Summer 2025 Courses

Introduction to Cultural Anthropology:

This course provides an introduction to the way’s societies use culture to structure behavior and interpret experience. Students learn methods and theories anthropologists use to study culture; examine aspects of culture such as language, social organization, gender, marriage, family and religion; and analyze historical, biological and social determinants of cultural institutions. This course fulfills the Core Curriculum requirement in Cultural Perspectives.

Gijanto
4 Credits
May 12 – June 20
Online Course/Asynchronous

Biological Anthropology

This course addresses the relationships between culture and human biology. Topics include primate classification and behavior, human origins and evolution and human variation and genetics. Students work with fossils, as well as geological and other data, to understand the biological dimensions of human populations.

Gijanto
4 Credits
May 12 – June 20
Online Course/Asynchronous

Field School in Historical Archaeology

Historic St. Mary’s City (HSMC), in association with St. Mary’s College of Maryland, announces its 2016 field school in historical archaeology.  HSMC is a state-supported, outdoor museum located at the site of Maryland’s first capital (1634-1694). The main focus of this summer’s excavations is on the yards directly adjacent to the Calvert House. Built in the first decade of Maryland’s settlement by Leonard Calvert, the first Governor, it served as the statehouse of the Province until 1676. Previous testing in the backyard revealed the presence of numerous fences, borrow pits, several outbuildings, and the ditch of a 1645 fort.  Excavations will seek to better define the fences, identify outbuildings, and explore selected features to aid in dating the development of the landscape.

For the student, the program is an intensive, 10 week experience in Colonial archaeology. The first week includes lectures on history, archaeological methods and material culture studies. Students learn artifact identification by working with one of the best archaeological collections of 17^th century, Colonial material in the country.  During the following weeks, students participate in excavation, recording and analysis.  Guest scholars speak on the history and

architecture of the Chesapeake region.  Field trips to nearby archaeological sites in Maryland and Virginia are planned. Students will also have the rare opportunity to learn about and help sail the MARYLAND DOVE, a replica of a 17th‑century, square‑rigged tobacco ship. To apply email: travisP@digshistory.org   This course is cross listed with HIST310

Parno
4 credits
May 12 – June 20, 2025
M,T,W,R,F 8:30am – 4:00pm
Location:  Anne Arundel Hall – N111
Field trip fee: $75.00

Introduction Visual Thinking

Your ability to derive meaning from what you see is essential in a world suffused with composed objects. To see is to observe, decode, recognize, dissect, identify, experience, and understand. This course serves as a broad introduction to visual literacy, guiding the student through the process of how visual communication works, from the mechanics of sensation and perception to the complex interaction of symbols, subject matter, and context. Art projects, discussions, papers, and journal entries incorporate readings, research and writing components that integrate critical thinking while encouraging the development of visual intelligence. No prerequisites required. This class satisfies the core curriculum art requirement. This class is asynchronous, and can be completed anytime between June 2 – July 15th.   All material will be posted and available by the first day of each week. Four group online meetings are required with multiple options for attending. 

Patterson
4 Credits
June 2 – July 15, 2025
ONLINE COURSE

Introduction to Photography

An introduction to the principles of photography and basic photographic processes. Creative problems are explored through the use of a variety of subjects and techniques, including experiments with paper and film, small-camera operation, guided photo-walks, roll film processing, enlarging and finishing. The course offers a broad survey of photography art by prominent artists in a global context including art by Asian and Asian-American artists. Students will appreciate how specific sociocultural environments and history influence the works of artists. Critiques and discussions of issues in art history and contemporary art. ART212 satisfies the Lead Curriculum requirement in Arts and requirements in ART, ASIA and ENST. Students enrolled in ART 333 will complete a final self-proposed project at the advanced level and work with medium format cameras.

Cai
4 Credits
May 12, – May 30, 2025
M,T,W,R 6:00pm – 10:10pm
Location: Montgomery Hall Room 049

Introduction to Digital Media Art

An introduction to the fundamental issues, tools and techniques of digital art. Formal and creative problems are explored through the use of a variety of computer software and hardware, including screen, audio and physical media projects. Critiques of digital art and discussion of issues in contemporary digital media.  Course Satisfies: Lead Exploration requirement in Arts.

