Come ready to stand in the spotlight (not literally, though). This class is an opportunity for writers to present their work and receive useful feedback. We will discuss the fundamentals of the medium and what it takes to write and perform a great poem.

Maybe you missed all the references and in-jokes when you were younger, but there's nothing stopping you now! Come ready to discuss the genre's appeal to older audiences and the various methods used to create that appeal.

By the end of this course, students should ideally leave inspired to continue writing their own short story.


Prerequisites
A penchant for literature!

Exploration of the themes in Disney from 1930s to present.

From Lord of the Rings, to The Matrix, to Inception, Hollywood movies are jam-packed with special effects that you may not even be aware of as you watch! Come to "Behind the Scenes" to learn about some exciting new advances in technology that keep blockbuster films on the cutting edge, from the computer programming that went into making those hordes of angry Orcs, to the amazing rotating box that allowed Joseph Gordon Levitt to defy gravity in the hotel room scene from Inception. Prior knowledge of films not necessary - we will be showing plenty of clips to illustrate our lesson.

Exploring musical themes from College Dropout to Yeezus. Mainly focusing on the musical aspect, although it is impossible to ignore lyrics and pop culture presence. Looking specifically at diversity of styles--soul-sampling, 808s, baroque pop, opera, industrial rock, layered synths, minimalism.

Instead of conventionally sipping coffee, students will learn to paint with it and create beautiful pieces. Who knew that coffee could also belong on your paintbrush? Still not sure about how this works? Join the class and find out more!


Prerequisites
Students should bring an extra T shirt or an apron just as a precaution to prevent their clothes from getting dirty with coffee or ink.

Have you ever wondered how to compose best-selling singles for artists like Beyonce, Coldplay, or Ariana Grande? Do you have an original take on an already existing chart, but you don't have the tools to express it to the world? If you said yes to either of these questions, then this class is for you. We'll be delving into the minds of arrangers and composers by reviewing the basic principles of music theory, strategies for arranging and songwriting, and applications in modern pop music.


Prerequisites
Participants should be able to read music (i.e. through playing an instrument or singing).

Want to learn a relaxing and super-fun craft? Come learn how to crochet while listening to fun jams! Absolutely no experience required.

Come join us and learn to make friendship bracelets from embroidery thread. It is super easy to learn and the bracelets are very colorful and pretty when they are finished!

In this class, you will learn how to use a journal or sketchbook to open up your imagination. We will experiment with a variety of ways to interact with the page. Activities include free writing based on various visual and auditory prompts, blind line drawing, and Zentangling. No experience required!


Prerequisites
Bring a sketchbook or journal if you have one!

Learn how to make balloon animals!

Interested in modern partner dancing? This class will cover basic weight-sharing techniques in an improvisatory modern dance context.

BASICALLY what this means is that we'll be getting up close and personal with each other (think trust falls x100), which may or may not include being lifted sideways and upside down.

If you're still not sure what exactly this means, look up Pilobolus on Youtube (you won't regret it)


Prerequisites
Students should feel comfortable with close physical contact and lifting/being lifted.

What is art? Why do we stop drawing as we get older? How can we overcome the fear of a white canvas?
This class aims to explore these questions through a short study of famous artists and paintings followed by a drawing and painting session. No previous art experience necessary.

Works of art are windows into the culture that produced them. In this course, students will look at some of the Japanese folding screens on display at the Yale Art Gallery and explore the reasons behind their creation as well as learn how these screens were used and appreciated in their Japanese context.

An introduction for students on how to write and perform slam poetry.


Prerequisites
None

Ever wonder how a painting gets stolen? How did all of these scribbles by this abstract artist end up costing million of dollars? Why do all of these American artists look so silly? Come walk around the gallery with five yale students from five different majors to have a lot of conversations about art, answer the questions you've always wanted to ask but never known how, and to discover the different ways of engaging with it together.This course will provide students with the tools for approaching works of art from a variety of angles: history, literary sources, formal , political stories, and crazy tales.


Prerequisites
No prerequisites, just an interest in looking at art and learning from it!

An in-depth look at the history, function and technicalities of the circle of fifths in music theory. This class is geared towards students of all backgrounds! Whether you want to brush up on your key signatures or you're curious about why we even have a circle fifths in the first place, this is the place for you!


Prerequisites
Working knowledge of how to read music and an eagerness to learn some music theory!

When you hear music on the radio, do you have an irresistible urge to move your body? Then this is perfect for you! This will be a beginner dance class where we will learn to warm up and stretch properly before picking up a fun and short routine!


Prerequisites
Please come with shoes and clothes that you feel comfortable moving in.

A hands-on baton twirling course for those who have minimal to no prior experience. Students will learn basic, foundational twirling skills.

What do Stevie Wonder, a Tribe Called Quest, and Beyonce have in common? They were all influenced by jazz! This class will survey the innovations of jazz musicians from the times of Fats Waller, Duke Ellington, Charlie Parker, Miles Davis, and beyond. We will look at how jazz artists influenced each other and the popular music of the day and built the music into a true American art form. Includes audio and video components. No knowledge of music or jazz required.

Have you ever wanted to learn how to make a beautiful origami rose? In this class, we will learn how to fold a variation of the origami Kawasaki rose, complete with leaves and a stem. It is a somewhat advanced model, but we will go through all of the steps together and students with and without origami experience are welcome.

An introduction to the basics of improv comedy, including character, story, and spatial reality using a series of dynamic improv games.

Every wondered why certain musical patterns are more pleasing to our ears than others? Or why certain aspects of art are visually pleasing? It turns out there's some math behind what's aesthetically pleasing to us, in the form of the Fibonacci Sequence and the Golden Ratio. We will explore these concepts and patterns in nature, music, and art. No mathematical background necessary.

How does music have the ability to alter a human’s perception of an event? That is, how does sound paint a picture in one’s mind, or elicit an emotional response? Through this course, students will be introduced to some basic concepts of Music Cognition, the study of the psychology and perception of music. These principles will be illustrated through the use of musical examples, and in class demonstration.


Prerequisites
A basic understanding of music theory may be useful. However, all should be able to participate.

What does it mean to have a brain? A heart? What does it mean to be wicked? What role does color play in Dorothy's adventure?

Is there more to this classic novel than first meets the eye? YES. Come join us for an engaging discussion on wizards, witches, and all things Oz!


Prerequisites
Students should be acquainted with the story "The Wizard of Oz".

I will teach students about some of the most famous paintings in the world and what inspired the painter(s) to paint them. The creative process has no limits, this class will demonstrate that.

Ever saw a beautiful movie or hilarious cartoon and thought, "Hey, I wish I could do that!" Well, here's your chance!

In the first hour of class, we look at a PIxar short film together. We discuss what we like and dislike about it, examine what specifically in its form makes it good, and explore why short films are an important genre. We do this so students have a framework to work with when developing their ideas in the second hour.

