The week after spring semester is often the time when students return home for the summer. For some, however, it is the beginning of three more weeks of class during the May interim.

Interim classes usually meet Monday through Friday for approximately three hours a day. The classes are often creative or experimental and are offered by nearly all of the schools.

The University describes interim classes as “an excellent opportunity for students to learn through research, independent study, experiential learning or travel.”

Brandon Dixon, a professor of computer science, taught a course in mobile applications development and used the interim as a trial period for the class.

“The students got a lot out of it. They were very productive,” Dixon said. “The structure of interim classes helps students be more focused on their work because they are essentially immersed in the topic.”

Brian Elmore, a senior majoring in secondary education, took his first interim course this year. He took History of Games, a special topic course in history which examined the nature of various games, from ancient games to modern computer and video games. Elmore said he was intrigued by the name of the course and decided to take it.

Classes during the interim period tend to be designed specifically for the interim, but classes offered during the normal fall and spring semesters are also offered in a condensed form. Interim classes can also be independent research or projects designed by students.

Michael Bruce, a professor of telecommunication and film, taught a special topic course in sports information that was created and designed for the interim.

“It’s a good way to teach some topics,” Bruce said. “They become very involved because the content is constantly in front of them for three weeks straight.”

(See also “Winter Interim a chance to engage in new topics“)