Film is a mode of art and entertainment that is incredibly self-referential. In this course we will explore some film tropes and their origins, and we will see how early film-effects are hidden in modern-day movies in plain sight.

Course will reference famous directors including Hitchcock, Kubrick, Spielberg, Coppola, etc. SOME SPOILERS

Rembrandt: an iconic painter and etcher known for his powerful scenes and usage of light. He dominated the Dutch Golden Age with his provocative and moving works of art. Come learn about his life, techniques used, famous works and more.

What are the works of art is he well known for?

What inspired Rembrandt?

What was his personal life like?

Come learn about the answers to these queries and much more!

This class should be enjoyable and fairly easy to understand but it will move quickly, students should be aware of this.

If we have time, students will use the techniques they have learned about, and apply them to their own creation, done right in class!


Prerequisites
None! Just come ready to learn.

A survey of lesser known, modern-day fine artists, and the cutting edge they are contributing to their field. Most importantly, these artists show that art can be new and exciting without resorting to abstractions, minimalism, brutalism, or any of the other cheap devices of the avant-garde.

This does not purport to be an exhaustive or complete review by any means. But if you are interested in art and you like traditional paintings, you may find the scope interesting. A disillusionment with reductionist Modern, Post-Modern, or Contemporary aesthetic philosophy will be helpful but is not required.

Warning: artistic works often contain depictions that are evocative of strong emotion. This can include violence, gore, or the naked human body.

A look at b movies (like The Bee Movie), television references, moth memes, and other instances of bugs in pop culture in order to question the influence of media on public perceptions and vice versa. What is the purpose / stylistic choice of using bugs as a trope? What is fact versus fiction in bug portrayals?

From rock to jazz to classical, every song we hear is shaped by its harmonic structure (i.e. the chords!). Chords play a huge role in how music manages to evoke certain feelings and moods in us. In this class, we will analyze different types of chords, examine common chord progressions, and look at how genres of music use chords differently. This class is perfect for students who may have had minimal musical experience and want to learn more. However, all are welcome: whether amateur or master!

Are you in search of a way to relax, and embrace your creative side? Would you like to multitask while watching your favorite TV shows? Do need something to do to kill the time on long car rides? Consider picking up a new hobby: knitting!

In this course, students will learn the very basics of knitting (knitting and purling), 2 cast-on techniques (long-tail, and cable cast-on) plus a basic ribbing pattern and the seed stitch. All of these stitches and techniques will be taught while making a cute knitted headband. A pattern will be provided so that students can finish up their projects on their own. No knitting experience is required.


Prerequisites
No prior experience is necessary, but basic sewing skills are useful in finishing up and assembling the headbands.

In this class, you will learn the anatomy of the face and how to draw portraits.

Most people know that boomerangs exist. Few people have actually seen one in action. Even fewer people know how to throw one properly. In this course, you will learn how to throw a real boomerang so that it returns to you and how to catch it once it does.

Experience the magic of Shakespeare's language by bringing it to life! By performing scenes and sonnets, we will learn how textual analysis and performance support each other in unlocking the genius of Shakespeare.

Interested in learning a bit of self defense? Then, come learn the basics of Thai Kickboxing with us! Our class will teach you the basic strikes used in Muay Thai and hopefully give you a nice little workout at the same time!


Prerequisites
None

How is music put together? What structures does it obey? Why does it make us feel the way it does?

We will not come even close to answering any of these questions (sorry), but we'll listen to some music with an ear to understanding it at a practical level.


Prerequisites
Being able to read sheet music is a plus, but not necessary.

It is important to be able to present to a large group of people, whether it is for a school project, college assignment, or work meeting. In this lesson we will discuss and learn tips and tricks by simply getting up and practicing! Don’t be shy, come and learn how to speak with confidence!

Have you ever been a part of an improv group? This interactive, anything-goes improv exercise is a way to hone your creative skills. We will be working together during this lesson to start a story with a simple beginning and give everyone a chance to add their own creative flair. The direction is up to you! Let the laughs and good times roll!

Ornithopters have been around for quite a while. But what exactly is one, how do they fly, what distinguishes an ornithopter from other flying machines, and what about their uniqueness makes them useful? In this class we will dig through the history and origin of ornithopters, analyze the basic physics behind several popular designs, take a peek at modern applications, and maybe even take home some ornithopters of our own.

Students will learn about unique and interesting aspects of the brain, the history of psychology, the biopsychosocial approach, look at fascinating case studies in psychology, and much more!

Have you ever wondered why group projects usually have one person that does significantly more than the others?

Why do we often assume we know more than we actually do?

In the past, have you ever justified something you did that you wouldn't normally do?

Why does the smell of glue for example, bring back such strong memories of a grade school classroom?

Learn about these questions and more when you come take this introductory psychology class!


Prerequisites
None! Just come interested and ready to learn (a notebook and writing utensil recommended).

What makes America the most violent developed country in the world? What role is played by the ease of access to guns? Why have certain gun policy proposals gained the support of over 90% of Americans, but failed to pass in Congress?

