Choose from dozens of online classes perfect for upper-grade high school and pre-college students. For more details about joining our campus and community this summer review our visiting students page.
Register now for Summer 2023 classes.
Most summer session courses are online and asynchronous. Please review course details to determine if your course is offered on-campus; online and asynchronous; or online and synchronous. Unsure about what these modalities mean? Here’s a summary:
This summer, maintain your learning momentum and strengthen your academic resume by taking a Summer Session course at Merrimack. Earn college credit while exploring a new subject or challenge yourself by taking a tough subject pass/fail. Whatever your interests, you’re sure to find a class that meets your goals and schedule.
While all of Merrimack’s summer classes deliver dynamic learning, these 10 courses have been selected by faculty and staff as our favorite picks for high schoolers:
Below you’ll find full details on these selected classes, as well as all of our Summer Session classes for upper-grade high school students.
| Number | Name | Section | Credit | Format | Instructor | Date | Description |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| BIO1106C | Human Biology | OA | 4 | Online - Asynchronous | Dave MacLaren | 7/10/2023-8/18/2023 | An introduction to the structure and function of human body at the level of cells, tissues organs and organ systems. A special emphasis is placed on the functions of the nervous and endocrine systems and their role in homeostasis and the integration and regulation of the functions of the other tissues and organs. The course will also consider molecular, Mendelian and population genetics. This course is designed primarily for students who intend to major or are majoring in psychology. Prerequisite: none. Not open to BIO/HSC majors. Satisfies a Mathematics/Science distribution requirement. Fulfills a STEM requirement in LS Core. |
| BIO2009C | Environmental Science | OA | 4 | Online - Asynchronous | Dave MacLaren | 5/22/2023-6/30/2023 | The course engages students to inquire the linkages between ecological systems, human systems and human perturbations of natural ecological systems. Emphasis is placed on applied environmental issues that currently confront the planet. Students will also discuss the process of biological/ecological inquiry and the nature of science. This course will acquaint students with some of the social, economic, political, and ethical aspects of environmental problems following an introduction to the basic principles of ecology - the study of the interactions among organisms and their physical environment. The future of our society depends on whether Homo sapiens can learn to live in harmony with the global ecosystem so that it can support civilization. Knowing how the world ecosystem works permits more than knowledgeable participation in the great decisions of our day. Consideration will be given to alternative ways of organizing our society in accordance with sound ecological principles. Students will read several topical papers and conduct a semester-long investigation on an approved topic. Satisfies a Mathematics/Science distribution requirement. Fulfills a STEM requiement in LS Core. This course does not count toward the Biology Majors or Minor. |
| CHM1000C | Adventures in Chemistry | OA | 4 | Online - Asynchronous | Joseph Chiarelli | 5/22/2023-6/30/2023 | This chemistry course is for non-science majors. Topics include the scientific method, radioactivity, atomic structure, basic principles of chemistry as they apply to air and water pollution, and the political ramifications of worldwide chemical use. No prerequisite. Offered every semester. Not open to science and engineering majors or any student that has completed any other chemistry course. Satisfies a Mathematics/Science distribution requirement. Fulfills a STEM requirement in LS Core. |
| COM1020C | Public Communication | OA | 4 | Online - Asynchronous | Brian Zager | 7/10/2023-8/18/2023 | This course focuses on the concepts and practices associated with effective public communication. A central aspect of this course entails the mastering of public speaking through the process of researching, preparing, and delivering presentations in a variety of formats (e.g., informative, persuasive, and impromptu). The classroom is a laboratory in which to develop the skills needed for effective public communication. In addition, students will also analyze public speaking events as a means of developing a critical understanding of the public communication process. No prerequisite. |
| ENG1050C | Introduction to College Writing | OA | 4 | Online - Asynchronous | Lauren Rocha | 05/22/2023-06/30/2023 | Introduction to the rhetorical practices of college-level writing. Emphasizes the foundations of academic discourse, with attention to language, purpose, and context. Students will read and analyze texts to prepare them to write for different audiences. Will include library instruction, research, and documentation. Fulfills first year writing requirement in LS Core. Does not count toward English major or minor. |
| ENG1050C | Introduction to College Writing | OB | 4 | Online - Asynchronous | Sarah Hartman | 07/10/2023-8/18/2023 | Introduction to the rhetorical practices of college-level writing. Emphasizes the foundations of academic discourse, with attention to language, purpose, and context. Students will read and analyze texts to prepare them to write for different audiences. Will include library instruction, research, and documentation. Fulfills first year writing requirement in LS Core. Does not count toward English major or minor. |