Kelly
4 Credits
May 12 – May 30, 2024
M,T,W,R 1:00pm – 5:10pm
Location:  Montgomery Hall Room 049

Landscape Drawing and Painting: Nature Journal Sketchbook

This course introduces the art of the Nature Journal Sketchbook through an exploration of the principles, practices, and history of painting and drawing from direct observation. With the natural world as subject matter, students learn beginning techniques of drawing and water-based painting on paper along with basic bookmaking techniques to create journals and sketchbooks. Students work primarily on site, within the landscape of the College and surrounding community. This class satisfies the Core Curriculum requirement for Arts.  This course satisfies a Humanities Track elective for the ENST major and minor.

Johnson
4 Credits
May 12 -May 30, 2025
M,T,W,R 8:00am – 12:10pm
Location: Montgomery Hall Room 132

Combining Media: Print + Book + Draw

This course explores ways to combine 2D media areas of bookmaking, printmaking, (digital) photography and drawing.  Students will be able to explore their media interests in greater depth.  A variety of printmaking techniques will be covered including relief (linoleum and woodblock printing), monotype (silicone gelatin printing) and photo-transfer processes. Hand-made books are the focus of the bookmaking component of the course using a variety of techniques including pamphlets and zines, accordion fold, Japanese stab binding, the traditional codex and other unique bookbinding formats of interest to individual students. Drawing and digital photography can be combined with bookmaking and printmaking in exciting ways. Students will be encouraged to develop assignments that combine media in unique ways and explore subject matter of interest to them ranging from observation to abstraction. Prerequisite: one of the following: ART 205, ART 204, ART 223, ART 224, ART 240, ART 309, ART 347 or permission of the instructor.

Johnson
4 Credits
May 12, – May 30, 2025
M,T,W,R 1:00pm – 5:10pm
Location: Montgomery Hall Room 129

Topics in Art: Advanced Analogue Photography

An introduction to the principles of photography and basic photographic processes. Creative problems are explored through the use of a variety of subjects and techniques, including experiments with paper and film, small-camera operation, guided photo-walks, roll film processing, enlarging and finishing. The course offers a broad survey of photography art by prominent artists in a global context including art by Asian and Asian-American artists. Students will appreciate how specific sociocultural environments and history influence the works of artists. Critiques and discussions of issues in art history and contemporary art. ART212 satisfies the Lead Curriculum requirement in Arts and requirements in ART, ASIA and ENST. Students enrolled in ART 333 will complete a final self-proposed project at the advanced level and work with medium format cameras.

Cai
4 Credits
May 12, – May 30, 2025
M,T,W,R 6:00pm – 10:10pm
Location: Montgomery Hall Room 049

Survey 1 Art History

Survey of Western art, with some attention given to non-Western art, from prehistoric times through the Medieval period. Intended as an introductory course for the general student as well as art majors and minors. ARTH 225 Art History Survey 1 and ARTH 226 Art History Survey 2 may be taken independently and in any sequence.
Course Satisfies: This course satisfies the LEAD requirement in Humanities.
Wallace

4 Credits
May 12, – May 30, 2025
M,T,W,R 6:00pm – 10:10pm
Location: Montgomery Hall Room 151

Stellar Astrophysics and Cosmology with Lab

The objective of this course is to impart knowledge about physical laws that govern the origin and evolution of stars and the universe. The topics covered include but are not limited to: History of astronomy, radiation and spectra, telescopes, distances in astronomy, analyzing spectra of stars, life cycle of stars – birth, adolescence, old age, and death; basic ideas about cosmology, cosmological principle, expansion of the universe, contents of the universe, modelling the universe, testing the models.

This course has two elements to it – lecture and laboratory. It satisfies the Lead Curriculum requirement in Natural Sciences with Laboratory. Formerly called ASTR 151. Not open to students who have received credit for ASTR 151. 