This is a crash course in gun policy that will touch on topics in public policy, criminology, and sociology. Students will be encouraged to discuss problems and propose solutions, and will be taught to critically examine data and their own preconceptions.

Think about your favorite book. Now think about why that's your favorite book. Chances are, one of the things you like about it is its description, the way you can vividly see everything in your head. This course is all about reading/writing short stories and talking about the power of sensory description. We'll be discussing short stories and writing our own descriptive passages to share with the class. If you like to read and/or write, this is the class for you!

From the March on Washington to the March For Our Lives, protests have shaped American politics since its inception. Learn about the history of issue advocacy in the United States, the successful (and unsuccessful) ways to lead a protest, and how political professionals are effecting change through organized resistance today.

We will first define what a movement is and recognize some famous examples from American history. Then we will learn what political activists use to structure their movements and evaluate some famous protests through this structure. Finally, we will demonstrate this structure with our own movements in-class and learn about some resources to use in the future.

In today's political climate, it is impossible to predict what might happen next... or is it? With so many resources online, it can be easier than ever for the average American to stay engaged in electoral politics. Take a (quantitative and qualitative) dive into the 2018 midterm election as we try to predict who will win and who will lose: will the "Blue Wave" allow the Democrats to maintain some at-risk seats? Will the Republicans increase their majority? Will history repeat itself or is 2018 a "new type" of election?

We will discuss the importance of the US Senate and how partisan control is pivotal for success in government. We will then break down the map state-by-state and discuss general trends across the country. Finally, we will put our own prediction skills to the test as the class takes the role of a national political party. We will learn some "insider tricks" used by political operatives and collect resources to use in the future.


Prerequisites
A general understanding of Congress and American elections.

In this class, students will have the opportunity to write a poem. They will be taken through the basic steps of writing a poem, which will involve reading (and acting!) out one or two other poems, using the imagination to think up a subject, drawing out a creative interpretation of what their imagination came up with, and eventually writing their own poem!


Prerequisites
ability to write

Philosophers since the dawn of time have debated about human nature and what it means to be human. But what if the answer to that question was in our pockets? Or in our homes or schools? What if the answer to our humanity was in computers and all that we've created for them. The Talos Principle: Life as Defined by Machines asks these questions in a practical way to understand our own humanity through the devices we created ourselves.

Through a group approach, students set up parameters for discussion and work as a team to understand their own humanity. There are no wrong answers and you set the pace. The more discussion the better the class. This class is truly what you make of it.


Prerequisites
An open mind and willingness to participate. This is a student driven class. I (The teacher) act as fact checker and moderator.

Story time!
Come explore the wonderful world of German fairy tales and children's literature- from the Grimm Brothers to Heinrich Hoffmann. We'll read stories and try out writing a German fairy tale of our own!

The course will act as an introduction to methods of understanding technical terms for films as well as analysis of the purposes of certain techniques utilized for the movies. Students will go on to understand how certain editing techniques and camera shots/movements evoke different emotions or increase tension. Additionally, students will also analyze trailers and posters and describe how marketing skews and alters perception of specific films.


Prerequisites
N/A

We have arrived at many conclusions as to the supernatural tendencies of our world. As we continue forward-moving progression, we leave behind "fragments" of memories. Join us as we explore the intricacies of life's deeper "meaning," and analyze the interconnections within the oceans of the mind. Perfect for students interested in the art of debate debate.

Are there many things, no things, or just one thing? What does that question even mean? Can we inquire about the nature of reality independently of science? If not, why did so many great philosophers think that we can? This is an accessible introduction to a core area of philosophy called metaphysics, or the study of being. It's also a discussion based course, so come ready to talk! Please note that this class is *two hours.* (No philosophy background assumed.)

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.

Two start-up founders and business consultants will explain to students how to think like an entrepreneur and start a company as a high schooler.

Have you ever observed that many of the stories and books you have read seem to follow a similar framework? These stories probably followed the path of the hero's journey!

Come learn about the hero's journey in this class, where we will explore common archetypes, themes, plot lines and more. Students will have a chance to look at the three main components of this journey, and delve deeper into the steps of this voyage of discovery for heroines and heroes.

After learning all about the hero's journey, we will try to apply what we have learned by composing a short story.

If you can, please bring a notebook and writing utensil with you. If you don't have these items, please don't worry, however. I will make sure paper and pencils will be provided for any students who do not have this.


Prerequisites
Must have read at least one book in the last six months. Other than that, there are no prerequisites! A notebook and writing utensil is strongly recommended, however.

The election of 2016 was decided by 77,000 votes, but over 100 million people did not vote. Many of these Americans chose to not vote simply because they did not care. It's hard to believe so many people don't exercise their fundamental rights.
in this class, we will try to change this trend; we are going to teach kids how precious the right to vote is, how unique to our country it is, and why it is so imperative they use that right. Hopefully, we will make voting (and the class) fun for these kids.

