This summer, examine the role that gender plays in the U.S. legal system and how the legal rights of women are addressed, from the effects of gender-based stereotypes, to the status of women in the legal profession. Explore current issues such as domestic violence, LGBT rights, transgender rights, race, masculinity, and the police state, including the Freddie Gray case in Baltimore.

You’ll understand how race, class, nationality, and other aspects of identity affect a woman’s ability to access the rights articulated in law, and how these factors affect a woman’s access to justice.

This cross-listed course is offered as GWST 338 or POLI 338, and fulfills a general education requirement (GEP) in the Social Sciences.

How do you use Facebook? Some people use it to discuss politics, sports, or post their favorite pet videos. In MCS 101, you’ll use Facebook to develop your own media literacy skills. Explore net neutrality, bias in the news industry, and viral media. Analyze the value of Wikipedia, as well as the economic, social, legal, and ethical aspects of digital media. Discuss the impact of traditional media, including print, radio, film, and TV.

You’ll also be introduced to basic media production, with hands-on opportunities to apply those skills. Take Media Literacy this summer, and you’ll better understand the history and rhetorical power of media in our world. MCS 101 fulfills a GEP Arts & Humanities requirement.

Let’s talk about sex! GWST/AMST 210: Introduction to Critical Sexuality Studies is an interdisciplinary look at sexuality–in history, media, politics, and personal life. Explore the wide world of sexuality, including the origins of heterosexuality as an identity, the global history of lesbianism, the feminist porn wars, the criminalization of LGBT people in the U.S., whether or not you can tell a gay person “just by looking,” the role of the media in forming transgender identity, asexuality, and other relevant topics. It will help you learn how to write creatively, debate tough issues, and think critically.

This hybrid course blends online and in-person learning, and meets the GEP Culture and Social Sciences requirements.

Human activity greatly impacts the region we live in and the globe at large. This winter, gain a better understanding of the causes and consequences of the distributions of human activity. Learn about the role of globalization, and analyze population, natural resources, agriculture, economic activity, urban and cultural settlements, and cultural phenomena. 

Take GES 102 for Social Science or Culture GEP credit, and gain greater insight to our world and the people who live in it! 

How do your favorite TV shows or movies make their scenes so realistic and engaging? It all starts with a well written script. This winter session, you can learn how the pros on Broadway, in Hollywood and in studios across the world write scripts.

With ENGL 272: Introduction to Creative Writing—Scriptwriting, students will learn about scriptwriting in drama, film, television and radio. Let your creative juices flow, learn a new skill and earn Arts & Humanities GEP credit! 

Not a science major, but need a science GEP course? Introduction to Modern Biology (BIOL 109) offers science GEP credit, and also fulfills a lab requirement. 

During this course, students will learn basic biological concepts such as the nature of DNA, heredity, human genetics, and the process of mutation. 

Course curriculum will also incorporate modern issues, such as: forensic analysis of DNA and blood, the biology behind cancer and genetic diseases, as well as other topics determined by current events and interest. 

Want to know more about the structure of American television?  Well then AMST 320: Television in American Culture is the course for you this winter.  

This UMBC Winter Session course will cover the elements of programming philosophies, particular daytime and prime-time genres and the impact of television in the United States. You will explore the economic, social and artistic significance of American television and study it as a popular art.

Discover your interests with American Television and enroll in AMST 320 today!

AMST is an upper level course that fulfills an Art and Humanities GEP.

Learn more this winter session with AMST 320: Television in American Culture.

UMBC winter session offers more than 100 courses during winter session. Many of these, like AMST 320, are offered through the College of Arts, Humanities and Social Sciences.