Types of courses

Themester showcases the teaching and scholarship of the College of Arts and Sciences at the undergraduate level. Existing undergraduate courses are welcome, especially those that consider the challenges and opportunities that diversity presents in pluralistic societies such as the United States and others.

Many College departments also allow new curriculum to be tested during a Themester with a revolving topics course (“Topics in ….”). Interested faculty members should talk with their department chair and work within their department’s needs; the College cannot contract for courses above and beyond your regular load. Related fall 2022 Critical Approaches courses (COLL-C 104, for example) can also be considered for inclusion.

Benefits of inclusion

Themester courses benefit from additional spring and summer registration promotion as well as related public programming in the fall. Courses, especially those identified early in the planning process, help guide programming decisions.

This year, Themester courses are also eligible for small course enhancement grants up to $250. The purpose of this grant is to augment your Themester course for your students; there is no expectation of a public component. Possibilities for the use of these funds include an honorarium for a visiting speaker (perhaps local or via videoconferencing), specialized educational materials, or field trip expenses.

Some Themester-affiliated instructors apply for and receive separate Themester funding for public activities that benefit their students and other undergraduates. Course affiliation makes such proposals more competitive.