Students are encouraged to get ahead, catch up or take a unique course

Registration for the University of Delaware’s Winter Session will open on Monday, October 21, and there are plenty of required or elective courses from which students can choose.

In addition to courses in weighty topics like organic chemistry and monetary policy, Winter Session offers some fresh and fun takes on serious scholarship. For example, the English department will offer Taylor Swift and/as Literature, an online course that teaches students about literary analysis. Rachel Lapp, a former English student of Professor Matthew Kinservik’s, approached him about the TikTok trend of Swifties breaking down her lyrics, not realizing that they were actually doing literary analysis.

“Students are going to love the content,” Lapp said. “Dr. Kinservik nailed it with his song choices and his ability to showcase the brilliant literary underpinnings of Taylor Swift’s music, will give students an even greater appreciation of her writing.”

The interactive course’s design allows students to make choices and be academic co-creators.

“We’ve incorporated a lot of fun into this course, and the assignments are non-traditional,” Lapp said. “Students are not just sitting and observing in this class — they’ll participate in the important academic work of analyzing and creating literature.”

Other unique courses include the new undergraduate certificate programs in ethics or entrepreneurship, the College of Engineering’s Introduction to Data Science, and the Biden School’s one-credit courses on civility, unity and public life. There are also rewarding service-learning opportunities like UD’s Alternative Break Program in Puerto Rico.

“With so much to choose from this Winter, I may start taking classes again,” said George Irvine, associate provost for online learning and innovation.

The five-week Winter Session is also the perfect opportunity for students to complete breadth courses needed to graduate or retake a course. Irvine encourages students to take advantage of the accelerated learning environment to earn up to seven valuable UD credit hours.

Students can take hybrid, in-person and online courses, which offers flexibility for students interested in interning elsewhere while advancing their studies at UD. Winter Session is also an opportunity for students to study abroad, immersing themselves in a new culture.

Faculty and advisors are encouraged to discuss Winter Session’s course offerings and many benefits – smaller class sizes, additional time to network with professors, and an opportunity to participate in experiential learning – with students. Winter is also an excellent time for students to focus on a more challenging subject in a shorter period.

Learn more by visiting udel.edu/specialsessions.

Read this story on UDaily. 

Article by Jamie Washington. Photo by Evan Krape.