A quick introduction to Opera, and why it's not as boring as you think! We'll listen to some operatic pieces that you will surely recognize, discuss some of the juiciest Operatic plot lines, and even learn a couple of familiar Opera choruses. We'll go through a brief version of the history of Opera and talk about some of the most famous Opera singers of the past and present too!

Jackson Pollock, Mark Rothko, Willem de Kooning, and Helen Frankenthaler are some of the more famous Abstract Expressionists. This class will explore the artistic influences that shaped Abstract Expressionism and the artistic movements that followed. More than half of the class will be dedicated to finding your inner artist and creating your own Abstract Expressionist painting.

Explore what exactly is "Art Therapy" and how anyone can use it to their benefit. Learn about Mindfulness and how to practice it throughout your daily life. The session will be split between learning the techniques and utilizing them through creating art.

Come exercise your imagination as we explore the ways different stimuli impact your ideas in regards to creative writing. In this course, we will explore three different forms of creative writing - the art of songwriting, short play writing, and short story writing - as we try to stretch our minds to create an original work that is intriguing, thought-provoking and unique. Please bring a pencil and notebook (or a laptop), and an open mind!

Students will learn about the origins of their favorite comic book characters from DC and Marvel. We will be examining how these characters evolved over time and became the superheroes/super-villains we know today. Additionally, we will cover major story arcs that had significant influence on the history of comics. Lastly, we will discuss some issues surrounding the comic book world today.


Prerequisites
None

$$\textit{Origami}$$ , the art of paper folding, and $$\textit{ayatori}$$ , commonly known in the West as Cat’s Cradle or string figures, are two pastimes that have a long history in Japan. Come fold beautiful origami cranes and balloons, and manipulate strings into rubber bands and Mt. Fuji!

Reading can introduce you to new adventures, people, and places you wouldn’t ordinarily encounter. In this class we will go through some classic short stories and give students the opportunity to write their own collaborative stories. Being creative and having fun with writing is a great way to share your thoughts and build your own adventure!

Long-form improvisation involves creating interesting characters, places, and scenarios on stage in real time. Unlike ‘Whose Line Is It Anyway’ (which is ‘short-form’), long-form does not have a host, pre-determined games, or pauses in the action. Think of it as creating a play from scratch, as a team, in front of an audience. While most people think of improv as a talent that some quick-witted people have, it’s really a learned skill and has more to do with being playful than being smart. This course will give you a fast and furious overview of the tenets of long-form improv, and we’ll all be getting up on our feet and making some stuff up on the spot!


Prerequisites
A willingness to get up and perform for your classmates, and a willingness to feel a little silly some of the time.

If you have ever wanted to write for film, why not try it out? In this class we will tackle the big questions, such as “What is the purpose of film?” We will also practice the process of writing itself, such as creating dialogue and powerful characters. This course will go over methods of execution and plot planning to develop your own potential as screenwriter.

Students will use quick dry clay to construct ceramic gardens. These spaces will reflect a variety of textures and construction techniques. The finished products should be environments where students would like to relax!

Dating can be difficult! Join me as we unpack recorded interviews that I conducted with males ages 18-22 as they explain their love lives and why masculinity affects their heterosexual relationships. We will analyze their relationships and discuss why communication is the key to all successful relationships.

Ever wonder what it takes to write for Cosmo? Delish? GQ?
In this class we will talk about what makes a good news story, feature story, and blog post. We will write a story together and discuss different ways to approach the same story. We will also discuss how to publish stories on social platforms with catchy titles to draw readers in. Nowadays it isn’t just about being a good writer, it’s about knowing your audience and knowing how to attract them.

Social media has become a tool for marketing firms everywhere. How do we know when social media is working for companies and when it is not? In this class we will examine companies on various platforms (Facebook, Instagram, Twitter, Pinterest, etc.) and see what they are doing and compare them to their competitors. Together we will set a plan for how to fix their social media problems or how to help them grow as a company.

Long-form improvisation involves creating interesting characters, places, and scenarios on stage in real time. Unlike ‘Whose Line Is It Anyway’ (which is ‘short-form’), long-form does not have a host, pre-determined games, or pauses in the action. Think of it as creating a play from scratch, as a team, in front of an audience. While most people think of improv as a talent that some quick-witted people have, it’s really a learned skill and has more to do with being playful than being smart. This course will give you a fast and furious overview of the tenets of long-form improv, and we’ll all be getting up on our feet and making some stuff up on the spot!


Prerequisites
A willingness to get up and perform for your classmates, and a willingness to feel a little silly some of the time.

Taking a closer look at basic building blocks (figurative and literal) that changed medieval and ancient art and architecture. Includes a glimpse at Greek temples, a review of Roman construction, a glance at Gothic Northern Europe, and the basic building tenets that have affected tenants throughout the centuries.

Ever wanted to dance like the pros on "Dancing with the Stars"? Join us as we go through the basic steps for cha cha. We will help you start on your ballroom journey!


Prerequisites
None! This class is geared towards newcomers. Bring comfortable footwear. If you have ballroom shoes, bring them. Otherwise, sneakers, ballet slippers, jazz shoes, and character shoes work just fine.

Love drawing? Hate drawing? Doodle all the time? Never tried it? This course is for you! We'll be learning some basic techniques that artists use to represent objects in real life. Bring your imaginations and a willingness to keep trying. All course materials are provided!

We will do a quick warm up and then move into a combination. Please wear clothes you can move in!

Social media has become a tool for marketing firms everywhere. How do we know when social media is working for companies and when it is not? In this class we will examine companies on various platforms (Facebook, Instagram, Twitter, Pinterest, etc.) and see what they are doing and compare them to their competitors. Together we will set a plan for how to fix their social media problems or how to help them grow as a company.

Poetry comes in all different forms. Students will look at different types of poetry from spoken word, to haiku, to free form. Using examples for formatting or for inspiration, students will choose what kinds of poetry they would like try and practice writing with the guidance of other students and the teacher.

Ever wondered how your favorite PIxar or Disney movies were made? Want to find out what animators mean when they talk about rendering, rigging, or simulation? Interested in what goes on at the intersection of art, storytelling, math, physics, and computer science?
Join me for a whirlwind tour through the life of an animated movie!

Do you think robots are cool? Of course you do, everyone thinks robots are cool! But have you ever wondered how they really work? In this course, we'll look at two particular robot designs -- Stewart Platforms and SCARA Arms -- exploring their design principles, kinematics, and a sampling of their real-life applications. You should walk out feeling comfortable with the workings of these two robots, and having gained a sense for how to approach similar problems with other robot designs. There will be a live demo of a Stewart platform robot, as well, at the end of the course.


Prerequisites
Students should come in with a basic knowledge of vector math.

Curious how the latest iPhone was designed? How about Pokemon Go or Instagram? Whether you think about it or not, most things in your everyday life are designed, from the toothbrush you use in the morning, to the computer you use to finish your homework. Each object helps fulfill a particular need in your life—solves a problem or makes a process more efficient. How do you come up with a product that helps fill someone's need? This course will walk you through the process of ideating a product through a design-centered approach. Whether you're interested in art or engineering, the humanities or science, this course if for you; the design thinking process thrives on having as diverse a set of perspectives as possible!

Ever been interested in the basics of how water gets filtered? Come learn through a hands-on lab where we will build simple filtration systems and consider related engineering, scientific, and economic questions.

Have you even been so bored that you've built (or dreamed of building) a paper airplane? Me too. But what factors affect how far they travel?

This class will provide a brief overview of aerodynamics and the engineering process. Students will be exposed to different examples of successful paper airplanes. Then, they will have time to prototype your own paper airplanes in small groups before competing in a class-wide contest!

