Deep Dive Courses

In an era saturated with productivity advice, mindset coaching, and financial freedom strategies, what does it really mean to become independent?

This course examines the modern self-improvement industry through the lens of independence — mental, financial, behavioral, and digital. Using curated excerpts from bestselling books such as Atomic Habits, Mindset, The Psychology of Money, and Deep Work, students will analyze the core claims behind popular success frameworks and evaluate their evidence, assumptions, and limits.

Rather than reading entire books, students engage with carefully selected excerpts, debates, and applied reflection exercises. The goal is not motivation, but discernment: learning how to think critically about advice, design personal systems intentionally, and define independence on their own terms.

One of the most exciting — and sometimes unsettling — parts of college is being exposed to ideas, stories, and perspectives that are completely unfamiliar. In this interactive Deep Dive course, students will explore the films and shows they love, hate, and argue about while learning how to analyze them thoughtfully and respectfully. Through structured debates, peer film exchanges, and personalized film recommendations, students will learn the difference between subjective taste and objective craft, how to support arguments with evidence, and how to engage in disagreement without shutting down. Along the way, they’ll be challenged to watch films outside their comfort zones and reflect on how new perspectives shape their thinking. By the end of the course, students won’t just say “that movie was bad" they’ll be able to explain why — and thoughtfully consider why someone else disagrees.

Let thought-provoking prompts inspire your creative work in any medium, from photography to writing, performance, spoken word, sketching, and TikTok videos! Enhance your understanding of art, engage in critical thinking, and learn how to apply these skills to a wide range of college and professional experiences. (No prior art experience is required.)

This course will serve as an inspirational introduction to the world of Art Therapy. Students will step into the living scene of how art enhances human evolution while investigating their own creativity. Topics explored will include the developmental stages of creativity and how the psychological shadow can dictate what is seen and hidden in society.

A leading goal of our time together will be to build meaningful connections within the group. Through hands-on art tasks, students will increase insight into the value of individual and collaborative creative acts.

This course may have some small associated fees for art supplies, under $25.

Hollywood has its own translations of comic characters—as do publishing, licensing, and other industries—and comic conventions have now become worldwide gateways to this phenomenon. See behind the curtain to discover how it all works, including a historical look at female and black creators who often did not enjoy the spotlight. In this eye-opening course, we'll start with fan passion then explore the inner workings of an entire industry.

Are you curious about an ancient practice that will help you feel grounded when anxious, calm when stressed, and energized when exhausted? This movement-based mindfulness course includes simple, flowing Qigong movements to help release tension, boost energy, sharpen focus, and cultivate balance and grounding.

Students will participate in Qigong movement and breathing exercises, group discussion, and personal reflection. We will also explore selections from the Tao Te Ching, considering how this ancient text offers insight and guidance for modern college life. This course invites you to build practical tools for managing stress, enhancing concentration, and staying centered and energized throughout your college journey.

The course seeks to explore the musical In the Heights and its connections to cultural diversity in a pluralistic American contemporary society. This course emphasizes transition to college, homesickness, and the tensions of hometown vs college. The course will balance listening, analyzing, discussing and music/lyric writing: both creation and recreation of samples within the musical. In the course, students will: (1) explore, listen, and analyze the lyrics, melodic, harmonic, and rhythmic structures of all of the songs within In The Heights, (2) explore, discuss, and reflect upon the similarities and differences across a diversity of musical genres, (3) create, collaborate, and share recreations and original works of music related to the musical. With a focus on listening, analyzing and making music, this course is designed to help students better understand themselves, their new step into college, cultural diversity and further develop their comfort sharing with peers as they challenge their creativities and identities.

This course is designed to equip and empower you in laying the groundwork for your future dream careers. Through a comprehensive curriculum, we will explore various aspects of career readiness, including goal setting, professional communication, and strategic planning. With an emphasis on practical skills, you will master resume writing, crafting compelling cover letters, optimizing LinkedIn profiles, and leveraging your personality type for career alignment. Furthermore, you will gain invaluable insights into effective interview techniques and strategies to secure coveted job and internship opportunities. By the end of the course, you will have a tailored action plan to pursue your career aspirations with confidence and competence. This course serves as a vital springboard for first-year students as they embark on their academic and professional endeavors.

Have you ever wondered why there is a relationship between genes and the propensity to have a disease? Or why some infectious diseases are endemic to some species but "jump" to other species? How is global warming influencing the expansion of wildlife diseases? Explore the science behind major geopolitical issues as well as current topics in science and biotechnology, such as genetic modification, infectious disease emergence, and global warming. You'll also develop critical thinking and effective communication skills.