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Class Spotlight

Excellent academics are the foundation of a Lewis & Clark education. Our professors are experts in their fields who love to teach, and who love to work with and learn from their students.

Your professors will teach you much more than facts and theory. They will inspire you to live your life as a thoughtful and passionate participant in an ever-changing world. Your small classes will create community, and give you the chance try new ideas and find your voice. The exchange of ideas continues outside of the classroom, with plenty of opportunities for experiential learning.

You will take approximately 32 courses during your time here, meaning you will have the chance to explore beyond your chosen major or minor.

  • Adam Schwarz 2025 Alumni Photo

    A liberal arts education allows you to explore a variety of topics. I have been able to try new things and see how all of my courses are connected with each other.

    Adam Schwarz BA ’23
    Computer Science and Mathematics | Data Science | Daly City, California
    More about Adam
  • Peter Smith BA '24

    The liberal arts allow students to make connections across disciplines and also within themselves. 

    Peter Smith BA ’24
    History | Pullman, Washington
    More about Peter
  • Drew smiling at the camera, wearing a short sleeve checkered shirt.

    I think of studying the liberal arts as a way to explore connections between different subjects and gain an understanding of how to approach problems from multiple directions using several different perspectives.

    Drew Blauth BA ’23
    Chemistry and Mathematics (double) | Redlands, California
    More about Drew

Class Spotlight Stories

class spotlight, experiential education, experiential learning, feature story, film, history, Inside-Out, PBS, Portland, top story, undergrad
Reiko Hillyer, professor of history, teaches her popular Crime and Punishment course at the Columbia River Correctional Institution in No...

PBS Shines National Spotlight on ‘Classroom 4’

PBS is streaming Classroom 4, which captures the transformative Inside-Out course taught by Professor Reiko Hillyer, where students break down the walls imposed by incarceration to study, connect, and change each other.

academics, ArtsLC, class spotlight, experiential education, experiential learning, fine arts, theatre, top story, undergrad
Students in Theatre 249 are able to get a peek behind the curtain on tours led by OSF staff.

From Page to Stage

A unique summer theatre course blends in-depth reading and discussion with the excitement of live theatre, culminating in a weeklong trip to the Oregon Shakespeare Festival in Ashland.

class spotlight, Data Science, experiential education, experiential learning, Portland, top story, undergrad
A student typing on a laptop.

OPB Features L&C Data Science Course

Visiting Assistant Professor Devin Fitzpatrick designed his new course, Data for Good, to challenge students to get their hands dirty—both in messy datasets and in the soil—through a partnership with the Portland-based nonprofit Growing Gardens.

academics, class spotlight, faculty honors, faculty, film, history, Inside-Out, top story, undergrad
Poster for 'Classroom 4' documentary with photo of Reiko Hillyer's Inside-Out Prison Exchange class, with students placing...

Inside-Out Film Wins Best Documentary at 2025 Aspen Shortsfest

CLASSROOM 4, a documentary about Reiko Hillyer’s Inside-Out Prison Exchange class, wins the Jury Award at Aspen Shortsfest.
Center for Community and Global Health, class spotlight, experiential education, experiential learning, FOSA, psychology, top story, undergrad
Jolina Ruckert, who teaches Psychology of Gender, talks with Story Gorge workshop leaders Kyle Glenn (left) and Sean O'Connor.

Psychology Meets Digital Storytelling

Students in an upper-division psychology course are partnering with local video production company Story Gorge to use the art of digital storytelling to explore the experience of gender.

academics, Center for Community and Global Health, class spotlight, environment, environmental studies, ENVX, top story, undergrad
Gwyn Murphy-Cunningham BA '26, a member of the Students Engaged in Eco-Defense Club (SEED), responds to facilitator questions.

Where Environment Meets Community

In this spring’s Environmental Engagement course, students connect classroom learning with real-world conversations, partnering with local nonprofits to address polarizing issues and build mutual trust.