Exploring how conspiracy theories and subterfuge have shaped discourse from the 1960s onward. Especially given the advent of targeted fake news and mainstream conspiracies, this class seeks to discuss how those new developments will affect us in the future.


Prerequisites
None

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 Buddhism!


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

What do Aristotle and Confucius have in common? This class will explore and compare the philosophy, religion and ritual culture, and government of Ancient Greece and Ancient China. All are welcome to take a new look at two of the most legendary and celebrated civilizations in antiquity, side by side.

This course introduces the practice of using mindfulness to work through stress. Mindfulness is paying attention in a particular way, and students will be shown how utilize this process in the reduction of their stress as well as throughout their lives.


Prerequisites
none

This course introduces the practice of using mindfulness to work through stress. Mindfulness is paying attention in a particular way, and students will be shown how utilize this process in the reduction of their stress as well as throughout their lives.


Prerequisites
none

In this class, we will split off into teams and create arguments for difficult to defend arguments. We will learn how to step outside of our beliefs and defend claims which we may fundamentally disagree with or feel uncomfortable arguing. However, don't feel afraid of the class--it'll also have parts that are lighthearted and fun! This class will be 100% discussion based--so come ready to talk!

What space do nonprofit organizations occupy in the corporate world? How do they differ from large, for-profit companies? How do we organize nonprofits in order to maximize impact?

"Nonprofits in the Corporate World" seeks to encourage students to be aware of the various nonprofits and charities they interact with, and further empower them to improve and build upon existing organizations.

Girls are powerful. Girls are strong. And when they're educated, healthy, and empowered, girls can change the world. This class will cover the unique challenges that girls around the world face, particularly girls in developing countries, and what is being done to help them reach their full potential - and how we all can help.

In this class, we'll discuss some of the themes that were prevalent in the mythology and culture of ancient Greece and see how those themes connect to modern times in a range of situations. The class will be discussion based and student participation is largely involved in what is gained from the class.


Prerequisites
History courses that provided a bit of a background of ancient Greece (not required, but would be beneficial to the discussion)

Come learn about the genre of satire in literature and everyday life and how its aspects of irony, sarcasm, and hyperbole open up the world to conversations that are often hard to talk about or taboo. Excerpts from George Orwell, Jonathan Swift, and Bo Burnham. And we will also look at some forms of satire that are consumed daily in the form of media like SNL and The Onion.

What is happiness? What is that warm fuzzy feeling we all want so desperately? Is it achievable? Or is it overrated? This class will explore what happiness truly is, why we put such an importance on having it, what is stopping us from having it, and, most importantly, how to get it and keep it in our lives.

Come get an introduction to the field that studies us all! To get us started, we will learn about the four different sub-disciplines of this intriguing field. We will also look at cultures around the world, and connections to our unique backgrounds.

In addition to this, we will also look at common pitfalls encountered in the field, and regard widely used research techniques. Students will learn about this, and see how anthropologists then utilize these methods of research to maximize their understanding of humans.

Come explore all of this, and more, including the following:

What are different cultural customs found around the world?

What are the four fields of anthropology?


Prerequisites
None! Come ready to learn.

We will examine various studies related to the principle of linguistic relativity—that is, the notion that a language's structure and vocabulary affect how its speakers perceive the world. Ultimately, we will discuss how linguistic relativity is relevant to modern society.

Please visit: https://www.ryansandler.com/teaching/linguistic-relativity

"It really made me think about language and how it works in a way I didn't know existed. All of the studies were relevant and very interesting, and I left the classroom thinking in a different manner than I had before ... truly a great experience! Made me excited to go to college and take courses similar to this one!"

"The sheer amount of knowledge the instructor possessed on the topic at hand and all of the examples really helped to key into the broad topics which are very complex."

An introduction to the ideas and practices of restorative justice as a transformative tool for social justice

This class will explore vegetarianism from the lens of animal rights, environmental ethics, and health benefits. It will also briefly touch upon ways to reduce meat consumption.

Have you ever had that nightmare where you're on stage giving a speech to your whole school? Have you ever felt a sinking "deer-in-headlights" feeling when you have to deliver a presentation in front of the class? Have you ever just wanted to spontaneously deliver a beautiful, persuasive speech?

If so, then this is the class for you! We will use current events as a medium to talk about strategies to confidently deliver an effective and eloquent speech. We will also examine some of the greatest speeches of all time from Ancient Rome to 2018, in fiction and reality. Aside from speech-delivery strategies, I will encourage students to think more deeply about the current events presented.

Ever wonder what the vikings did when they weren't busy raiding and pillaging? In Iceland they created a free society of independent people where law, culture, and creativity flourished. Who were these first Icelanders? What was their daily life like? And how did they resolve conflicts in a land with no king or government? We'll answer these questions and many more as we explore the fascinating history of Viking Age Iceland.

Got a headache? Try drilling a hole in your skull! Feeling down? Maybe a pair of radioactive underpants will perk you up. Come join us as we explore history's most baffling medical treatments.

