For the Spring 2026 semester, Middlesex Community College will offer a trio of new liberal arts classes, including Digital Worlds, Digital Lives: Honors Seminar; Cinematography and Lighting; and Introduction to Asian American Studies. While completing elective courses, students can explore their interests and dive deeper into exciting topics while gaining hands-on experience.
“Classes in the liberal arts are where students can study some of the most exciting, important advances in understanding the rich complexity of human experience, creative expression, and innovative thinking,” said Matt Hurwitz, MCC’s Dean of Liberal Arts. “At Middlesex, students are also learning career ready power skills in these classes that will help them achieve their career and life goals.”
The honors seminar Digital Worlds, Digital Lives explores how digital technologies are reshaping the world. Focusing on the influence of big tech companies and the role of data in everyday life, the course allows students to explore difficult questions and possibilities.
Taught by MCC Professor Binnur Ercem, the course includes real-world case studies and deep discussions. Students will also present a capstone project at the annual research conference in the spring.
“Students will practice applying critical thinking to current issues, participate in civic engagement conversations, and present their own research,” Ercem said. “This course gives students the skills to analyze digital society, spot injustices, and think about solutions that promote equity and justice. It’s not just about technology – it’s about becoming a thoughtful, responsible voice in shaping the digital age.”
In Cinematography and Lighting, students will work on weekly lighting studies and scene analysis. Hands-on lighting labs will allow them to practice using professional equipment. For a final project, each student will light and film a two-to-three-minute narrative scene.
The course is taught by Georgia Pantazopoulous, an experienced cinematographer and camera technician. The focus of the class is on teaching collaboration, problem-solving, and creative experimentation.
“I’m excited to share what I’ve learned with students, everything from how lighting shapes a scene emotionally to how professionals collaborate under pressure,” Pantazopoulous said. “This is a hands-on course where students get to work with real equipment every week, building lighting setups, experimenting, collaborating, and learning how to turn creative ideas into cinematic reality.”
Introduction to Asian American Studies provides an overview of both the past and present of the Asian American experience. Assignments include reflection papers on topics such as identity, community and the effects of war and an analysis of an Asian American film.
Students will also conduct an interview with an individual who identifies as Asian American within the Greater Lowell community. Professor Christine Su hopes to cover stories that are not taught in traditional history classes.
“I am teaching the class I wish I had the opportunity to take when I was an undergraduate student,” Su said. “Representation for Asian Americans in higher education is important, especially since many MCC students are not only Asian American, but also first-generation students who need to see themselves strongly and positively reflected both by faculty and staff and in their coursework.”