USPP Summer Bridge Program Courses by Degree

X-indicates that this course is part of your program.

Course Descriptions

Exploring America (Non Credit)
Exploring America is designed to expose you to various facets of life in Vermont and New England. You will learn about the political, economic and social cultures of this unique state and region. The course should provide you with a sense of place and orient you to the environment in which you will be living. Class sessions will be a combination of lecture, discussions, invited speakers and off site visits to points of interest in the region.

English for International Students (3 Credits)
English for International Students will provide a review of English grammar, practice in expository writing, vocabulary building, and improvement of speaking and listening skills.

Chemistry Lab (1 credit)
The Chemistry Lab will be a hands on laboratory experience where you will have the opportunity to complete experiments building upon the concepts you learned in your Chemistry course in China.

Principles of Macroeconomics (3 credits)
Principles of Macroeconomics will provide an introduction to economic concepts, institutions, and analysis, particularly as related to the economy as a whole.

Physics for Engineers
Physics for Engineers helps you develop analytical skills within the context of introductory physics. The goal of the course is for you to better understand the fundamental principles that govern the macroscopic world, formulate these principles in clear mathematical terms and be able to use these mathematical expressions to predict behavior of simple systems. The course covers the basic elements of classical mechanics including kinematics in one & two dimensions, Newton's laws, work, energy, power, Conservation laws, rotational kinematics and dynamics and oscillations and waves.

Accompanying this will be a course to prepare students for problem-solving and test-taking that will occur in Physics for Engineers.

Business Topics for International Students
Business Topics for International Students introduces you to the world of business studies in the United States by studying (1) how to be an effective student in an American classroom, (2) how to effectively communicate in a business setting, and (3) how cultural differences shape a global business leader. The goal of the course is to help prepare international students to study business in the United States and prepare them to be future business leaders in a global setting.

Doing Anthropology (3 credits)
Discover the world of anthropology first-hand. Explore how anthropologists examine and explain the human realm. How is accurate information obtained, accessed, and assessed? Emphasis is placed on original research and reporting including written reports, brochures, posters, photo essays, and other mediums of communication. Projects expose students to the four sub-fields anthropology: archaeology, biological anthropology, cultural anthropology, and linguistics. The long class meeting time enables in-class and field exercises. Individual and critical thinking are highly encouraged.

Exploring Higher Education in the U.S. (3 credits)
This course will explore various topics related to higher education in the United States, including: the history, founding values, and systemic development of American higher education; organizational structures (including disciplinary and department structures); faculty life; academic freedom; and university culture. The priorities and tensions in American higher education are included in the discussion.

Medical Laboratory and Radiation Sciences (2 credits)
This course will discuss the terminology related to medical and health sciences.

History of Rock and Roll (3 credits)
Examines rock music as a succession of related musical styles and as a social movement reflecting and influencing the changing American political and social landscape.