Summer Session courses on the New Brunswick campus meet or exceed the high academic standards set for the regular academic year at Rutgers, the State University of New Jersey, a top-ranked research institution and public university. Courses are selected for their suitability and approved by the school dean and/or faculty curricular committee.

The Schedule of Classes for Summer Session 2024 is now available. View the Schedule of Classes to see all summer offerings for Rutgers–New Brunswick, updated with new offerings as they are released.

View 2024 Summer Session Courses


Featured Summer Courses

Taught by: Thomas Stephens

This online, asynchronous course introduces students to a lesser-known or lesser-spoken set of Romance languages. Via videos & short readings the class will treat each of these Romance languages & their subvarieties individually & comparatively to explain the notion of their derivation from a diasystem interconnected at the linguistic, aesthetic, cultural, literary, & historical levels. Students will learn about language maintenance & related efforts. Taught in English. The course will expand students' knowledge of Romance languages and their interconnections.

A Professor of Spanish in the Department of Spanish and Portuguese at Rutgers, The State University of New Jersey since 1981, Stephens has served as Rutgers’ Faculty Athletics Representative (FAR) to the NCAA since 2002. He holds a B.A. in Spanish Education and an M.A. in Spanish Language and Literature from the University of South Carolina and a Ph.D. in Romance Linguistics from the University of Michigan. His research and teaching focus on race and ethnicity in Latin America and questions of language in social contexts. Stephens is also the Faculty Director of the Rutgers SAS Language Center. 

Taught by: Andres Jerez

This online, synchronous course provides a predominantly descriptive introduction to the current ideas concerning the nature and origin of astronomy and cosmology. The topics covered in this course include the nature and origin of the earth, the solar system, the galaxy, and the universe; neutron stars and black holes; the “big-bang”; the possibility of life outside earth. This course focuses on our current understanding of the stars, galaxies and the universe.

This course fulfills the SAS Core Curriculum requirement for Natural Science (NS).

Dr. Andres Jerez has been teaching this course for many years with positive feedback for all his students. He has a Ph.D. in Physics from Rutgers and teaches at NJIT and Rutgers. 

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Taught by: Jane Huang

This in-person course is designed for students interested in acquiring basic communication skills in Cantonese. The course focuses on developing basic oral and aural skills; students will be exposed to but not expected to learn written Cantonese. Students will learn to greet others, introduce themselves, order at a restaurant, conduct simple transactions at stores, and use public transportation to get around. In addition to the language skills, students will learn about local culture and customs through multimedia course materials. No prior knowledge of Cantonese required, but the course is taught in Cantonese.

Jane Huang joined Rutgers’ Department of Asian Languages and Cultures in Fall 2022. She graduated from Penn State University with a bachelor’s degree in public relations and a minor in Japanese. She later pursued and earned her master’s degree from Rutgers University with a focus on Chinese pedagogy. In addition to Mandarin, she is proficient in Cantonese and Hakka, with an advanced mastery of Japanese and an intermediate knowledge of Korean. Prior to joining Rutgers, she taught at an international Chinese immersion school. With proficiency in immersion-based Chinese instruction, she excels in crafting tailored curriculums that foster deep understanding and engagement in the culture and language, as well as designing courses that appeal to diverse learning styles. 

Taught by: Efe Khayyat

Ladino is the language of the Sephardic Jews. Sepharad is the Hebrew name for the Iberian Peninsula, which is why Ladino is also known as Judeo-Spanish, Spanyolit, Judezmo, and Haketia. Sephardic Jews who spoke this variation of Spanish were dispersed across the Mediterranean after their expulsion from Spain in 1492. They preserved their own “Spanish" as part of their Iberian heritage. Ladino vocabulary and literary culture reflects their centuries long journey, from Spain to North Africa and the Ottoman Empire, the Balkans and the Levant. This course is an introduction to Ladino literatures and cultures. While the course will be conducted in English and all the required readings (folk tales, poems, memoirs, and historical accounts) will be in English, Spanish speakers may opt to add a language component as well. Spanish speakers who wish to study the characteristics of Ladino language should contact the instructor for alternative readings and assignments. 

