ESP Biography

As the United States approaches its 250th anniversary, this course invites students to explore what it truly means to be American—through the lens of visual storytelling. Using artwork, paintings, and photography, we’ll take a fast-paced journey through key turning points in U.S. history—from 1776 to 2025/26—and examine how images have shaped, reflected, and challenged the American spirit. No prior experience in art or deep historical knowledge is required, though a basic understanding of U.S. history will be helpful as we move quickly across 250 years of ideas, conflicts, and culture.

As the United States approaches its 250th anniversary, this course invites students to explore what it truly means to be American—through the lens of visual storytelling. Using artwork, paintings, and photography, we’ll take a fast-paced journey through key turning points in U.S. history—from 1776 to 2025/26—and examine how images have shaped, reflected, and challenged the American spirit. No prior experience in art or deep historical knowledge is required, though a basic understanding of U.S. history will be helpful as we move quickly across 250 years of ideas, conflicts, and culture.

From the dinosaurs in Jurassic Park to the magic of Avengers: Endgame, visual effects are what make Hollywood blockbusters come to life. This hands-on course gives students a behind-the-scenes look at how movie magic is made—with no prior experience needed. We’ll explore the fundamentals of computer graphics, 3D modeling, and digital effects using free tools like Blender. Along the way, we’ll break down iconic scenes, learn how VFX artists build worlds, and even create our own short animations or digital props. If you’ve ever wondered how they did that, this is the place to find out.