In the second hour, we split you up into groups and provide you with resources, feedback, and equipment. We explain how you will write, voice, create, and produce your short films. You in your groups will put together heart-wrenching short films, which we'll compile, watch together at the end of class, and publish online. We'll leave you with resources to continue your film-making journey. You'll leave as the next Christopher Nolan.

This class is taught by Jordan Jozwiak and Matthew Wozny, two Harvard visiting students.


Prerequisites
Enthusiasm, creativity, and willingness to work in teams.

Do you enjoy transforming pieces of paper into elegant art and magical creations? Have you exhausted all the designs in the Origami Page-A-Day Calendars that you receive for the holidays every year? Looking for origami folding that goes beyond the traditional crane, jumping frog, and box? If you answered yes to any of these questions, this class is perfect for you! We will fold 1-2 models of medium complexity that bring out the possibilities of creative paper-folding! The models to be folded will be determined in class, depending on what students would like to fold!

Ever wonder why orchestras are still playing the Beethoven symphonies centuries later? Or why film composers look to Mahler and Tchaikovsky for material? In this course, you will be introduced to the beauty and excitement of classical music. We will survey eight influential classical pieces, and you’ll learn to recognize, discuss, and understand these great works of art in their historical and artistic context. But most of all, we will show you why Mozart, Bizet, and the rest are just as vital and satisfying today as they were centuries ago. By the end of the class, you will be the one shouting, “Encore!”

A survey of ways that fantasy media (books, movies, television) create magic systems. How does magic work? Where does it come from? How do you use it? We'll discuss magic systems in several major fantasy works (e.g. Harry Potter), one way to think about magic systematically (for lack of a better word), and ways to go about creating your own magic system.


Prerequisites
While there are no prerequisites, strictly speaking, this class will be a lot more interesting and useful if you've been exposed to a reasonable range of fantasy and/or if you're planning to create fantasy media of your own.

Come take your origami skills to the next level! In this class, we'll go beyond cranes and swans to build a modular masterpiece from simple units of folded paper.


Prerequisites
Experience with origami helpful but not required.

This class will begin with a brief overview of medical device development and will then cover implantable heart devices (pacemakers, cardioverter defibrillators, ventricular assist devices, and artificial hearts) and areas in which the technology may be improved in the future.


Prerequisites
An interest in medical devices.

Why doesn’t your raincoat get wet?

Why can you use a towel to dry off?

Can a water strider walk on any liquid?

Through a series of fun activities we will discover how water interacts with different materials. We will then alter materials and the water itself to see how those interactions change.

Overview of rocket propulsion, staging, orbital mechanics and reentry. Concepts will be demonstrated in a computer simulation.


Prerequisites
High school physics (Newton's laws, conservation of momentum)

At the most fundamental of levels, we are all molecules. This class will seek to take a molecular look at life and survey the major principles that govern how these building blocks interact. To do so, we will begin by surveying the unifying themes of organic chemistry (for which there are surprisingly few) before moving on to inspecting the main macromolecules of life- sugars, lipids, and nucleic acids.

What are micro- and nanotechnology? How are micro and nano scale devices made and how can they be used in biomedicine? This class will cover different microfabrication techniques for making small scale devices, an introduction to microfluidics, and current/future applications of micro- and nanotechnology for biomedicine.


Prerequisites
Basic chemistry and biology will be helpful.

Do you like music? Have you ever wondered what makes different musical instruments sound so different? Have you ever heard of a synthesizer? This class aims to introduce concepts of frequency and harmonics and apply them to the world of audio signals. Lastly, audio synthesis will be discussed before a demo using a subtractive synthesizer.


Prerequisites
Must have seen mathematical functions before. Some trigonometry (sine waves) will help, though not necessary. Any musical background may help understand some of the aesthetic concepts.

What is biomechanics and why is it useful? How can we study the mechanics of the human body? This class will discuss some of the basic postulates and equations necessary to understand biomechanics. Some math background will be necessary.


Prerequisites
Algebra I & II, Trigonometry, Basic Calculus (knowledge of derivatives and integrals)

Want to make a robot? Interested in robotics or how robots work?

Come make a bristlebot, a small vibrating robot that can be made from an electric toothbrush, and learn about robots!


Prerequisites
Explicitly no programming or soldering experience is required.

Humans have some pretty impressive abilities to regenerate. Unfortunately, we aren't able to regrow or repair all parts of our bodies. Why is this?

With limited means to regenerate vital organs and necessary tissues, humans have resorted to two possible solutions to get around our limitations: 1) Donor organs/tissue, or 2) Engineered organs/tissues. Since there is a limited supply of available donor tissue/organs and a number of complications associated with the use and transplantation of these donor tissues, engineering novel, patient-specific tissues and organs is the solution! How are scientists and engineers building and growing organs? Who has received one of these engineered tissues? What goes into the process?

Come learn about human regeneration and the ground-breaking frontiers to engineer new organs.

You'll also have to opportunity to handle interesting tissue-engineering materials and the chance to design something yourself!


Prerequisites
Biology, Physics Some exposure to Chemistry or Biochemistry (helpful but not required) Creativity and class participation required!

In this lecture, we will ask the broadest kinds of questions about the nature of medicine. We will examine the metaphysics upon which the American medical system is found, and the quality-of-care crisis, especially in terms of ontology and shifting philosophical sensibilities. We will also think about the entities—bodies, disease, and drugs—that compose the medical worldview and their relation to patient care.

An quick interdisciplinary look at the three plague pandemics and their impact on all facets of human life. We will see the biology, sociology, and historical significance of the most famous and dreadful disease ever to affect the planet.

How is childhood quantified in contemporary society? Do adults attempt to project their world onto children? This class will attempt to see how childhood is viewed through medieval art, performance studies, and psychology.

A close look at some of the main "Poems" from the Aztecs, introducing students to problems of authorship, the category of poetry in a non-Western culture, and the effects of colonialism on artistic authenticity. The course will give students a beginning insight into Aztec aesthetics and metaphors, through cultural and linguistic understanding. Knowledge about the Aztecs and Classical Nahuatl not required.

This class will offer a basic introduction to commonly used Japanese words and phrases. Come ready to learn and practice simple Japanese conversations!


Prerequisites
NO prior knowledge of Japanese!

Designed for actors and Shakespeare enthusiasts alike, this class will examine the practical features of theatrical performance in Elizabethan England. How did Shakespeare's actors learn their lines? How often did they rehearse? What was it like to work backstage at the Globe Theater? The answers to these and other questions will be revealed in this discussion based seminar, culminating in a staged reading of a scene using authentic Elizabethan performance techniques.

An exploration of hip hop culture and its commentary on social issues. Some history of the origins of hip hop with a focus on lyrical analysis and discussion of prevalent issues throughout the culture's evolution.

In this class students will be introduced to the growing sensation and wondrous labor of love that is genealogy and family history. Accessible internet tools for beginning basic genealogical research will be presented and discussed. Interesting case studies will show how simple detective skills permit everyone and anyone to mine the current mountain of public documents to uncover the mysteries of who we are, where we came from and why we are here.