Enter the world of Vikings! Follow Grettir the Strong, Iceland's most legendary Viking outlaw, as he battles monsters, wrestles a bear, and cleaves enemies in two with his famous sword. Will our hero manage to outwit and outfight his numerous foes? Or will he finally meet his end in glorious combat? Find out as we cover Grettir's Saga!

We will read, examine, and workshop contemporary poetry. Poets we read may include Ocean Vuong, Fatimah Asghar, Richard Siken.

We will read, examine, and workshop creative nonfiction, focusing on memoir. Writers we read may include Joe Brainard, Langston Hughes, Joan Didion.

Do you want to learn about the most terrifying, baffling, and awe-inspiring explosions of all time? From fireworks and cannons to nuclear bazookas and a bomb that literally shook the whole world, this may be some of the most explosive history you'll ever learn.

Do you or a loved one menstruate? Do you or a loved one wish you knew more or felt less awkward talking about periods, menstrual health, period poverty, period product alternatives, or just love talking about periods? If so, our class is for you! There is so much more to know about periods than how long to keep a tampon in without getting Toxic Shock Syndrome. All over the world, girls face extraordinary struggles whenever they get their period. Imagine not knowing how you would be getting your next box of pads. Or imagine not even knowing what a pad was. Worst of all, imagine not knowing what to call your period or why you bleed for a week each month. Some of us in America are fortunate enough to have answers to all of those questions, but for girls and women around the world many of those questions remain unanswered. If you want to know how you can fight to end period poverty, join the menstrual movement and end the stigma around menstruation, then consider taking this class, and getting involved with PERIOD, a national nonprofit full of young activists dedicated to advancing the menstrual movement.

Want to know how to be successful and confident in your friendships and academics? Sign up! We will cover topics such as how to make friends in a new environment, how to adjust to a new school's social life, how to study effectively, and how to find your passions in the academic field. After this class, you will understand how to be the best version of you!

What do you know about Islam?
What do Muslims believe?
What is the Qur'an?
In this class, we will have a basic knowledge of Islam and Muslims, the world's second largest religious group. We will learn the major tenets and themes of Islam in the historical context.

There are nearly 6000 languages spoken on the planet today, and throughout the course of human history countless languages have come and gone. If you want to try your hand at reaching into the past and trying to rebuild, reinvigorate, or rediscover lost languages, we'll be looking at modern mysteries of this sort through NACLO puzzles and other real-world linguistic examples. No knowledge in linguistics is required - anyone who loves working on logic problems or puzzles is welcome to join us!

You can't vote in the United States until you're 18, but believe it or not, you'll be that old before you know it! (Some of you already are!) Take this class to find out why it's so important to vote, how to register, and how to figure out who you want to vote for.

The movie "Get Out," written and directed by Jordan Peele, actually has a lot to say the role race plays in American life. Take this class to find out how!

Do you want to make a difference but aren't sure how to or for what cause? Come learn about Effective Altruism- a movement based on using reason and evidence to do the most good. The world is full of worthy causes, so many that it can be intimidating to figure out how you personally should help. This class will discuss ways you can make a positive impact, now and in your future.

Back in 2007 and 2008, the United States economy, along with those of many other developed (wealthy) countries, essentially blew up. And for several years after that, the developed world underwent the greatest economic downturn since the Great Depression. Why and how did everything go so, so wrong? Take this class to find out! (P.S. -- This topic is more fun and interesting, and less depressing, than it sounds!)

When we have an infinite regress, we have a chain of facts, or things, or reasons, or beliefs that goes on forever. And ever. And ever. Certain kinds of infinite regresses are deeply spooky. Philosophers have used this spookiness to raise and solve all sorts of puzzles, including puzzles about knowledge, existence, and meaning. Get ready to learn some philosophy and feel incredibly creeped out. No philosophy background required.

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)

Maybe you have a place that makes you think of something funny or happy. Maybe you have a place that reminds you of family, or of the one time you almost got lost. In this class, we will be writing stories inspired by places and the memories and emotions of those places. We will talk about what value places may have to our lives and the stories that form who we are. All are welcome — no writing experience required or needed!

Learn how to mind your Ps and Qs in this class on basic formal logic. Topics will include a few foundational concepts in logic, translating arguments into symbolism, and the function of truth-functional connectives.

Circular structure (also known as chiastic structure) has been a feature of literature since as early as Homer's Iliad and the Bible. But what exactly is chiastic structure? And what does it have to do with Harry Potter?

This class will discuss how the Harry Potter narrative contains distinct mirrors in its events and characters, such that Books 1 and 7, 2 and 6, & 3 and 5 contain echoes of each other, while Book 4, the Goblet of Fire, acts as a crux that changes the overall tone of the series. In addition we will use our analysis of Harry Potter's narrative to discuss the shape of narratives in general, the Hero's Journey, and Harry Potter's connection to some of the earliest forms of world literature.

