University Seminars

Female professor talking to students in a small room while seated around a table

For more than three decades, the University Seminar (USEM) program has provided an opportunity for undergraduate students to take unique seminar style courses in a variety of topics taught by faculty from any of the University’s twelve schools. University Seminar faculty engage students in discussion, hands-on experiential learning, research, and critical self-reflection that helps students shape the direction of their studies at UVA.

It is expected that these courses will help students develop critical thinking skills and explore new ideas in an environment that encourages interactive learning and intensive discussion. Enrollment in a University Seminar should provide undergraduate students the opportunity to work closely with instructors and to develop an intellectual community with other students around a shared area of interest.

USEM courses are offered during both the fall and spring semesters, are capped at 18 students, and are offered on an open enrollment basis to students interested in the topic of the course. There are two models for the USEM program: one offers two-credit courses (USEMs 1570 and 1580) and the other offers one-credit courses (USEM 2570 and 2580).

In the past, USEMs were limited to first- and second-year students. New for the 2026-2027 academic year, these courses will be open to all undergraduate students.

Spring 2026 Courses

Please refer to the USEM course listing within SIS for course meeting times.

Death, Dying and Bereavement - 2 credits (USEM1570-001)

Richard Steeves | Tuesday 3-4:50pm | Rotunda Rm. 150

This course is an exploration of thinking about dying, death and bereavement. Although western culture and American culture in particular has a reputation for being death denying, we do in fact confront images of and talk about death on almost a daily basis. This course will not be a study about death and dying in the news and popular media, rather it will about those who have thought about our mortality seriously and extensively.

Child Protection: Policy, Practice, and Impact - 2 credits (USEM1570-002)

R. Schmidt | Wednesday 2-3:50pm | Pavilion 8 Rm. 108

Child protection in the US is complex and controversial. From prevention to foster care to termination of parental rights and adoption, each phase poses significant ethical questions around the definition of family, the power of government, and the concept of safety. This course will explore these questions, facilitated by local experts in law, policy, healthcare, and other areas and will challenge you to make a positive difference.

Designing a Carbon Neutral Future - 2 credits (USEM1570-003)

E. Heil | Tuesday / Thursday 2-2:50pm | Rotunda Rm. 150

In Designing a Carbon Neutral Future, students will learn about the concept, mechanisms, and pathways to decarbonize our society. Over the semester, students will work in multidisciplinary teams with a local community partner to develop a real-world decarbonization plan. Weekly guest speakers with subject matter expertise will be invited to provide insight and act as a resource for student groups.

Educating Girls and Women - 2 credits (USEM1570-004)

E. Wilson | Wednesday 2-3:50pm | Shannon Library Rm. 109

This class applies a theoretical and grounded approach to examine the role of gender in elementary and secondary classrooms. The course will analyze assumptions and attitudes informing the development of women's roles in education and apply this knowledge to current educational issues. The class meets weekly and will include visits to two local schools, the Village School, a girls' middle school, and the Field School, a boys' middle school.

Falling from Infinity - 2 credits (USEM1570-005)

M. Palmer | Thursday 2-3:50pm | Bryan Hall Rm. 332

This thing we call infinity fills our dreams and sparks our imaginations, yet it lies just beyond our reach, lurking in the shadows, evading our questions. Our curiosity compels us to ask: what is infinity? In this course, we will explore the infinite and the infinitesimal by looking through the eyes of poets, mathematicians, artists, writers, philosophers, and other great thinkers.

All Bots Created Equal: Building an AI Jefferson - 2 credits (USEM1570-006)

J. Nabi | Tuesday 2-3:50pm | Pavilion 8 Rm. 108

In this seminar, you’ll engage with the multidisciplinary team behind an ambitious ed-tech project: building an AI-powered virtual-reality avatar of Thomas Jefferson. As you collaborate with developers, designers, and content experts, you will explore the mechanics of generative AI and immersive media, while tackling deeper questions about ethical design, Jefferson’s complex legacy, and the challenges of representing the past in the digital age.

Digital Freedom - 1 credit (USEM2570-001)

C. Scholz | Monday 3-3:50pm | Shannon Library Rm. 108

Digital freedom refers to the ability to maintain individuality, autonomy, and safety in relation to technology. Students will examine the attention economy, social media addiction, dark patterns, algorithmic decision systems, consent and privacy, mental health, surveillance, platform governance, misinformation, and the social impacts of artificial intelligence. Each student will develop a “tech manifesto” as their final project.

nax3yq@virginia.edu

University Seminars Information for Faculty

University Seminars Information for Students

Meaghan Green