Prerequisites
A desire for goodness

You read a lot of Shakespeare in school. Ever wonder what poetry is like today? Come find out!


Prerequisites
None

The Spartans earned their reputation as the world's fiercest warriors; from birth, their entire upbringing was geared towards forging soldiers out of men. This lecture will take students through the life and death of a Spartan male, while giving due attention to their mastery of phalanx warfare.

This class will outline the major events and themes and dispel many common myths about the American Revolution. The course will also explore the role and importance of the American Revolution today.

What is right, and what is wrong? What does it mean to be either? Learn how to evaluate actions and attitudes and come closer to answering the big question: "What should I do?"
The course will cover some of the basics of major modern ethical theories.


Prerequisites
N/A

A brief primer on the explosive history of firearms, going from the first smokeless powder rifles to wonders of the modern world such as GAU-8. The class will focus on six firearms which shaped the history of the modern world: the Maxim gun, the Mosin-Nagant rifle, the M1 Garand, the AK-47, the M16 and the Phanlax CIWS. Both the mechanical innovations and the real-world consequences of each gun's introduction to the battlefield will be discussed in depth, and the last part of the class will be dedicated to an open discussion on the figure of Mikhail Kalashnikov and his legacy.

We will explore the classical myth of Hades, the Underworld, and the Greek conception of death and the afterlife. We will also discuss how these myths and ideas have evolved over time, influencing culture and religion even today.

Have you ever wondered about the origins of King Arthur? What are the stories in the life of this legendary king and how were they passed through the generations? How do modern versions - in film and books - compare with medieval tales? In this class you will learn about the myths of King Arthur and the way that they are still circulating today.

What do rap competitions, the toothbrush, Red Beard the Pirate, and Dracula have to do with Islamic history?

This course introduces students to one of the world's most widely practiced religions, exploring the basic roots, but also some lesser known and striking historical moments and characters. This course's flow of inquiry will range from the philosophically deepest questions (free will vs. determinism) to some of the lightest topics (the importance of humor) ever present in our common human story.

Time will be left for a QA session.

How do you teach yourself when you only have "a barrel of books?" Is it possible to save the rule of law by breaking the law? How can a war be waged without considering the other side an enemy?

This course explores the life of Abraham Lincoln, especially the lessons key to navigating our own daily challenges, from learning, reconciling opposing objectives, to being able to address complexity with nuance.

This course will be discussion based.


Prerequisites
Basic understanding of American Civil War history

Want to become a doctor but don't know what you can get sued for? Lacking in your common knowledge about the country's bioethical legal rulings?
Join me in discussing the main court rulings regarding death, informed consent, doctor-patient relationships, organ transplant, and more!


Prerequisites
An interest in healthcare and medicine!

Come join me in learning and dicussing the most influential figures in philosophy from Plato, Aristotle, and Sextus Empiricus to Hume, Kant, and Mill.


Prerequisites
Interest in philosophy!

This class will give students insight into the techniques that top performers use in order to perform at the highest level of competition. Both mental and physical components of performance psychology will be discussed to understand what makes an elite performer.

Do you want to know what is? You don't know it? You want to know it? And many more questions. This class explores the foundations of what you think it is. Your mind will always be different, even after this class.


Prerequisites
a basic understanding

Confused about October's government shutdown? Want to learn more about Obamacare, why Obama did it, and why the republicans hated it? Interested in healthcare law in general? Then this class is for you.

The course will cover Ancient Greece, Modern Greece, the arts, the battles, the language, and anything else students would be interested in. Being from Greece I could talk about topics from the Acropolis to how to say "Where is the best gyro place in town?" in either Ancient or Modern Greek!


Prerequisites
None.

Love to laugh? Love Tina Fey? Will Ferrell? Chevy Chase? Come see how these masters of comedy and other SNL stars put political satire at the forefront of American culture.


Prerequisites
A good sense of humor! An interest in any of the following: history, pop culture, comedy, politics.

At the turn of the first century AD, Ovid, the most infamous Roman bad boy, gave birth to the much-derided romantic self-help genre with the "Ars Amatoria" (The Art of Love). The handbook covers matters both trivial and profound, from "not forgetting your partner's birthday" to "persistence on the amorous battlefield." In this class, we will examine several of Ovid's dating tips and compare them with excerpts from contemporary self-help literature, including the late Pauline Phillips' "Dear Abby" columns, Connell Cowan's "The Art of War for Lovers," and Greg Behrendt and Liz Tuccillo's seminal "He's Just Not That into You."

This course seeks to introduce students to various aspects of Roman civilization. In this class, we'll be analyzing life from the perspective of a Roman citizen, analyzing their history, religion, political structure, literature, and their day-to-day interactions. Why would Romans wait outside the doors of others in the early hours of the day just to say "Hi"? Is a Roman dinner simply a dinner or a political stratagem? All this and more will be explored in this course!

Many stories in Western literature are, in fact, retellings or reworkings of previous ones--what is it about this artistic recycling that's so much fun? Why do we read/watch the same characters over and over again? What's the difference between an adaptation, a tranformative work, and a piece of fanfiction?


Prerequisites
Familiarity with Harry Potter (books or movies) and at least one Sherlock Holmes adaptation--The Great Mouse Detective counts!

A comprehensive survey of important political philosophers of modern Western thought, spanning the Enlightenment, the Anti-Enlightenment, the New Left, the Marxists, and others. Includes discussions of philosophers such as Locke, Hobbes, Marx, Rawls, Nozick, Arendt, Bentham, and Mill. For students who wish to gain a general overview of modern political thought, and who wish to explore political philosophy.

Over 450 million copies of J.K. Rowling’s books were sold, and the series has been translated into 67 languages. The books have deeply affected our generation, and although many literary critics claim that the Harry Potter series is nothing more than popular fiction, I believe that we can learn about friendship, love, racism, elitism, religion, sexuality, the fight between good and evil, feminism, and many other themes by examining the works. In this course, we will discuss how feminist theory is manifested in different characters in the series.


Prerequisites
Students should have read (preferably) all the books in the Harry Potter series; if at all possible, shouldn't have just seen the films.

For various reasons, the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, whose members are also known as Mormons, has recently received much public attention. This class will focus on the Book of Mormon, one of the key religious texts of this religion. The historical context leading to its publication will be summarized, and the book's contents will be explained briefly through artistic works of the events it describes and related key quotations. A question-and-answer session will follow. This class is open to students of all religious beliefs and backgrounds, including those who have none. It will be assumed that participants have no prior knowledge of this religion. It is our hope that those who take this class will leave edified and informed about the religious diversity of our nation.

Using the idea of Bhutan, this course, in seminar form, will talk about how a country re-creates itself. What leadership structures work, what to do about public opinion and the like. This class will also probably reference the results of the Arab Spring and other revolutionary movements.

In this course, students will explore the nuts and bolts of ethnographic writing. Through discussion of forms of ethnographic writing, reading of ethnographic texts and participation in creative writing exercises, students will leave the class with a working concept of the possibilities and stakes that ethnographic writing can hold. Will you write or be written?