Includes both a lecture and discussion portion. Come to class ready to contribute!


Prerequisites
Experience with the Harry Potter universe, ideally through the novels by J.K Rowling, but alternatively through the movies, is recommended but not required.

Did you know that in Mexico they celebrate death?

As Día de Muertos (Day of the Dead) is just around the corner (Oct. 31-Nov. 2), we will consider how different cultures perceive death, discuss how Día de Muertos is celebrated, and view relevant artwork.

We will end our session with a fun, creative activity!

Does the tree indeed make a sound? Can you think of a tree you're not thinking of? In this course, we will learn about George Berkeley's theory of idealism and one of his more famous arguments about this curious tree. We'll be discussing his position, lay out his argument for why he (spoiler) believes you can't think of a tree you're not thinking of, and try to come up with some counter-arguments. Be prepared for discussion!


Prerequisites
None

Johann Sebastian Bach (1685-1750) was the preeminent German composer of the Baroque era. This class will explain Bach's music within the historical context of his life, complete with live mini-demonstrations of his keyboard works.


Prerequisites
Ability to read music

An introduction to Korean! We will learn about the Korean alphabet, Hangul: how you can use it, its history, and what makes it so amazing! A very interactive and fun class that will let you walk out of the room feeling like you've learned the basics of a new language!

In this class, we will focus on the dilemmas between liberty and justice that modern democratic states face in making state policy. We will have discussions about how states should make policies in cases where pursuing justice would infringe on individual liberties. This will include a discussion about what are liberties and what is justice. We will then talk about cases like naming children, restricting sugar content in fast food, smoking regulations, circumcision and the banning of religious headwear.


Prerequisites
None!

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

What do you have in common with every other child in the world? Want to know more about what children your age are like outside of America? This class will show you what diversity really means and how easy it is to understand the world just by understanding each other! We will watch videos and you will have the chance to make presentations and engage in interesting discussions about your own experience with hate.

Middle school students will learn about interesting and unique aspects of the brain, the history of psychology, look at fascinating case studies in psychology, and much more!

Have you ever wondered why group projects usually have one person that does significantly more than the others?

Why do we often assume we know more than we actually do?

In the past, have you ever justified something you did that you wouldn't normally do?

Why does the smell of glue for example, bring back such strong memories of a grade school classroom?

Learn about these questions and more when you come take Preamble to Psychology!


Prerequisites
None! Just come ready to learn about psychology with a mature and enthusiastic mindset (a writing utensil and notebook recommended).

When we have an infinite regress, we have a chain of facts, or things, or reasons, or beliefs that goes on forever. And ever. And ever. Certain kinds of infinite regresses are deeply spooky. Philosophers have used this spookiness to raise and solve all sorts of puzzles, including puzzles about knowledge, existence, and meaning. Get ready to learn some philosophy and feel incredibly creeped out. No philosophy background required.

What do you know about Islam?
What do Muslims believe?
What is the Qur'an?
In this class, we will have a basic knowledge of Islam and Muslims, the world's second largest religious group. We will learn the major tenets and themes of Islam in the historical context.

Two start-up founders and business consultants will explain to students how to think like an entrepreneur and start a company as a high schooler.

What does it mean to inhabit a public space, physical or otherwise? How do our ideas of ourselves and of others change when public spaces become digital? Come for discussions on our role as social media users, a couple funny Youtube videos and candy!

The world is growing, and people need to be able to move! Learn about how public transit acts as an important artery for cities across the world.

This course will focus on the types of public transit, transit planning, and how transit-oriented development, with a specific focus on systems in North & South America.

Johann Sebastian Bach (1685-1750) was the preeminent German composer of the Baroque era. This class will explain Bach's music within the historical context of his life, complete with live mini-demonstrations of his keyboard works.


Prerequisites
Ability to read music

Come learn about diverse sexual and romantic orientations in an interactive format! We will talk about about a range of sexualities/romantic orientations, discuss stereotypes and misconceptions, and learn about how to be a better ally. Individuals of all identities/orientations are welcome to attend!

This workshop introduces students to the concept of gender as an identity and to several genderqueer identities. It introduces students to the concept of cisnormativity and teaches them how to be a good ally to their genderqueer peers.

This course explores how stigmas in society hold us back in seeking treatment, talking openly about our problems, and cultivating a culture of understanding and tolerance for our own bodies and the world around us.


Prerequisites
None

The common notion is that success leads to happiness, but positive psychology has proven that it's just the opposite. Rewiring our minds to have a positive mindset allows us to be more creative and productive. The question is how to hack our brains to have that unconditional positivity.

The United States is unique in the method of disability evaluation that it employs. To determine eligibility for disability benefits, the United States employs analysts and judges with no medical training. We will explore implications for disability benefit applicants and the proven biases against people of color. We will also examine the roles of special interest groups.


Prerequisites
None

What makes America the most violent developed country in the world? What role is played by the ease of access to guns? Why have certain gun policy proposals gained the support of over 90% of Americans, but failed to pass in Congress?

