Discovery Seminars

James Edmonds, Associate Director and Clinical Assistant Professor, Melikian Center: Russian, Eurasian and East European Studies

Arizona has a deep history of global connections through its immigrant communities, sister-city partnerships, and international trade. In this seminar, students will develop research and presentation skills—including oral history, archival research, digital history methods, and audio recording and editing—to create stories that highlight the intersection of local and global influences across the 48th state. Students will have the opportunity to explore their own family histories or collaborate with Arizona’s heritage communities and international organizations, such as the Phoenix Committee on Foreign Relations and the state’s various sister-city programs.

Session: C (Aug. 21-Dec. 5)
Day/time: Thursday, 12-12:50 p.m.
Location: PVW163
Class #: 79505

Winslow Schmelling, Instructional Professional, Department of English

We’ve all heard phrases like "Show, don’t tell," or "Actions speak louder than words." But what if it’s not just words that shape our experiences? What if the body itself plays a major role in how we communicate, tell stories, and express ourselves?

In this course, you'll dive into the connection between your body, your surroundings, and your creativity. You’ll explore how movement, touch, and the world around you can be powerful tools for telling stories and sharing ideas. You’ll learn the science behind how the body and environment shape the way we think and communicate, and how to use them to enhance your creative work.

Through weekly hands-on activities, you’ll experiment with ways to use your body and environment to fuel your storytelling. Whether through movement, walking, dance, collage, or connecting with nature, you’ll discover new methods to express yourself and push the boundaries of traditional storytelling. You’ll work on creating a diverse portfolio—writing poetry, fiction, essays, visual art, and even mixing different art forms—based on your own unique perspective as an individual in a dynamic, ever-changing world.

By the end of the course, you'll not only have a portfolio of creative work, but also a deeper understanding of how storytelling can be a physical, sensory, and holistic experience.

Session: C (Aug. 21-Dec. 5)
Day/time: Friday, 3:35-4:25 p.m.
Location: PVW159
Class #: 74145

Mary Nadarski, Senior Director, Futures Center, The College of Liberal Arts and Sciences
Kayla Johnson, Program Manager, Futures Center, The College of Liberal Arts and Sciences

The purpose of this course is to expose students to the world of healthcare. Students will be provided insights into the activities required over the next few years to prepare for successful candidacy into health professional schools. Students will also explore the human elements of medicine and a variety of fields of healthcare.

Session: C (Aug. 21-Dec. 5)
Day/time: Monday, 11:15-12:05 p.m.
Location: PVW163
Class #: 85979

Jordyn Baker, Community Director, University Housing

This course explores the evolution of music and art festivals, from the legendary Woodstock to the global rise of EDM festivals. Discover how these events have shaped music, culture, and society over time.

You'll examine Woodstock’s role in the 1960s counterculture movement and how it became a symbol of music-driven social change. The course then transitions to the rise of EDM festivals, tracing their journey from underground raves to massive global events like Tomorrowland and EDC.

Beyond the music, you’ll explore the impact of visual arts, technology, and festival communities in shaping the experience. Discussions will also cover the broader cultural, economic, and environmental influences that have shaped festival culture over time.

Through media analysis, discussions, and deep dives into festival history, this course reveals how these events go beyond entertainment to define generations.

Session: C (Aug. 21-Dec. 5)
Day/time: Thursday, 3-3:50 p.m.
Location: PVW159
Class #: 72028

Kevin Litchy, Instructor, English

Ever wondered how people predict what’s coming next? In this class, you’ll dive into the world of futurism and learn how to forecast the future using innovative tools like trend analysis, environmental scanning, impact matrices, and explorations of consciousness structures. You’ll explore how futurists think about what's next, and how to turn your own ideas into reality.  Then you’ll create your own futuristic project based on your personal interests, whether that's business strategy, multimedia, film, or even role-playing. Plus, you’ll get the chance to showcase your work at a live event on campus, where you can present your predictions to the public. Ready to shape the future?