Prerequisites
interest in writing; curiosity;

This course, taught at the Yale University Art Gallery (YUAG) will provide an overview of the art collection at the YUAG. Looking at: Pre-Columbian, Greek, European, Asian, Modern Art, etc. we will attempt to study and showcase Yale's large collection of art and provide some working knowledge centered around some of the most important works in the gallery.

Throughout history there have been people who have excelled a the acquisition and utilization of power. Some of these people used mass movements and popular will to achieve their goals, others used cunning and subterfuge to make it to the top.This class will look at attempts (both successful and unsuccessful throughout history) to gain and exercise power. Case studies will include the Byzantine Empire, the Civil Rights Movement, and others.

Historical overview of Vogue across the modern 70s-present decades. We will also look at some archival Vogue articles from the periods of the World Wars.

Finally, we will look at the modern online fashion blogging phenomenon.

Although Calvin & Hobbes is accessible and fun to read, woven into many of the panels are complex philosophical themes. From discussions of morality and Santa Claus to Buddhist philosophy in tuna fish sandwiches, this popular comic strip offers an engaging and funny way to approach and explore the "big ideas" in life. Both co-teachers are life-long enthusiasts and experts who would love to share their reflections and favorite comic strips.

The internet: Utopian space of freedom from identity, hierarchy, pain, and suffering? Or terrifying maze of invaded privacy and surveillance? Or, as most things are, something a little more complicated?

We will talk about what it means to "live online", forming communities and identities through websites and profiles, and how these processes are talked about in the media and everyday life.

What is the self? Does the world really exist? How do we know the world exists?! This course will describe the different views of famous rational and empirical philosophers who argue for or against the existence of the self and the world. We will not only learn about their interesting theories but also do in class activities exploring how we come to know ourselves, other selves, and the world.

A brief look at the profession of architecture taught through a look at Yale's campus and involving some model making.

Did you know there is an exorcist in New Haven? In fact, in almost every city in America? Want to know why? Interested in the ‘weird’ parts of history? Or just want to know if the stuff in movies like The Exorcist really happened?

In this class we will consider what demonic possession meant to those who experienced it, to those who witnessed it and to those exorcists who fought against it. We will look at cases throughout history right up to the present day and consider how the meaning of ‘possession’ may have changed throughout the centuries. We will also talk about exorcism and possession in the movies and on television, both in terms of historical accuracy and cultural value.

It's loud, silly, mean, obscene, offensive, juvenile, and gross. It's South Park.

This is a seminar-style class on South Park. It's an interdisciplinary discussion involving history, politics, law, philosophy, film studies, and literature. We'll exchange thoughts on South Park's five most controversial episodes (about religion). In the seminar, we will contextualize the episodes. Then in our discussion, we will aim to explore (1) what the purpose of art is, (2) the relationship between the sacred and the profane, (3) the status of religions, (4) the challenges of censorship, and (5) the ethics of South Park.

Come especially if you hate the show. You'll likely leave with a different perspective not only on South Park, but also on life.


Prerequisites
You must come prepared and willing to talk. Note: this is a seminar where we will be discussing several episodes. When I send out an e-mail with appropriate links, please watch those episodes and come to class prepared. I will also send out several supplementary articles, some of which won't be super quick. If you don't want to put in work before the class, please look for other seminars or classes.

A brief overview of international human rights law and policy. Focus will be placed on how human rights mechanisms apply to real-life situations through the analysis of case studies. A short part of class will be a lecture, while most of the time will be spent in class discussion.


Prerequisites
An open mind and eagerness to learn! Please complete readings before class (it will make discussion even more awesome than it already will be!) ***FYI: some course readings will be related to topics on sex, violence, and torture***

How big is infinity? What is beyond infinity? How can you work with infinity?

We’ll be discussing different levels of infinitude, creating elegant proofs, and solving riddles with infinity to note some of the most interesting properties of infinitude.


Prerequisites
Basic Algebra

A continuation course that should be taken after To Infinity and Beyond, whether taking both in the spring or after having taken it in the fall. For those that are very interested in infinity and fractals.
We will show how concepts from the Infinity and Beyond course transfer to fractals, the psychedelic images that are created by taking simple processes and repeating them infinitely many times. Applications of fractals will also be discussed.


Prerequisites
Taking or having taken To Infinity and Beyond! Class in Splash

Ever wanted to impress some friends with magic? Well now's your chance! In this class, we will go over some easy yet amazing self-working card tricks and the math and algorithms behind how they work. Since these tricks are self-working, no knowledge of sleight of hand is required. Cards will be provided.


Prerequisites
Knowlege of basic algebra (Pre-algebra, Algebra I)

Logic circuits are a critical tool in computer science, electrical engineering, and mathematics. In this course, we will cover basic logic gates and how to use them to create complicated circuits to solve real-world problems.


Prerequisites
None

In the last 5-10 years, the field of sports analytics has exploded in popularity. Today more than ever before, sports are being analyzed in incredibly technical and advanced ways. This class will examine some of the recent advances in sports analytics, focusing on the research being done on home court advantage. Home court advantage is critical to game outcomes across all sports, yet fans and researchers alike do not have a sophisticated understanding of the factors that contribute to home court advantage. This class will examine the literature being published on home court advantage and hopefully synthesize the literature into a unifying conclusion.

Interested in what college mathematics is about? Want to get a window into the field through a fun and accessible topic that will combine many areas of math? In this class, we will study the mathematical object known as the torus (plural: tori), or in plain, the donut! We'll study it from functional, algebraic and topological perspective (as well as others- and don't worry, you'll leave knowing what these words actually mean). Here are some questions we'll answer: How do we get an equation for the torus? What other shapes is the torus like? Can I bend a torus into a sphere? What can I do on the surface of the torus; can I define functions on this surface, and what would they be like? Donuts will be provided for edible examination.


Prerequisites
You'll need to know some basic math; this is what we expect: 1) Understanding functions and equations. Know the equations of a circle and an ellipse, but you have to understand *where* they come from (why is the equation for a circle $$x^{2} + y^{2} = r^{2}$$ ? If you forgot this equation, how would you figure it out again?) 2) Basic trigonometry (you should know sin, cos, tan) and high-school level geometry Note: although you only need the prereqs above to understand and enjoy our class, even if you've taken through BC Calc and beyond, this class will still be interesting to you since everything will be new!

Currently over 12 trillion digits of pi are known - have you ever wondered how so many digits can be calculated? Believe it or not, only the most cutting-edge algorithms can achieve such a feat in a reasonable amount of time. We will explore many historical and modern methods, including inscribed polygons, infinite series, and iterative algorithms.


Prerequisites
Comfort with basic algebra and previous exposure to trigonometric functions. Knowledge of series and programming is helpful, but not required.

Is there such a thing as an unbreakable cipher? How did the ancients protect secret messages? How did the British crack the German Enigma cipher in WWII? What does

AUJOM UWTOT GZWCO AKLUG PTELK HLGWA ZTYYG BKWZU DKMHP AUPHW PR

mean? Find out the answers to these questions and more!