Curious about the Emerald Isle across the pond? Come explore the beautiful landscape, history, language, and culture of this truly unique country. There will be an emphasis on County Dublin, as that is where I have spent the most time. There will also be an opportunity to ask questions about studying abroad in college!

When we learn about history, we often learn only about the big picture. This class is for those who want to zoom in and focus on the hidden details of history. We'll focus on the New Haven Colony and the city of New Haven. You'll learn both how to do historical research and how to explore a city's past. Come one and all to learn about everything from wonky court cases dealing with a piglet's paternity to the life of pop-folk singer Karen Carpenter.

Many schools of Eastern philosophy have taken a dramatically different idea of what the Self is. In the West, we are inclined to believe that we have a fixed self or identity, one that is permanent and abiding, and possibly even continues beyond death. However, prominent thinkers in Buddhism and Taoism, along with a multiplicity of mystics in the Vedic/Hindu tradition have speculated on just what exactly this so called self/consciousness is, and as a result came up with some intriguing proposals. This class will explore the distinct yet overlapping ideas on the nature of Self through the lens of these Eastern traditions and seek to expound on some practical applications they can have on our everyday lives.

Daoism began as an ancient philosophical school that recognized a futility in the effort of humans to try and understand the world by conceptualizing it. They advocated that one takes on a state of xu (emptiness) in order to remove concepts and distinctions would inhibit one from performing tasks well. When one successfully becomes xu they will act in a wu-wei (non-action) manner. Wu-wei is the seemingly paradoxical activity of doing things without doing, it is also described as effortless action. Both xu and wu-wei arise out of an awareness and harmonizing with the Tian li (natural propensities) that are found in nature. In this course you will come to gain a better understanding of xu and wu-wei. With this understanding it is hoped that you can apply these notions within your own life to improve efficiency and overall performance.

What is the American Constitution? Why is it the Supreme Law of the Land? How did it come into existence? How has it changed over time? And above all, why should you care, and how does it affect you? Since 1787, Americans have lived under the rule of the Constitution and have fought and died defending it. The Constitution has shaped the course of American and even world history, and other nations have based their own constitutions on our model. During these 50 minutes, let's go over the origins and structure of the Constitution, then cover how it shaped our history and continues to guide us today and into the future.

This class will be a survey of important black women throughout history.

This course will take you through the timeline of those with disabilities in America. Stories and events related people with disabilities rarely are seen in history books or known to the public. We will discuss important legislation such as The Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA). This is your chance to familiarize yourself with the problems that America’s greatest minority has faced. We will look at problems such as accessibility in public areas, stereotyping and discrimination, and police tragedies. We will also do case studies involving these issues and explore how they got us where we are today.

“We cannot succeed when half of us are held back,” and we most definitely cannot succeed when the half that’s held back is divided among itself! Come learn how feminism as a movement has evolved over time, leading into the all-inclusive mindset that is popular today.

Don’t you just hate it when you’re confronted with a German speaker who desperately wants to make small talk with you, but you can’t since you’re only fluent in English, Arabic, Greek, and Klingon? Well, this course is the answer to your problem! You’ll learn how to have a basic conversation in German and how to write a German postcard that you’ll design yourself!

Starting with Kierkegaard, and going to Husserl, Heidegger and Sartre, we delineate a philosophy that captures the biggest problems of humanity: what it means to be, why are we here, and why is everything something and not nothing?

And then from there we will look at how investigating what it means to be then creates issues on how we interact with others. How are we true to ourselves, how do we love others, and how do we act in the world?


Prerequisites
Interest in philosophy

What is thinking? What is it that we do when we "think" about things? And what type of thinking is poetry? What new avenues of thought does poetry open up for us? How does thinking and poetry impact the way we live our lives, and how can we better utilize thinking, both to possess healthier mental states and to view our world with more meaningful interactions?


Prerequisites
None

Ever wonder what makes people, well, people? Ever think about the machines we use and interact with every day and what they think and feel? What makes us different from the machines we invented for our own use? This class will look at machines in the context of societal interaction and the ethical implications of what it means to be called human. The class will be discussion based, with no prerequisites except an open mind.


Prerequisites
An Open Mind

Hong Kong, a fascinating city known for its unique position at the interface of Asian and Western cultures, is an extraordinary living story of its rise and struggles through wars and dire days. The music of Hong Kong, Canto-pop, and the stories around its artists, powerfully capture the tale of the city and its people, and is closely and fascinatingly entangled with socio-cultural and political developments.
In this class, we'll trace along several generations of the evolution of Canto-pop and Canto-pop stars, and see how they give insights into the society in various times. In short, we will be listening to music and telling stories!


Prerequisites
None-- except for an interest in listening to music and learning about stories of people and cities!

This class will be a combination of topics in logic and the philosophy of language. We will go over statements of logic, validity and invalidity, argumentation, and some logical rules. We'll explore the sort of thing Sherlock Holmes does to deduce solutions to mysteries! While we won't be solving mysteries, an introduction to logical reasoning will allow you to see why some things follow logically from others and some don't, and to learn how you can talk, write, and think carefully and logically! We will also look at logic through the lens of language, including topics like truth, meaning, speech-acts, and more!

A paradox is an inconsistent conclusion derived from rational progressions of thought, or in some instances an idea that seems both true and false at the same time. This is unsettling: it doesn't seem to make sense to say that something is both true and false! Rational thoughts can't be inconsistent, can they? We will explore various paradoxes and puzzles in philosophy, spanning topics in language, epistemology (theory of knowledge), metaphysics (theory of what the world consists of), mathematics, vagueness, and more. The class will serve as an introduction to philosophy, as well as the concept of paradoxes more generally.

Do you want to learn how to NEVER BE WRONG ever again? Well, this class doesn't cover that, but it will teach you the basics of logic and reasoning so that you can avoid making simple mistakes and become that much more rational! Come learn about logical fallacies, the difference between deductive and inductive reasoning, and more!


Prerequisites
None

From the classic sounds of "Clocks" and "Yellow" to modern hits like "Paradise" and "Hymn for the Weekend," Chris Martin and his band, Coldplay, have produced a powerful body of musical and artistic work. In this class, we will aim to understand Coldplay's music thematically, identifying possible meanings of songs, lyrics, and album covers. Whether you are a seasoned fan or only know a song or two, join us as we enjoy and understand great art.

This class will focus on an area of philosophy known as epistemology, which can broadly be defined as the study of knowledge and various related concepts (e.g., justified belief, understanding, explanation). In particular, we will be focusing on what it means to have knowledge. We will first suggest one seemingly intuitive account of knowledge, and then read a short, influential paper that suggests why this account may be wrong. In the process, we will develop the following skills: 1) using and defending our intuitions in philosophical arguments, 2) making meaningful counterexamples, and 3) thinking analytically about a problem. This will be a great chance for students to have fun, think up silly cases (there are many in philosophy!), and learn about an important discussion in contemporary epistemology.

What explains the rise of the Islamic State? In this class, we explore the political and military events that led to the emergence, expansion, and current rollback of ISIS, taking into account the role of al Qaeda, the US invasion of Iraq, the Arab Spring, and the Syrian Civil War. We'll discuss the shift in military strategy that enabled ISIS to capture vast swaths of Iraq and Syria, the effect of ISIS on civilian lives in occupied areas, and current research on ISIS statebuilding. We'll conclude with a discussion on the future of ISIS.

In this class, we will cover the basic schools of thought surrounding ethics. We will talk about various ways humans have come up with moral frameworks and how we try to understand those today. Students will leave the class knowing the difference between Hedonism, Nihilism, Consequentialism, and even some Kantian perspectives! Students interested in exploring the question of what is ethical and how individuals have thought about it in the past should attend.