With a trans-disciplinary focus, Efe's scholarship resides at the intersection of literary theory, cultural criticism, and the comparative study of literature and religion. His research stands out for its meticulousness and critical insight, offering unique perspectives on a diverse range of subjects, spanning western and non-western literatures. His groundbreaking work has been commended by renowned scholars in the field, affirming its significance in shaping contemporary debates in the humanities

Taught by: Charles Häberl

The vast majority of human knowledge is stored not in books, or computers, or even Wikipedia, but rather in the minds of ordinary people the world around. In many cases, the languages in which this knowledge is encoded are spoken by as few as a dozen people, and will almost certainly be lost with the passing of these languages and their speakers. By some estimates, fully 90% or more of the world’s languages will have disappeared by the end of the century. This module will employ a multidisciplinary approach to address the impending disappearance of the world’s linguistic and cultural patrimony, which is one of the greatest challenges facing mankind in the 21st century.

Over the course of two weeks, students will be introduced to “local” non-standard forms of language, and the critical threat to intellectual diversity posed by their disappearance, as well as the philosophical and other theoretical issues surrounding the topic of language endangerment, such as the importance of traditionally orally-transmitted knowledge, both as witnesses to a specific tradition and more broadly within the context of human knowledge, and the importance of documenting these before the languages in which they are transmitted vanish. This course is offered online in an asynchronous format.

Dr. Häberl is Professor of African, Middle Eastern, and South Asian Languages and Literatures (AMESALL) and Religion. He was born and raised in New Jersey, where he has lived for most of his life, but received his PhD in Near Eastern Languages and Civilizations from Harvard University. In addition to serving as chair of the department from 2013-2019 and its undergraduate director in 2023-2024, he has also served as the Director of the Center for Middle Eastern Studies from 2009-2012, and currently serves on the board of the Endangered Language Alliance of NYC.

Taught by: Tatiana Rodriguez

Are you curious about the dynamic world of social media? In this course, we will explore the elements that shape our current digital landscape. From discovering the interplay between our brains and social media to understanding the array of available platforms, we will dive deep into effective communication principles, media design, video creation, and live streaming. This isn't your ordinary lecture series. Get ready for an interactive experience that will tap into your creativity, build classroom connections, and help you develop your tech skills. Welcome to the Social Media Course where theory meets practice, and every lesson is a stepping stone towards becoming a savvy content creator. Get ready to unleash your potential and make your mark in the world of social media.

Students will learn about the different social media outlets and how to use them to help with their own brand as well as how to utilize them in the organizations they are working for to recruit, select, train, and develop the organization's talent. This course is offered in an online, synchronous format. It also fulfills the major and minor HRM elective requirements.

Tatiana Rodriguez is a Lecturer in multiple departments within Rutgers. She is also a teaching consultant who is committed to helping use active learning strategies to create memorable student-centered experiences.

Taught by: Keri Sansevere

Introduction to Anthropology provides a general overview of a fascinating branch of Social Sciences dedicated to understanding the diversity of human experience across the world. Over the years, the field has integrated both STEM and humanistic approaches to not just the study of humanity, but to solving real-world problems, making Anthropology among the most unique and relevant disciplines offered in academia today. The way this course is organized mirrors the traditional “four-field” structure of the discipline. Students will be introduced to what Anthropology is, followed by an overview of the four main specialties of the discipline: Biological/Physical Anthropology, Linguistic Anthropology, Archaeology, and Cultural Anthropology.  Each specialty is a “facet”—a facet of what it means to be human. Together, they form a “whole”— a whole story about humanity—that uncovers our biological origins and development, the complexities of human language, what ancient societies were like, and how people all over the planet understand the world around them.  

The learning format is asynchronous, affording the flexibility to complete course work from anywhere around the world. Each week will address a different topic specially-formatted for an enriching and self-guided online learning experience. Each module contains an expert-curated mini digital library of resources that convey the scope and depth of each topic. Learning materials include the instructor’s original audiovisuals, key textbook readings, professional readings, relevant news, ethnographic films, inspiring Ted Talks, provoking documentaries, and interviews with real anthropologists. Students will also be given space for individual reflection and peer interaction.

