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Any off-campus components of the seminars described below are subject to revision as we follow State of Vermont and CDC recommendations regarding social distancing and interactions outside the campus community.
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Arts & Language Business & Int’l RelationsActivism & LeadershipMediaScienceArts & Language
Architecture, Design, & Sustainability
Design expresses ideas in spatial, material, and cultural terms, drawing inspiration from diverse sources—a functional need, the structure of a leaf, a philosophical text. From architecture and urban planning to user-centric technologies, design can also be structured with sustainability in mind, forming interconnected systems that benefit both communities and the planet. In this seminar, explore how we interact with space through hands-on exercises paired with critique sessions, small-scale construction projects, guest designers, and dynamic collaborations with other seminars. Read more Dive deep into topics centered on utility and beauty with digital drafting and historic styles. Throughout the session, explore how the concepts of design and sustainability are inextricably linked, and increasingly so. Learn how the concepts of use cases, impact studies, material life cycles, and functional aesthetics overlap and inform both products and policies focused on design. Engage with professional designers and learn how Vermont has shaped its food and energy systems based on its value of sustainability. Develop a small portfolio of your work, including a final design project in plan, model, or digital form. Read less
Creative Writing
Whether you want to write your first novel or create a poem that captures a specific emotion or experience, this dynamic workshop-style course is a step toward finding your voice and pushing your boundaries as a creative writer. Through personalized exercises led by published authors, develop skills in the genre of your choosing while exploring important craft challenges such as dialogue, imagery, narrative structure, word choice, theme, and storytelling technique. Read more Draw inspiration from your surroundings in pastoral Vermont, the natural world, and featured guest writers. Share your work and receive valuable feedback from your peers and instructor. Host a celebratory final reading and present your best pieces to the Pre-College community. Read less
Farm to Table
10—15 SERVICE HOURS
From the farms, fields, and gardens of Vermont to the dinner table, culinary traditions and local food are the beating heart of Vermont’s identity. Dive into Vermont’s thriving food and farm culture, meeting with inspiring individuals and entrepreneurs who have dedicated their lives to the land. Expand your understanding of sustainable food systems and how they differ from conventional large-scale agriculture as you sow, harvest, cook, and savor your way through Vermont’s food scene. Read more Learn about the state government sustainable jobs initiative, the nation’s most comprehensive statewide food system plan. Explore the challenges in the local food and farm industry as a catalyst for economic development and job creation, and how eating locally sourced food can promote public health. This seminar provides immersive experiences that encourage thoughtful engagement with food-related issues, sustainable and organic farming practices, small-and-large-scale farming, farmers’ markets, food accessibility, and more. Gain experience volunteering in the fields or try your hand at making award-winning cheese. Go behind the scenes with a farm-to-table chef to learn how locally produced food influences their menu throughout the seasons. Create a menu of your own and prepare a dish using products sourced from local farms and markets. There is a $150 supplemental fee for this seminar. Read less
Fashion Design
Trace the history of the multi-billion dollar global fashion industry as we know it today. Gain an understanding of the environmental and consumer trade-offs of the fashion industry, one of the largest polluters in the world, and the movement toward sustainable production. Engage in discussions with designers, retailers, and textile manufacturers working in the U.S. and abroad. Participate in hands-on workshops to learn many of the skills and techniques needed to design and create your own ready-to-wear clothing line. Read more Learn the basics of illustration, draping, and sewing. For a final project, produce and present your own design portfolio, research a subject of your choice, or co-curate a group fashion show. Students do not need to have a background or experience with sewing or fashion to participate in this program. Students with sewing and designing experience can pursue projects aligned with their background and abilities. There is a $150 supplemental fee for this course. Read less
Photography
Designed for photographers of all skill levels, this seminar teaches the basics of digital photography and composition before diving into more advanced shooting techniques and editing instruction. Whether your passion is portrait, landscape, adventure, or storytelling, build your confidence and nurture your creativity through one-on-one workshops with your instructor and group critiques. In the classroom, learn aesthetic principles and review the work of a variety of photographers, from Dorothea Lange to Krista Rossow. Read more Then, head outside for digital photography tutorials in the field, using Vermont landscapes and New England towns to become a better travel photographer and storyteller. Back on campus, learn the techniques of photo editing and basic digital manipulation, while also discussing the implications of digital manipulation in an age dominated by the power of the image. Collaborate on projects with other seminars, curate a gallery showing of your work, and leave with stronger image-making skills and passion for photography. Students are responsible for bringing their own digital camera with manual controls and a computer with Adobe Lightroom installed. There is a $100 supplemental fee for this course. Read less