Session: C (Aug. 21-Dec. 5)
Day/time: Wednesday, 2:30-3:20 p.m.
Location: PVW163
Class #: 76903

Terri Hlava and Montreux, Faculty, School of Social Transformation

Have you ever wondered how your dog knows just when you feel stressed, or how watching fish swim can reduce someone's blood pressure? Come investigate these and other fascinating questions and ask the experts who bring animals to our classroom! Learn the benefits of having therapy animals in hospitals, elder-care facilities, and schools, and meet the human (and non-human) practitioners who provide these therapies! Join us on field trips, meet even more animals and the people they partner with, and have fun learning about the important connections we share with other species!

Session: C (Aug. 21-Dec. 5)
Day/time: Tuesday, 10:30-11:20 a.m.
Location: PVW159
Class #: 79502

Staff

Until recently, the experiences of LGBTQ youth have largely been absent in political conversations and pop culture representations. But that has changed dramatically in the past decade. This course will examine the increasing visibility of LGBTQ youth in pop culture from comics and TV to YouTube and events. In addition, we will examine political organizations that center LGBTQ youth in political discussions around issues such as conversion therapy, transgender participation in school sports and the teaching of LGBTQ history. Drawing on the disciplines of rhetoric, political science, cultural studies and queer studies, we will discuss how this increasing visibility of LGBTQ youth has changed our cultural conversations.

Session: C (Aug. 21-Dec. 5)
Day/time: Wednesday, 3:35-4:25 p.m.
Location: TEMPETBA
Class #: 87470

Rachel Porter, Community Director, University Housing

In this course, we will read a mixture of fiction and nonfiction books to learn more about the world around us and develop our personal and professional skills. This seminar will focus on connecting our personal experiences to those we read about, ultimately learning how to better connect with the communities around us.

We will read books that explore how characters and people have navigated happiness and hardship such as friendship, grief, love, isolation, new adventures, etc. We will reflect on how we as individuals excel within our life and what parts of ourselves would benefit from further development. Ultimately, we will use the stories we read as a tool to learn how to develop these skills.

Through supportive discussions, reflective writing, and fun reads, you’ll examine how to better develop yourself personally and professionally. Join us as we utilize the stories of others to positively impact our own.

Session: C (Aug. 21-Dec. 5)
Day/time: Wednesday, 11:15-12:05 p.m.
Location: PVW163
Class #: 76902

Michelle Quispe, Health Educator Sr., Sun Devil Fitness and Wellness

Join us to learn about the 8 dimensions of wellness as it relates to holistic well-being: physical, emotional, intellectual, social, financial, occupational, spiritual, and environmental. We will explore how each dimension intersects with one another to guide students through their well-being journey. Each section will include an overview of resources available to students at ASU.

Session: C (Aug. 21-Dec. 5)
Day/time: Tuesday, 12-12:50 p.m.
Location: PVW163
Class #: 79504

Robert Edward Fuller, Faculty Associate, School of Historical, Philosophical, and Religious Studies

Despite being a sports-crazed nation, Americans are surprisingly unaware of many of the bravest and most successful trailblazing athletes and teams in history. From the forgotten minority ballplayers of baseball's segregation era to the professional women's football players of the 1930s to the terrifying theories of early sports medicine, the field of sports history offers limitless opportunities for students to recover unbelievable stories that have been crowded out by the more familiar narratives of "GOATS" and Hall of Famers. As a research-focused course, the small group of students in this course will work closely with the instructor to identify lost stories which can inspire and inform today's world and bring them to light.

Session: C (Aug. 21-Dec. 5)
Day/time: Monday, 3:35-4:25 p.m.
Location: PVW163
Class #: 79500

Neha Joshi, Assistant Teaching Professor, School of Mathematical and Statistical Sciences

This course is designed to introduce you to the exciting world of Number Theory, a key area of mathematics with real-world applications in fields like Computer Science and Cryptography. Throughout the semester, we’ll explore fascinating concepts like:

• Integer Sequences
• Fibonacci Sequences
• Triangular and Pyramidal Numbers
• Prime Factorization
• Perfect Numbers
• Magic Squares
• Modular Arithmetic

We’ll dive into how numbers work and how they can be used in practical, real-world tech applications. You’ll learn about prime numbers and related sequences that are crucial to encryption and computer security. By the end of the course, you’ll have a strong foundation in Number Theory that will serve you well in your future studies or career in tech.

