Courses
General Description
- Students select one three-credit course (offered either in-person or 100% online). Students should expect to spend several hours a day on course-related assignments. Both credits and the grade earned post to the student’s UMD transcript and become part of their student record. The course cannot be taken pass-fail or audit.
- Classes are held weekdays, Monday - Friday, with meeting times varying according to the specific course. On the Terp Scholars application, students will be asked to select a first and second-choice course in the event the first selection has filled. Course selection is processed on a first-come, first-served basis.
- Before selecting a course, view each course description, meeting times, and sample syllabus. The course description features a link to the sample syllabus that lists specific requirements for that course. Students and parents are strongly encouraged to read the course syllabus in its entirety. Particular attention should be given to the material covered in the course and the times the course is offered. It is the student’s responsibility to review the course material and ensure they have the proper academic preparation to be successful in the course.
Computers and Technical Requirements
- Due to course content, some in-person courses may require students to bring a laptop to class. Laptop requirements are noted on the specific course description or syllabus.
- Students who select a 100% online course should refer to Online Option – Technical Requirements before applying.
Course Textbooks
- Courses may or may not require a textbook. Most of the sample syllabi (which are based on a previous year’s offering) will list whether there is a required textbook. The Confirmation of Admission Process provides details on how to access this information. Textbook costs are not included in the Terp Scholars program package fee.
Accessibility and Disability Service
- Students with a documented disability are eligible to receive the accommodations necessary to ensure equal access to UMD programs. Upon admission, students complete the Confirmation of Admission Process. Included in this process are directions on how to register with UMD's Accessibility and Disability Service.
Course Cancellation Note
- Credit courses in Terp Scholars are part of UMD’s Summer Session. Courses follow University policies and procedures and are subject to change. The University reserves the right to cancel courses due to insufficient enrollment or for other reasons it deems necessary.
In-Person
Examine the complex, changing, and ever-present representations of heroes and villains in American film with this in-person course. Beginning with a foundational understanding of how heroes and, conversely, villains have been defined through classic Hollywood film, we will explore how these definitions have shifted throughout the 20th and 21st century in various narrative genres, including westerns, war films, film noir, fantasy, science fiction, and, of course, superhero movies. In particular, we will be focusing on how the hero and villain maintain or disrupt specific cultural ideologies concerning race/ethnicity, gender, sexuality, and ability. This course will examine how these various ideologies have evolved throughout the 20th and 21st century, impacting the ways in which heroes and villains are both represented in American film and perceived by diverse audiences. Finally, we will examine our own complicated and sometimes troubling identification with these heroes, even when they might stand in stark contrast to our cultural values and identities. This course is offered through the Department of American Studies in the College of Arts and Humanities.
Package Option: Students who select a course offered through in-person instruction must participate via the Commuter Option. No housing is provided.
The role of forensic scientists can be broadly defined in terms of skills, technology, experience, research, and contributions to the literature. This course will provide a brief history of forensic sciences, an introduction to some of the techniques used, and a demonstration of some of the applications of forensic sciences. There will be several hands-on activities in the classroom. This course is not a training course, but a survey course designed to give the student some exposure to the kinds of scientific knowledge and techniques applied to the medico-legal investigation of death and other crimes.
Course Prerequisite: Students must have successfully completed (or be currently enrolled in with anticipated successful completion) high school algebra I and biology.
Package Option: Students who select a course offered through in-person instruction must participate via the Commuter Option. No housing is provided.
If you dream of designing buildings, bridges, or parks, discover the possibilities in this hands-on course. This in-person course is designed to assist you in making an intelligent choice about a possible career in architecture. You will learn about careers in architecture, landscape architecture, and urban design. Get the chance to learn basic design principles while completing your own design project. You will work on your active learning design projects and interact with graduate students in architecture while getting a taste of what it's like to be an architecture student. Experience creative, innovative ways to view the world through architectural design thinking. This course is offered through the School of Architecture, Planning, and Preservation.
ARCH150 Studio Fee: $140. Covers the following: T-square; adjustable triangle; pencil sharpener; metal straight edge; tracing paper for draft design layouts; architectural scale; Sobo® white glue; self-healing cutting mat; white eraser; X-acto® knife with blades; Pentel Sign®, or thin nib Sharpie® pens; sketchbook, plain paper; assorted pencils; cardboard sheets; and white cardboard sheets. This is an additional charge to all registered students.
Package Option: Students who select a course offered through in-person instruction must participate via the Commuter Option. No housing is provided.
- AREC240 course meeting times
- AREC240 sample course syllabus (Coming soon)
Students will explore the relationship between economics and the environment. Using economic theory and methods, student will delve into the causes of today’s environmental challenges, as well as how to develop and evaluate potential approaches to resolve them. These issues inherently involve the natural sciences and public policy analysis as well. We will examine problems and solutions involving air and water pollution, climate change, and toxic materials. The course will also investigate natural resource management and sustainable economic development. This course is offered through the College of Agriculture and Natural Resources.