See more class spotlight stories →

  • <div class="statistics_slide swiper-slide"> <div class="statistics_box" style="text-align:left;"> <div class="statistics_box_inner"> <h4 class="statistics_headline" style="font-size: 3rem;"> Favorite Class </h4> <h6 class="statistics_summary" style="font-size: 2rem;"> <strong>Ancient Cities with Assistant Professor of History Joel Sweek</strong> </h6> <!-- quote --> <div class="statistics_summary"> <p> <span style="font-weight: 400;">The class was demanding, but Professor Sweek is a true expert in his field. The class had the kind of academic rigor and seriousness that I’d hoped to find in college. Professor Sweek’s lectures were brilliantly engaging and pushed me to think like a historian. The class left me in awe of the ancient world and inspired me to fully commit to pursuing a history major at L&C.</span> </p> </div> <div class="profile-box_name" href="/live/profiles/14674-mateo-kaiser"> <a href="/live/profiles/14674-mateo-kaiser">Mateo Kaiser BA ’23</a> </div> <!-- class year --> <div class="profile-box_field"> Major: History and international affairs (double) </div> <div class="profile-box_field"> Minor: Political economy </div> </div> </div> </div>
  • <div class="statistics_slide swiper-slide"> <div class="statistics_box" style="text-align:left;"> <div class="statistics_box_inner"> <h4 class="statistics_headline" style="font-size: 3rem;"> Favorite Class </h4> <h6 class="statistics_summary" style="font-size: 2rem;"> <strong>Marketing Seminar with guest lecturers Amanda Hill and Gary Korotzer through the Bates Center for Entrepreneurship and Leadership</strong> </h6> <!-- quote --> <div class="statistics_summary"> <p> <span style="font-weight: 400;">I thought marketing was unethical since I had a very narrow understanding of it. Throughout the course, I got acquainted with ethical marketing practices and it broadened my perspective. Currently, I am applying for marketing internships and want to find a way to connect it to my future career.</span> </p> </div> <div class="profile-box_name" href="/live/profiles/14675-katrina-kuzmina"> <a href="/live/profiles/14675-katrina-kuzmina">Katrina Kuzmina BA ’23</a> </div> <!-- class year --> <div class="profile-box_field"> Major: Rhetoric and media studies </div> <div class="profile-box_field"> Minor: Entrepreneurial leadership and innovation, dance </div> </div> </div> </div>
  • <div class="statistics_slide swiper-slide"> <div class="statistics_box" style="text-align:left;"> <div class="statistics_box_inner"> <h4 class="statistics_headline" style="font-size: 3rem;"> Favorite Class </h4> <h6 class="statistics_summary" style="font-size: 2rem;"> <strong>Songwriting with Rebecca Smith</strong> </h6> <!-- quote --> <div class="statistics_summary"> <p> Unlike my classical music studies, this class offers complete freedom in what I choose to explore. I receive guidance from a professional musician, who supports me in realizing my unique vision and provides training for the real world of contemporary music.</p> </div> <div class="profile-box_name" href="/live/profiles/18361-marta-ruzi"> <a href="/live/profiles/18361-marta-ruzi">Marta Ružić BA ’25</a> </div> <!-- class year --> <div class="profile-box_field"> Major: Music </div> </div> </div> </div>
  • <div class="statistics_slide swiper-slide"> <div class="statistics_box" style="text-align:left;"> <div class="statistics_box_inner"> <h4 class="statistics_headline" style="font-size: 3rem;"> Favorite Class </h4> <h6 class="statistics_summary" style="font-size: 2rem;"> <strong>Introduction to International Affairs with Professor Kyle Lascurettes</strong> </h6> <!-- quote --> <div class="statistics_summary"> <p> This class not only introduced me to global studies, but carved out the career path I am on today. As our world becomes more interconnected, I think any student would benefit from understanding the global system and America’s role within it.</p> </div> <div class="profile-box_name" href="/live/profiles/23385-isabel-zangoglia"> <a href="/live/profiles/23385-isabel-zangoglia">Isabel Zangoglia BA ’22</a> </div> <!-- class year --> <div class="profile-box_field"> Major: International Affairs and World Languages/Japanese and Spanish (double) </div> </div> </div> </div>
  • <div class="statistics_slide swiper-slide"> <div class="statistics_box" style="text-align:left;"> <div class="statistics_box_inner"> <h4 class="statistics_headline" style="font-size: 3rem;"> Favorite Class </h4> <h6 class="statistics_summary" style="font-size: 2rem;"> <strong>History of Western Music with Professor Beck</strong> </h6> <!-- quote --> <div class="statistics_summary"> <p> What’s really great about being a music major is that all my classes work together. Throughout the semester we have been discussing early music and it’s so cool because I get to learn about it in his class and then actually sing it in another!</p> </div> <div class="profile-box_name" href="/live/profiles/9094-elsa-dougherty"> <a href="/live/profiles/9094-elsa-dougherty">Elsa Dougherty BA ’20</a> </div> <!-- class year --> <div class="profile-box_field"> Major: Music </div> </div> </div> </div>