Prerequisites
N/A

Come learn about the LGBTQ+ world history and culture that your AP World teacher will never tell you was queer–from ancient Rome to China's Han Dynasty to the the Wild West and more.

In post-war Japan changes in economic situations have led to society and the government looking towards new ways to address the labor shortage problem. The country has long been perceived to be "closed" and "mono-ethnic," but we will delve deeper into what really happened in Japan and what it means for the country today.

What does Sappho have to do with Taylor Swift? Or Shakespeare to do with Al Green? Find out as we survey the history of Western love poetry through the lens of popular music! Poets and musicians have been talking about love for thousands of years. More than that, they have been influencing how we talk and even think about romantic love. We'll dig into the sources from which contemporary lyricists draw their inspiration, even when they don't know it. You'll learn what a Petrarchan lover is, and why you shouldn't be one. You'll learn how to diplomatically but honestly respond to the question, "Does this dress make me look fat?" And you'll have some great pick-up lines to boot!

Modern Greek is a language spoken by very few but is actually used widely across many disciplines. You may have used words of Greek origin and may not even know it! In this class we will learn not only the alphabet, but also how to greet people, how to talk about yourself, food, travel, and other common phrases! We will also talk about Greek culture and the background of the language itself.


Prerequisites
None

What happens when we die? Explore how religions like Christianity, Buddhism, and Islam conceive of the afterlife. We will also address the atheistic conception of death and how irreligion understands the afterlife.

"Self-Reliance" and "Nature" by Ralph Waldo Emerson: These transcendentalist essays encourage readers to discover their most pure, organic souls, and to remain true to themselves and to nature throughout their lives. This course attempts to bring Emerson's values to life by helping participants get in touch with their truest selves and become closer to nature. Students will also learn about key societal values, religious happenings, and historical moments of the American Renaissance. We will explore this through literature, history, and nature.

Circumcision is the world's oldest medical procedure and has been around for thousands of years in multiple cultures, but many people don't know the social, historical, religious, and medical significance and controversies associated with it. This class will examine just the tip of the iceberg of circumcision by examining the origins of circumcision; the religious significance of circumcision in Judaism, Christianity, and other world religions; the rising and falling prevalence of circumcision from the 1700s until the present; and the scientific and medical reasons circumcision has been useful, especially in the AIDS epidemic in Africa.


Prerequisites
None

A look at the changing dynamics of race relations in America from slavery to the present day Black Lives Matter Movement.

This class will focus on the complex relationship between the two "Sister Arts"--art and poetry--from the Romantic period to the 1960s.

We will examine works of art alongside the poetry that inspired them: William Blake's illustrated books of poetry, Pre-Raphaelite painters' interpretations of poetry by Tennyson and Keats, Charles Demuth's 1923 painting after a William Carlos Williams poem, among others...

And we will also study several poems written as responses to works of art--we call this "ekphrasis" or poetry that describes a work of art. Examples here will include (scenes from) Virgil's "Aeneid," Wallace Stevens' "The Man with the Blue Guitar," Allen Ginsberg's "Cézanne's Ports," Sylvia Plath's "The Disquieting Muses," Anne Sexton's "The Starry Night," and Adrienne Rich's "Mourning Picture."

I'm really curious to hear what you think is at stake in the "translation" from one art to another--is anything lost in translation? Or does the original work seem all the richer for it?

After a discussion of all these works, students will create both a poem and a piece of artwork (you decide which comes first/which inspires which!)--each related to the other in their own complex ways.


Prerequisites
If you'd like to look over some of the poems I mentioned, to collect together some thoughts in advance, go for it! However, reading in advance is by no means necessary.

What have been the effects of nuclear weapons on international politics? In this class, we will explore the invention and use of nuclear weapons, the Cold War arms race, nuclear proliferation, and the global disarmament movement. We will conclude with a discussion of the future role of nuclear weapons on the global stage.

Psychological diagnosis is a not neutral procedure. Though popularly understood as a quasi-scientific instrument of neuroscience, psychological assessment can easily atomize individuals and pathologize behavior that is conditioned by a social context. This class will be a discussion of the sociopolitical implications of psychological theories, practices, and diagnostic frameworks. We'll set out from a critique of the medical model of mental disorders and consider how the search for psychological meaning in behavior must consider how social conditions may produce what seem to be psychiatric conditions. This class should provide students with a foundation for analyzing how psychological interpretations can be integrated with an analysis of 'pathological' social structures to arrive at a picture of human (dys-)function that treats the individual as part of a definite social context. We will consider Marxist perspectives (the "materialist psychiatry" of Guattari and Deleuze), 'existentialist' perspectives (R.D. Laing and Karl Jaspers), the hardline anti-psychiatrist perspective (Thomas Szazs), mental illness in the context of power structures (Foucault), and look at some concrete historical examples of what can result when psychiatry aids political subjugation (e.g. diagnoses of 'conduct disorder' in young black men).


Prerequisites
Interest in psychology or social theory. No particular experience necessary.

Enter the world of Vikings! Follow Grettir and Gisli, Iceland's most legendary Viking outlaws, as they battle monsters, wrestle a bear, and cleave their enemies in two with their axes. Will our heroes manage to outwit and outfight their numerous foes? Or will they finally meet their ends in glorious combat? Find out as we cover Gisli's Saga and Grettir's Saga!

This course considers possible reasons why Mumble Rap has become hugely successful despite being slammed as "too easy" and "meaningless" by many fans of Lyrical Rap. Is Mumble Rap a totally new genre, or have aspects of it always existed in the currents of Hiphop? What are the major differences between Mumble and Lyrical Rap, and why have these led to conflicts?


Prerequisites
Prerequisite knowledge of Hiphop music will be helpful, but not necessary.

In the Medieval period, many philosophers attempted to prove the existence of God through various methods. Some tried to prove God’s existence purely from the idea of God, as in the case of Anselm. Muslim scholars, such as al-Kindi, Avicenna, and al-Ghazali, used principles of Aristotelian science in their proofs. The introduction of Aristotelian science to Europe, through Muslim scholarship, made philosophers such as Aquinas try to prove God’s existence through Aristotelian principles and empirical facts. This class will reconstruct and assess various arguments for the existence of God from Christian and Muslim philosophers.


Prerequisites
No Prerequisites

This class will begin by examining the history of racial discrimination in Baseball. It will then examine the period of racial integration and the continued legacy of racial discrimination in baseball today. The class will examine pivotal figures in each of these eras, such as Moses Walker, Jackie Robinson, Satchel Paige, Willie Mays, Roberto Clemente, Hank Aaron, and Jose Bautista.


Prerequisites
No Prerequisites

This class will look at the Indian Rebellion of 1857 as a critical event in the history of British colonial rule in India. Topics will include the rise of the British East India Company, the negotiation of sovereignty between the East India Company and the declining Mughal Empire, the trial of the last Mughal Emperor Bahadur Shah Zafar II, and the formal assumption of rule in India by the British Crown in 1858.

A brief history of the Mughal Empire, which ruled in India from the 16th to the 19th century. The class will discuss issues of religion, conquest, society and politics, and art and architecture in Mughal India, as well as modern narratives of Mughal rule in contemporary South Asia.

Have you ever wondered why we go to school? We're supposed to, of course, but what are the norms and values that underpin that widely held belief? And what do we really get taught to do, anyway? This class will be part history and part experiment as we discuss the origins of the modern theory and practice of education, looking at how the model evolved from antiquity to the present. We will pay particular attention to models that have not been adopted in the mainstream (i.e., Montessori, Waldorf, etc.), and will consider other models of education (apprenticeship, immersion, etc.) to see what we can learn. Then we'll roll up our sleeves and design our own school, from scratch.

