Choose from dozens of online classes perfect for upper-grade high school and pre-college students. Review our visiting students page for more details about joining our campus and community this summer. Registration is open.
New: Check Out Our New On-Campus Community Activism Class for High Schoolers
This summer, maintain your learning momentum and strengthen your academic resume by taking a Summer Session course at Merrimack. Earn college credit while exploring a new subject, or challenge yourself by taking a tough subject pass/fail. Whatever your interests, you will find a class that meets your goals and schedule.Â
Most summer session courses are online and asynchronous. Please review course details to determine if your course is offered on-campus; online and asynchronous; or online and synchronous. Unsure about what these modalities mean? Here’s a summary:
| Number | Name | Section | Credit | Format | Instructor | Date | Description |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| ART3450C | Basic Digital Photography | OA | 4 | Online - Asynchronous | TBD | 5/20/2024-6/28/2024 | This course covers the history of rock music in Western culture, focusing mainly on British and American contributions to the style. It begins with an overview of the musics that were predecessors of rock, including early blues, jazz and rhythm and blues, continues through the birth of rock 'n' roll in the 1950, and traces developments throughout the second half of the 20th century and beyond, culminating in a review of current trends. Fulfills AL and X in LS Core. |
| MUS1320C | History of Rock and Roll | OA | 4 | Online - Asynchronous | Andrew Cote | 5/20/2024-6/28/2024 | This course covers the history of rock music in Western culture, focusing mainly on British and American contributions to the style. It begins with an overview of the musics that were predecessors of rock, including early blues, jazz and rhythm and blues, continues through the birth of rock 'n' roll in the 1950, and traces developments throughout the second half of the 20th century and beyond, culminating in a review of current trends. Fulfills AL and X in LS Core. |
| MUS1320C | History of Rock and Roll | OB | 4 | Online - Asynchronous | Andrew Cote | 7/8/2024-8/16/2024 | This course covers the history of rock music in Western culture, focusing mainly on British and American contributions to the style. It begins with an overview of the musics that were predecessors of rock, including early blues, jazz and rhythm and blues, continues through the birth of rock 'n' roll in the 1950, and traces developments throughout the second half of the 20th century and beyond, culminating in a review of current trends. Fulfills AL and X in LS Core. |
| BIO1106C | Human Biology | OA | 4 | Online - Asynchronous | Dave MacLaren | 7/08/2024-8/16/2024 | An introduction to the structure and function of human body at the level of cells, tissues organs and organ systems. A special emphasis is placed on the functions of the nervous and endocrine systems and their role in homeostasis and the integration and regulation of the functions of the other tissues and organs. The course will also consider molecular, Mendelian and population genetics. This course is designed primarily for students who intend to major or are majoring in psychology. Prerequisite: none. Not open to BIO/HSC majors. Satisfies a Mathematics/Science distribution requirement. Fulfills a STEM requirement in LS Core. |
| BIO2009C | Environmental Science | OA | 4 | Online - Asynchronous | Dave MacLaren | 5/20/2024-6/28/2024 | The course engages students to inquire the linkages between ecological systems, human systems and human perturbations of natural ecological systems. Emphasis is placed on applied environmental issues that currently confront the planet. Students will also discuss the process of biological/ecological inquiry and the nature of science. This course will acquaint students with some of the social, economic, political, and ethical aspects of environmental problems following an introduction to the basic principles of ecology - the study of the interactions among organisms and their physical environment. The future of our society depends on whether Homo sapiens can learn to live in harmony with the global ecosystem so that it can support civilization. Knowing how the world ecosystem works permits more than knowledgeable participation in the great decisions of our day. Consideration will be given to alternative ways of organizing our society in accordance with sound ecological principles. Students will read several topical papers and conduct a semester-long investigation on an approved topic. Satisfies a Mathematics/Science distribution requirement. Fulfills a STEM requiement in LS Core. This course does not count toward the Biology Majors or Minor. |
| COM1020C | Public Communication | OA | 4 | Online - Asynchronous | Jill Flanagan | 5/20/2024-6/28/2024 | This course focuses on the concepts and practices associated with effective public communication. A central aspect of this course entails the mastering of public speaking through the process of researching, preparing, and delivering presentations in a variety of formats (e.g., informative, persuasive, and impromptu). The classroom is a laboratory in which to develop the skills needed for effective public communication. In addition, students will also analyze public speaking events as a means of developing a critical understanding of the public communication process. No prerequisite. |
