community.
EXPLORING TEACHING: Education Controversies** with Dr. Christy Irish and Dr. Janine Davis, College of Education
Participants in this course will be taught how to use different instructional models in the classroom. Each day a different instructional model will be used to explore a different controversial topic in today’s educational landscape.
EXPLORING TEACHING: Creating a Maker’s Mindset** with Dr. Danielle Springston and Professor Kristina Peck, College of Education
Come learn what a makerspace is, how to create a “Makers Mindset,” and how to apply the skills gained in a makerspace to a variety of careers including education. The course will feature hands-on no-tech, low-tech, and high-tech learning and tinkering experiences in the UMW College of Education Makerspace.
* 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 2024.
*** Select campers enrolling in this physics course may be eligible for a scholarship from the UMW Physics program. More information on the scholarship application process will be available soon.
Choose your adventure and register for an unforgettable summer of learning at UMW!