What's the chance that two people in a room have the same birthday? If you could bet anything you wanted at the casino table, could you eventually buy the casino? We'll answer these questions and more, while studying some of the basic concepts of probability.


Prerequisites
High school algebra. The more experience with math a student has, the easier the lesson will be to follow, though everyone can get something out of it!

Use math to become a Pokemon Master! Explanation of various game mechanics and phenomena with math.


Prerequisites
Must have played Pokemon; must have earned at least 6 Gym Badges

This course will explore themes in the discoveries of well-known paradoxes drawn from such fields as economics, mathematics, political science, philosophy, and physics, and how responses to them have influenced further developments in those fields.


Prerequisites
A working understanding of basic algebra will be useful but is not required.

A survey course on basic linear algebra theory, techniques, methods, and applications. Topics will include three-dimensional vector expression, operations of matrices, Gaussian elimination, and least squares method of data approximation, among others. For students interested in what linear algebra comprises.

This course will explore some of the basic ideas in information theory: entropy, mutual information, data compression and other extensions. If there is time the course will present some examples of the application of information theory into investing and statistical modeling.


Prerequisites
An understanding of math up to sums and logarithms is required. It is recommended to have a basic knowledge of statistics and probability, though not required.

So you've played tic tac toe before--and I bet you think you've got it all figured out. But what if your tic tac toe board suddenly mutated into a 3 dimensional monstrosity? What if each move had a price?? What if the whole game suddenly became infinitely large???

We'll analyze some of the hidden complexities of traditional tic tac toe before moving on to learning (and playing!) some more extreme variations.


Prerequisites
Basic algebra and logical thinking skills. Knowing some combinatorics (permutations and combinations) will be very helpful.

What are the ways of approaching algorithmic problems?

How do we model real-life problems to be solvable with known programming techniques? What are some of the problems we have no viable solution for?

How does Google handle your searches? How does Facebook find your friends?

We are going to be learning some of the techniques that underlie these solutions, and more.


Prerequisites
Inclination for Math and Computer Science

A course covering the basics of algorithm development, using pathfinding and searching algorithms as examples.


Prerequisites
Basic programming skills recommended, especially in Java or Python.

Experience the insights and the mathematics behind map-making, scheduling, solving Sudoku, and more!


Prerequisites
Just a bit of algebra, and a love for logical/critical thinking!

In mathematics, a "group" is a specific type of structure that encodes information about the symmetry of a system. Not only are groups instrumental in the study of pure math---they also have important and exciting applications in real life: doing cryptography (making and breaking codes), solving a Rubik's cube, and studying quantum physics (quantum groups and supersymmetry).

In this class we'll first define a group abstractly and then look at many examples. As time permits, we'll look at both ways to study groups abstractly and ways in which to apply group theory.

Also, note: there is a follow up to this course (Group Theory II) if you interested, but it is certainly not required if you just want to take Part I.

Feel free to email me (louis.gaudet@yale.edu) with questions. I hope to see you there! :)


Prerequisites
There are no formal prerequisites besides being open and willing to think "outside the box". Enthusiasm and willingness to participate are highly recommended: it will be an active classroom, and it will be more fun if we can work together to bounce ideas around.

This course is a continuation of Group Theory I, another course I am teaching this spring.

In Part I, we will have looked at the definition of a group, many examples, a few general properties of groups, and some applications of groups to the real world.

Part II will focus more on the purely mathematical side of groups; it will be both algebraic and geometric in flavor. We will ask questions like: How many are groups (of a given size) are there? How can we describe a group's structure? How can we classify groups?

Feel free to email me (louis.gaudet@yale.edu) with questions. I hope to see you there! :)


Prerequisites
Group Theory I is a strongly recommended (and completely sufficient) prerequisite---I will expect that you are familiar with the material from Part I at the beginning of Part II. If for some reason you'd like to take Part II without Part I, please send me an email. Again: an openness to thinking abstractly and a willingness to participate are highly recommended!

An introduction to the basic and fundamental problems in quantum mechanics: particle in a box, harmonic oscillator, particle on a ring, rigid rotor, and if time permits, the hydrogenic atom. Solve Schrodinger's wave equation to understand why atoms and orbitals behave the way they do!


Prerequisites
Calculus, differential equations is helpful but not necessary

We rely on memory for a lot more than just reliving good times from the past! By conducting a series of in-class experiments, learn how memory plays an important role in everything we do and find ways to improve your memory in real-life situations.


Prerequisites
A background in psychology is useful but not necessary!

Magicians have long utilized their understanding of how the human mind works. In this class, you will learn a few fundamental card tricks. We will then show you some more, complex magic. Most importantly, we will teach you the fundamentals which all of these tricks rely upon and how to make your own.

How do enough wires to circle the globe 4 times fit into each one of our bodies? Learn the basics behind why your arm moves on command when you decide to check off which Splash courses you'll be taking. How are humans powered? The ethical problems associated with studying the body; major questions for the future of our minds.

In the 21st century, new technology will permit us to treat every occurrence of cancer as a novel case. We can genotype tumors, determine the genetic basis for diseases with incredible precision, and offer specific treatments tailored to single mutations. In this course, we will explore some of the technologies and techniques that garner hope for a highly personalized future of medicine.


Prerequisites
Good knowledge of biology highly recommended.

DNA: What is it? How is it made? How was it discovered? Why is it so important? How can scientists manipulate it to create new organisms and run all sorts of incredible experiments? Why is it the key to the future of medicine? How do we use it to solve crime? How is it responsible for genetic diseases? All these questions and more!


Prerequisites
Some background in biology and chemistry will be helpful.

Ever heard of Maxwell's equations? You know, that set of iconic physics equations that describes all of electromagnetism in just a few symbols?

Figure out what's behind those triangles and fancy calculus symbols through the lens of Pokemon examples! A conceptually smooth way to delve into the physics of electromagnetism.


Prerequisites
Basic understanding of math beyond Algebra 2 is helpful, but not required.

When the human body is exposed to extreme physical force, it must cope as best as it can to maintain adequate blood flow to all of its tissues. When the body fails to maintain this equilibrium, or homeostasis, death results.

You know Stegosaurus, Diplodocus and T. Rex. But what about Kaprosuchus and Moropus? This class will introduce students to some of the most interesting prehistoric creatures they've never heard of.

How do we know that birds evolved from dinosaurs? How do we identify our species' closest relatives? This brief seminar will cover an important topic in evolutionary biology -- the construction of phylogenetic trees.


Prerequisites
Some high-school biology knowledge is helpful

Everyone knows nanotechnology is really small technology.
But how small is nano? How long is a nanometer? What do
things even look like when theyre that small? This class will
give a basic preview of the current and potential applications
and properties of nanotechnology


Prerequisites
Basic chemistry.

Everyone is trying their best to be "green," but what does that entail? If renewable energy sources like solar cells and wind power are so great, why are we still using fossil fuels? If climate change exists, why is it so cold? What are scientists doing today to make society more environmentally friendly? This class will answer all these questions and give students a better understanding of why energy and sustainability is such a hot topic.