| SOC1600C | Happiness | OA | 4 | Online - Asynchronous | Robert Koegel | 5/20/2024-6/28/2024 | This interdisciplinary course will analyze the key sources of and debates about happiness. As we explore possibilities of increasing happiness, individually and collectively, we will focus on the relationship between happiness and success, culture, motivation, social media, food, and exercise. This course is based on the assumption that learning, at its best, open minds, changes lives, and is fun. Instead of analyzing abstract ideas that are often hard to relate to, we will constantly connect the issues we explore to your questions, beliefs, and dreams. |
| PSY1000C | Introduction to Psychology | OA | 4 | Online - Asynchronous | Michael Stroud | 5/20/2024-6/28/2024 | Provides a general overview of the wide-ranging field of psychology. Students will explore major concepts and issues in the study of human thinking, feeling, and acting. These include biological foundations of behavior and experience, how people learn and develop, how individuals perceive the world, individual differences in behavior, social influence and social relations, the difference between normative and non-normative behavior, and approaches to therapy. This course is a prerequisite for all other courses in psychology. Satisfies a Social Science distribution requirement. Fulfills a SOSC requirement in LS core. |
| PSY1000C | Introduction to Psychology | OB | 4 | Online - Asynchronous | Lauri Kurdziel | 7/08/2024-8/16/2024 | Provides a general overview of the wide-ranging field of psychology. Students will explore major concepts and issues in the study of human thinking, feeling, and acting. These include biological foundations of behavior and experience, how people learn and develop, how individuals perceive the world, individual differences in behavior, social influence and social relations, the difference between normative and non-normative behavior, and approaches to therapy. This course is a prerequisite for all other courses in psychology. Satisfies a Social Science distribution requirement. Fulfills a SOSC requirement in LS core. |
| POL1100C | Politics of the US | OA | 4 | Online - Asynchronous | Mary McHugh | 7/08/2024-8/16/2024 | An introduction to the American political system, this course examines (1) the Constitutional basis of American politics, (2) the national institutions that are involved in decision-making and public debate (for example, the Presidency and the bureaucracy, the Federal Courts, the Congress, political parties, the media), (3) issues that Americans argue about (rights and liberties, economic benefits, foreign policy), and the processes by which those arguments are conducted and resolved (campaigns and elections, administrative action, legislation, lobbying, publicity). Satisfies a Social Science distribution requirement. Fulfills a SOSC requirement and X in LS Core. |
| CRM1000C | Introduction to Criminology | OA | 4 | Online - Asynchronous | Kathleen Burns | 5/20/2024-6/28/2024 | This course explores crime, justice, and punishment. In this course, the causes of crime and the solutions and policies in place to deter or solve crime will be critically examined. We will also examine the social processes whereby crime is defined and detected, and offenders are apprehended and punished. The overall objective of the course is to examine crime and punishment within the context of the society and culture which surrounds it. These topics are connected to inequalities of race, class, and gender, which will be key concerns throughout this course. Coverage of crime and punishment in the popular media is also a central focus of this course. Required for majors. Social Science distribution requirement. Fulfills a SOSC requirement in LS Core. |
| WGS3300C | US Women's History | OA | 4 | Online - Asynchronous | Katherine Leonard | 7/08/2024-8/16/2024 | An examination of the history of women in America. It will include history prior to colonization, beyond and to the present. A look at women's roles in US Society and the intersection of class, culture and ethnicity in shaping women's historical experiences across time. The course will examine the transformations and continuities in women's lives as well as the political, social, economic and cultural factors that inspired, infused or inhibited women's changing roles. This class also explores the ways in which race, class and ethnicity have operated to unite and divide disparate groups of women. Satisfies a Humanities distribution requirement. Fulfills H and D in LS Core. |
| WGS1010C | Introduction to Gender, Race, and Sexuality Studies | OA | 4 | Online - Asynchronous | Ines Ouedraogo | 5/20/2024-6/28/2024 | This course focuses on gender as a useful category to analyze structures, institutions, relationships, and social problems in the U.S. and globally. Students will learn such key concepts as the social construction of gender, power and privilege, patriarchy, and intersectionality. Topics include gender-based violence, workplace discrimination, and the relationship between sexism, racism, homophobia and other systems of oppression and inequality. The course looks at the intersection of gender, race, ethnicity, and nation with such areas as work, education, media/technology, family, religion, and politics. Students will also social movements that have and continue to emerge to promote gender equality and social justice in the US and globally. Required for the Women's and Gender Studies Contract Major and Minor. Satisfies a Social Science distribution requirement. Fulfills a SOSC requirement and D in LS Core. |
| HIS1106C | U.S. History I | OB | 4 | Online - Asynchronous | Charlotte Richard | 7/08/2024-8/16/2024 | U.S. History I: From Pre-Contact through the Civil War and Reconstruction This course offers an introduction to American history from the beginning of European expansion through the Civil War and Reconstruction. Drawing upon the methods and insights of social, political, and cultural history, the class lectures and discussions will explore a range of topics, including: the colonial encounter, labor systems, racial formation, the movement for independence and the formation of the American Republic, religion and reform movements, the democratic and market Revolutions, the transformation of gender roles, and the causes and consequences of the Civil War and Reconstruction. Satisfies a Humanities distribution requirement. Fulfills H in LS Core. |