Ganguly
4 Credits
May 12 – June 20, 2025
T, R 1:00pm – 5:10pm
ONLINE COURSE

Topics in Economics: Video Game Economies

This course is an in-depth examination of the economies within video games. We study how players produce, use, and exchange goods inside video game environments. Using the context of popular video games, we will discuss forms of trade, the use of real-world money to buy digital products, gambling in video games, and more.  This course is cross listed with ECON310

Savelle
4 Credits
May 12 – June 20, 2025
M, W 1:00pm – 5:10pm
ONLINE COURSE

The Symphony of Wealth:  Unlocking Creative Investments

Want to learn the secrets behind how top investors use creative financial instruments to amass incredible fortunes in every kind of market scenario—without getting lost in complex math or number crunching? This conceptual, qualitative course explores basic Financial Derivatives (options, futures, swaps) and common Alternative Investments (hedge funds, private equity, real estate, and more) to help students understand how professionals manage risk, boost returns, seize market opportunities, and diversify portfolios using financial innovation. Rather than overwhelming with technical formulas, this course focuses on real-world case studies, creative trading strategies, risk management, pricing mechanisms, and portfolio innovation—making this course the perfect starting point if you’re interested in modern, advanced finance but do not have a quantitative background. Whether students are aiming for a dynamic career in finance, looking to develop creative investment strategies, or preparing for credentialing exams like CFA, CAIA, ACCA, CPA, or FRM, this course equips students with real-world financial knowledge that has shaped the wealth of the financial industry’s giants and stood the test of time. Note: Open to all majors without prerequisite. No advanced math, quantitative skill, or financial background is required for this course. Everything will be taught and built up from the basics.

Nguyen
4 Credits
May 12, – May 30, 2025
M,T,W,R 6:00pm – 10:10pm
ONLINE COURSE

Data Visualization, Intelligence & Storytelling for Business & Economics

Today’s data-driven world generates an overwhelming amount of information every day, and knowing how to make sense of it has become a game-changing skill. Focusing on business and economic applications, students will learn the entire process of creating compelling visualizations and narratives—no technical background or programming experience is required! This hands-on course provides essential knowledge and tools for Data Visualization, business intelligence (BI), and data-driven Storytelling—critical for making informed decisions and driving business success. Real-world case studies on global economic indicators, market dynamics, and social and technological transformations will help students develop the curiosity, passion, and analytical mindset needed to turn raw, noisy data into crystal-clear narratives. Students will discover how to select the most effective charts, graphs, and dashboards to reveal critical findings and engagingly present them to any audience. But this course is not just about technical know-how—students will master the art of data-driven storytelling, learning how to turn numbers into actionable insights that inform strategy, inspire innovation, and captivate key stakeholders. With a strong emphasis on hands-on learning, students will gain practical experience through step-by-step exercises using industry-standard tools like R and Tableau, while also having the flexibility to explore other popular alternatives such as Python, STATA, Excel, and Power BI. Whether students are planning a career in business and economics research, data analytics, business intelligence, consulting, or quantitative finance, this course provides the foundational skills to transform data into intuitive visualization and powerful stories that drive real impact and excel in today’s data-centric world. Note: Open to all majors without prerequisite. No quantitative skill, programming experience, or business background is required for this course. Everything will be taught and built up from the basics.  This course is cross listed with ECON310.02

Nguyen
4 Credits
June 2 – June 20, 2025
M,T, W, R 6:00am – 10:10pm
ONLINE COURSE

Strategy

In business, luck can play a role—just as it does in life. Yet while some companies may experience occasional strokes of good or bad fortune, sustained success stems from deliberate and effective actions. Organizations that consistently thrive do so because their leaders understand the global landscape, craft clear strategies, align structures to support their goals, and inspire their teams to execute effectively. In today’s fiercely competitive and rapidly evolving business environment, gaining and maintaining an advantage requires a deep understanding of global dynamics and the ability to make sound strategic decisions. The capacity to develop and implement a business strategy to navigate complex global markets is a critical skill for aspiring business professionals—including future entrepreneurs, intrapreneurs, and organizational leaders. This course, grounded in experiential learning, emphasizes practical application through interactive lectures, case studies, group discussions, and hands-on exercises. Students will be challenged to think strategically as they explore the core principles of strategy formulation, execution, and adaptation while honing their ability to make effective business decisions.  Prerequisites: BADM101-Intro to Business and BADM201 Accounting

Borrero
4 Credits
May 12, – May 30, 2025
M,T,W,R 8:00am – 12:10pm
ONLINE COURSE

Secondary Literacy in the Content Areas

This course is designed to introduce and analyze strategies for developing the ability of secondary school students to learn from print sources and text materials in content area classrooms across the curriculum. While the focus of these strategies is on reading comprehension and vocabulary development, we consider other best practices and theory based on continuing research in the field. Topics covered include purposes for reading and writing, literacy assessment for data driven instructional decisions, differentiated instruction, and the examination of language and culture in the classroom as related to debates and policy about identity, dialects, equality, and Standard/Mainstream English. This course is a prerequisite for secondary and k12 candidates to the MAT and fulfills a Maryland certification requirement in the teaching of reading for secondary and K-12 teachers.

