Lawrence Launch gives you the opportunity to experience academics at Lawrence without managing a full course load. During the program, you will take two courses designed to prepare you for common classroom experiences at Lawrence, including a discussion-based seminar (with 15 students or fewer) and an elective course based on your interests. Students who successfully complete Lawrence Launch courses will earn six units that may be applied toward graduation.
Please see below for additional information on the courses offered through Lawrence Launch.
Foundations for First Year Studies (required)
The Foundations for First Year Studies course 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 through classroom discussion and written assignments.
As a result of this course, Lawrence Launch students will acquire confidence to serve as leaders in the Lawrence classroom, enhancing the learning experience of all Lawrence students.
2026 Lawrence Launch Elective Offerings (Students are required to take one elective course.)
Road Trips and American Culture (3 units)
In this course, students explore novels, poetry, memoirs, and films centered around the American fascination with car travel. Topics include the history of automobiles, road trips, roadside architecture, and themes such as gender, family, sexual orientation, and race in the United States. Through discussion, reading, creative writing, digital humanities projects, and film analysis, students develop skills needed to succeed in Humanities courses at Lawrence.
Starting STEM Savvy (3 units)
STEM career paths require quantitative reasoning, critical thinking, and problem-solving skills. This course helps students considering STEM majors prepare for success in STEM coursework while engaging with broad STEM topics. Activities include course readings, group discussions of popular science articles, and reflective exercises focused on developing effective study skills.
Physical Practice: Movement for Wellness (3 units)
This course offers a sampling of ways students can practice physicality, somatics, and wellness at Lawrence, both through academic offerings in the dance program and through connections to the surrounding community and geography.