| HIS3331C | Slaves and Spice: A History of the Indian Ocean | OA | 4 | Online - Asynchronous | Tom Anderson | 5/20/2024-6/28/2024 | This course explores the history of the Indian Ocean World from the rise of Islam through the modern era. For centuries, the lucrative spice trade captivated the attention of empires, drawing in merchants and seafarers from across Asia and Europe, as well as pirates and soldiers seeking fortune, pilgrims and missionaries spreading religion, and slaves and servants toiling in fields and homes. We will examine this cosmopolitan world including the rise of empires and European trading companies to understand how it forged today's interconnected world. Course topics include slavery, piracy, disease, war, religion, and the fabled spice trade. Fulfills H (Historical Studies) requirement in LS core |
| PHL1000C | Introduction to Philosophy | OA | 4 | Online - Asynchronous | Christopher Brooks | 5/20/2024-6/28/2024 | A first course in philosophy focusing on classic questions that have stirred the perennial human quest for wisdom. We will explore such questions as: Are humans free or determined? How do the mind and body interact? Is ethics just relative to each person or society? Should there be any limits to the political freedom of citizens? Does God exist? The course will introduce students to the methods and culture of philosophy: sympathetic understanding, critical analysis, fair argumentation, and a persistent desire to know the truth whatever it is. The focus and questions covered will be determined by each instructor. Fulfills PHL in LS Core. T |
| PHL1000C | Introduction to Philosophy | OB | 4 | Online - Asynchronous | Kaplan Hasanoglu | 7/08/2024-8/16/2024 | A first course in philosophy focusing on classic questions that have stirred the perennial human quest for wisdom. We will explore such questions as: Are humans free or determined? How do the mind and body interact? Is ethics just relative to each person or society? Should there be any limits to the political freedom of citizens? Does God exist? The course will introduce students to the methods and culture of philosophy: sympathetic understanding, critical analysis, fair argumentation, and a persistent desire to know the truth whatever it is. The focus and questions covered will be determined by each instructor. Fulfills PHL in LS Core. |
| SOC1000C | The Sociological Imagination | OA | 4 | Online - Asynchronous | Shahram Shadbash | 7/08/2024-8/16/2024 | The objectives of this introductory course are: (1) to cultivate the sociological perspective by acquainting students with basic sociological theories, methods, concepts and findings; (2) to use the basic concepts and principles of sociology to examine the various sectors of social life; and, (3) to develop an awareness of how and why social forces influence the experiences of everyday life. The course usually begins with a brief review of sociology's historical origin, its major theoretical perspectives and its various research methodologies. The nature of culture, social interaction, group dynamics, bureaucracy, socialization, deviance, crime, urbanization, collective behavior, and social change are some of the topics studied. The course also explores some of the institutions of society, such as the family, the political economy, religion, education, and the medical system. A central focus of the course is understanding the nature of social inequality as it exists in the United States and across the globe in terms of age, gender, race, and social class. Satisfies a Social Science distribution requirement. Fulfills a SOSC requirement in LS Core. |
| POL3600C | Selected Topics in Political Science: Youth to Power Activism & Research | OA | 4 | On Campus, Monday through Thursday 9am-12pm | Dr. Kirstie Lynn Dobbs | 7/08/2024-8/16/2024 | As a young person, have you ever wondered how you could change your community? Have you ever felt powerless to make a difference but at the same time felt inspired by emerging youth leaders like Greta Thunberg for climate change and the scores of young people who marched in the Black Lives Matter protests in 2020? Many young people today and throughout history are challenging existing power structures to pursue a more equitable, fair, and just world. In this course, students will gain a deeper understanding of youth activism worldwide and how to bridge activism with policy-making through the power of research. Please contact Dr. Kirstie Dobbs for more information. |
This class is not offered online and meets in person on the Merrimack campus. Class is offered July 8-Aug 16, Monday through Friday, from 9 a.m.-noon.
As a young person, have you ever wondered how you could change your community? Have you ever felt powerless to make a difference but at the same time felt inspired by emerging youth leaders like Greta Thunberg for climate change and the scores of young people who marched in the Black Lives Matter protests in 2020? Many young people today and throughout history are challenging existing power structures to pursue a more equitable, fair, and just world.
In this course, you will gain a deeper understanding of youth activism worldwide and how to bridge activism with policy-making through the power of research. Please contact Dr. Kirstie Dobbs for more information.
An assistant professor of nursing, Inyene Essien-Aleksi joined Merrimack College in fall 2022, and brings extensive years of clinical experience as well as research work in opioid use disorder and treatment access.
