SI allows you the opportunity to experience academics at Lawrence without managing a full courseload. During SI, you will take two courses that will prepare you for common class settings at Lawrence such as a discussion-based seminar (with 15 students or fewer) and an elective course based on your interests. Students who successfully complete SI courses will earn six units that can be applied towards graduation.
Plese see below for additional information on the courses offered during SI.
Summer Institute Seminar (required)
The SI Seminar is modeled after Lawrence's distinctive First Year Studies Program, a multidisciplinary course in liberal learning taken by all Lawrence first-year students in the fall term. An important goal of the seminar course is for students to practice observation, analysis and communication skills in classroom discussion and in written assignments.
As a result of this course, SI students will acquire confidence to serve as leaders in the Lawrence classroom, enhancing the learning experience of all Lawrence students.
2024 SI Tentative Electives offerings below (Students are required to take one elective course):
Road Trips and American Culture (3 units)
In this course, students will explore novels, poetry, memoirs, and films centered around the American fascination with car travel. While the focus will be on various topics such as the history of automobiles, road trips, roadside architecture, and themes like gender, family, sexual orientation, and race in the United States, the course also aims to equip you with essential tools for your journey at Lawrence University. Through engaging discussions, immersive reading experiences, and activities like creative writing, digital humanities projects, and film analysis, you'll develop the skills needed to succeed in your Humanities courses.
Starting STEM Savvy (3 units)
STEM career paths require quantitative reasoning, critical thinking skills, and problem-solving skills. This topics course is an introduction to being a STEM major that introduces students to methods of thinking and problem-solving while exposing students to broad STEM topics. Starting STEM Savvy emphasizes practicing foundational math skills required for success in STEM majors, individual and group problem solving and professional development in STEM or career exploration in STEM.
Dance + Place (3 units)
Dance + Place is about making connection through movement. This studio course introduces students to dance as an embodied practice, academic study and a process of investigating and making. There’s no experience with dance or movement needed for this class!
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