What do you think of when you hear the word “tragedy”? While most people immediately think of sadness, there is much more to the genre. Explore with us the nuances of tragedy through short films, discussions, and interactive activities!

In the First Battle of Bull Run, the opening battle of the American Civil War, Confederate General J.E.B. Stuart led nearly 300 Virginia cavalrymen into battle. From then until Robert E. Lee’s surrender at Appomattox, both the Union and the Confederacy relied heavily on horses and cavalries to reinforce the infantry, undertake offensive actions, flank opposing soldiers during battles and much more. In Horseplay: Horses and Cavalry in the Civil War, we will discuss the important roles that cavalries played during battles like Gettysburg, Antietam and Sherman’s March to the Sea. We will also talk about Robert E. Lee’s famous horse, Traveller, and some other Civil War generals’ well-known personal horses.

An introduction to global humanitarian aid and assistance. In this seminar, we will examine the principles and objectives of humanitarian action. We will ask ourselves the question, "What factors make humanitarian action either effective or ineffective?" The class will draw upon our observations of several prominent humanitarian organizations, such as Médecins Sans Frontières (Doctors Without Borders), and instances of disaster relief, like in New Orleans following Hurricane Katrina.

Explore women's voices in ancient Rome, from Latin poetry to graffiti and everything in between.

In class, we will cover essential Latin that students would encounter in the States. This includes understanding basic Latin phrases and words that come up in English conversations. We will also cover the most common Latin roots that can help expand students' abilities to decipher difficult English words.


Prerequisites
Just English!

What happens when we die? Explore how religions like Christianity, Buddhism, and Islam conceive of the afterlife. We will also address the atheistic conception of death and how irreligion understands the afterlife.

Chances are you've heard about refugees in the news or in conversations in your community. But who are refugees, where are they coming from, and how are we incorporating them into our society? This class is designed to provide an overview of global forced migrations, including 1) How refugee situations are created and result in people who flee their countries, 2) How a person becomes a refugee and travels to America, and 3) What situations refugees face when they get here. By painting a picture of refugee resettlement and history, this class will help you better understand the experiences of your neighbors who are navigating new lives in America.

It’s July 2nd, 1881. President James Garfield strolls into the Baltimore and Potomac Railroad Station, accompanied only by his friend, James Blaine. Suddenly, a shot rings out. Garfield crumples to the floor, severely wounded. Standing over him is Charles Guiteau, believing God wanted him to assassinate the president. As the 20th President lay on his deathbed over the next few months, the United States grappled with issues of national security, insanity, and modern medicine. A new political era rose with the sun the morning after Garfield’s death. We’ll explore this little-known drama of national loss, discovering how hurt pride, egotism, and recklessness can change the course of history.

Ever wonder what it's like to fight a pistol duel from a hot air balloon? Or how a vice president got away with killing Alexander Hamilton without so much as a $10 fine? In this class, we'll trace the practice of dueling from its medieval origins to its gradual decline after Hamilton's death. We'll focus especially on dueling's role in defining masculinity, its various incarnations across cultures, and famous/strange duels using swords, billiard balls, and maybe even pork sausages!

An overview of the techniques that make campaign ads effective and powerful, and a run-through of the most famous ones in American political history. Ads come from the vibrant democracies of India, Israel, and the United States. Learn how you and others have been manipulated, and how to manipulate in turn.

An overview of the history and purpose of national anthems, with demonstrative examples. We'll look at what makes an anthem effective, how the tradition came about, and then assess whether or not we find The Star Spangled Banner to be a suitable one for the United States.

This course will try to place the Election of 2016 in the context of the history United States Presidential Elections. We will specifically compare 2016 to other elections that shattered the political order such as 1800, 1824, 1860, and 1964

A workshop to teach students what they can and cannot do when interacting with the law, and to give them a greater understanding of the legal system as a whole.

Troy, Thermopylae, and more. We'll look at warfare in ancient Greece, focusing on some specific battles to better understand how people fought each other in Sparta, Athens, and Syracuse.

From "I Love Lucy," and "The Brady Bunch" to "Friends," "Seinfeld," and modern shows like "Parks and Recreation" and "Black-ish," the American situation comedy has entertained the public and captured contemporary sensibilities like perhaps no other medium over the past decades. Take this class to learn the history of sitcoms, the hallmarks of the form, and the basics of writing your own show!


Prerequisites
N/A.

In this class, we'll explore the life of the man and his lyrics and try to figure out what the Swedish Academy saw in Dylan when they gave him literature's highest honor.

Super Human is a course that explains the phenomenon of that "gut feeling" you get when the odds were in your favor all along when you weren't sure about something. This course will help students tackle unforeseen bumps in the road you may face in college.The Super Human course
will help students navigate through their lives and teach them step by step on how to tap into their Super Human ability "Intuition!"

Although origami was popularized in Japan, paper-folding originated in China. We will use origami as a means of exploring basic elements of Daoism, Confucianism, and Zen Buddhism!


Prerequisites
Previous background folding some origami (at least a crane).

Wow your family! Impress your teachers! Spend 20 minutes thinking about whether or not to use that comma! In this course, we will explore conventions of English grammar and examine common mistakes and punctuation marks.

A lot of things seem silly if you don't know why people do it. Conservatism is a political philosophy that been clouded by the political drama of late. To some, it may seem arbitrary and confusing, maybe even backwards. This seminar will explore the roots of conservatism and try to explain why conservatives believe what they believe through the lenses of two of its giants: Edmund Burke and William F. Buckley, Jr.

Sponsored by the William F. Buckley, Jr. Program at Yale


Prerequisites
None

Superheroes! They're everywhere: Movies, comic books, TV shows, tee shirts, lunch boxes, and even pop songs. But where do superheroes come from, and why do we love them so much? In Superhero Literature! 101, we'll look at the historical and literary traditions that lead to the creation of Superhero comics! We'll talk about ancient mythology, Gothic novels, the origin of the comic books, and the Cold War!


Prerequisites
None! (Just a love for superheroes and learning!)

In this class, we will spend time covering major philosophical issues in education. This ranges from covering policies issues like the charter school debate and affirmative action to covering pertinent philosophical paradigms like equality versus equity. Students interested in better understanding their own position in education and society should take the class. This will be a heavy discussion-based class!

In this class, we will work with students to strengthen individuals' speaking confidence. We will cover speaking styles as well as effective speech writing. We will spend the second half of the class practicing speaking in front of other people to make sure students get a chance to leave with some practice under their belt.

In this class, we will cover the use of writing for social change. Students will learn how to write powerful pieces of writing that go from informational to persuasive. We will cover argumentative structures, common mistakes, writing with purpose, and influencing the reader. Finally, we will cover how to get Op-Eds and Letters to Editors published in newspapers.

In this class, we will cover how to introduce yourself and have a basic conversation in Hindi. Hindi is the most spoken language in India and the fourth most spoken language worldwide!


Prerequisites
None! No exposure to Hindi preferred!

Despite the limited roles that women in ancient Greece could play in political and artistic institutions, their representations nevertheless survive to us in classical literature. In this course, we will listen to female voices from ancient Greece speaking to us—both mythological and real. We will read selections from the lyric poetry of Sappho and the epigrams of Anyte, Nossis, and Erinna; from them we can observe how female poets represented themselves and their thoughts on subjects such as death, marriage, love with both men and women, war, and nature. We will then shift to the dramatized voices of women in ancient Greek tragedies, ranging from the sorceress Medea, the famed beauty Helen, and the rebellious princess Antigone. By exploring their perspectives in these windows to the past, we can begin to reflect on the complex relationships of ancient Greek women with their communities, their gender, and their sense of self. All texts used in this course will be read in English translation.

Explore women's voices in ancient Rome, from Latin poetry to graffiti and everything in between.