Keri Sansevere hold a Ph.D. in Anthropology from Temple University. Her research operates at the intellectual borderland between cultural anthropology and archaeology. Her dissertation examined colonoware, a kind of pottery traditionally found on archaeological sites in the American Southeast and Caribbean associated with enslaved laborers. Through ethnographic interviewing, oral history, and participant-observation, her research discovered that the pottery is present in the American Northeast, but knowledge of it resides in places that are difficult to access: the memories of archaeologists, inaccessible storage facilities, and obscure literature. Though the field of anthropology traditionally uses analytics like class, gender, and race to reveal hidden structures of power among so-called “ethnographic others,” her research discovered there is much to learn when the same analytics are applied to the industry of North American archaeology.

In addition to her teaching history and anthropological expertise, she bring to the table real world-industry experience.She has worked a variety of roles in museums and in the industry of cultural resource management. Dr. Keri Sansevere gets excited about sharing my enthusiasm for the field and my work as a public archaeologist for George Washington’s boyhood home, directing several archaeology summer camps, and delivering talks geared toward the general public have been gratifying highlights of my career. 

Taught by: Keri Sansevere

Introduction to Archaeology with Prof. Keri Sansevere is 4-credit course designed to orient students with archaeological techniques, concepts, and principles. Course learning materials include access to the instructor’s podcast episodes which explain how archaeologists think and look at the past and the kinds of conclusions they draw from material evidence. Examples of archaeological work will be presented from a local and global perspective throughout time. The course also offers a point of entry into the specialties of artifact conservation, ethnoarchaeology, experimental archaeology, floral and faunal analysis, bioarchaeology, historical archaeology, and heritage management. 

Class operates asynchronously, meaning there are no live meeting times. This affords students the flexibility to get their work done throughout the week. I release weekly learning guides that outline your learning path for the week. Many students find this learning format enables them to work through and reflect on class material bit-by-bit throughout the week, instead of rushing to turn-in an assignment at the end of a class period. 

This course is recommended for anyone with an interest in archaeology or the study of the past! It may be particularly useful to students planning careers in anthropology, historic preservation, cultural resource management, museum work, or earth sciences. No prerequisite is required! 

Keri Sansevere hold a Ph.D. in Anthropology from Temple University. Her research operates at the intellectual borderland between cultural anthropology and archaeology. Her dissertation examined colonoware, a kind of pottery traditionally found on archaeological sites in the American Southeast and Caribbean associated with enslaved laborers. Through ethnographic interviewing, oral history, and participant-observation, her research discovered that the pottery is present in the American Northeast, but knowledge of it resides in places that are difficult to access: the memories of archaeologists, inaccessible storage facilities, and obscure literature. Though the field of anthropology traditionally uses analytics like class, gender, and race to reveal hidden structures of power among so-called “ethnographic others,” her research discovered there is much to learn when the same analytics are applied to the industry of North American archaeology 

In addition to her teaching history and anthropological expertise, she bring to the table real world-industry experience.She has worked a variety of roles in museums and in the industry of cultural resource management. Dr. Keri Sansevere gets excited about sharing my enthusiasm for the field and my work as a public archaeologist for George Washington’s boyhood home, directing several archaeology summer camps, and delivering talks geared toward the general public have been gratifying highlights of my career. 

Taught by: Shanaé Burch

This online, asynchronous course explores the emerging, experimental field of Arts in Health. While there are many directions and priorities across the field, the National Organization for Arts in Health (known colloquially as NOAH) shares a definition that emphasizes the expansive field’s focused “dedication to using the power of the arts to enhance health and well-being in diverse institutional and community contexts.” Throughout the semester, students will study the historical and contemporary roles that art and creative work have played in fostering a culture of health and well-being, explore how arts and cultural policy can be reconceived as health policy, and create art and cultural work that may contribute to good health. At the same time, we’ll practice holding questions, dilemmas, tensions and disturbances present across our cultural industries that exacerbate harms to public health.