This course will give a basic overview of what it means to be a black hole. We will go over how black holes form, how they are detected, and their gravitational effects, and other awesome information! Your mind may be blown.


Prerequisites
General understanding of classical mechanics (physics).

The human brain has a tendency to always group things as one thing or another. In school, it's always "Biology" or "Chemistry." Scientists have realized that this is incorrect, and this insight has led to many very cool discoveries in medicine! This course will teach you that it's not always one or the other, and that this insight can fundamentally change one's perception of what's possible.

Have you ever wondered where all the color in our world comes from? From the dye in your blue jeans to the colors of the rainbow and the paint on your bedroom wall, chemistry is all around us! Join us to learn about the basics of atomic structure and how we can modify molecules and elements to create just about any color we want! Be prepared to get hands-on!

What is a psychological disorder? What are the different types of disorders? How do psychologists determine which disorder people have and how to treat them? This course will introduce students to how clinical psychologists think about mental illness and the symptoms of different illnesses (such as depression and schizophrenia).

This course will cover the main theories about the origins life, including the formation of basic biological molecules.

Everyone loves penguins, but how much do you know about them? This course will cover the essentials of these fascinating birds, including geographic distribution, anatomy, feeding, and reproduction. Get ready to excite the inner ornithologist in you!

Oceans are filled with a variety of different forms of life. With this diversity comes the potential for some cool chemistry that has applications in a variety of fields, like medicine. In this course, we will explore cool marine life, in particular, those that are producers of interesting chemistry that is applicable to our lives.


Prerequisites
Cell biology would be helpful, but not necessary. A willingness to learn is more than sufficient!

Parasites get a bad rap in the media. In this class, I'm going to show you a few parasites that are surprisingly complex and "intelligent," and discuss some fascinating insights into human evolution and biology that were discovered thanks to studying parasites. We'll also look at some nasty creepy crawlies, cause come on, this is a class about parasites.


Prerequisites
Note: Hypochondriacs should NOT take this class. Seriously. It'll freak you out. This class will also present and discuss theories regarding human evolution.

Do you have a choice in signing up for this class? An examination of free will through the lens of physics and neuroscience. We will be taking a look at how quantum mechanics, chaos theory, and physical determinism influence our conception of free will.

Sound boring? This class will be anything but.

Prepare yourself. You are about to undertake a guided tour of the anatomy and physiology of the cell. You will even be introduced to one of the greatest ongoing conundrums in cell biology. DUN DUN DUN!

But wait! You might be wondering what the big deal is. What exactly IS cell biology?

This class aims to not only introduce you to the intricate mechanisms inside the cell but introduce you to cell biology in a general sense.

We hope to help you decide if cell biology is for you.


Prerequisites
This class will be taught at a basic level, but progress quickly. Be prepared to think critically and engage with your classmates.

So... what is the difference between organic chemistry and biochemistry?

...Stumped?

Come check this class out. We will explore the fundamental concepts of biochemistry and some fun examples.

Come see if biochemistry is worth further pursuing. This will be an interactive class, come prepared to participate!


Prerequisites
None! You don't even need AP Chemistry. This course will be concept based.

"If a tree falls in a forest and no one is around to hear it, does it make a sound?" From wave propagation in the air to complex sound processing in the brain, the noises we hear on a daily basis embark on a remarkable journey of energy transduction before we hear them. Learn about sound waves, ear anatomy, and neuroscience in the context of our sense of hearing.


Prerequisites
None

Deep underground lies the Large Hadron Collider (LHC) - stretching across two different countries, it is the largest machine in the world.

By accelerating basic building blocks called protons to near the fastest possible speed in the universe and crashing them together, the LHC lets us take a look and understand more about our universe.

On the leading edge of particle physics, the LHC is already putting a dent into science with the recent discovery of the Higgs Boson ( AKA "God' particle).

In a fun and easy manner, this class will introduce the LHC as well as some basic ideas of particle physics and discuss what we are only recently learning about our universe.


Prerequisites
An interest in science and the LHC.

This class will examine several different interesting, bio-active molecules from a historical and scientific perspective. Topics may include: penicillin, the discovery of chemo- therapeutics, and the active ingredient of the "miracle fruit" which causes sour food to taste sweet–with taste test!


Prerequisites
Basic Chemistry

Ever wonder what it's like at the end of the world? Look no further than Antarctica, the world's coldest, highest, driest, and windiest continent. In this class, we'll explore what makes Antarctica such a unique place, its significance to the global climate, and some of the weird and wonderful creatures that call the Antarctic home - from penguins and seals to giant sea spiders and glass sponges. Plus, see firsthand footage of icebergs and killer whales, and learn how you too can visit the white continent!

An introductory survey of general organic chemistry and the most common starting topics addressed in college-level organic chemistry courses. Topics may include compound-naming, constitutional and geometric isomers, basic reaction mechanisms, reaction tendencies, acidity in organic molecules, among others. Intended for students who want a taste of what college-level organic chemistry is like.

Why did sex evolve? Who has it? What does it mean for the survival of a species.
During our class, we will answer these questions and more!


Prerequisites
n/a

Want to know what heat, electricity and gravity is? Come to this class! We'll start out by investigating the atom to eventually see how it explains almost everything you see around you. We focus on getting a vivid intuition, so this'll be fun even if you've already taken physics. Are you curious about the fundamental workings of the world? This is the course for you


Prerequisites
Basic algebra

Think the weather has been weird this year? Notice oak trees budded pretty late the year before? This course aims to explain why and who is responsible and argues that the issue of climate change is one of the most important in contemporary society. With both lecture and discussion, I will first lay out the different lines of scientific evidence that point toward only human-induced climate change. Then, we will discuss what may happen, why that's tough to predict, and what we can do to stop it, ie what solutions we have.

Look: If you're very familiar with the nitty-gritty of climate change, this course may not be for you. But if you're passionate about the environment, or care about the world, or want to fix problems created by the generations who preceded yours, you should take this 50 minute class. You'll leave able to articulate arguments for human-induced climate change. Skeptics or the uninformed are especially welcome.

Have you ever wondered how the human genome was sequenced? How about the ways DNA can be used to solve crimes and cure diseases? In this class, we will learn how DNA sequencing works with a hands-on activity. Come ready to explore the molecule of life!


Prerequisites
No knowledge of biology necessary. Students who have had upper-level biology in high school may have covered this material.

We will be exploring the science behind making ice cream and learning about the different ways it is made before trying out some experiments of our own. Due to time constraints we will be using liquid nitrogen to freeze the ice cream. Come hungry!

Ever wonder what a GMO actually is? Learn about how they are made and why they are such a big deal. We'll get a chance to look at their roles in scientific research and now the food industry and will finally discuss how students can get involved in creating the future of GMOs.