As Sun Tzu said in The Art of War, "The greatest victory is that which requires no battle." Can this peaceful victory be achieved? In this class, you become a leader of a country in the midst of turmoil. You make all of the decisions, but remember, every decision you make has an effect on those around you. Sign up for this class and let's find out what happens.

Ever thought about what education really is? Or what it should be? Look no further. In this class we will take a very philosophical approach to these questions, as we will look to Plato for answers. Plato’s Allegory of the Cave is a short yet dense piece of work that we will use to figure out just what education should look like. After having done so, we will evaluate education today and see whether it lives up to Plato’s standards. Come prepared for lots of discussion!


Prerequisites
Read the Allegory of the Cave. Can be found here: http://www.rowan.edu/open/philosop/clowney/Aesthetics/scans/Plato/PlatoCave.pdf (not required but recommended)

While you may think this is a theological question, we will take a more philosophical approach to this question. We will go over arguments that Descartes uses to prove the existence of god and evaluate them on a philosophical level. Once the arguments are presented, we will start debating for or against them in teams; so get your philosophical game on and come prepared to do lots of talking!


Prerequisites
You are encouraged to read Descartes' "Meditations on First Philosophy" found here: http://selfpace.uconn.edu/class/percep/DescartesMeditations.pdf (If you choose to do the reading, focus on meditations III-VI)

An overview of the driving forces (existentialism, WWII, the Holocaust, Samuel Beckett, Martin Estlin, etc.) of Theater of the Absurd and its connections to WWII, with a focus on Eugene Ionesco's play Rhinoceros. We will discuss how this play relates to the current political climate and the relevance of the absurd today.


Prerequisites
Please read (or at least read the SparkNotes summary http://www.sparknotes.com/drama/rhinoceros/) Rhinoceros so we can be ready to discuss

As Sun Tzu said in The Art of War, "The greatest victory is that which requires no battle." Can this peaceful victory be achieved? In this class, you become a leader of a country in the midst of turmoil. You make all of the decisions, but remember, every decision you make has an effect on those around you. Sign up for this class and let's find out what happens.

Enjoy a break for lunch with your friends! Please register for at least one lunch period on each day of the program.

What do class scheduling, data routing, sorting algorithms, and choosing 12 donuts from 5 types have in common? All of those problems can be solved using the math learned in this class. We will go over the math that you DIDN'T learn in high school, such as graph theory (the graph coloring problem, stable marriage problem), sums and recurrences, counting (sounds simple but is the coolest thing you'll learn), and probability (hint, it's not what you'd expect). If you're interested in the design and analysis of algorithms, this class is for you!


Prerequisites
No courses required, but a strong understanding of numbers and algebra is preferred.

How can we use trigonometry in our lives? It is the key to solving many everyday issues up to extreme situations such as engineering, aerospace, and architecture, to name a few. This course will help answer some of these questions, focusing on right-triangle trigonometry and trigonometric functions. We will use these functions to solve real-world problems and take the lesson outside of the classroom. You will find that trigonometry is everywhere in the world!


Prerequisites
Basic understanding of algebra, measuring angles and objects.

In this class, we will learn about methods of encrypting and deciphering secret messages. First, we will introduce simple methods of encryption and learn why you wouldn’t want to use these to protect your bank account information! Then, we will explore modern cryptography, discussing the motivation for developing certain methods (like public key cryptography) and the mathematics underlying them. While you will be able to break simple encryption schemes using just pencil and paper, modern cryptography often can’t be broken without extremely powerful computers or the invention of new math. We’ll see that being good at solving puzzles turns out to be extremely useful in cryptography.


Prerequisites
Basic algebra, basic probability would be helpful

Given a competitive scenario, how do we develop the best strategy to win? This simple question gives rise to surprisingly useful ideas and insights in the field of game theory. It turns out that many real-life situations can be modeled as “games,” giving this branch of mathematics a wide range of applicability in biology, psychology, and economics. In this class, we will directly engage with the ideas of game theory by playing a few games to get a feel for why the best strategies work. We will discuss the reasons that abstract reasoning in math turns out to be useful, as well as explore the ways that studying games can help us understand the real world.


Prerequisites
Basic probability would be helpful

Do you like DIYs? Did you ever realize these functions basically make up a robot? Now you can make your own and figure it out! Your robot will be able to run on its own and create a beaitful piece of art! We will use hardware material such as servo motors, photo resistors, and reed switches to make your robot come to life. So join the fun and make your own doodle robot!

A lot in biology can be learned from analyzing mathematical equations: cancer treatments, zika virus spread, HIV therapy, etc. This class will teach you how to think like a mathematical biologist by showing you how to translate biological problems into mathematical questions. You will learn how to come up with mathematical models for biological phenomena and techniques for how to analyze these models.


Prerequisites
Basic knowledge of algebra

What is a "brain network"? How can algebra be used to help us understand mental illness? In this course, you will learn how neuroscientists use mathematics to understand data, design experiments, and interpret results. You will learn how some types of math can be used to tackle problems that neuroscientists grapple with each day. You will discover how we can use mathematical techniques to discover the human "connectome" - the full network of connections in the brain. This course assumes knowledge of mathematics up through algebra; additional themes, such as matrices and graph theory, will be developed during the course.


Prerequisites
Mathematics through algebra

Under the hood, your computer represents all forms of information, including text files, movies, and music, as a long string of just 0s and 1s. How is this possible?

Learn to find a piece of candy from 4 billion cups in just 32 tries, represent any number with just 1s and 0s, and spot bit errors with one glance.


Prerequisites
No prior computer science/programming knowledge needed.

A speedy intro to the untyped lambda calculus, a human-readable programming language in only two symbols.

Learn how to reconstruct traditional programming constructs (numbers, arithmetic, conditionals, loops, and arrays) from scratch, using nothing but anonymous function definitions and calls.


Prerequisites
Some programming experience is recommended, but not required. Understanding of basic programming constructs ("if", "for", arrays, booleans, functions) is assumed.

This class is about recognizing when two things are the $$\textit{same}$$ , or have the same $$\textit{structure}$$ (most students will have used isomorphisms in their daily lives without necessarily knowing the term). First, we'll play a game, and get a feel for the subject by talking about the game. Then we'll talk about various isomorphisms — these are essentially correspondences that tell us in what way two things are the same. We'll think about how symmetries of a triangle share structural similarities to the different ways we can order three things, how theories about particles moving in space are like theories about qualities of space itself, and more. An especially interesting course for those who like math and philosophy.

In a recent interview, Matt Booty (the vice president of Microsoft) stated that the main reason the company acquired Minecraft is because of the creativity and logic the game instills in its players. In this course, we will dive into different elements and mechanics of the game. We will look at the various algorithmic functions in the game, then learn how they directly correlate with some basic concepts in computer science.

In this course, we will go over all the fundamental parts needed to build a computer and how they interact with each other. Students will have the chance to actually build a computer, and to conceptually build a machine tailored to their own use via various online resources. This is an introductory class, so all levels of computer knowledge are welcome!

Ever wonder what exactly “hacking” means? We will go over the history of hacking, stretching back to before the first computers. We will address some of the methods used by hackers today and examine the ethical problems that go along with the subject. This is NOT a learn to hack class - we will be discussing hacking methods from a purely conceptual position.

In this class, we will look at a number of unresolved questions in mathematics which are easy to state, but (apparently) hard to answer.

Wondered what it is mathematicians do all day? Heard of proof, but only the boring types, like "induction" and "contradiction"? We will explore the varied land of proof through difficult problems, talking about neat methods of proof in the context of chicken coup politics.

In this class, we will play with infinite sums and products in a way that your teachers probably told you was illegal, but which were used historically to achieve deep results.