Upon completion of this course, students will possess the knowledge and skills to: 

  • Recognize notable contributions of art and cultural work that enact values of health and well-being which are found formally in the arts in health field, as well as past and present iterations of mainstream art and community contexts
  • Apply principles and theories of health promotion ethics related to creative action
  • Define what has been described as Culture of Health Action Framework 1 as well as their personal definition of what good health means to them as culture-making citizens
  • Identify facilitators and barriers to developing an artistic and creative practice that embodies their personal definition of good health in relation to society
  • Demonstrate the ability to conceptualize arts in health across multi-level interventions by narrating the socio-political contexts for arts in health equity and accessibility
  • Embody awareness and practice of art and creativity for health as cultural work

Dr. Shanaé Burch (she/her) believes in the power of storytelling to revive health and reconcile hearts. Her hunch has led her to pursue a doctorate in public health education at Teachers College, Columbia University, where she studied health equity through the lens of better leveraging arts and culture for wellbeing with contemplative arts-based research methods such as theatermaking, collaging, and public health dreaming. Integrating all aspects of her learning and personal lived experience, her dissertation is titled In Pursuit Of Healthful Narratives: Black Women and Gender-Expansive Citizens Creating and Performing Art and Cultural Work in Service of “Good Health” and features her play-in-progress, GriefLove, along with poetry featured in Health Promotion Practice’s Poetry for the Public’s Health section, where she is a co-associate editor along with Dr. LeConté Dill and Dr. Ryan Petteway.

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Taught by: Rita Leduc

This online, asynchronous course examines the unique role Environmental Arts plays in tackling the conversations and complexities of our current planetary moment. Accompanied by a selection of content by thought leaders spanning the arts, humanities, and sciences, coursework encourages students to think critically about themes such as empathy, curiosity, sustainability, site-specificity, community, transformation, environmental justice, collaboration, and art-as-research.

Upon completion of this course, students will possess the knowledge and skills to:

  • Articulate definitions and values aligned with the category of Environmental Arts
  • Identify notable environmental artwork, artists, and their contributions to the field of environmental arts as well as how they are cultivating, critiquing, and engaging the environmental conversation writ large
  • Discern types of environmental arts such as data visualization, audiation, performance, public art, art-sci collaboration, etc. – and understand that they are not mutually exclusive
  • Think critically about how process, content, collaboration, and delivery can most effectively achieve an artwork’s desired level of accessibility and impact
  • Cultivate curiosity, empathy, and connection using multimedia approaches to making environmental art
  • Practice virtual, interdisciplinary relationship cultivation and project management through thoughtful engagement with the online modality—a mode of human relationships that is becoming increasingly prevalent and important in this particular global work

This course fulfills the SAS Core Curriculum requirement for Our Common Future (CCO).

Leduc is an interdisciplinary artist whose work addresses resensitization of place in a world deprived of environmental empathy. Her work was most recently shown at Project 59 (Governors Island, NY), RAW (Miami), and Wells College (NY). She has attended residencies such as PLAYA, Tofte Lake Center, Vermont Studio Center, and White Pines Program and has received support from NYFA, the Jerome Foundation, Wells College, and Rutgers University. Recent publications include Artis Natura, A+E Collective, and 100days100women. Leduc received her MFA from Mason Gross School of the Arts at Rutgers University, Post-Baccalaureate Certificate from the School of the Art Institute of Chicago, and BA from the University of Pennsylvania. She is creator and co-founder of GROUNDWORK, an interdisciplinary creative retreat. 

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Taught by: Nate Gabriel

The Ebola virus outbreak in western Africa, hurricane Sandy in New Jersey, and droughts and fires in California are a few examples of recent, high-profile events that demonstrate fundamental connections and interdependencies between human and natural systems. Human choices and actions fundamentally transform, and are transformed by, environmental processes, with critical implications for ecosystem and human health, prospects for maintaining secure livelihoods, the equitable distribution of resources, and long-term sustainability. In this introductory environmental studies course, students will gain a foundation in the constitutive fields of environmental studies through a review of biophysical, social science, and humanities-based understandings of the environment. This course is offered in an online, asynchronous format.

This course fulfills the SAS Core Curriculum requirement for Our Common Future (CCO).

Nate Gabriel is an Assistant Teaching Professor in the Department of Geography. His research interests focus on political ecology, urban space, the public sphere, automation, diverse economies, sustainability, parks and green space. 

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Taught by: Ryan Greenbaum

This online, asynchronous course will introduce and overview the major topics in Human Resource Management (HRM). HRM is a fundamental component of the competitiveness, effectiveness, and sustainability of any organization, as it influences who is hired, how they are trained, evaluated, compensated, and what steps are taken to retain them. In turn, HRM plays a critical role in predicting employees’ behavior, attitudes, and performance. In other words, if an organization wants good people, it must practice good HRM.