Package Option: Students who select a course offered through in-person instruction must participate via the Commuter Option. No housing is provided.
Immerse yourself in the writing of fiction and poetry that encourages creativity while expanding knowledge with this in-person course. Hone your writing craft in a nurturing, interactive environment while developing skills that help uncover your own distinctive voice. You will read great poems and stories from across cultures, refine your skill through close reading, radical revision, and the delivery of constructive criticism on peer work. Morning sessions emphasize assigned readings, writing, analysis, and discussions of craft. Students receive careful, detailed responses to their writing from both instructors and peers. Afternoon sessions are devoted to studio time spent reading and writing. You will share your original writing in a supportive workshop setting and discover new approaches to revision. This course is offered through the Jiménez-Porter Writers’ House in the College of Arts and Humanities.
Package Option: Students who select a course offered through in-person instruction must participate via the Commuter Option. No housing is provided.
As a student in this in-person course you will spend three weeks connecting to the University of Maryland while learning from top faculty at the Robert H. Smith School of Business. This is the time to discover things about yourself and define the “why” of your life. What problems in the world do you want to solve? Why are these important to you?
Students will learn the value of business in society and develop enterprise and leadership skills that enable personal happiness and upward mobility. This is an intensive course where each student will go through the process of creating a new venture, first as a solo entrepreneur and later in teams. Work will be done in a highly collaborative group setting and will include evaluating opportunities, conducting customer discovery, developing a business model, and presenting a venture pitch. Students will proactively apply what they learn to real-world problems while gaining a better understanding of the entrepreneurial mindset. Additionally, they will be exposed to marketing, strategy, market-based economics and personal finance. This course is offered through the Ed Snider Center for Enterprise and Markets in the Robert H. Smith School of Business. Maryland Smith provides a limited number of scholarships for students enrolled in BMGT198C.
Course Prerequisite: Students must have successfully completed (or be currently enrolled in with anticipated successful completion) high school algebra I and another high school mah course, and two full years of high school science (i.e. biology, chemistry, physics, or other life or physical science) before enrolling in this course.
BMGT198C Supply Fee: $70. Covers materials used in the course. This is an additional charge to all registered students.
Package Option: Students who select a course offered through in-person instruction must participate via the Commuter Option. No housing is provided.
This course introduces you to the computing field as a whole. You will gain skills used across the spectrum of computing majors and learn about the great variety of routes into the various areas of study and employment in technological fields.
Package Option: Students who select a course offered through in-person instruction must participate via the Commuter Option. No housing is provided.
Discover what it takes to be a world leader in this hands-on exploration of the field of international relations with this in-person course. Using the major theories of international relations, find out how the international system works in an intensive, interactive exploration. Learn why nations go to war and why they make peace and whether the nature of the international system is inherently hostile or inherently collaborative. Finally, consider how countries react when new issues, threats, risks, and opportunities emerge in the international arena. This course is offered through the Department of Government and Politics in the College of Behavioral and Social Sciences.
Package Option: Students who select a course offered through in-person instruction must participate via the Commuter Option. No housing is provided.
- KNES289F course meeting times
- KNES289F sample course syllabus (Coming soon)
Explore the basics of nutrition, activity & exercise, and human health. What is a calorie? What is metabolic rate? How do our daily activities alter our metabolism? What are the short- and long-term benefits of exercise? How do equity and access to food and physical activity affect health? Is sedentary behavior a greater health risk than being overweight? Students will learn through in-person lectures, class discussions, and activities.
Course Prerequisite: Students must have successfully completed (or be currently enrolled in with anticipated successful completion) high school algebra I.
Package Option: Students who select a course offered through in-person instruction must participate via the Commuter Option. No housing is provided.
Online
- BMGT120 course meeting times
- BMGT120 sample course syllabus (Coming soon)
Accounting has long been known as the language of business. Like any other language, accounting is an invaluable skill set that can be applied to every aspect of your life. Accounting teaches you a brand-new way of thinking which can be translated to any industry or career. This course will cover how basic financial statements are created, what each statement represents for a company, and how to interpret these financial statements to draw meaningful conclusions and make sound business decisions. This course is good preparation for future introductory accounting courses like BMGT220 Principles of Accounting I.
Course Prerequisite: Students must have successfully completed (or be currently enrolled in with anticipated successful completion) high school algebra I.
Online Instructional Note: This course has 100% synchronous instruction. The instructor provides instruction in real-time. Students are expected to be in class, online, at the specified time(s).
As a student in this online course you will spend three weeks connecting to the University of Maryland while learning from top faculty at the Robert H. Smith School of Business. This is the time to discover things about yourself and define the “why” of your life. What problems in the world do you want to solve? Why are these important to you?