Ever wonder how drugs were designed to combat human diseases? How can a drug fight cancer? Why aren't there cures to some diseases? Why do side effects occur, and how can drug design help avoid them? In the future, how could nanotechnology, biotic and microbiome therapy, and stem cells play into the equation of treating disease?

We will take a look at the process of drug design and development, highlighting some of the current models for disease, and how they have helped shape drug design, as well as what may come in the future of drug design. In order to do this, many basics will be covered, including structures of cells, receptor theory, signal transduction, metabolic pathways, gene expression, bio-molecules, and drug-like molecules. Disease models will be investigated including cancer and other chronic diseases. The idea is to spark interest in the many different aspects of this field, while placing an emphasis on the biological properties and fundamentals. You will gather a better understanding of drug design basics and maybe one day you could apply those principles to help design a revolutionary drug that has little to no side effects and cures a human disease!

Why do we eat what we eat? Why do we tend to favor certain foods over others? Why are people so obsessed with things like "organic" and "vegan"?

Come and learn more about how psychology plays into our food choices, how the food environment is changing how we eat, and just about food in general!

Warning: There WILL be food consumed during this course.


Prerequisites
None!

From illegal drug testing, to secret chemical weapons development, to psychological torture, scientific research has long been marred by unethical practices. Join us as we reveal the secrets of unethical medical experimentation across the globe. We present the details of numerous undercover government operations, including the South African Aversion Project and the Willowbrook hepatitis studies.

Note: Contains some mildly graphic content.

Game Theory is a branch of mathematics. It facilitates a strategic way of decision –making. It’s a tool that helps us make decisions by developing an ability to predict and evaluate possible outcomes, and by predicting other players’ actions.

A fun, interactive introduction to the methods behind the art of cup stacking. Never heard of cup stacking before? Check out this video -- http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=3sa9cXHGZHc -- for a preview of what we'll be practicing in class. All levels of expertise are welcome, but this class will be geared towards those with minimal experience.

This class provides a relatively brief overview of conversational French, France and Paris. It is geared towards providing some useful skills and knowledge for a potential trip to Paris/France.
The first part of the class is designed to teach you basic conversational French: from greetings and introductions to some frequent basic questions.
The second part of the class will provide some basic knowledge about France, including geographical, historical, economical and cultural information.
The last part of the class will focus on Paris -- its history, global significance, monuments and culture.
All of the classes will include games, the use of clips of movies and songs, and provide you with a summary handout.

The Art of War is an ancient book of strategy by the Chinese philosopher-general Sun Tzu. Written 2,500 years ago, it is still carried in the pockets of successful generals, executives, and politicians today. Learn how to command troops, foretell victory, avoid defeat, and become a successful general. Then test your knowledge in a war game!

We live in an age where people flirt via text message, contemplate being Facebook official, and worry about whether liking her Instagram selfie means he's cheating on you. With this new and open dating culture, the fundamentals of love are being overlooked and forgotten. This is a class that reminds you that in the complex and changing world of love, you should never forget about the basics. We cover the basic psychology of what love is, as well as delve into some of the pitfalls of love that we often fall in, and how to avoid them in future. Finally, we will address some of love's hottest questions, such as "How do I know I'm in love?", "How serious will my high school relationship ever get?", and "Does long distance ever work?" It will be the most fun and hopefully the most revealing class that you'll ever take, so don't miss out.

America has always been a nation of immigrants, but not until the 1950's did our society label, and thus begin to pay attention to, their children. Third-culture kids (3CK) grow up caught between many cultures, unable to fully claim one sense of identity. In this session, we will examine the common characteristics 3CK share, the difficulties they face attaining a sense of belonging, and the unique skills they bring to our rapidly globalizing world.


Prerequisites
Interested third-culture kids are encouraged to come ready to discuss their own experiences, but there are no prerequisites!

Ever wonder why neutral Switzerland is one of the happiest countries? Or why Iceland, despite it's dark days, manages to be happier than tropical countries in the South? This course will explore different criteria for measuring and understanding happiness based on happiness models around the world. We will end the class by understanding how to achieve and maintain happiness for fuller, richer lives.

Want to know more about an overlooked gem in America? Come learn about Georgia's traditions, culture, food, and glorious getaways, and you'll see why we love this state! Favorite foods of Georgia will be provided!

Ever feel stressed out? Curious about what mindfulness is? Learn to use your mind to control itself and to manage your stress. This class will introduce you to mindfulness and teach you several simple and easy mindfulness-based techniques for stress reduction.

Soap bubbles are the answer to an old mathematical question called Plateau's Problem: to take a fixed curve in 3D and described the shape of the minimal surface (the shape with least possible area) bounded by the curve. We'll look at different soap bubbles by dipping different shapes into soapy water and looking at how bubbles, math and architecture are all related!

Ever wondered why some students have everything - academics, sports, extracurricular and social activities - under control? Do you want to learn some cool tips, tricks and insider secrets about changes you can make to help you with all your activities? In a highly interactive session, we will talk about why you should study at all, some effective study techniques, time management and test-taking strategies.

In today's highly competitive environment, its not enough to study hard. You need to study SMART!

A culinary tour across the globe, covering all continents and countless cultures. Learn about what people in other countries eat on a daily basis, who is the most skilled at cooking these foods, and many more interesting facts. How do fried pickles compare to Vietnamese snake wine? Are you more willing to try fried grasshoppers or fermented shark meat? Find out by taking this class!

The United States' 59 national parks contain some of the most pristine scenery and fascinating wildlife in the world. This course will briefly tour some of these parks--including the Grand Canyon, Yosemite, and Zion--through photographs and maps, so that you'll be ready to visit them in real life!

Let's set one thing straight: Italian food is hands down the best food on Earth. This 50 minute culinary extravaganza will lead students on a gastronomical journey from Sicily to Valle d'Aosta, seeing, discussing (and sampling!) some of Italy's most famous and most interesting foods. By the end of this class you will know the difference between tortellini and cappelletti, the origin of modern pizza, and what food Italians give you if they REALLY don't like you. Not for the weak of stomach.


Prerequisites
An empty stomach

Why do good people do awful things? What could possibly explain the heinous acts performed in Nazi Germany? “Authority, Obedience, and Evil” will address these questions by reviewing some of the most significant (and fascinating) works of scholarship on authority and obedience in the past century.

+ Learn how Stanley Milgram revealed that most people can be manipulated into fatally electrocuting others.

+ Discover the legendary “Stanford Prison Experiment,” and see how a position of power can change an individual’s behavior for the worse.

I will avoid discussing graphic material in this class, but be forewarned that the topic requires emotional maturity.

If you have any questions about the class, please send me an email at kreitzbergsplash@gmail.com


Prerequisites
None

Basic conversation in Polish, as well as facts about history, culture, and traditions. For students with Polish heritage as well as those who had never heard of the country. Focus on Polish diaspora in the United States. There will be Polish sweets!


Prerequisites
NA

You will learn a few basic knots including the square knot, sheet bend, tautline hitch and two half-hitches as well as potential applications in pioneering. If possible, we may also venture into one-handed and blindfolded knot-tying.