Business & International Relations
Business & Entrepreneurship
What makes a business succeed in today’s market and what are the steps between identifying a need and opening your doors? In recent years, larger-than-life characters like Steve Jobs, Oprah Winfrey, Mark Zuckerberg, and Elon Musk have dominated headlines and raised questions about leadership, charisma, and risk-taking, all while cornering their market. This hands-on course begins by examining the economic players and the playing field where firms operate, with discussions of supply and demand, regulations and free trade, international trade, and currency flows. Read more Learn about the conditions that create fertile ground for businesses to thrive, from 19th-century industrialists to modern Silicon Valley, and glean insights from the individuals who succeed in these environments. With role-playing, guest speakers, and lectures, consider the practical aspects of business, including management, finance, marketing, advertising, public relations, organizational psychology, corporate leadership and culture, and business ethics. You will examine profiles, strategies, successes, and failures of the famous and infamous as you develop and present your own “formula for entrepreneurial success.” Then, working together as a team, put what you have learned into practice as you research, develop, and pitch your own business. Read less
Conflict Studies
To understand any deep-seated conflict, it is essential to delve into perspectives on all sides to grasp the origins and complications of what is often both political and personal. In this eye-opening and interactive seminar, begin with the Israeli-Palestinian conflict, which has ignited impassioned debate for more than a century. Explore the nuances and impacts of this long-standing struggle, aiming for a balanced understanding of the historical events and contexts that have contributed to the current conflict. Read more How do local civilians, religious leaders, activists, politicians, and journalists view the conflict? How do these groups brainstorm solutions and what are the varying approaches to achieving peace, from political to religious to environmental? In the second part of the session, shift focus to the Northern Ireland conflict. Explore the origins of the conflict, the major players and key issues at stake, the long road to peace, and efforts to maintain peace in spite of recent developments like Brexit. Learn how former combatants and victims of violence have contributed to reconciliation. Through this case study, consider broader questions. What happens when empires break up into nation-states? What can be done when people in a single city see themselves as part of different nations? When is armed resistance justified, and at what point does it become terrorism? At the same time, explore how people assert their individuality despite the heavy legacy of sectarian identity, and aim not merely to survive but to thrive. Read less
Diplomacy & International Relations
The global community faces many challenges: countries are witnessing resurgences of right wing nationalism, contending with the effects of climate change, trying to steady the global economy, waging wars and quelling unrest, and much more. How can countries and nations work together to address these issues, while also prioritizing and pursuing their own national interests? In this highly interactive and collaborative seminar, work with a group of your peers as a diplomatic team representing a country and take on the complex task of solving global problems. Read more Learn the history of cooperation and diplomacy among state actors, and build a foundational understanding of the functions and mechanisms of international organizations such as the United Nations. Each morning, examine a topic that is prevalent in the world today. Read and discuss case studies, and form an opinion based on the interests of your assigned country. For example, how much of the Amazon rainforests were burned in 2019 and are they still burning? Why did this happen? And what led to the events that allowed it to happen? Could it have been prevented? In the afternoons, take on the issues with your peers, representing a country that has a stake in the outcome of such concerns. Discuss, evaluate, negotiate, and come up with a solution or action plan for the country you are representing. In short, you have the chance to solve global problems. Between group meetings, hear from diplomats and politicians who have firsthand experience negotiating and making compromises without sacrificing their morals or the desires of their constituents. Then, by the end of this seminar, you will have the opportunity to reach out to world leaders, whether locally or globally, to have your say and potentially resolve one of the issues that you may find damaging to communities around the world. Read less
Political Science, Elections, & the Democratic Process
American politics has always been messy and complex, but our contemporary moment seems to be particularly so. What are the effects of polarization on our democratic process? How do Americans think about politics, and what role does identity play in political and electoral choices? How do our political institutions respond to the demands of increasingly diverse constituencies, with divergent views on issues like health care, climate change, and gun rights? Read more In this seminar, dig into the big issues facing U.S. governance today and develop an understanding of the key players in U.S. elections—candidates, political parties, voters, and the media—as well as their incentives and influences in the process. Use Vermont as a case study for how electoral politics meets policy enactment, such as the state’s successful actions to address the opioid crisis. Talk with a former governor, current elected officials, and candidates to hear their perspectives and experiences. Then, consider threats to U.S. elections and the American democratic process at all levels—national, state, and local. How can we mitigate cybersecurity risks of digital election interference? What steps can be taken to prevent the spread of disinformation online, particularly during an election cycle? How do we prevent voter disenfranchisement, encourage civic engagement, and promote trust and confidence in the democratic system? Drawing on case studies, group discussions, and talks with experts, journalists, and lawmakers, develop a final project that addresses one of the many challenges U.S. politics faces. Read less