Session: C (Aug. 21-Dec. 5)
Day/time: Monday, 2:30-3:20 p.m.
Location: PVW163
Class #: 85955

Nicole Gonzalez, Program Manager, ASU Health Initiatives

Learn more on why Peers are Powerful! During the course of this seminar students will become a Certified Peer Educator (CPE). When becoming a CPE, students will gain the skills that will make them a better leader, role model, activist, and team member. Peers are one of the most potent sources of influence on one another! This training will be covering an array of actionable skills including how to help peers make a behavior change, listening skills, response and referral skills, how to take action, intervene, recognizing the role of diversity and inclusivity, programming and presentation skills, self-care, and group dynamics. Once this course is completed students will be eligible to receive a certificate, membership card, and resume attachment by completing the online test.

Session: C (Aug. 21-Dec. 5)
Day/time: Wednesday, 3:35-4:25 p.m.
Location: PVW159
Class #: 74146

Marisol Perez, Associate Vice Provost and Professor, Psychology

This unique course will cover contemporary topics related to body image. We live in an appearance-obsessed society that makes self-acceptance both physically and internally hard to accomplish and maintain. Through a series of discussions and exercises this course will introduce you to the ways that clinical psychologist’s approach and promote body acceptance. We will focus on the scientific basis for body acceptance interventions. All our classes are developed following the Social Change Leadership Training model. While discussing body image, students will be learning valuable leadership skills that help them to become social change agents in their communities to promote well-being and mental health. Upon completion of this course, students may be eligible for a Social Change Leadership Training certificate.

Session: C (Aug. 21-Dec. 5)
Day/time: Thursday, 10:30-11:20 a.m.
Location: PVW159
Class #: 79503

Kjir Hendrickson, Teaching Professor, School of Molecular Sciences

It is a quirk of human nature that pseudoscience (not science, but tries to pretend) and bad science (ostensibly science but with critical flaws) are easier to consume--and often more interesting on the surface--than real scientific findings. This allows pseudoscience to thrive, with quantifiable consequences for health and finances. This seminar will cover core characteristics of pseudoscience through real-world examples (the "Paleo" diet, dietary "detoxes," anti-vaccine rhetoric). Students will learn to find examples of pseudoscience online and in print media and to investigate the claims made therein for accuracy.

Session: C (Aug. 21-Dec. 5)
Day/time: Wednesday, 10:10-11:00 a.m.
Location: PVW159
Class #: 76901

Robert Bischoff, Senior Curatorial/Museum Specialist, School of Human Evolution and Social Change

What if the past could be brought to life through cutting-edge technology? In this seminar, we’ll explore how modern tools such as drones, lidar, machine learning, 3D scanning, and DNA analysis are transforming the way we understand human history. We will investigate how these technologies are not just revealing ancient civilizations but also reshaping our approach to studying human societies across time.

Students will dive into exciting topics such as 3D scanning of archaeological sites and artifacts, the role of drones in mapping and documenting inaccessible locations, and how machine learning is uncovering patterns in ancient data. We’ll also explore the power of genetic analysis in tracing human migration and identity, and the ethical questions surrounding the use of technology in uncovering human history.

This course is designed for students from all disciplines—whether you’re drawn to history, technology, or social science. You will engage in hands-on activities, discussions, and case studies that connect the past with the present and gain a fresh perspective on the tools shaping the future of research. Whether you're passionate about uncovering ancient mysteries or curious about how technology is redefining social science, this seminar will inspire new ways of thinking about the world’s past and present.