Nyman
4 Credits
June 2 – June 20
M,T,W,R 1:00pm – 5:10pm
ONLINE COURSE

English as a Second Language Across the Curriculum

This course explores the experiences of teaching students in K-12 classrooms who speak English as a Second Language. This course will consider: laws & policies relevant to the experience of English learners, conceptions of English proficiency and language assessment, theories of second language learning and acquisition, the social experience of English Learners, teaching and assessment strategies (including specific attention to written and oral language literacy), methodological approaches, and effective assessment and evaluation techniques. Class members will draw on their theoretical understandings to resolve practical problems. Lecture and seminar components. This course is a prerequisite for the MAT program.

Varner
4 Credits
May 12 – June 20, 2025
T,R 8:00am – 12:10pm
ONLINE COURSE

Topics in Economics: Video Game Economies

This course is an in-depth examination of the economies within video games. We study how players produce, use, and exchange goods inside video game environments. Using the context of popular video games, we will discuss forms of trade, the use of real-world money to buy digital products, gambling in video games, and more.  This course is cross listed with BADM360

Savelle
4 Credits
May 12 – June 20, 2025
M, W 1:00pm – 5:10pm
ONLINE COURSE

Data Visualization, Intelligence & Storytelling for Business & Economics

Today’s data-driven world generates an overwhelming amount of information every day, and knowing how to make sense of it has become a game-changing skill. Focusing on business and economic applications, students will learn the entire process of creating compelling visualizations and narratives—no technical background or programming experience is required! This hands-on course provides essential knowledge and tools for Data Visualization, business intelligence (BI), and data-driven Storytelling—critical for making informed decisions and driving business success. Real-world case studies on global economic indicators, market dynamics, and social and technological transformations will help students develop the curiosity, passion, and analytical mindset needed to turn raw, noisy data into crystal-clear narratives. Students will discover how to select the most effective charts, graphs, and dashboards to reveal critical findings and engagingly present them to any audience. But this course is not just about technical know-how—students will master the art of data-driven storytelling, learning how to turn numbers into actionable insights that inform strategy, inspire innovation, and captivate key stakeholders. With a strong emphasis on hands-on learning, students will gain practical experience through step-by-step exercises using industry-standard tools like R and Tableau, while also having the flexibility to explore other popular alternatives such as Python, STATA, Excel, and Power BI. Whether students are planning a career in business and economics research, data analytics, business intelligence, consulting, or quantitative finance, this course provides the foundational skills to transform data into intuitive visualization and powerful stories that drive real impact and excel in today’s data-centric world. Note: Open to all majors without prerequisite. No quantitative skill, programming experience, or business background is required for this course. Everything will be taught and built up from the basics.  This course is cross listed with BADM360.03

Nguyen
4 Credits
June 2 – June 20, 2025
M,T,W, R 6:00am – 10:10pm
ONLINE COURSE

Spatial Economics:  Applications to Environmental and Public Health Research

Spatial analysis is increasingly important for economists and policy makers.  The theoretical framework for this course is public goods analysis, with a focus on the reasons why markets fail to deliver the efficient level of public goods.  In the presence of market failure, economists use valuation techniques to estimate willingness to pay for public goods to inform effective policy development.  Spatial analysis can provide critical information to inform such valuations.  Students will work with the open-source geographic information system QGIS to learn the fundamentals of spatial analysis.  Students will work with environmental and public health data.   This class is cross listed with ENST385.01

LEARNING OBJECTIVES:  Over the course of this semester students will (1) Use the tools of economics to understand market failure, with a focus on incomplete markets and property rights; (2) Become familiar with the principles of benefit-cost analysis to discriminate between competing resource uses; (3) Read and analyze journal articles, and identify suitable applications for spatial methods; (4) Develop core competencies with geographic information system software; (5) Apply spatial analysis in the context of environmental and public health issues.