Prerequisites
Experience with algebra (the normal kind) will be necessary. Words like "polynomial" will definitely show up in this class.

An introduction to mathematical game theory, studying how to use logic and probability to make intelligent, rational decisions in games. Will include discussions of payoff matrices, the Prisoner's Dilemma, the role of randomness in optimal strategies, and other related topics.


Prerequisites
Knowledge of basic algebra.

This course is a brief introduction to the exciting field of game theory, which is used in all facets of life such as politics, biology, business and computer science. We will cover the idea of expected utility and show how it can be used to maximize your profits and minimize your loses when playing blackjack, the popular card game made famous in movies like “21” and “Rain Man”. Basic algebra is all that’s needed to learn about this exciting field!


Prerequisites
Algebra

Don't just admire proofs, derive them! Appreciate the beauty of math with an overview of elegant yet accessible proofs from diverse mathematical realms including geometry, algebra, and number theory.


Prerequisites
familiarity with basic algebraic and geometric concepts

Frozen. The Incredibles. Up. And...trigonometry?
In this class, we'll explore the collision of two (not-so-)unlikely subjects: animated movies and good old fashioned geometry. With some help from the mathematicians at Pixar, we'll put familiar concepts to work in understanding how animators rely on mathematical ideas to create the movies we know and love.


Prerequisites
This class will involve some basic geometry.

This course will cover the basic operation of transistors and their implementation in logic gates. Specifically, students will learn how to draw transistor level diagrams and how to represent basic Boolean equations as a series of logic gates. The logic needed for these concepts will be focused on in the course.


Prerequisites
Basic understanding of binary.

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

Learn about computer components, basics of building a computer, and an overview of different programming languages including python, and C.


Prerequisites
No previous knowledge required except know what a computer is!

Students will be introduced to the basics of MRI; the simple physics of MRI, how images are formed in MRI, what is functional MRI and uses of MRI.


Prerequisites
none

In this class we'll discuss current the Astrophysical theory for the origin and evolution of the Universe, also known as Cosmology. We'll discuss the large-scale structure of the Universe and how this helps scientists constrain the widely accepted Cosmological theory. Students will be able to have some interactive examples to learn methods that Astrophysicists today employ.


Prerequisites
Algebra

A view into the minds of famous serial killers and psychopaths such as Jeffrey Dahmer and Ted Bundy and a discussion on the biology behind their abnormal thought processes. Relevant research on the possible causes of psychopathy will be reviewed as well as proposed treatments. Unique characteristics of psychopaths will be analyzed as well as childhood warning signs in specific cases. The class will debate possible solutions and cures for psychopathy and propose methods the government should take to protect society from serial killers. Contains material some may find disturbing.

How much of what we see is actually there? What is real vs. what is our mind falsely perceiving? Optical illusions and deceiving images will be shown and the biological reasoning behind their perception will be analyzed. The theory that color exists only in our minds and not in the real world will be supported through deceptive pictures. The unreliability/ selectiveness of vision will also be discussed along with specific psychologists’ findings and views on the matter of visual perception.

Explore the world of physical therapy with current students that are pursuing careers in the field. Have you ever experienced an injury and needed physical therapy? Do you have bad headaches or back pain from lugging around your backpack? Physical therapy benefits a wide array of diagnoses, from small ailments to chronic illnesses. The goal of this class is not only to introduce you to the world of physical therapy, but also to discuss how it could apply to you and your daily activities and functional abilities.

Are you interested in becoming a Physical Therapist or a Physical Therapist Assistant? In this class we will discuss the differences and similarities of each role as well as what it means to pursue a career in the healing arts & sciences. We will discuss the impact each role has in the field and what you need to know if you are interested in working as a therapist. Hear from students currently pursuing this career and see if this path could be right for you!

Health spending has reached almost 20% of American GDP. In other words, almost 1 in 5 of dollars spent in the US goes toward health care in some way. Health care is a deeply emotional issue to many and features prominently in national political discourse. This course will apply basic economic principles to gain a deeper understanding of the American healthcare system and health policy.

Ever wonder what crime scene investigators gather from a crime scene? One major piece of evidence criminals leave behind is fingerprints. This class will cover the basics of fingerprints and their formation, and will include activities involving the making of fingerprints, fingerprint cards, and finding and enhancing prints on various surfaces.

Gender roles are typically associated with traditional or stereotypical lifestyle choices that are currently being challenged through cultural change. How early do these concepts enter the minds of developing children and how are they formulated? Are these concepts innate, or learned through the observation of adult models? Living in a world that is ever-changing, we will tackle these questions and dive into the minds of children. The class objectives will be to gain an understanding of what psychologists know about when gender roles are established in children, how they are established, and by what means this affects the overall development of a child.

Earth is a ticking time bomb! Eventually, Earth will become completely unfit for human life, and humanity will cease to exist! Unless…we LEAVE. Who ever said we have to stay on Earth? The universe is unimaginably big. The question is not “Can we go?" but rather, “Where should we go?" This class will explore where the next human civilizations will be built, ranging from more popular ideas - the Moon? Mars? - to some you probably didn’t even know were possible, like building a civilization in the middle of space.


Prerequisites
A little familiarity with gravity would be helpful, but is not necessary

We know, evolutionarily, that human beings are social creatures who seek the approval of others, but what happens to our brain chemistry when we feel hurt, sad, or rejected? Are the brains of lonely people different from others' brains, and what can be done to help those who feel isolated? This course will cover all of these topics, going into detail about the brain chemistry behind relationships, human behavior, personality traits, and the genetic link that ties it all together. From the evolutionary need to have friends, to the neuroscience of making lasting social bonds and how this helps people to have better, stronger, and mentally healthier lives together.

Every great piece of technology, from something as simple as the petri dish, to something as life-saving as an MRI machine, all started from the great ideas and trial and error of budding scientists like you and me. This course walks you through some of the greatest discoveries of all time, with a primary focus on the innovations of the scientific community, from the discovery of DNA with Rosalind Franklin, James Watson and Francis Crick, to the creation of life-saving medications like penicillin and insulin. This course will walk you through how some of the most brilliant minds in history made scientific discoveries and how these innovations have been perfected in the 21st century.

Have you ever wondered about the inner workings of your incredible brain? On average, your brain is 3 pounds and 2% of your total body weight, yet it controls every aspect of your life: regulating your breathing, remembering your loved ones' birthdays, remembering lyrics to your favorite song, crying and laughing, catching a ball, and walking. This course will walk you through cognition - the ability to think, analyze, access, and do what we do everyday, all of which the brain processes in milliseconds. This course will also discuss how different species think, and why animals can’t do quantum physics or do the same rational thinking as humans.

The science, politics, and controversy surrounding HIV and AIDS since their discovery place HIV among the most intriguing retroviruses to be studied in human beings. This course will walk you through the theorized origins of HIV in human and primate populations, how it spread slowly through the decades, signs and symptoms of HIV, and the ongoing developments in the 21st century towards developing an HIV vaccine that will work for all people. This course will discuss current and ongoing clinical trials of promising HIV vaccines and how a successful HIV vaccine would have a major impact on the global world for generations to come.

This course walks you through the history of language, how it originated millions of years ago, and how the brain processes speech. This course will also discuss questions regarding how modern technology helps or hinders our ability to understand language, and how smartphones might rewire our brains. Further topics to be discussed include whether both hemispheres of the brain are needed for language, whether men and women hear language the same way, and how being bilingual or multilingual can enhance your brain.

From time to time, we all encounter stress. We live in a fast-paced world that often requires us to give much of our time, energy, and resources to the passions we pursue. We are faced with numerous obligations, continual technological advancement, and ever-changing social ideals. Without proper tools, many are caught in the web of stress. Unfortunately, teenagers are not an exception. In this class, we will talk about the causes and consequences of stress, the brain's response to stress, and how stress can be managed.