Session: C (Aug. 21-Dec. 5)
Day/time: Friday, 3:35-4:25 p.m.
Location: PVW163
Class #: 79499

Anthony Masinton, Digital Curator, SHESC, Center for Digital Antiquity

The buildings around us do more than provide spaces to live, learn, and work—they tell stories. This seminar takes an archaeological approach to architecture, exploring how buildings evolve over time and reflect the people who use them. Through hands-on activities both in the classroom and around ASU’s Tempe campus, you’ll learn the basics of archaeological research, surveying, and architectural history. By the end of the course, you’ll see familiar places in a whole new way, understanding how the past shapes the spaces we move through every day.

Session: C (Aug. 21-Dec. 5)
Day/time: Friday, 2:30-3:20 p.m.
Location: PVW163
Class #: 76916

Kassandra Salas, Program Manager, Student Success Center

Horror films are designed to scare, but for many, they offer much more—an escape from everyday life and a way to process emotions. In this class, we'll explore how horror films go beyond just gore and supernatural thrills to create a unique bond among fans. These films can bring comfort and nostalgia in a way that’s similar to other beloved genres, but with a twist. We’ll dive into how horror films provide catharsis, helping people work through their own mental health struggles and find healing. Join us as we explore the surprising ways horror can be both terrifying and therapeutic.

Session: C (Aug. 21-Dec. 5)
Day/time: Monday, 4:40-5:30 p.m.
Location: PVW159
Class #: 79498

Michelle Di Palma, Instructor, School of Life Sciences

The term "microbiome" has gained significant attention in recent years, becoming a buzzword, largely due to the surge of research, innovation, and marketing centered around it. In this seminar series, we will explain what exactly the microbiome is. We will introduce you to what these tiny but powerful inhabitants that make up the microbiome do within our bodies and the environment. This series will highlight how the microbiome influences health, wellness, and disease, with a focus on its critical role in shaping immune responses, metabolic processes, and therapeutic strategies. Discussions will include not only an introduction to the microbiome itself but also research on microbiome-based therapies for conditions such as cancer, offering insights into the future of personalized medicine. This seminar series is designed for freshmen with a high school-level biology background, offering an accessible introduction to the microbiome and how we might be able to use it to improve patient health and the future of medicine.

Session: C (Aug. 21-Dec. 5)
Day/time: Monday, 3:35-4:25 p.m.
Location: PVW163
Class #: 76914

Joshua T. Horton, Instructor, English

"We are the weirdos, mister." This course invites you to explore the many facets of punk counterculture: style, art, literature, music, film, and, of course, zines. If you are interested in learning about the nebulous origins of punk and examining its numerous forms and countercultures, I invite you to take part in this unique academic experience. 

In this seminar, rather than trying to define punk, we will explore it as a system of strategies for pushing against the mainstream. We will look at how different groups have used punk to bypass the implicit censorship enacted by media within the dominant culture. Starting with the concept of the monster, we can see how punk aesthetics mark a person as living outside of what is mainstream. From there, we get the loud music, rude lyrics, and unpolished zines that punk is known for. These disruptive models of communication allow for an uncensored expression of a variety of emotions while bringing together the freaks and weirdos out of isolation.

Through lively discussions and fun readings, you will have the opportunity to see how the music and subculture you love work within the broader context of the public and learn about movements like Queercore, Riot Grrrl, Afropunk, Chicanx Punk, and more. During this course, you will curate a playlist, analyze punk media, and create your own zine. Come be a part of something you won't find anywhere else.

Session: C (Aug. 21-Dec. 5)
Day/time: Tuesday, 3-3:50 p.m.
Location: PVW159
Class #: 72027

Olena Tanchyk, Assistant Instructional Professional, Global Launch

This course invites you to explore resilience as a cornerstone of global peacebuilding, using Ukrainian culture, society, and people as a compelling case study. Through an introduction to Ukraine's rich history, vibrant culture, and contemporary challenges, we will examine how resilience manifests in personal, societal, and international contexts. The course will engage with diverse artistic, linguistic, and cultural expressions, including traditional folk arts, festivals, modern literature, and music. By analyzing global peacebuilding strategies and comparing them to Ukraine's experiences, you will gain an understanding of resilience in action. Throughout the semester, participants will apply these lessons to their own lives and communities, culminating in a collaborative mini-conference with Ukrainian peers that bridges theoretical knowledge with practical application. The course promises not only to deepen understanding of resilience and peacebuilding but also to foster cross-cultural connections in an increasingly interconnected world.

