D-Term courses are focused, experiential learning classes not offered during the academic year. Classes are small in size and led by a Lawrence faculty member.

On-campus courses include workshops, fieldwork, or travel to sites or activities within a day’s drive of Lawrence. Travel courses take you to locations around the world for hands-on learning in an immersive setting. Look for courses coded DECM when registering.

D-Term 2025 Offerings

On-Campus Courses*

DECM 129 History of Video Games (Angela Vanden Elzen)

This course will explore the history of video games, with an emphasis on games and gaming systems from 1977 to 1996. Games will be explored as technology, entertainment and a product of culture. Students will play games on the original consoles and write about developments in visual design, evolution of sound and music, representations of gender and race and other topics.

DECM 141 Improve Learning & Memory (Bob Williams)

In this seminar, students will study findings from the learning sciences and apply them in exercises designed to enhance learning and memory. Students will use the results of these exercises to explore the success of various learning strategies and discuss how they might be applied in their other Lawrence courses.

DECM 148 Intro to Tropes and Stereotype (Austin Rose)

Tropes and character types have come down through the advent of western theatre and media to the present day. These characters have represented, and often embarrassed, those they portray from the earliest theatrical performances through international blockbuster films worldwide. Exploring their use and evolution of the good, the bad, and the ugly of various stereotypes will enlighten their perpetuation or suppression in future media. 

DECM 301 Exploring Biotechnology (Kim Dickson)

This laboratory-based course is a collaborative endeavor with Promega Corporation (Madison, WI) and will provide students with an opportunity to develop research skills as well as insights into the Biotechnology industry. This course will meet daily from 9-11 am and 1-4 pm. Times required for lab work are highly variable, so students should plan to be flexible – some days might be long, and others might be very short At the end of the 2-week research project, students will travel to Promega to present their results to a team of scientists. PREREQUISITES: BIOL 130

DECM 401 Collaborative Performance Intensive (Kivie Cahn-Lipman) 

Students will learn and perform a musical-theatrical work, such as a chamber opera or staged song cycle. Specific casting/instrumentation/crew/interarts needs will vary year-to-year based upon the chosen piece. Please contact the instructor for more information.

*Courses with less than 5 students enrolled by October 24 will be cancelled.

Travel Courses†

DECM 156 Museums in DC (Timothy Anne Burnside '02)

This course offers an introduction to the way s in which museums in Washington, DC collect, preserve, and exhibit U.S. cultural heritage and history. Taught by Professor of Practice Timothy Anne Burnside, Curator at the Smithsonian's NMAAHC, the course will connect readings in museum histories and practices, visits to a variety of institutions to examine exhibitions and get behind-the-scenes tours, and meetings with museum professionals. Additional cost $1700. To secure your seat, enroll and provide a $300 deposit by Friday, September 26. E-mail Professor Beth Zinsli (beth.a.zinsli@lawrence.edu) for approval to register. PREREQUISITES: Instructor and Off Campus Programs Approval

† Travel courses with less than 5 students enrolled by September 26 will be cancelled.