Earth is a ticking time bomb! Eventually, Earth will become completely unfit for human life, and humanity will cease to exist! Unless…we LEAVE. Who ever said we have to stay on Earth? The universe is unimaginably big. The question is not “Can we go?" but rather, “Where should we go?" This class will explore where the next human civilizations will be built, ranging from more popular ideas - the Moon? Mars? - to some you probably didn’t even know were possible, like building a civilization in the middle of space.


Prerequisites
A little familiarity with gravity would be helpful, but is not necessary

Have you ever wondered what’s going on inside your brain that allows you to develop different emotions and thoughts while listening to music or playing an instrument? Are you also potentially interested in pursuing a career in the healthcare field? In this class, we will discuss the impact of music on the human brain, and more specifically, how it affects the brain during illness and injury- on both a psychological and biological level. You will also learn how important it is to treat a patient as a whole, or in other words, how to establish an emotional connection with people, something that is not taught directly in school. Through videos, group discussions, and interactive activities, you will learn how music positively impacts the brain, and how it exemplifies a critical method in not only being able to connect with others on a deep emotional level, but also, aid in the rate of recovery from illness or injury. In addition, you will be taught how to apply this information to your own everyday life, so that you can improve your future interactions with all people, whether or not you go into health care.

Cosmologists study the universe: how does the universe evolve? How can we explain the universe as we see it today? In this class I will offer an introduction to this fascinating subject by exploring the history of the evolution of the universe. In so doing we will cover topics like gravitational waves, dark matter, and dark energy. Most importantly this class will emphasize all the puzzles that are yet to be figured out, which is what makes cosmology such an exciting field for aspiring scientists.


Prerequisites
High school math and a basic notion of physics will help but is by no means necessary.

Come join us for a lesson in working memory! We will discuss the working memory model proposed by Baddeley and Hicks in 1974, which focuses on a multicomponent approach to how information is stored and maintained. We will engage in some simple memory activities to see our working memory in action! This will include attempting to memorize simple word lists with a time limit! It should be a really memorable experience!

This class is an introduction to how cells work. It will cover all the basic parts of a cell and how they keep you alive. Get a deeper understanding of what is going on inside your body and what happens when you get sick or hurt.

This class will explore how we process information, given to us by the news, family, friends, and teachers.We will look at the regions of the brain which process different types of information as well as how we can use that information to become more effective in studying and thinking critically about the information that comes to us from the outside world.


Prerequisites
Some Biology

Ornithology is the scientific study of birds. This class will be a broad introduction to what's weird, wacky, unique, and awesome about birds. We'll cover evolutionary history (yes, dinosaurs had feathers) and taxonomy, the development and basic physics of flight, and the growth and color of bird feathers. We'll talk about bird behavior: what are the different ways birds find food, find mates, and interact with their habitats? And we'll learn about some amazing birds from around the world that just might be contenders for a "weirdest bird award." Get a taste of Yale's ornithology class in two hours. Bring all the questions you ever wanted to ask about birds!


Prerequisites
You should probably know what a bird is.

Zoology is the study of animals. In this class, we will concentrate on what defines a mammal. Did you know that there are mammals that lay eggs?! We will also learn what makes humans primates. Did you know that some people think chimpanzees should be reclassified as humans and not as great apes? Come to this class to learn more about these interesting distinctions!

Biology is the study of life. In this class, we will learn what the criteria are to be considered living. Did you know there are some diseases that are not alive and yet are contagious?! Do you know why we can get cures for cancer but we can’t find a cure for the common cold? Come to this class to find out!

Parasites demonstrate the epidemic scale of man’s relationship with the environment. The 1993 Milwaukee outbreak, the largest parasitic outbreak in the US, is a brilliant case study of why we need good regulation on the environment, and how the environment affects our health. Come learn about environmental science through this case study!

In this hands-on workshop, students will learn about polar and non-polar compounds and how this affects solubility. Studies will use these ideas to separate out the dyes used in Kool Aid. Finally, the class will discuss how separation science (chromatography) applies to real laboratory experiments.

Many of us have stories about our encounters with poison oak, but did you know that it is not actually poisonous? Join us to learn about poison oak and other intriguing plants and their properties and uses. We will be learning through observation and folklore that has surrounded plants for generations.

Will the Sun become a Black Hole? Or is it going to explode and become a Planetary Nebula? We will learn how to identify the life story of a star based on its mass and composition!

Ever heard of Dark Energy and Dark Matter and wondered what they are? Want to study 96% of what makes our Universe as we know it? You've come to the right place! We will understand the discovery of Dark Matter and Dark Energy, why we think they exist and how scientists measure they properties nowadays.

Biotechnology, specifically genetic modification, has a bad reputation. It is time to explore both sides of the argument. How can genetic modification help us fight disease, world hunger, or the obesity epidemic? How can it help us fight pollution or the extinction of species? And could it help us solve crimes? In this seminar involving myth-busting, discussions, and trivia, we will explore the answers to these questions. By the end of the seminar, you will understand the multifarious real-life uses of this biotechnology, and the advantages and disadvantages to using it in these specific situations.


Prerequisites
Optional Reading: http://www.nytimes.com/2013/08/25/sunday-review/golden-rice-lifesaver.html

What happens inside your body when you get sick? When you encounter microbes, your immune system recognize invaders and becomes activated in order to fight the infection. Your immune system also has ways of remembering these microbes, so that next time you don't get sick. Come learn about your immune system, how it fights infections, and how vaccines can mimic these processes to help you remember microbes you've never seen!


Prerequisites
some basic biology suggested!

First there was a story about a particle. When this particle moves from one place another, it does so in such a way as to minimize a quantity called the $$\textit{action}$$ . It seems to, miraculously, $$\textit{know}$$ where it is going to end up, and which path to take there. Fast forward to the 20th century, and a picture as to how this path selection happens emerges. Experiments involving silver atoms and magnets lead us to question the nature of being itself. The physical laws that govern the motion of the particle seem to account for all conceivable paths at once...


Prerequisites
The math we will use is very simple: adding arrows and finding the areas of squares.

Evolution isn't just any old scientific theory - it's the biggest reason for the world's ecological diversity. The animal world is full of strange adaptations when it comes to reproduction. How does evolution account for these - or does it?
Includes overview of principles of evolution as applied to reproduction, such as the Red Queen Hypothesis, sexual selection, and real-world examples.


Prerequisites
A understanding of basic biology.

Have you ever wondered about what genes are? Or how information from your parents is passed on to you? Or how the environment influences your genes? Or maybe even just why genetics matters?

This class covers some of the basics of genetics including what DNA is, how transcription and translation work, and how heredity (how information is passed on) works. We will also discuss epigenetics, genetic engineering, and what happens when something goes wrong in the form of genetic disease.


Prerequisites
Understanding of basic biology.

Have you ever pointed your toes towards the bottom when swimming in a lake and noticed that the deeper water was colder? Have you ever seen oil floating on water? Do you know how these two questions are related? Come and learn how they are and how the physics that connects them plays a key role in our oceans, lakes, and atmosphere. There will be live demonstrations, videos, engaging conversation and, best of all, fun with science!


Prerequisites
Understanding of mass, volume, density, temperature, and basic math skills (addition, subtraction, multiplication, division, and exponents).

Do you ever wonder how life formed on the cosmic scale? How systems of planets like ours form and evolve? We've discovered thousands of other worlds in the pasts two decades, but what do we really know about them - and how? Is there already a course where someone answers and elaborates on these questions? No? Then I guess I'll planet!

