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.

DECM 122: Food Politics and Culture

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. Additional course fee: $20

Units: 3

DECM 144: The Science of Super Heroes

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.

Units: 3

DECM 148: Introduction to Tropes and Stereotypes in Theatre Film and Media: The Good, the Bad, and the Ugly

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.

Units: 3

DECM 150: World Energy Markets

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.

Units: 3

DECM 151: Theatre of the Mind

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.

Units: 3

DECM 152: Early Literacy in Our Community

In this course participants will practice reading, writing, and speaking strategies that support early childhood literacy foundations by working with beginning readers (ages 2-6) at community locations in the Fox Valley. Participants will talk to local educators and learn about early literacy theory. Short reflective essays, travel, and discussion required. PREREQUISITES: Students must be able to pass a local background check.

Units: 3

DECM 224: Introduction to R and Excel for Data Analysis

Careful data analysis has become central to decision-making in areas from politics to sports to medicine. This introduction to collecting, cleaning, and manipulating messy, real-world data with R and Excel will emphasize reproducible, documented analysis. The course will also introduce graphing and programming concepts that pertain to data analysis. Familiarity with basic statistics is a plus but not required.

Units: 3