LEARNING OUTCOMES:

At the completion of ECON 310, students will be able to:
1)     use economic theory to analyze a particular topic;
2)     use economic methods to analyze a particular topic;
3)     extract and explain the main ideas from readings related to the topic of the course;

At the completion of ENST 385, students will be able to:
1)     use an interdisciplinary approach that synthesizes information from the natural sciences, social sciences, and humanities.

Henderson
4 Credits
June 2 – June 20, 2025
M,T,W,R 1:00pm – 5:10pm
ONLINE COURSE

Screenwriting

This course examines the art, craft and conventions of screenwriting. Its goal is to familiarize you with the elements of effective screenwriting and to draft, analyze, and revise original work. You will read short scripts and write two short scripts (and substantively revise one) in addition to several shorter generative assignments. Through in-class exercises, close analysis, and giving and receiving constructive feedback, you’ll aim to take your work to new levels of visual power, emotional complexity, and dramatic force. I don’t grade talent—I grade investment, diligence, and effort. The goals of this class include:

• Understanding/employing the principles of the screenwriting form
• Developing your ideas into effective scenes/complete short scripts
• Contributing thoughtful feedback on fellow students’ work
• Incorporating feedback from me and your peers
• Creating a passion for cinematic and storytelling possibility

Gabriel
4 Credits
May 12 – May 30, 2025
M,T,W,R 1:00pm – 5:10pm
Location: Montgomery Hall Room 103

Spatial Economics:  Applications to Environmental and Public Health Research

Spatial analysis is increasingly important for economists and policy makers.  The theoretical framework for this course is public goods analysis, with a focus on the reasons why markets fail to deliver the efficient level of public goods.  In the presence of market failure, economists use valuation techniques to estimate willingness to pay for public goods to inform effective policy development.  Spatial analysis can provide critical information to inform such valuations.  Students will work with the open-source geographic information system QGIS to learn the fundamentals of spatial analysis.  Students will work with environmental and public health data.   This class is cross listed with ENST385.01

LEARNING OBJECTIVES:  Over the course of this semester students will (1) Use the tools of economics to understand market failure, with a focus on incomplete markets and property rights; (2) Become familiar with the principles of benefit-cost analysis to discriminate between competing resource uses; (3) Read and analyze journal articles, and identify suitable applications for spatial methods; (4) Develop core competencies with geographic information system software; (5) Apply spatial analysis in the context of environmental and public health issues.

LEARNING OUTCOMES:

At the completion of ECON 310, students will be able to:
1)     use economic theory to analyze a particular topic;
2)     use economic methods to analyze a particular topic;
3)     extract and explain the main ideas from readings related to the topic of the course;

At the completion of ENST 385, students will be able to:
1)     use an interdisciplinary approach that synthesizes information from the natural sciences, social sciences, and humanities.

Henderson
4 Credits
June 2 – June 20, 2025
M,T,W,R 1:00pm – 5:10pm
ONLINE COURSE

Field School in Historical Archaeology

Historic St. Mary’s City (HSMC), in association with St. Mary’s College of Maryland, announces its 2016 field school in historical archaeology.  HSMC is a state-supported, outdoor museum located at the site of Maryland’s first capital (1634-1694). The main focus of this summer’s excavations is on the yards directly adjacent to the Calvert House. Built in the first decade of Maryland’s settlement by Leonard Calvert, the first Governor, it served as the statehouse of the Province until 1676. Previous testing in the backyard revealed the presence of numerous fences, borrow pits, several outbuildings, and the ditch of a 1645 fort.  Excavations will seek to better define the fences, identify outbuildings, and explore selected features to aid in dating the development of the landscape.