A wise Jedi once said, "The force is an energy field created by all living things, it surrounds us, it penetrates us, it binds the galaxy together". In this course you will learn about the four fundamental forces of the universe through the context of star wars and how those force apply to the universe as a whole.

How do genes shape traits and diseases? How do researchers learn more about genetics? What roles do "big data," statistical methods, and computer science play in genomic research? An introduction to the world of bioinformatics and statistical genetics.


Prerequisites
High school biology recommended

Volcanoes have long been a source of fascination for scientist and historians alike. In this class, we'll look at the science of volcanoes, learning about about how and why they happen, and how civilizations of the past have interpreted these wonders of nature.

How do cancer cells differ from normal cells in the body? How does your immune system recognize and eliminate cancer cells, and how can we utilize the immune system to combat cancer?


Prerequisites
A basic understanding of cell biology would be helpful.

In the Jurassic Park movies, dinosaurs are cloned from blood found in a mosquito. How realistic is the movie? How accurate is the science behind it?

This course will explore the legitimacy of Jurassic Park and discuss modern cloning techniques. Short clips of the movie may be used!


Prerequisites
General background in biological concepts and knowledge of DNA. Watching Jurassic Park isn't necessary but would be helpful!

What are vaccines and how do they work? Why do we need them? Do they REALLY cause autism? Come learn the nitty gritty details of vaccines and how they apply to you!


Prerequisites
Basic biology understanding is preferred.

Diamonds, snowflakes, and even proteins… Crystals are beautiful! Did you know that you can use lasers to look inside crystals? This is called X-ray Crystallography, and it is used to study a variety of problems related to biochemistry, medicine, and pharmacology. In this interactive workshop, we’ll play with lasers to learn about basic principles. Then, we’ll discover how these simple concepts have been used solve biomedical mysteries.

Did you know that with new scientific techniques, it's now possible to choose your child's hair or eye color before they're born? Or that with a single strand of your hair, computers are able to construct a rendering of your face? Or that a certain type of contact lens will allow you to record and replay all your memories? We'll be exploring how new technologies are turning Science Fiction into reality, and we'll discuss both the good and bad things that come with humans' incredible ability to do the impossible.


Prerequisites
None! All are welcome!

Spectroscopy is a vast field encompassing many methods that use different properties of molecular systems and the electromagnetic spectrum to give us information about the identity and structure of compounds. We will learn the principles of spectroscopy and two commonly used spectroscopic methods.

Topics covered: The electromagnetic spectrum. Bonding. The origin of color. Selected methods: IR and UV-vis spectroscopy.


Prerequisites
General high school chemistry Familiarity with atomic orbitals would be ideal (Note: difficulty depends on if you're familiar with bonding and molecular orbitals)

Although we may not think about it, we are applying many scientific principles when we exercise. This class will examine some of these principles of physiology in different sports. For example, why are some people better runners than others or what generates a fast ball in baseball? Why are helmets necessary?

What do Albert Einstein, mirrors, and fun have in common? They're all important to understanding special relativity! In this class, we'll derive Einstein's special theory of relativity, using only basic algebra, geometry, and a bit of imagination. Not only will you have a chance to brag to your friends about understanding what special relativity is, you'll also be able to see just how awesome and accessible physics can be.


Prerequisites
A basic understanding of algebra and geometry

Surpassed only by sanitation and good food in terms of human life-saving, antibiotics have proven themselves to be the single greatest advance in modern medicine, allowing doctors to reduce what once were life-threatening infections to easily-treatable annoyances. This medical miracle is facing a challenge in the form of antibiotic resistant bacteria. In this class, we will learn how bacteria develop antibiotic resistance, why antibiotic resistance is so dangerous, and what some of the major driving factors of the spread of this resistance are, as well as what is being done to combat it.


Prerequisites
Basic knowledge of biology would be helpful in understanding and enjoying the material

Dinosaurs ruled the Earth for about 185 million years, encompassing an incredibly vast range of physical forms and roaming everywhere from North America to Antarctica. But in that period from 250 million years ago to 66 million years ago, they weren't alone; alongside them were monsters the size of giraffes flying through the skies, ocean leviathans that gobbled up T.rexes that strayed too far from land, and hidden beasts in the forests stealthily watching all those that wandered into their territory. How do paleontologists classify the differences between dinosaurs and other creatures? Why did these differences evolve in the first place? Are there dinosaurs today? Or to summarize our questions: What makes a dinosaur a dinosaur? Come find out and bring any questions you may have about dinosaurs or other prehistoric creatures!


Prerequisites
a love of prehistory!

In 1959, Enrico Fermi formally articulated a question that has puzzled people ever since: where the heck are all of the aliens? This class will briefly examine the premises of the paradox, and then present a variety of the hypothetical explanations that have been posed.


Prerequisites
None

Are you a fish? That seems like a silly question, but according to evolutionary history, you just might be.

We'll start off by reviewing how evolution works, and how it creates new species. We'll learn how scientists use the tree of life to represent the complex relationships between the millions of species alive today. We'll talk about how we should classify organisms into groups (like mammals and birds) and why, evolutionarily speaking, people are actually fish.

In the second half, we’ll learn about cladistics and parsimony - how scientists used many small clues like the shape of a dinosaur’s pelvis to solve the puzzle of how species are related. You’ll then get some clues of your own, and use them to lay out a few branches of the tree of life.


Prerequisites
None! If you haven't taken much biology, you'll be fine. Also, even if you've taken AP biology, you will learn some new things.

Do you want to make your own beautiful cards? Do you want to know more about circuits and how they could be applied in our lives? Come to our interactive workshop! In this workshop, you will learn the art of paper circuits and how they work. First, we'll explore simple circuits that we can work out with pencil and paper. Then, we'll make our cards with these paper circuits!

Is there life beyond Earth? The question may seem like it belongs only in science fiction movies, but by using principles of Astronomy, Geology, and Biology, we can actually make a fairly educated guess whether or not we're sharing the Universe. Take this class to learn how.

When stopping to smell the roses, have you ever stopped and wondered how our noses actually smell smells? This class will explore the science of scent, the chemistry of compounds, and the biology of bouquets. From the chemicals that transmit fragrance, to the olfactory receptors in our noses and the neural pathway of scent recognition, we will explore the wide world of biochemistry and the intricate processes that allow us to stop and smell the roses each spring.

Have you ever pointed your toes towards the bottom when swimming in a lake and noticed that the deeper water was colder? Have you ever seen oil floating on water? Do you know how these two questions are related? Come and learn how they are and how the physics that connects them plays a key role in our oceans, lakes, and atmosphere. There will be live demonstrations, videos, engaging conversation and, best of all, fun with science!


Prerequisites
Understanding of mass, volume, density, temperature, and basic math skills (addition, subtraction, multiplication, division, and exponents).

The nervous system and the immune system strike a delicate balance in order to keep our brains healthy and properly functioning. However, inflammation can easily tip the scales and send the brain into a viscous downward spiral. In this class we will explore the hot topic of neuro-immunology and learn more about how the brain responds to injuries through the immune system. We will also examine how many neurological diseases, like Alzheimer's, are connected to overactive immune systems. Using interactive models, and case studies, we will delve into the overlap of the nervous and immune system.


Prerequisites
Introductory Biology

This course intends to teach students how to tie a variety of knots and learn about their uses. They will be described in their relationship to backpacking (backcountry travel) as well as sailing and climbing. In addition to hands-on instruction and practice tying the various knots, there will be explanations of their history and relevance.


Prerequisites
None

Think you know everything there is to know about the Wizarding World of Harry Potter? Join us for the Hogwarts House Cup Tournament! The sorting hat will decide your house before you compete with your new housemates in Harry Potter games and trivia. Earn house points and compete to be the winners of the Splash 2017 House Cup!