Sports Management
The ever-growing sports industry provides it all: entertainment for thousands, economic benefits, the thrill of competition, healing opportunities for citizens and communities in crisis, and marketing opportunities that stimulate economies near and far, to name just a few. In this seminar, explore the varied opportunities that sports management provides—including team and athlete management, sports marketing, or sponsorship management—while developing an understanding of the business that takes place on and off the field. Read more It’s clear from the sports organizations that have been sold or dissolved that some management strategies are more effective than others. Use case studies and lectures to find out what makes a team or sports organization gain traction with a fanbase and how it maximizes revenue. Virtually meet with coaches and managers to learn what makes a flourishing sporting franchise. Sports truly are a cultural phenomenon and nowhere is this more evident than the world’s most fervent fanbases. Consider the psychological effects of fandom, then use your analysis to determine the best actions to take as a successful sports team manager. What draws people to attend matches, buy concessions, and support local, or global, teams? Why might you see a New York Yankees hat in Brussels but not a Cincinnati Reds hat in Cleveland? Through immersive activities and discussions, explore effective marketing and communication methods, solve business problems, and gain the skill set to understand future career options in this exciting field. Read less
Activism & Leadership
Social Justice & Policy for Change
Go beyond the headlines as you dig deeper into complex stories of and struggles against systemic injustice and inequality. Through discussions, debates, group work, readings, and guest speakers, develop an understanding of the origins of ongoing issues in social justice—from unequal access to health care and education to mass incarceration and barriers to social mobility—and the initiatives put in place to address them. Explore the history and significance of social justice movements— Read more including Civil Rights, labor, gender equality, prison reform, and Black Lives Matter—and compare the methods and impact of movements of the past with those we see taking root today. Examine and uncover the root causes of contemporary mainstream stereotypes, and practice approaching complex topics with an open mind. Gain the tools and knowledge to develop your own social justice initiative, while building skills and vocabulary to be able to effectively advocate for change. Choose an area of interest, research social justice advocacy organizations with your peers, and interview changemakers working on the front lines of policy reform across the U.S. and locally in Vermont. As you begin to understand the difference a single person can make, focus your passions into an independent project. Explore and consider multiple perspectives from around the country as you deepen your own understanding of complex issues present in the U.S. today. Read less
Media
Film Production & Studies
From major theater releases and streaming platforms to YouTube and TikTok, more video is being produced and consumed than ever before. Dive into the craft of video production and filmmaking in this production-oriented seminar to explore the medium’s potential for creative expression and visceral impact. Practice storyboard development, camera operation, sound recording, lighting, direction, and non-linear editing. Just as importantly, learn how to work as a team, translating ideas to visual reality as you collaborate on a series of video projects with your peers. Read more As part of your craft, study and learn from the work of filmmakers and directors, from the popular to the obscure. Explore the myriad possibilities of the medium by reviewing a variety of films, from documentaries to experimental shorts, as you build your own cinematic vocabulary. Cap off the session by filming your self-chosen final project. This is an opportunity to tell a story in a narrative, documentary, or experimental style, producing a short video to present at a campus-wide film screening. The resulting short film festival is often a highlight of our final day celebrations on campus and provides a tangible accomplishment you can bring home to show family and friends (or rack up views on YouTube!). There is a $200 supplemental fee for this course. Read less
Journalism
The skills of journalism help you understand and explain any topic by honing your perspective and analytical eye. In this skills-based seminar, begin with an introduction to the principles and practices of journalism and digital media through a simulated daily “newsroom.” Analyze writing styles with your team and expand your familiarity with the daily news circuit. With the guidance of working journalists, engage in dynamic assignments that cover topics such as how to find story ideas and how effectively pitch those ideas. Read more Develop techniques for writing fair, accurate, and engaging hard news, profiles, and feature articles. Craft questions and conduct interviews, utilizing a new set of observational skills. As you learn to be your own best editor, expressing yourself with clarity and concision, practice working with the constraints and possibilities of social media platforms, where many people now access their news. Confront ethical questions, explore new skills in visual journalism, and utilize digital research methodologies. Learn some of the key issues in the state of Vermont and, over the duration of the course, take an idea from thought to practice: brainstorming, pitching, workshopping, researching, and finalizing a ready-to-publish piece that could take the shape of a feature article, series of profiles, photo essay, or podcast. Read less