This is a crash course in gun policy that will touch on topics in public policy, criminology, and sociology. Students will be encouraged to discuss problems and propose solutions, and will be taught to critically examine data and their own preconceptions.

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

I will draw students into the subject through a combination of everyday examples they have experienced (e.g., via social media, internet search engines, etc.) as well as examples from medicine, sports, and business that will capture their
imaginations. I also aim to demystify machine learning by illustrating the relationship between machine learning, and math and computer science.

Computers are something we often take for granted. We use them every day, but most of us haven’t even the slightest idea about how they actually work. This course will demystify some of the technical aspects of computers by showing you what's actually going on under your keyboard. We'll try to keep things comprehensible to everyone while exploring some of the building blocks of modern computer systems.

We will start by discussing binary numbers and their relevancy to computers. We'll then talk about how these concepts are implemented on a technological level within computers. We'll go over the ways they are used to store numbers and perform calculations. Students will then be able to build their own mini calculators using the concepts they've learned. We'll close with a foray into storing and processing other types of data.

Full list of topics: binary math, transistors, logic gates, adders, two's complement, calculators, ASCII codes, files


Prerequisites
This course requires no more than an understanding of basic math. Some of the concepts can get a bit complex, but we will be working our way up from the basics so no prior experience with computer science is necessary.

This class will be about probability puzzles and math games, starting with the Monty Hall Problem. Students will debate the question first on their own, then we will discuss it together and learn about probability. If we have time, we will discuss other probability questions, math games, and game theory. I will be teaching with my friend Jamie Nachbar '22.


Prerequisites
Basic algebra, multiplying and adding fractions.

A survey of the current techniques and technologies used for generating art through AI and Machine Learning. A great head start for students interested in computer science, and Artificial Intelligence! We'll examine computer generated music, and graphics, poetry, and talk about how it works in the background!


Prerequisites
None! Just a love of Art and/or Computer Science!

Lets say that you have commissioned an architect to build an art gallery with $$n$$ straight walls. We want to place guards at some corners of the room so we some guard can see every point in the room (We don't want guards in the middle of the room because they will get in the way of people coming to view the art). If the architect designs a really complex room, what is the least number of guards that I need to hire so that, regardless of how strange a room the architect has designed, I can successfully place guards to see the entire room. If we have time, we will explore some interesting variation on the problem.

Learn how your browser communicates with the server for an app or website. We'll talk about the difference between static and dynamic websites, HTTP protocol (GET and POST requests only), how data is stored and retrieved from databases, how a website knows who you are (think automatic login), the importance of asynchronous functions, and more. This course will give you a high-level understanding of what goes on behind the scenes when you interact with an app or website. The goal of this course is for you all to leave with a solid conceptual understanding. At the end we'll do a fun activity where we design a database schema for a website and model some logic for the user's interaction with the site.


Prerequisites
No previous knowledge required!

Bitcoin & cryptocurrency fever has been sweeping the nation. Why? Because it eliminates the need for a centralized party to be in charge of producing or facilitating the exchange of money. Bitcoin is exciting, but what's really interesting is the underlying technology that makes it all possible: blockchain. Blockchain is at its core, a decentralized (in many locations, as opposed to a central source) encrypted database. Blockchain is a series of information or data "blocks" linked together by unique hashes (long number and/or letter strings), and everyone has a copy of the exact same blockchain. Once a block is created and added to the chain, it can't be changed or hacked, meaning that all additions are recorded forever, and everyone can see them, adding an aspect of communal validation.

This course will be an introduction to blockchain. We'll go into detail discussing the major concepts: what it is, how it works, and the implications it has for the future of technology and data ownership. We'll talk quickly about the rise of bitcoin and how bitcoin has leveraged blockchain technology then discuss blockchain and the interesting ways blockchain can be used. Come curious and be prepared to leave with more questions than you started with!


Prerequisites
Don't worry if you haven't heard of blockchain or bitcoin before — we'll be starting from scratch so everyone can leave with a solid conceptual understanding of what blockchain is and how it works.

A survey of the current techniques and technologies used for generating art through AI and Machine Learning. A great head start for students interested in computer science, and Artificial Intelligence! We'll examine computer generated music, and graphics, poetry, and talk about how it works in the background!

Come learn about how the business of video games has transformed from one-time purchases to a microtransaction model, and why that model is more profitable than ever. We'll look at Fortnite as a prime example of the freemium model.

Did you know that an even number times an odd number is always even? That an even plus an odd is odd? That $2=0$ and $3=1$?

We will explore the slightly suspiciously looking mathematics of modular arithmetic, where we forget about numbers and consider descriptions like "even" and "odd" or "has last digit 5" and build a new theory of adding and multiplying around it.

Do you love cookies? Do you love chemistry and science?

If you answered yes... then this class is perfect for you! Sign up to learn more about why cookies and other baked goods work the way they do. Crucial questions such as what the difference is between baking powder and baking soda will be answered. And of course we'll be making some delicious chocolate chip cookies that you can take as a souvenir!

