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.

Current D-Term Offerings

Check back as more courses are being added.

On-Campus Courses*

DECM 122 Food Politics and Culture (William Hixon)

This course examines political and cultural forces that shape what we eat as well as implications for public health and the environment. Course material includes academic writing, food writing, and popular commentary, and students will undertake cooking projects based on course themes.

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 137 Writing Your Life (Helen Boyd-Kramer)

An intensive writing seminar for those seeking to write memoir, creative non-fiction, or other self-reflective prose. We will be writing, reading, and editing shorter daily pieces while developing a major theme or idea.

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 150 World Energy Markets (David Gerard)

Amidst the dual threats of war in western Europe and the prospects of catastrophic climate change, energy systems are at the fore of world attention. This course surveys world energy systems and markets, particularly the U.S. electricity system. The focus will be on a quantitative characterization of world energy sources and uses, along with theoretical and qualitative treatments of the economics and politics of world energy integration. Pending availability, classes will feature guests from business, government, and the academy.

DECM 151 Theatre of the Mind (Aaron Sherkow)

Exploring both audio plays and tabletop role-playing games in this workshop course, students will learn how both forms function through immersion. They are called Theatre of the Mind because the audiences' imagination is an active participant in creating the work. No previous experience in audio drama or role-playing games necessary. Curiosity required.

DECM 157 Critical Thinking in A.I. (Staff)

Artificial Intelligence (AI) is reshaping how we think, create, and connect, but at what gains and losses for humanity? This discussion-based seminar course blends AI literacy and exploration with human insight, emphasizing ethical use, critical thinking, and real-world problem-solving. Students will collaborate and experiment in self-defined projects. We will challenge AI's limits while honing uniquely human skills that keep people — not technology — as the priority.

DECM 240 Hip Hop History (Greg Milano)

This course examines hip-hop from its Bronx origins in 1973, its "Golden Era," its subgenres like "conscious" and "gangsta" rap, and the movement of sound and culture from New York City to the world, and back again. To appreciate this complex art form and its diverse roots, students analyze hip-hop through readings, film, and close listening exercises. 

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

*Courses with less than 5 students enrolled by October 22 will be cancelled.

Travel Courses†

DECM 156 Museums in DC (Beth Zinsli)

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 a $300 deposit is due by June 2, 2025. E-mail professor to request approval to register. PREREQUISITES: Instructor and Off Campus Programs Approval.

DECM 236 Newberry Library (Danielle Joyner)

The Newberry is an independent research library in Chicago with rich humanities collections ranging from the 15th century to the present. This seminar-style class will explore an interdisciplinary humanities topic in-person using the Newberry's collections, local cultural and historical sites and institutions, and/or other resources in the city of Chicago. The course topic and required projects will vary depending on the instructor(s). Additional cost $1800. To secure your seat a $300 deposit is due by June 2, 2025. E-mail professor to request approval to register. PREREQUISITES: Previous course in the humanities.

DECM 239 Museums in London (Beth Zinsli)

London is home to hundreds of museums, archives, libraries, and historic sites. This course will examine how these varied institutions collect, preserve, and share national and global treasures, educate diverse visitors, and articulate their priorities. Structured around an interdisciplinary topic, there will be opportunities to see exhibitions, examine cultural, historical, and art objects, and meet with museum and cultural heritage professionals to learn about their careers. Estimated additional cost $2950. To secure your seat a $500 deposit is due by June 2, 2025. E-mail professor to request approval to register. PREREQUISITES: Instructor and Off Campus Programs Approval.

†Travel courses that do not meet enrollment their minimum by September 19 will be cancelled.