Students will learn the value of business in society and develop enterprise and leadership skills that enable personal happiness and upward mobility. This is an intensive course where each student will go through the process of creating a new venture, first as a solo entrepreneur and later in teams. Work will be done in a highly collaborative group setting and will include evaluating opportunities, conducting customer discovery, developing a business model, and presenting a venture pitch. Students will proactively apply what they learn to real-world problems while gaining a better understanding of the entrepreneurial mindset. Additionally, they will be exposed to marketing, strategy, market-based economics and personal finance. This course is offered through the Ed Snider Center for Enterprise and Markets in the Robert H. Smith School of Business. Maryland Smith provides a limited number of scholarships for students enrolled in BMGT198C.
Course Prerequisite: Students must have successfully completed (or be currently enrolled in with anticipated successful completion) high school algebra I and another high school math course, and two full years of high school science (i.e. biology, chemistry, physics, or other life or physical science) before enrolling in this course.
Package Option: Students who select a course offered through 100% online instruction can only participate via the Online Option.
Online Instructional Note: This course has 100% synchronous instruction. The instructor provides instruction in real-time. Students are expected to be in class, online, at the specified time(s).
What causes disease? How do we diagnose and treat disease? This 100% online course explores human biological systems, functions, and issues such as cancer, diabetes, obesity, and neurological disorders. In addition, students explore the genetic, infectious and environmental causes of disease, and learn how various research laboratories on campus use modern scientific techniques to unravel these mysteries. The program incorporates a variety of laboratory and active learning activities. Students also explore the general principles of science. This course is offered through the Department of Biology in the College of Computer, Mathematical, and Natural Sciences.
Course Prerequisite: Students must have successfully completed (or be currently enrolled in with anticipated successful completion of) high school biology before enrolling in this course.
Package Option: Students who select a course offered through 100% online instruction can only participate via the Online Option.
Online Instructional Note: This course has 100% synchronous instruction. The instructor provides instruction in real-time. Students are expected to be in class, online, at the specified time(s).
Discover the world of Criminology. This 100% online course examines criminal behavior and the methods of its study; causation; typologies of criminal acts and offenders; punishment, correction and incapacitation; and the prevention of crime. This course is offered through the Department of Criminology and Criminal Justice in the College of Behavioral and Social Sciences.
Package Option: Students who select a course offered through 100% online instruction can only participate via the Online Option.
Online Instructional Note: This course has 100% synchronous instruction. The instructor provides instruction in real-time. Students are expected to be in class, online, at the specified time(s).
An introduction to Computer Science and programming through creative coding, algorithmic image creation and manipulation, and interactive art. Students will use exploratory coding approaches, and problem/solution-driven approaches, to design and implement software with visual and auditory output. The course includes an introduction to computer science and software, including software design and construction, problem-solving, and fundamental questions about the nature, limitations, and ethical use of computers and algorithms. It explores creativity tools as well as insight into how they work. Targeted to students with a broad diversity in backgrounds and interests. No prerequisites beyond high school algebra.
Course Prerequisite: Students must have successfully completed (or be currently enrolled in with anticipated successful completion of) high school algebra I before enrolling in this course.
Package Option: Students who select a course offered through 100% online instruction can only participate via the Online Option.
Online Instructional Note: This course has 100% synchronous instruction. The instructor provides instruction in real-time. Students are expected to be in class, online, at the specified time(s).
The uses of philosophical analysis in thinking clearly about such widely debated moral issues as abortion, euthanasia, pornography, charity, trans youth hormone access, drug use, the death penalty, business ethics, sexual equality, and more.
Package Option: Students who select a course offered through 100% online instruction can only participate via the Online Option.
Online Instructional Note: The course has both synchronous (50%) and asynchronous (50%) instruction.
- Asynchronous: The instructor provides students with online content to review on their own time. Student is not required to log in at a specific time.
- Synchronous: The instructor provides instruction in real-time. Students are expected to be in class, online, at the specified time(s).
What are the psychological implications of racism, sexism, homophobia, and other structures of inequality in the United States? How do socio-cultural privilege and oppression influence individual and group thoughts, feelings, and behaviors? This 100% online course will take a current events focus to understanding multicultural and social justice issues in psychology with an emphasis on self-reflection, mental health, cross-cultural communication, and strategies for social change. This course is offered through the Department of Psychology in the College of Behavioral and Social Sciences.
Package Option: Students who select a course offered through 100% online instruction can only participate via the Online Option.
Course supplies: This course utilizes TurningPoint for student polling. To participate in a TurningPoint web poll, students must have a TurningPoint account. In addition, students must install the TurningPoint app on their mobile device or log in to TTPoll on a web-enabled device. Students enter the Session ID provided by their instructor. For assistance with TurningPoint registration, contact UMD’s Division of Information Technology at 301-405-1500 or itsupport@umd.edu. Students must provide their full name and UID. This is done after students have completed the Confirmation of Admission Process but before the start of the course.
Online Instructional Note: This course has 100% synchronous instruction. The instructor provides instruction in real-time. Students are expected to be in class, online, at the specified time(s).