For the student, the program is an intensive, 10 week experience in Colonial archaeology. The first week includes lectures on history, archaeological methods and material culture studies. Students learn artifact identification by working with one of the best archaeological collections of 17^th century, Colonial material in the country.  During the following weeks, students participate in excavation, recording and analysis.  Guest scholars speak on the history and

architecture of the Chesapeake region.  Field trips to nearby archaeological sites in Maryland and Virginia are planned. Students will also have the rare opportunity to learn about and help sail the MARYLAND DOVE, a replica of a 17th‑century, square‑rigged tobacco ship. To apply email: travisP@digshistory.org   This course is cross listed with ANTH410

Parno
4 credits
May 12 – June 20, 2025
M,T,W,R,F 8:30am – 4:00pm
Location:  Anne Arundel Hall – N111
Field trip fee: $75.00

Witchcraft and Magic in the Atlantic World

This course interrogates ideas of witchcraft and magic in Europe, West Africa, the Caribbean, and North America in the 16^th-18^th centuries. Students will think critically about how some forms of engagement with the supernatural were approved by European colonial officials while others were denounced as “witchcraft” or “magic,” frequently practiced by racial, gender, and religious minorities. Topics will include the Salem witch trials, non-western healing practices, seances, demonic possession, voodoo, and protective talismans. This course will also examine the cultural legacy of “witchcraft” and “magic” by considering 21^st-century museum exhibitions and popular culture. Students may choose to curate a virtual exhibition as their final project.

Champagne
4 Credits
May 12 – May 30, 2025
M,T,W,R 8:00am – 12:10pm
ONLINE COURSE

Elementary French II

A continuation of the study of basic grammar. Increased attention is given to conversation skills and short writing assignments. This course satisfies the Core Curriculum requirement in Cultural Perspectives if not used to satisfy the Core Curriculum International Language requirement. Prerequisite: ILCF 101 or equivalent as determined by the Foreign Language Proficiency Test.

MacLeod
4 Credits
May 13 -May 31,2024
M,T,W,R,F 1:00pm – 4:20pm
ONLINE COURSE

Comparative Politics

An introductory survey of major political systems around the world, and of the theory and methods of the field of comparative politics. The ultimate objective is to develop a theoretical background to understand and explain variations in political culture, political behavior, political institutions, and other aspects of national politics. Topics include democratization, ethnic conflict, and globalization. This course focuses on different political systems and cultures, rather than specific countries or regions. This course fulfills the Lead Curriculum requirement in Cultural Perspectives. Formerly POSC 267. Not open to students who have received credit for POSC 267.

Ugues
4 Credits
May 12 – May 30, 2025
M,T,W,R 10:00am – 2:10pm
ONLINE COURSE

Politics of the Middle East and North Africa

How can we understand the Middle East and North Africa? Why have states in these regions experienced autocracy, conflict and instability? Should the solution to problems come from outside the region, or can problems only be resolved from the inside?

This module aims to answer these questions by introducing students the societies, cultures, political systems, and complexities of the Middle East and North Africa (MENA) region. It will explore themes related to MENA politics, using different states and societies from the region as case studies. The module will provide insights into the root causes of conflicts, authoritarian regimes; youth protest movements, tradition versus modernity, and urbanism versus periphery. It will apply an interdisciplinary and comparative approach to better understand the region.

Sarihan
4 Credits
June 2 – June 20, 2025
M,W,R,F 1:00pm – 5:10pm
ONLINE COURSE

Introduction to Psychology

A survey of the theoretical and empirical foundations of contemporary psychology. This course satisfies the Core Curriculum requirement in Social Sciences.

Leffers
4 Credits
June 2 – June 20, 2025
M,T,W,R 1:00pm – 5:10pm
ONLINE COURSE

Memory in the Movies

The purpose of this course is to examine the times when the human memory system does not work correctly. We will explore various depictions of memory loss and memory disorders in movies and books. Then, students will evaluate the accuracy of such depictions and “correct” the errors in the media piece. Students will conduct independent literature reviews on memory disorders like dementia, Alzheimer’s, and amnesia.

Department CLOs:

–        Demonstrate understanding of theories and research findings in health or counseling psychology
–        Evaluate empirical research methods connected to the study of health or counseling psychology
–        Identify, evaluate, and integrate findings from primary literature
–        Demonstrate effective written communication of ideas in health or counseling psychology
–        Demonstrate effective oral communication of ideas in health or counseling psychology

Leffers
4 Credits
May 12 – May 30, 2025
M,T,W,R 1:00pm – 5:10pm
ONLINE COURSE