Session: C (Aug. 21-Dec. 5)
Day/time: Wednesday, 4:40-5:30 p.m.
Location: PVW159
Class #: 67960

Sergey Nikitin, Associate Professor, School of Mathematical and Statistical Sciences

Curious about the tech shaping our world? This seminar dives into the big ideas behind AI, self-learning systems, and automation—connecting deep mathematical concepts to real-world breakthroughs.

What You’ll Explore:

• The Math Behind Smart Tech – How systems learn, adapt, and optimize in everything from AI to game theory.
• Building Intelligent Systems – A look at the software and tools that power self-learning machines.
• Tech That’s Changing Industries – See real-world examples of how these concepts impact fields like robotics, finance, and more.
• Deep Questions & Big Ideas – Explore the connections between AI, physics, and the universe, from optimization challenges to the math behind system evolution.

If you’re into tech, problem-solving, or just love exploring how things work, this seminar will challenge your thinking and expand your perspective. Don’t miss out!

Session: C (Aug. 21-Dec. 5)
Day/time: Monday, 10:10-11:00 a.m.
Location: PVW159
Class #: 85988

Charles Ripley, Instructor, School of Politics and Global Studies

With the Russian invasion of Ukraine, climate change, and African coups, national security is more important than ever before. Conventional and unconventional crises are rocking the world. But have you ever asked yourself, how can we solve such problems? This seminar not only introduces you to international challenges. It also teaches you how to address these changes. Drawing upon both academic and policy analysis, this course will help prepare you to be future world leaders.

Session: C (Aug. 21-Dec. 5)
Day/time: Friday, 10:10-11:00 a.m.
Location: PVW159
Class #: 85987

Judy Kertesz, Associate Teaching Professor, American Indian Studies 

Did you know ASU is on the ancestral lands of the Akimel O’odham, Tohono O'odham, and Pee Posh peoples? These Indigenous Nations have lived here for centuries, shaping the history, culture, and identity of this area. Learn about the deep heritage of Arizona’s Indigenous communities and their lasting connection to the land that ASU calls home.

In this interactive seminar, you’ll explore the importance of place, dive into Indigenous histories and cultures, and discuss how these communities have shaped Arizona and ASU’s identity. Through storytelling, activities, and group discussions, you’ll gain a deeper understanding of Arizona’s past and the ongoing influence of its Indigenous peoples. Join us as we explore the resilience, history, and legacy of Arizona’s first communities.

Session: A (Aug. 21-Oct. 10)
Day/time: Wednesday, 2-3:50 p.m.
Location: PSH433
Class #: 86018

Timothy Cunningham, Community Director, University Housing

Whether you have a passion for Musical Theatre, have a story you want to tell, or if you're just a big fan of Cynthia Erivo and Ariana Grande, join us to learn how WONDERFUL music can be as a medium for storytelling. This seminar will explore how the soundtrack of one of the most POPULAR movies of 2024 uses music and song as a narrative device--no prior knowledge of Wicked or Musical Theatre in general required!

Through engaging discussions, listening exercises, and writing prompts, you will discover how to analyze and describe music's role in developing a narrative. Each week, we will spend ONE SHORT DAY focusing on a different song from the Wicked Soundtrack and identifying how different musical devices relate to the overarching story, as well as learning how to use music to tell our own stories. This course will culminate in a project, where you will get to create the soundtrack for your very own musical, using pre-existing songs!

It's time to trust your instincts, close your eyes, and leap into this seminar!

Session: C (Aug. 21-Dec. 5)
Day/time: Monday, 2:30-3:20 p.m.
Location: PVW159
Class #: 85954