Prerequisites
Students must be able to tie their shoes.

If you have no idea how to solve the Rubik's cube, this class will teach you! Bring a cube to class and get ready to have fun!

Also, we'll talk about Rubik's cube competitions -- what they're like, how fast people are, etc.

(In fact, there's actually a cube competition at Yale on 3/30, the day right after Yale Splash! http://union.cubingusa.com/yalespring2014/index.php Maybe this class will encourage you to check it out!

Back and improved due to popular demand!

We're Holmes, you're Watson, and instead of neglecting you like Holmes normally does, we're gonna teach you about deduction and psychoanalysis.

For the purposes of this class, we’re defining ‘psychoanalysis’ as deriving information about a person using psychological principles and observa
tional deduction; Because no one likes Sigmund Freud anyway. In other words, this class is about Holmesian Deduction.

Want to learn how to deduce a person’s personality, interests, and background from just a few seconds of interaction with them, like the pros do? We deduced that you do, ‘cause if you weren’t cool enough to be doing so, you wouldn’t be at Splash.

Come to this class to learn psychoanalysis and deduction from various angles, including appearance, possessions, and less personal methods, like Facebook profiles.

Psychoanalyze your friends, psychoanalyze your family, psychoanalyze your enemies, psychoanalyze random strangers, psychoanalyze other Splashers, and even try to psychoanalyze us!

Good chocolate will be provided for students who volunteer to be psychoanalyzed, or volunteer to psychoanalyze.

Now two hours, for even more psychoanalytic fun!


Prerequisites
Willingness to participate. Being able to think outside the box and reason from multiple angles.

An introduction to logical fallacies often used in arguments, and the specific forms they take in everyday conversations. This class will cover the differences between formal and informal fallacies. Students will practice debugging deductive processes and debates using their new repertoire of fallacies.

The class will also cover the cognitive biases and effects most commonly plaguing human decision-making. Students will learn about basic concepts including the gambler's fallacy, reactive devaluation, and the framing effect. Armed with this new arsenal of knowledge about human beings' logical missteps, students' deductive powers will be sharper and sounder than ever!

Want to see a midsummer sunset in northern Sweden? Too bad, because the sun actually never sets.
Did you know that you get paid to go to the free colleges in Sweden? Now you do!
Want to know what the word "nordöstersjökustartilleriflygspaningssimulatoranläggningsmaterielunderhållsup pföljningssystemdiskussionsinläggsförberedelsearbeten" means? Come to this class!

Under the guidance of a native Swede, you will explore the curiosities of this strange country.


Prerequisites
Please bring an open mind and a smile on your lips

Take part in a mock admissions committee! We'll split up into groups of four and your job will be to read through a set of fictional applications to find the best students for your university. This class isn't going to tell you how to get into the college of your dreams, but it is a good way to see and discuss what kind of questions and issues arise in the college application process.

Why do we dream? Why do we need sleep/? What happens at the biological level when we sleep? All these questions and more will be answered as well as presenting some of the different psychological and chemical theories behind sleep and dreams. Also, get some great tips on how to fall asleep when you just can't. (Extra bonus: we get to talk about Freud and some of his theories behind dreams) I promise you won't be falling asleep during this class... but you will also never again view your pillow in the same way!

High school and college are filled with dancing events. Too often there are people awkwardly standing around punch bowls or talking to their groups of friends while good music plays and the dance floor is deserted. Too afraid to go out to that empty dance floor or intimidated by others who seem to know how to "shake it"? We'll help you with that. This class is an introduction to Latin and Standard ballroom dancing.


Prerequisites
Arms, legs, can count to 3 AND 4.

Effective communication is important for every aspect of life! Do you want to impress on your next class project? Communicate clearly in college and job interviews, or even just when having a conversation?

This course will go over some of the basics of written and oral communication, often using science topics as an example. You'll get some practice on how to deliver an elevator pitch--a one-minute overview of an idea that you may have.

This class will cover techniques beyond casual play such as wavedashing, SHFFLing, and directional influence. It will also examine matchups, edgeguarding, combos, and other strategies to help you DESTROY YOUR OPPONENT!!!

If any of the above sounds familiar/comfortable/like you can do it with your eyes closed, it is possible that this class will be slow for you. You are still welcome to sign up. We expect to see a wide range of skill level, and some of you may even be better than us. And that's fine! The class is 95% participation and absolutely no lecturing, so you will be learning from your peers as much as from us. Chances are, we'll learn a ton from you, too!


Prerequisites
This class is designed for casual players. You must be familiar with all the buttons and their basic functions. Do you feel comfortable doing a smash attack in the heat of battle? Can you grab an opponent or rescue yourself using up B? If so, then the class is right for you. Other prereqs: Have fun, good sportsmanship, not a jerk

Cooking doesn't have to be expensive. This course provides students with basic skills to make food that even from amateur home cooks to Michelin starred chefs would enjoy eating everyday without having to drain their wallets. Students will learn how to recognize the tastes and textures of different ingredients, and of course how to cook these ingredients! Class will end with eating the food that students learn to produce in class.


Prerequisites
Excitement for food!

What did "gaming" entail before the era of video games? And why are educators and doctors starting to take play seriously? Come explore the principles of game design from before the era computers, and learn why play is of paramount importance for the physical and mental wellness of people of all ages. Based on the work of game designer Bernie Dekoven and play leader Dr. Kwame Brown.

The class will include a presentation, brainstorming session, and the opportunity to design/test a game with the group!


Prerequisites
An open mind and appreciation of childlike whimsical. Dress to be active (sneakers, loose clothing, etc) if you'd like to participate in any of the activities. Come with your favorite playground/camp/bonding game in mind.

What is design? We'll consider this question and learn how design-thinking can be applied to solving problems from all fields in this hands-on workshop.

This course will discuss the interactions between biosecurity and humanitarian health efforts across the globe. Students will discuss the need for a nation to protect itself against disease, as well as the need to be involved in humanitarian action to improve global health. We will consider the ways in which these two priorities conflict and work together, and will approach the question of whether or not biosecurity should be an ultimate goal. No prior experience in global health is necessary, but students should come ready to voice their opinions and learn lots about concepts like vaccination, tuberculosis, the Spanish Influenza, and more.

"Reality is broken. Game designers can fix it."- Jane McGonigal
"If Pac-Man had affected us as kids, we'd all be running in dark rooms, munching pills and listening to repetitive electronic music." - Marcus Brigstocke
"The cake is a lie." - scrawl on the wall, Portal.

Video games have been hailed as a new art form, a cause of gun violence, an avenue for creativity, a mindless addiction and much much more. Why do we play video games? Where is the development of video games heading? Is there any merit in calling them a form of art?

Ever wanted to go camping? Learn how! We'll go over some essential camping skills like setting up a tent and constructing a campfire, as well as show you some tricks you can use to make your own camping gear from common household items.


Prerequisites
none

An introduction to New Haven-- from discussing city politics, making a map of the city using New Haven foods, and brainstorming ways to get involved in city life.