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. 

Find out more and register for the D-term classes listed here in the Registration Portal -> Click Browse Classes -> Select the upcoming D-term from the drop down -> Click Search.
 
Contact the course instructor listed in for more information about the course and/or to request approval to register. 

D-Term 2026

ON-CAMPUS COURSES

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: Make it Stick! The Science of Successful Learning (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 144: The Science of Superheroes (Megan Pickett) A seminar course that examines the good, the bad, and the indifferent approaches to science in popular super hero films (particularly the Marvel and DC Universes). No science background or prerequisites required.

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 158: Mathematics of Investing (Alexander Heaton) This workshop-style course demystifies personal finance through simple math. Topics include the power of compound interest, the concepts of risk and diversification, and the impact of inflation and fees. Students will use spreadsheets to model wealth accumulation scenarios. Requirements include daily modeling exercises, reading and reflections, and a final "Financial Independence" project modeling the impact of various savings and investment rates under different market scenarios. No math prerequisite knowledge is required.

DECM 301: Exploring Biotechnology: A Collaborative Project (Kim Dickson) This laboratory-based course provides students with hands-on experience in research while offering insight into the biotechnology industry. Students participate in an intensive, collaborative research project focused on product development or application. The course culminates in a formal presentation of findings to a panel of scientists. In most years, students also visit regional biotechnology companies to explore career pathways and gain exposure to industry practices. PREREQUISITES: BIOL 130

DECM 402: Practice into Performance (Mauriah Donegan Kraker) This studio course journeys through the process of making a dance from practice to performance. Students will engage with tools for crafting, learning, and executing set choreography. Emphasis is placed on building strength and stamina in the body and mind, as well as experiencing dance warmup, rehearsal, and performance etiquette. The course culminates with a formal performance of the created work. PREREQUISITES: Instructor Approval

* On-campus D-term courses with fewer than 5 students enrolled by the Monday after the Fall Midterm Reading Period will be cancelled.

TRAVEL COURSES

Contact the instructor(s) for information about additional program fees for D-term travel courses. 

DECM 239: Museums in London: Empire of Plants, Botany, Gardens, and History (Monica Rico) 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. PREREQUISITES: Instructor and Off Campus Programs approval

Topic: How did plants make the British empire? The class explores the intersection of botanical science, colonial history, and horticultural practice through London's renowned museums. We’ll view unique botanical illustrations, natural history specimens, and—weather permitting—visit some of the world’s most historic gardens. You will learn how plants functioned as commodities, scientific objects, and symbols of power while gaining appreciation for contemporary conservation efforts and museum practices.

Cost: $1,990 per student plus flights / $500 deposit due by June 1, 2026

DECM 241: Business & Entrepreneurship Abroad: Sweden and Finland (Dena Skran and Martyn Smith) Students will learn about international environments for business & entrepreneurship by travelling to a particular country/countries or city/cities. Using methods of experiential learning, students will visit local businesses, encounter entrepreneurs and innovation hubs, and learn about the business and entrepreneurial culture and ecosystem of the site. Students will conduct a project and will be assessed on a presentation about their work. This course includes travel and the additional program fee will vary depending on the location. PREREQUISITES: Sophomore standing and Instructor and Off Campus Programs approval

Cost: $2,500 per student plus flights / $500 deposit due by June 1, 2026

DECM 242: Cinema & Culture: New York (Kate Rennebohm) In this travel study course, students will spend one week on campus learning about New York’s cinema culture, key film institutions, and history as a cinephile hub. The second week students will travel to New York to visit those institutions, see films projected, and meet programmers and archivists. Students will complete reading and watching journals and one in-class presentation. PREREQUISITES: Instructor and Off Campus Programs approval

Cost: $800 per student plus flights / $300 deposit due by June 1, 2026

* D-term Travel courses with fewer than 5 students enrolled by September 1, 2026 will be cancelled.