  • <div class="statistics_slide swiper-slide"> <div class="statistics_box" style="text-align:left;"> <div class="statistics_box_inner"> <h4 class="statistics_headline" style="font-size: 3rem;"> Favorite Class </h4> <h6 class="statistics_summary" style="font-size: 2rem;"> <strong>Contact Improvisation</strong> </h6> <!-- quote --> <div class="statistics_summary"> <p> I’ve never been much of a dancer but this took dancing to a new level while learning how to become grounded within one’s body. </p> </div> <div class="profile-box_name" href="/live/profiles/21527-taj-jamaal-muhammad"> <a href="/live/profiles/21527-taj-jamaal-muhammad">Taj-Jamaal “TJ” Muhammad BA ’26</a> </div> <!-- class year --> <div class="profile-box_field"> Major: Rhetoric and Media Studies </div> <div class="profile-box_field"> Minor: English, Theatre </div> </div> </div> </div>
  • <div class="statistics_slide swiper-slide"> <div class="statistics_box" style="text-align:left;"> <div class="statistics_box_inner"> <h4 class="statistics_headline" style="font-size: 3rem;"> Favorite Class </h4> <h6 class="statistics_summary" style="font-size: 2rem;"> <strong>Soviet Science Fiction with Assistant Professor of Russian Maria Hristova</strong> </h6> <!-- quote --> <div class="statistics_summary"> <p> It was taught in English so anyone can take it. We learned about, and got to watch, soviet science-fiction movies. I really enjoy learning about the Soviet Union, so this class was awesome!</p> </div> <div class="profile-box_name" href="/live/profiles/14826-marcella-chavez"> <a href="/live/profiles/14826-marcella-chavez">Marcella Chavez BA ’21</a> </div> <!-- class year --> <div class="profile-box_field"> Major: World Languages (Spanish and Russian) </div> </div> </div> </div>
  • <div class="statistics_slide swiper-slide"> <div class="statistics_box" style="text-align:left;"> <div class="statistics_box_inner"> <h4 class="statistics_headline" style="font-size: 3rem;"> Favorite Class </h4> <h6 class="statistics_summary" style="font-size: 2rem;"> <strong>Chinese 101 with Professor Dede</strong> </h6> <!-- quote --> <div class="statistics_summary"> <p> It’s not close to my major at all but this is how a liberal arts school expands your interests that you did not even know you had. This class created a space for all of us to comfortably learn and speak the language without the anxiety of others’ judgment and fostering a safe learning space.</p> </div> <div class="profile-box_name" href="/live/profiles/22484-may-rah"> <a href="/live/profiles/22484-may-rah">May Rah BA ’28</a> </div> <!-- class year --> <div class="profile-box_field"> Major: Biology </div> </div> </div> </div>
  • <div class="statistics_slide swiper-slide"> <div class="statistics_box" style="text-align:left;"> <div class="statistics_box_inner"> <h4 class="statistics_headline" style="font-size: 3rem;"> Favorite Class </h4> <h6 class="statistics_summary" style="font-size: 2rem;"> <strong>The Art of Solidarity by Magalí Rabasa</strong> </h6> <!-- quote --> <div class="statistics_summary"> <p> This class opened up my mind to many more perspectives and ideas. At first, I was a little nervous because any mention of art is daunting due to my very amateur, stick figure artistic capabilities. However, the practice of standing in solidarity with different groups of people and using art as an expression of unity is what this class was really about! Social movements, progression, and unity is what I hope for in this world, and I had a little taste of that in this class.</p> </div> <div class="profile-box_name" href="/live/profiles/9453-carolina-ruiz"> <a href="/live/profiles/9453-carolina-ruiz">Carolina Ruíz BA ’22</a> </div> <!-- class year --> <div class="profile-box_field"> Major: Hispanic Studies </div> </div> </div> </div>
  • <div class="statistics_slide swiper-slide"> <div class="statistics_box" style="text-align:left;"> <div class="statistics_box_inner"> <h4 class="statistics_headline" style="font-size: 3rem;"> Favorite Class </h4> <h6 class="statistics_summary" style="font-size: 2rem;"> <strong>Poetry 1 with Jerry Harp</strong> </h6> <!-- quote --> <div class="statistics_summary"> <p> This class was through the Inside-Out Prison Exchange Program and taught inside the Columbia River Correctional Institution. Half of the class were outside students, who commuted from the L&C campus, and the other half were inside students, who were incarcerated at the prison. I met some of the most creative people I’ve ever had the pleasure of being in a room with through the Inside-Out program. It was incredible to be part of a group dedicated to creating art in an environment built to be soulless.</p> </div> <div class="profile-box_name" href="/live/profiles/23366-lola-ecker"> <a href="/live/profiles/23366-lola-ecker">Lola Ecker BA ’25</a> </div> <!-- class year --> <div class="profile-box_field"> Major: English, Philosophy (double) </div> </div> </div> </div>
