FSEM Courses

This course will explore how an intensive immersion experience with cinematic and literary representations of autism might serve as a test case for how the neurodiversity perspective may not only help increase our awareness of popular attitudes toward disability but also even lead to acceptance and appreciation of autism as a natural form of human variation and difference.

Don’t think fashion is that important, or that you do not pay attention to fashion? Think again–fashion theory deeply affects how we portray ourselves to others and craft our personal images.

In this FSEM, we will examine the major directors and films of this movement, as well as the the themes and social issues that animate these works. We will explore how these films revolutionized film production, form, and the portrayal of political and social changes.

Through the close examination of eight landmark theatrical texts of the twentieth century, this course explores the major contributions of composer and lyricist Stephen Sondheim to the American musical.

In this FSEM we will explore the impact of environmental art through the perspective of art history and cultural history, and we will work with a local green space to create works that will be gifted to the organization.

This course is an introduction to the formulation of ideas for making art. Through research and discussion, students will develop their ability to use visual art as a means of communication.

Have you ever wanted to be a detective? Do unsolved mysteries intrigue you? Then ‘Cold Case: Theatre Mysteries’ is the course for you! This first-year seminar delves into theatrical mysteries ranging from the ancient Greeks to the Elizabethans.

No other classic writer dominates popular culture quite like Jane Austen. But why Austen? In this course we will attempt to answer that question.

Haunted houses, dismemberment on stage, audience “splash zones” for blood…. Live performers have been terrifying audiences long before the advent of the horror film, and they continue to explore new ways to pull the audience into their horror fantasies. This seminar will explore horror in live performance, which includes traditional theatre (Shakespeare), interactive performances (haunted houses), and popular culture events (historical freak shows).

Solo Mio: Solo Performance and You is a course that explores the tradition of solo performance as an art form. In addition to examining specific performers who have made significant contributions to the art form, we will look at how solo performance tells a personal story—specifically yours.