If you are interested in preparing for any career, you need to understand how the organization works, how they pay their employees, what tasks are required in each job, and the skills needed to succeed in those jobs. This class will help you understand how to get ahead in whatever career you choose.

This course is a required course for the Human Resources major and minor.

Ryan Greenbaum is an Assistant Teaching Professor in SMLR and the Undergraduate Program Director for the Human Resources Management program. His knowledge and teaching style come from his years of management experience in different organizations and 15 years of teaching at the college level. Professor Greenbaum prefers a conversational approach to teaching and encourages engagement and discussion in his classes.

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Taught by: Paulina Barrios

This asynchronous online course explores how literature and love are understood worldwide. How central are love and literature to our societies? How has love influenced literature and our way of viewing the world (or vice versa)? Through textual analysis and creative engagement with these works this course aims to have students generate their own responses to these questions. Some examples of texts to be included: poetry by Staceyann Chin (Jamaica) and Sara Uribe (Mexico), among others; classic love myths (ie Eros and Psyche (Ancient Greece), Maadi and Siya (West Africa); comics such as Malika (Nigeria); and short stories from around the world.

This course fulfills Arts and Literature (AHp) SAS Core Curriculum requirement. It also counts for the major and minor requirements for Comparative Literature.

Paulina Barrios is a PhD candidate in Comparative Literature at Rutgers. At Rutgers her research focuses on feminist theories and methodologies, comparative Latin American and African studies, literature and social movements, translation studies, self-writing, and autonomous publishing. She has taught courses on short fiction, myth, as well as Latin American and African literature.

Taught by: Damian Catera

Explore the exciting and emerging field of sound art this summer! Did you ever wonder where sound sampling came from? Offered for the first time in the summer, this online, asynchronous course will include a look at the impact of experimental sound on contemporary culture. Students will be exposed to a variety of historic works from such movements as Dada, Futurism, Fluxus, and video art.

Students will develop the ability to analyze and discuss sound art, from a multidisciplinary, theory-informed perspective, through discussions and interactions. They will also be able to distinguish between the unique characteristics of historic artworks movements and practitioners. A final research project, in presentation format will provide students with the opportunity to demonstrate and apply knowledge of influential multidisciplinary artists' creative practices.

Damian Catera is an electro-acoustic composer/guitarist, sound-installation creator and media artist. Catera’s work reflects interests in sound-based composition/improvisation, transmission, and sociopolitical critique. He has toured the United States and Europe twice and has also presented work in Latin America and Asia. 

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Taught by: Stephanie Zimmerman

Offered as an online asynchronous course, students will explore the history of internet art—from the early net.art of the 1990s to contemporary works that engage with NFTs and AI. Throughout the semester, students will develop an understanding of the internet as a medium for and subject of creative expression—where did it come from, how does it work, how do we make things for it, and what do we want to say?

Through examining the cultural, social, political, and philosophical implications of internet art’s history, students in this course will gain critical thinking skills, enhancing their ability to analyze and engage with complex digital landscapes. Students will acquire practical skills in web development—including HTML, CSS, and jQuery—equipping them with valuable technical expertise for careers in digital media, design, or technology. Those in the course will also have the opportunity to conceptualize and create a series of web-based projects, which can serve as portfolio pieces for future academic pursuits or professional endeavors in the digital realm. 

Steph Zimmerman is a multimedia artist blending audio, sculpture, video, and text in her installation-based art. She has exhibited nationally and internationally, and has attended residencies at Atlantic Center for the Arts, The Vermont Studio Center, Arteles Creative Center, and Paul Artspace. She is the recipient of a Creative Stimulus Award from Critical Mass for the Visual Arts and an Artist Support Grant from St. Louis’ Regional Arts Commission. Previously, she worked as a digital media manager at St. Louis Public Radio and St. Louis Magazine, where she developed online editorial features and video documentaries that covered mayoral races, the Ferguson protests, a presidential debate, and more. She received her MFA in art and design from Rutgers University and her BFA in digital media and photography from Washington University in St. Louis. 