  • <div class="statistics_slide swiper-slide"> <div class="statistics_box" style="text-align:left;"> <div class="statistics_box_inner"> <h4 class="statistics_headline" style="font-size: 3rem;"> Favorite Class </h4> <h6 class="statistics_summary" style="font-size: 2rem;"> <strong>Feminist Theory with Associate Professor Kim Brodkin or Decolonizing Anthropology with Associate Professor Oren Kosansky</strong> </h6> <!-- quote --> <div class="statistics_summary"> <p> Feminist Theory was amazing because it is the gender studies minor capstone course, so we were able to have really exciting and thought-provoking discussions. Decolonizing Anthropology’s teachings have stuck with me and have often made me take a step back to view things from a decolonial lens.</p> </div> <div class="profile-box_name" href="/live/profiles/17697-eli-bricknell"> <a href="/live/profiles/17697-eli-bricknell">Eli Bricknell ’24</a> </div> <!-- class year --> <div class="profile-box_field"> Major: Sociology and Anthropology </div> <div class="profile-box_field"> Minor: Gender Studies </div> </div> </div> </div>
  • <div class="statistics_slide swiper-slide"> <div class="statistics_box" style="text-align:left;"> <div class="statistics_box_inner"> <h4 class="statistics_headline" style="font-size: 3rem;"> Favorite Class </h4> <h6 class="statistics_summary" style="font-size: 2rem;"> <strong>Research Theory and Design with Associate Professor Oren Kosansky</strong> </h6> <!-- quote --> <div class="statistics_summary"> <p> This class made me push myself to think outside the box, outside of my personal interests. It showed me how much stuff I can do with my major and pursue my dreams.</p> </div> <div class="profile-box_name" href="/live/profiles/23783-jessica-gabriela-gaby-garcia-bocaletti"> <a href="/live/profiles/23783-jessica-gabriela-gaby-garcia-bocaletti">Jessica Gabriela “Gaby” Garcia Bocaletti BA ’27</a> </div> <!-- class year --> <div class="profile-box_field"> Major: Sociology and Anthropology </div> <div class="profile-box_field"> Minor: Latin American and Latino Studies and Ethnic Studies (double) </div> </div> </div> </div>
  • <div class="statistics_slide swiper-slide"> <div class="statistics_box" style="text-align:left;"> <div class="statistics_box_inner"> <h4 class="statistics_headline" style="font-size: 3rem;"> Favorite Class </h4> <h6 class="statistics_summary" style="font-size: 2rem;"> <strong>Organic Chemistry</strong> </h6> <!-- quote --> <div class="statistics_summary"> <p> My favorite class at the moment would be Organic Chemistry, taught by Louis Kuo. Being in this class for two semesters, I have always appreciated the level of effort the professor and relevant faculty members have put in to ensure every kind of student is well-supported and encouraged.</p> </div> <div class="profile-box_name" href="/live/profiles/22810-alister-ng"> <a href="/live/profiles/22810-alister-ng">Alister “Jia” Ng BA ’27</a> </div> <!-- class year --> <div class="profile-box_field"> Major: Biochemistry and Molecular Biology </div> </div> </div> </div>
  • <div class="statistics_slide swiper-slide"> <div class="statistics_box" style="text-align:left;"> <div class="statistics_box_inner"> <h4 class="statistics_headline" style="font-size: 3rem;"> Favorite Class </h4> <h6 class="statistics_summary" style="font-size: 2rem;"> <strong>Technology, Institutions, and Economic Growth with Associate Professor Clifford Bekar</strong> </h6> <!-- quote --> <div class="statistics_summary"> <p> He’s an engaging lecturer, and the class covers fascinating topics of the last 10,000 years of history in a theoretical way that uses more abstract thought than other math or econ courses.</p> </div> <div class="profile-box_name" href="/live/profiles/17799-claire-baco"> <a href="/live/profiles/17799-claire-baco">Claire Baco BA ’25</a> </div> <!-- class year --> <div class="profile-box_field"> Major: Economics </div> <div class="profile-box_field"> Minor: Middle East and North African Studies and Data Science (double) </div> </div> </div> </div>
  • <div class="statistics_slide swiper-slide"> <div class="statistics_box" style="text-align:left;"> <div class="statistics_box_inner"> <h4 class="statistics_headline" style="font-size: 3rem;"> Favorite Class </h4> <h6 class="statistics_summary" style="font-size: 2rem;"> <strong>The Global South</strong> </h6> <!-- quote --> <div class="statistics_summary"> <p> As someone from the Middle East, my academic studies and knowledge were predominantly centered on the Middle East and North Africa. This class provided me with an opportunity to examine the broader region of the Global South, which includes a diverse group of countries and cultures.</p> </div> <div class="profile-box_name" href="/live/profiles/17730-hashim-salman"> <a href="/live/profiles/17730-hashim-salman">Hashim Salman BA ’25</a> </div> <!-- class year --> <div class="profile-box_field"> Major: International Affairs and Economics (double) </div> </div> </div> </div>
Bruce posing outside, wearing a dark suit and a blue tie.

Office of the Dean of the College is located in room 201 of Albany on the Undergraduate Campus.
MSC: 47

email 

voice 503-768-7100 

Dean Bruce Suttmeier

  • Office of the Dean of the College
    Lewis & Clark
    615 S. Palatine Hill Road 
    Portland OR 97219