Science
Climate Change
While the scientific consensus around climate change is clear, polarized media outlets and misinformation have complicated the process of coming to a shared public understanding of the facts. How do mainstream and alternative news outlets narrate stories of climate change differently? Consider and explore the challenges in communicating complex scientific information to the general public as you deepen your own understanding of climate change. Read more Delve into the efficacy of renewable energy production and carbon capture, then expand your discussions to emergent geoengineering methods such as solar radiation management, stratospheric aerosol injection, and ocean fertilization. Assess the tradeoffs and timelines associated with each technological innovation or scientific approach and address the risks and psychological ramifications of holding out for a technological “silver bullet.” Further your engagement by looking at how industries such as oil, gas, agriculture, and transportation can have serious negative environmental and health impacts. As corporate social responsibility and sustainability initiatives gain momentum, explore the positive impacts that major industry players have. As a leader in renewable energy, Vermont is the perfect place to hone your focus as you look at what communities, governments, and industry experts are doing to transform to a green economy. Ask yourself how you as an individual can be an active participant in climate change awareness and action. Cap off the program with the development of your own personal climate action plan to address climate issues moving forward. Read less
Forensic Science
From CSI to Dexter, Sherlock Holmes to Bones, forensic science is portrayed in popular culture as a nearly magical tool in modern-day crime investigations. But is a drop of blood or a single strand of hair really the same as a smoking gun? In this seminar, look critically at case studies from around the world and learn how forensic evidence can be used in securing criminal convictions. In the lab, learn the science behind crime-solving tools such as blood splatter analysis, fingerprinting, and bone identification. Read more Learn how this evidence is collected—how to approach a crime scene, from preserving evidence to documenting through sketch and photograph—and how it can be used both by prosecutors and defense attorneys in court. Discuss the CSI-effect and its impact on the courtroom, then work in teams to solve crimes using scientific knowledge and reasoning. While some seminar lessons are lab-based, the larger emphasis of this course is critical thinking and complex reasoning. Final projects may take the form of a Mock Trial, examining the use of forensics in vindicating those wrongly convicted, or analyzing and reporting on a simulated crime scene. There is a $100 supplemental fee for this course. Read less
Pre-Med & Biomedical Ethics
If you think a future in health professions might be your calling, this introductory, lab-based course covers key concepts and principles in biology and examines broader ethical questions about practicing medicine. From the molecular level, learning how genes and proteins function in cells, to population-level discussions about mutations, diseases, and evolution, explore the interconnections of living systems and the role medical science plays in unraveling the mysteries of life. Read more In addition to time in the campus lab, meet with researchers and medical practitioners to gain a better sense of the challenges doctors face today and how the practice of medicine continues to evolve. Discuss the intersection of ethics and medicine, and how moral principles are applied to clinical medicine and scientific research. Explore public health issues, such as health care delivery, drug availability, vaccine-preventable disease, equity and access to care, and the role of government agencies in dealing with international health crises such as Zika, malaria, Ebola, and COVID-19. Investigate a global health story of your choosing or select a medical challenge to focus on, such as mental health, diabetes, obesity, the rise in food allergies, or the affordability of care. Debate the issue with your classmates, interview health experts, conduct independent research, and cap the seminar with a presentation of your findings. There is a $100 supplemental fee for this course. Read less
Psychology
The principles of psychology permeate our lives every day, often in ways we don’t realize. How do we decide what to do? How much of who you are is determined by your family, your gender identity, or your friends? Understanding human cognition, emotions, and behavior allows psychologists to better predict how we may behave in specific situations, why we think the way we do, and how emotions impact our interactions with our world. Read more Begin by learning the basic goals of psychology, then examine theories that attempt to explain the many aspects of personality and behavior. Observe and describe human behavior, attempt to explain why specific behaviors occur, predict what may happen in the future, explore ways to control future behaviors, and work to turn negative behaviors into positive actions. While psychology is not an absolute science, there are ways to research, experiment, and categorize behaviors in order to better understand the signs and symptoms of psychological disorders, and the impacts individuals have on society. Explore concepts through the lens of behavioral, trait, and multicultural theories and relate them to your own experiences. Learn how biology and psychology intersect to create unique individuals. Through readings, discussions, films, experiments, and activities, explore the basic foundation of psychology and evaluate your own decisions from a new perspective. Read less