| EXS1104C | Introduction to Physical Activity, Fitness, and Wellness | OA | 4 | Online - Asynchronous | Leah Poloskey | 05/22/2023-06/30/2023 | This course is a survey of the discipline of health and fitness, including knowledge derived from performing physical activity, studying about physical activity, and professional practice centered in physical activity. It includes an analysis of the importance of health and wellness in daily life, the relationship between physical activity and the discipline of kinesiology, and the general effects of physical activity experiences. The course surveys the general knowledge base of the Health Science discipline as reflected in the major sub disciplines and reviews selected concepts in each, showing how they contribute to our understanding of the nature and importance of physical activity. The students will learn about the fitness components of wellness; flexibility, cardiorespiratory fitness, muscular strength and endurance, body composition, nutrition, weight management, and cancer. Fitness and other positive life style habits that lead to better health, improved quality of life, and total well-being will be discussed. Students will be responsible for developing a self-paced fitness program that will be followed for the duration of the semester. In addition, the course introduces students to the general and specific characteristics of the health and wellness professions. Fulfills a STEM requirement in LS Core. |
| EXS1104C | Introduction to Physical Activity, Fitness, and Wellness | OB | 4 | Online - Asynchronous | Leah Poloskey | 07/10/2023-8/18/2023 | This course is a survey of the discipline of health and fitness, including knowledge derived from performing physical activity, studying about physical activity, and professional practice centered in physical activity. It includes an analysis of the importance of health and wellness in daily life, the relationship between physical activity and the discipline of kinesiology, and the general effects of physical activity experiences. The course surveys the general knowledge base of the Health Science discipline as reflected in the major sub disciplines and reviews selected concepts in each, showing how they contribute to our understanding of the nature and importance of physical activity. The students will learn about the fitness components of wellness; flexibility, cardiorespiratory fitness, muscular strength and endurance, body composition, nutrition, weight management, and cancer. Fitness and other positive life style habits that lead to better health, improved quality of life, and total well-being will be discussed. Students will be responsible for developing a self-paced fitness program that will be followed for the duration of the semester. In addition, the course introduces students to the general and specific characteristics of the health and wellness professions. Fulfills a STEM requirement in LS Core. |
| HIS1106C | U.S. History I | OA | 4 | Online - Asynchronous | Walker Robins | 07/10/2023-08/18/2023 | U.S. History I: From Pre-Contact through the Civil War and Reconstruction This course offers an introduction to American history from the beginning of European expansion through the Civil War and Reconstruction. Drawing upon the methods and insights of social, political, and cultural history, the class lectures and discussions will explore a range of topics, including: the colonial encounter, labor systems, racial formation, the movement for independence and the formation of the American Republic, religion and reform movements, the democratic and market Revolutions, the transformation of gender roles, and the causes and consequences of the Civil War and Reconstruction. Satisfies a Humanities distribution requirement. Fulfills H in LS Core. |
| HIS1106C | U.S. History I | OB | 4 | Online - Asynchronous | Walker Robins | 07/10/2023-08/18/2023 | U.S. History I: From Pre-Contact through the Civil War and Reconstruction This course offers an introduction to American history from the beginning of European expansion through the Civil War and Reconstruction. Drawing upon the methods and insights of social, political, and cultural history, the class lectures and discussions will explore a range of topics, including: the colonial encounter, labor systems, racial formation, the movement for independence and the formation of the American Republic, religion and reform movements, the democratic and market Revolutions, the transformation of gender roles, and the causes and consequences of the Civil War and Reconstruction. Satisfies a Humanities distribution requirement. Fulfills H in LS Core. |
| HSC1500C | Introduction to Public Health | OA | 4 | Online - Asynchronous | Sarah Benes | 05/22/2023-6/30/2023 | Public health aims to understand the occurrence and causes of disease within populations with the goal of prevention and health promotion, through changes in individual behavior, control of infectious disease and environmental health factors, and social and political organization for health improvement. The aim will be to describe the patterns of selected diseases in populations, to explain the causation of disease at the cell/physiological to social levels, to predict disease occurrence and to control disease through prevention strategies aimed at individuals, communities and governments. Satisfies a Mathematics/Science distribution requirement. Fulfills a STEM requirement and X in LS Core. |
| HSC1500C | Introduction to Public Health | OB | 4 | Online - Asynchronous | Paul Fierimonte | 7/10/2023-8/18/2023 | Public health aims to understand the occurrence and causes of disease within populations with the goal of prevention and health promotion, through changes in individual behavior, control of infectious disease and environmental health factors, and social and political organization for health improvement. The aim will be to describe the patterns of selected diseases in populations, to explain the causation of disease at the cell/physiological to social levels, to predict disease occurrence and to control disease through prevention strategies aimed at individuals, communities and governments. Satisfies a Mathematics/Science distribution requirement. Fulfills a STEM requirement and X in LS Core. |
