Summer offers the opportunity to get outside, enjoy warm weather and, for many Case Western Reserve University students, earn degree credit through unique and fundamental courses—including many offered at 50% off the regular credit hour price.*
Whether looking to complete required courses—from introductory chemistry to accounting—uncover the secrets of the universe or delve into ancient civilizations, students can choose from a wide selection of engaging summer courses offered both online and in person.
For those planning to stay on campus, convenient housing is available, and—for the first time—meal plans are now an option for summer 2025. Secure your housing for the summer, and learn more about meal plan options.
But summer at CWRU isn’t just about hitting the books; it’s also a chance to enjoy everything Cleveland has to offer. Picture yourself dancing to live music at Wade Oval Wednesdays, exploring the Cleveland Metroparks Zoo, which offers free Monday admission for Cuyahoga County residents, or participating in any number of community service opportunities. The university will also be hosting on-campus events, such as outdoor movie nights and yoga, karaoke at the Jolly Scholar, a summer concert series and more.
If nature is more your style, spend a day hiking the scenic trails at nearby Cuyahoga Valley National Park. For a relaxing weekend, consider soaking up the sun at Edgewater Beach, browsing through unique artwork at the Cain Park Arts Festival, or grabbing fresh produce at the farmers market at University Hospitals.
Ready to find your perfect summer class? Read on for nine interesting courses to consider—or opt to get required courses out of the way this summer. Looking for a specific course? Find what you’re looking for on the registrar’s website and discover more about summer term.
*Tuition discounts apply toward courses numbered 100 through 399.
ANTH 389: Introduction to Forensic Anthropology
Forensic anthropology involves using a variety of methods and theories about human biology to answer medical and legal questions. Individuals who work as forensic anthropologists collaborate closely with police officers, lawyers, doctors, medical examiners, and other specialists to identify human remains and analyze skeletal trauma in cases of suspicious and unnatural death. Throughout the course, students will be introduced to the techniques and underlying theory used by anthropologists to recover skeletal remains, reconstruct a biological profile from the skeleton, interpret skeletal trauma, and assist in the identification process. Students will also become familiar with the application of forensic anthropology to issues of human rights and mass fatalities. Prereq: ANTH 103.
Instructor: Christine Bailey
ASTR 103: Introduction to the Stars, Galaxies, and the Universe
This introductory astronomy course describes the universe we live in and how astronomers develop our physical understanding about it. Topics covered include: the properties of stars; the formation, evolution, and death of stars; white dwarfs, pulsars, and black holes; spiral and elliptical galaxies; the Big Bang and the expansion of the Universe. This course has no prerequisites.
Instructor: William Janesh
CLSC 232: Gods and Gladiators: World of Ancient Rome
Take part in lectures and discussion on the enduring significance of the Romans, as studied through their history, literature, art, architecture, religion, philosophy, and political, economic and social structures. Offered as CLSC 232 and HSTY 232.
Instructor: Evelyn Adkins
COGS 343/443: Music Cognition and Learning
Survey and critical review of the literature as it relates to music teaching and learning, and music performance. Specific topics may include basic psychoacoustical processes, auditory perception, cognitive organization of musical sound, tonal and musical memory, neuromusical research, affective and physiological responses to music, learning theory, musical aptitude, developmental processes, and motivation.
Instructor: Benjamin Helton
HSTY 285: Psychedelics in History
A global exploration of psychedelic drugs, which have been revered, idealized, vilified, banned, and revived, HSTY 285 will look at their use in contexts ranging from indigenous Native American and African cultures, CIA explorations of “mind control,” 20th century psychotherapy, the 1960s counter-culture, and the current “psychedelic renaissance.” How has historical context influenced the experience of these powerful substances? How have they in turn influenced historical context? Students will explore ritual, medicinal, and recreational uses of psychedelics, but will also see how those categories can overlap.
Instructor: Jonathan Sadowsky
PHIL 222: Science of Happiness
What actually makes us happy? Scientific research shows most of us get this badly wrong. For instance, money is far less important, and embracing negative emotions far more important, than most people realize. When philosophy first got started, it focused on the single most practically important question anyone can ask: How can I live a good life? A recent boom in scientific research is now validating insights from traditions that take this approach of philosophy as a way of life, including ancient Greek, eastern and continental schools of philosophy. Open to all students (no prerequisites), this course combines intellectual inquiry with experiential approaches, blending philosophical insight, evidence-based interventions and cutting-edge science.
Instructor: Anthony Jack
COSI 220: Introduction to American Sign Language I
This course offers basic vocabulary training and conversational interaction skills in American Sign Language. Syntactic and semantic aspects of American Sign Language will be addressed.
Instructor: Keri November
SOCI 204: Criminology
What is crime and to what extent does crime affect you? This course will investigate the nature and extent of crime, theories on the causes of crime, types of crime and criminals, and the efforts society makes to cope with and prevent criminal behavior.
Instructor: Amber Byrd Ndukwe
THTR 207: Our Heroes, Ourselves: Superheroes and Popular Culture
Since the beginning of cinema, audiences have flocked to see larger-than-life superheroes conquer the unconquerable while also teaching us about ourselves and confirming (or challenging) our world view. Beginning with cinematic serials in the 1920s and continuing to the recent Marvel production machine, these films not only depict a hero’s efforts to save the world from disaster again and again, but also trace the development of our popular culture. Issues of violence, nationalism, the presentation and treatment of women, racial stereotypes, and spectacle among other topics can be discussed after viewing each film, providing an opportunity to explore the changing expectations of American audiences and the developing form of contemporary cinema.
Instructor: Jeffrey Ullom