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Taught by: Steve Decker

This in-person course provides students with experience forecasting and observing severe convection in the field. By verifying their forecasts with their own eyes, students will better understand the dynamics and thermodynamics that lead to some of the most beautiful yet complex atmospheric circulations on Earth. Students learn severe weather forecasting skills and develop teamwork skills, both of which can help future meteorologists professionally. Please note: this course is centered around fieldwork through a field trip.

Steve Decker is an Associate Teaching Professor in the Department of Environmental Sciences and directs the Meteorology Undergraduate Program within the department. His research interest is in weather analysis and forecasting, and he has taught this course many times over the last 12 years.

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Taught by: Michelle Mitcham

This online cousre is a dynamic and interactive elective designed specifically for graduate students pursuing degrees in counseling, psychology, student affairs, or related helping fields. This course offers a comprehensive exploration of conflict resolution theories, models, and practical strategies, with a specific focus on peer mediation. Through a combination of theoretical discussions, experiential learning activities, and case studies, students will develop the necessary knowledge and skills to effectively mediate conflicts among peers in educational and counseling settings. Additionally, students will gain a deeper understanding of the impact of cultural diversity on conflict resolution processes, enabling them to apply strategies that are inclusive and culturally sensitive. By the end of this course, students will be equipped with the tools to foster positive relationships, promote effective communication, and facilitate peaceful resolutions among individuals within diverse populations.

This course in conflict resolution isn't just about navigating disagreements; it's your gateway to becoming a sought-after professional and academic standout. Picture yourself confidently mediating conflicts in high-stakes environments, whether in counseling sessions or boardroom negotiations. Gain a competitive edge by mastering cutting-edge theories, hands-on strategies, and culturally sensitive approaches to conflict resolution. Imagine the impact you'll make as a mediator, fostering harmony in diverse settings and elevating your career trajectory. Don't miss this chance to transform into a dynamic leader and problem solver in any setting. 

Dr. Michelle Mitcham is an Associate Professor of Professional Practice in the GSE School Counselor program, Department of Educational Psychology. She teaches in the professional school counseling program. She has over 20 years of experience combined as a counselor educator, certified family mediator, parenting coordinator, former professional school counselor, trainer, facilitator and trainer, Dr. Mitcham is the Faculty Advisor of the Alpha Rho Upsilon Chapter of Chi Sigma Iota, the professional international honor society for counseling. 

Taught by: Kendra Dickinson

This course explores the multifaceted relationship between social justice principles and language teaching practices. The course begins by examining foundational theories and concepts related to social justice, linguistics, and education, providing students with a foundational understanding of the intersectionality of language and societal structures. Key topics include linguistic diversity, language ideologies, power dynamics in language use, language policy and planning, and the role of language in perpetuating or challenging social inequalities. Conducted in English.

Throughout the course, students engage in in-depth discussions and analyses of case studies, research findings, and real-world examples that illustrate the complexities of social justice in the language classroom. This course is offered online in a hybrid asynchronous and synchronous format. This also fulfills the core curriculum for M.A.T. degree through the School of Graduate Studies.

Kendra V. Dickinson received a BA in Spanish from the University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign (2011), an MA in Applied Linguistics from Boston University (2016), an MA in Hispanic Linguistics from the Ohio State University (2018), and a PhD in Hispanic Linguistics from the Ohio State University (2022).

Taught by: Jeffrey Immanuel Jebastin

In this online asynchronous course, students will pursue the geographical quest of changing the world by first knowing it. The semester will begin with a historical journey exploring the ways in which people have understood, contested, and represented the concept of “regions” throughout time. The course will pay particular attention to the development of nation-states and international relations, as well as the challenges and opportunities posed by globalization.  

The second part of the course focuses on three contemporary regions of interest: Europe and the European Union, Southeastern Europe, and the Middle East. Finally, the last part of the course will examine a series of more general questions related to energy, global health, climate change, and global governance.

This course fulfills the SAS Core Curriculum requirement for Historical Analysis (HST) and Social Analysis (SCL).

Jeffrey Immanuel Jebastin is a PhD graduate student in the Department of Geography. His research interests include the study of caste, space, nationalism, small scale fisheries and aquaculture.

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