If you answered no... You need to reconsider and register for the class anyways because free cookies.


Prerequisites
Mature and responsible enough to be around ovens and other kitchen appliances.

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.

The human genome contains several thousand genes, each of which has its own job to do. But not all of these genes are turned on in all of your cells. How do cells decide which genes to use? What causes a neuron to make dopamine but a red blood cell to make hemoglobin? And how do genes turn on and off as we develop and grow? We'll start with a quick primer on molecular biology, then discuss several examples to learn what controls gene expression during development and adult life, and what this means for how species evolve.


Prerequisites
An interest in biology and how organisms work

Antibiotic resistance is on the rise due to over and inappropriate use of antibiotics. Despite extensive searching, few replacement antibiotics have been discovered. We face a return to a world in which an infection is typically life threatening. One alternative may be to use viruses to fight our bacterial adversaries.

The main goal of this course is to answer the question:
Can viruses replace antibiotics?

In brief, phages are just viruses which make bacteria sick. They exist virtually everywhere on our planet, and are forever in an evolutionary arms race with bacteria. It may be possible to use them to our advantage, but there are still questions as to if we should.

For example, why wouldn't the virus just attack me after it's finished with the bacteria? Why wouldn't the bacteria just become resistant to these viruses? And many more.

We will examine the techniques modern biology researchers use to grow their cells, keep them happy, and "play" with them, gaining some insight into keeping our own cells happy in the process. Various forms of microscopy will help us check in with live samples from various Yale labs and see how they're doing.

The greatest challenge currently facing humanity is a rapidly warming climate. Since the industrial revolution, greenhouse gas concentrations in the atmosphere have dramatically increased, while heat waves, wildfires, and extreme storms are becoming more frequent. Our unsustainable practices are having significant consequences, which will undoubtedly shape the future of life on Earth. In order to prevent the most catastrophic effects of climate change, swift action is necessary through governmental regulation and grassroots organizing.

What is the science behind climate change? How will society adapt to this global challenge? Why do people deny climate science? How will we implement effective solutions? What can we, as individuals, do about it? These are just a few of the many questions we will strive to answer. Join us!

An introduction to life-saving techniques, such as CPR and thrusts (formerly known as the Heimlich maneuver), as well as ways that we can stay safe in both medical and social situations. Demonstrations of CPR and thrusts using a dummy will be made.

Modeled off the most popular class in Yale history, this class will explore how to use psychology to live the best life possible. We will discuss how our mind lies to us about what makes us happy, and we will discover what we can actually do to live our happiest lives.

Student Reviews:
“Landon Allen is an AMAZING teacher! I will be looking out for any classes by him during Splash at Yale. His class was interesting, funny, and so informative.”

“It is really interactive and fun, amazing 10/10 class.”

Fascinating aspects of psychology ranging from evolution, reasons for sexual attraction, flaws in memory, and exploration of the unconscious mind.

Past student feedback on this class:
"Really engaging, Loved it"
"Mind Blowing"
"Cool class. Teacher very passionate."
"Amazing, Best class"
"It is really interactive and fun, amazing, 10/10 class"

This course will explore the psychology of attraction, asking questions like, "What makes people attractive?", "How do we feel love?", "What determines sexual orientation?", etc. We will look through recent research in social psychology which have helped to uncover the root of attraction. But don't worry, I won't bog you down with too much psychology; there will be plenty of demonstrations and class interactions. The goal of this class to have fun while learning about a part of psychology that is relevant to all of us--love, sex, and attraction.

Learn a bit about the Boltzmann Brain thought experiment, a physics concept that suggests that reality is a construct, and ties to ideas about entropy and the big bang. No previous knowledge about these topics is required; this course will be taught from a conceptual standpoint without any math or complex physics.

Did you know that over 3700 planets have been discovered in the last 25 years? They're not in our solar system, but around other stars trillions of miles away! These "exoplanets" have upended the way that we see humanity's relationship with the Universe. How do astronomers find these planets? What are these planets like? Does life exist on these planets? These are all fundamental questions that help us orient ourselves within the cosmos. So come and learn about the many worlds beyond our own!


Prerequisites
None

Sweet, Salty, Bitter, and Sour...we have all tasted things like this, but how do our tounges actually tell the difference between a sweet piece of candy and a bar of soap? Join us as we find out and do some tasting experiments to figure it all out!

In this class we will be covering what can be considered the most dangerous creature in the world: the mosquito. We will look at the many different diseases they spread and their sociological effects on the world. There will be a special emphasis on how to deal with them as a community and the debate on the methods currently being used and those proposed by the scientific community.

Have you ever wondered about what part of the brain your memory is in? Have you ever wondered where your emotions come from? The brain controls every move you make, every breath you take, and everything you see, hear and touch. It is the most complex and important organ in the body, but one of the least understood. This class will cover many of the different areas of the brain and their functions. We will talk about how you come to see, hear, feel and remember things. Hopefully through this class, students will begin to understand how the entire world that they perceive around them is represented in their own heads.