| ITA1010C | Beginner's Italian I | OA | 4 | Online-Synchronous, M/W/F - 9:30am-12:00pm | Katie Smith | 05/22/2023-06/30/2023 | This course is offered for absolute beginners only. This course is not open to heritage speakers or students with any prior study of Italian. Oral-aural proficiency is acquired through speaking and role playing in class plus audio and visual practice outside of class, including internet drills from the Super Site that accompanies the book. Students learn basic strategies for reading and writing in the language. Prerequisite: no Italian classes on High School Transcript. Fulfills FL in LS Core. |
| PHL1000C | Introduction to Philosophy | OA | 4 | Online - Asynchronous | Chris Brooks | 05/22/2023-06/30/2023 | A first course in philosophy focusing on classic questions that have stirred the perennial human quest for wisdom. We will explore such questions as: Are humans free or determined? How do the mind and body interact? Is ethics just relative to each person or society? Should there be any limits to the political freedom of citizens? Does God exist? The course will introduce students to the methods and culture of philosophy: sympathetic understanding, critical analysis, fair argumentation, and a persistent desire to know the truth whatever it is. The focus and questions covered will be determined by each instructor. Fulfills PHL in LS Core. |
| PHL1000C | Introduction to Philosophy | OB | 4 | Online - Asynchronous | Peter Ellard | 07/10/2023-8/18/2023 | A first course in philosophy focusing on classic questions that have stirred the perennial human quest for wisdom. We will explore such questions as: Are humans free or determined? How do the mind and body interact? Is ethics just relative to each person or society? Should there be any limits to the political freedom of citizens? Does God exist? The course will introduce students to the methods and culture of philosophy: sympathetic understanding, critical analysis, fair argumentation, and a persistent desire to know the truth whatever it is. The focus and questions covered will be determined by each instructor. Fulfills PHL in LS Core. |
| PSY1000C | Introduction to Psychology | OA | 4 | Online - Asynchronous | Michael Stroud | 05/22/2023-6/30/2023 | Provides a general overview of the wide-ranging field of psychology. Students will explore major concepts and issues in the study of human thinking, feeling, and acting. These include biological foundations of behavior and experience, how people learn and develop, how individuals perceive the world, individual differences in behavior, social influence and social relations, the difference between normative and non-normative behavior, and approaches to therapy. This course is a prerequisite for all other courses in psychology. Satisfies a Social Science distribution requirement. Fulfills a SOSC requirement in LS core. |
| PSY1000C | Introduction to Psychology | OB | 4 | Online - Asynchronous | Lauri Kurdziel | 7/10/2023-8/18/2023 | Introduces classical and contemporary thinking on the concept of 'personality'. Explores the contributions of several important theoretical frameworks in personality theory including psychoanalysis, phenomenology, trait theory, and learning. Prerequisite: PSY 1000. Satisfies a Social Science distribution requirement. Fulfills a SOSC requirement in LS Core. |
| SOC1400C | Stress; A Social Psych Perspect | A | 4 | Online - Asynchronous | Rob Koegel | 7/10/2023-8/18/2023 | This course will analyze the causes, effects, and untapped possibilities of getting better at stress, individually and collectively. As we draw on and fuse together insights from sociology, psychology, and health science, we will explore several key questions: * What in our society - in our cultural beliefs/values, social norms, social practices, and social structures - has made the U.S. the most anxious, depressed, and distressed industrialized nation in the world? * How does immense wealth inequality generate a toxic social environment that affects and infects our hearts, minds, and relationships? * What can we do to hone our ability, as individuals and as a society, to more resourcefully, resiliently, and joyfully meet life's challenges? * How can we connect these timely issues to your questions and beliefs, your challenges and dreams? |
| SOC1600C | Happiness | OA | 4 | Online - Asynchronous | Rob Koegel | 05/22/2023-6/30/2023 | This interdisciplinary course will analyze the key sources of and debates about happiness. As we explore possibilities of increasing happiness, individually and collectively, we will focus on the relationship between happiness and success, culture, motivation, social media, food, and exercise. This course is based on the assumption that learning, at its best, open minds, changes lives, and is fun. Instead of analyzing abstract ideas that are often hard to relate to, we will constantly connect the issues we explore to your questions, beliefs, and dreams. |
| SPA1010C | Beginner’s Spanish I | OA | 4 | Online-Synchronous, T/W/TH - 6:00pm-8:30pm | Wanda Ocasio-Rivera | 05/22/2023-06/30/2023 | This course is offered for absolute beginners only. This course is not open to heritage speakers or students with any prior study of Spanish. Oral-aural Proficiency is acquired through speaking and role playing in class plus audio and visual practice outside of class, including mandatory language lab. Students learn basic strategies for reading and writing in the language. Prerequisite: no Spanish classes on High School Transcript. Fulfills FL in LS Core. |