One DNA strand may be too small to see, but we have a staggering amount of DNA in our bodies. In fact, if you take all the DNA in one cell and stretch it out, it would measure six feet long! If we clump some of this DNA together, we can even see our own DNA. In this hands-on class, we will first learn about what exactly DNA is and how we can extract it from cells. Then, we’ll carry out some simple laboratory techniques to extract and visualize DNA straight from our own cheek cells using common household items. Finally, we’ll discuss why this sort of experiment might be useful to scientists and how we use information from DNA to do everything from catching criminals to curing disease.

Students will learn about the composition of blood, how bloodborne diseases are transmitted, how to properly clean cuts, and if time permits, a little bit about HIV– the virus that causes AIDS.

Have you ever wondered what makes up your mind? What brain of your brain controls your daydreams during class, your hiccups, your love for Netflix? In this class, we will explore the different parts of the brain in an interactive way. We will focus on the teenage brain in particular and end with an interactive brain cap creation. Come learn about what makes you, you.

The central dogma of biology states that DNA is transcribed into mRNA, which is subsequently translated into proteins by the ribosome. However, RNA has many other functions besides being an intermediate between DNA and protein. For example, the ribosome that makes these proteins is largely composed of RNA! Come learn about this and many other cool functions of RNA, many of which were discovered at Yale!


Prerequisites
AP Bio or equivalent highly recommended; high school chemistry

Have you ever wondered how exactly vaccines work? Or why it's said that you can't "catch the same cold twice"? Using both traditional chalkboard/Powerpoint instructions and interactive games, we will discuss how the specialized cells of the adaptive immune system manage to recognize the wide range of bacteria, viruses, and parasites that can threaten our health, and then how these cells form memory to be more effective at fighting them off in the future.


Prerequisites
Some background in biology would be helpful

Spinning to generate energy. Walking along long tubules in the cell. Controlling what comes and goes through the membrane. Proteins perform a wide array of different functions in the cell, but it's not by magic. In this class, we'll talk about how the specific 3D structures of proteins allow them to perform their remarkable functions, using as an example ATP synthase, an extraordinary molecular machine responsible for the final step in the conversion of food to energy. In the process, we'll address a variety of central questions in biochemistry: what do proteins look like? What do they do? And how does their particular structure and chemistry allow them to do it?


Prerequisites
High school biology and chemistry.

The human genome contains several thousand genes, each of which has its own job to do. But not all of these genes are turned on in all of your cells. How do cells decide which genes to use? What causes a neuron to make dopamine but a red blood cell to make hemoglobin? And how do genes turn on and off as we develop and grow? We'll start with a quick primer on molecular biology, then discuss several examples to learn what controls gene expression during development and adult life, and what this means for how species evolve.


Prerequisites
An interest in biology and how organisms work

Do you love sharks? Are you afraid of sharks? Do you love the “Baby Shark” song? If any of these apply to you, come learn about nature’s most misunderstood apex predator! Hear about all 440 types of sharks, why media portrayal is endangering sharks, and what you can do to help.

Have you ever wondered about what makes optical illusions possible? In this course, we'll talk about a few common optical illusions and the neuroscience that makes them possible. You'll understand just what goes on in our brain when we look at optical illusions, and also how optical illusions can help us understand how the brain normally operates. We will tackle concepts like color afterimages and inattentional blindness, among others. No prior knowledge of neuroscience is required, but an interest in how the brain works is recommended!


Prerequisites
None!

What is a ship? What is an engine? Why do we care about naval ship design? From reduction gears to gas turbine systems, the science of naval engineering is essential for completing the day-to-day tasks of a sailor. You will learn some nuclear physics as well as the Rankine steam cycle and diesel cycle of operations.

Do you want to see the future? I'll teach you how! In this class, we'll think through some fun "thought experiments" involving super fast trains, falling elevators, and traveling to faraway planets. Through our experiments, we'll learn about the wacky nature of time and space -- and the fundamental concepts of relativity as discovered by Einstein.


Prerequisites
A bit of basic algebra. If you've learned relativity in school, this class will probably be too basic for you.

Ever wondered whether trees can communicate? Do lichen and moss hurt trees? Why do some trees have rough bark while others have smooth bark? Forests may seem like tranquil places, but in reality they are dynamic ecosystems full of collaboration, competition, and constant upheaval. In this class, we will discuss recent scientific discoveries about trees, how they communicate, fight of pests, and interact with other organisms. Come to class with an open mind and be prepared to never look at forests again in the same way!

Ever wonder why your friends and even family members are either similar or very different from the way you look, act, and/or behave? It all comes down to the DNA. But wait, it doesn't stop here. In this course, you'll dive into deeper depths inside your cells and go beyond this double helix and breakdown those qualities that make up who you are. Through this genetic based course, you'll understand better how everything is connected and come together at the end.