An exploratory investigation into memes and other aspects of internet culture, primarily through the lens of 20th century aesthetic philosophy (Benjamin, Lukacs, Adorno). Topics include memes as a reflection on the 21st century, as social tools and political propaganda, and as iconic forms of expression and meaning.

Whether you love many fruits or none, come to learn about food and have some fun! This class will engage the senses to expose you to fruits both new and familiar. There will be eating!

NOTE: Those with food allergies should email yalesplash@gmail.com before enrolling in this class.

What's the relationship between seeing and drawing? What makes drawing different from photography as a way to 'capture' what you see? Why don't we all draw as if we were making a photograph? We will start with descriptions of objects, then move to blind contour drawings, then to more complicated maneuvers for thinking about recording visual observations. We will be making a lot of drawings by looking hard at things in the world, trying to make sense of the decisions that get made in the process.

An introduction to origami, the art of paper folding! You will get to learn how to fold paper cranes, frogs, and many other animals!

Improvisation is an essential tool for any actor. Oftentimes people associate it with comedy, but it is used often in dramas and action movies when a line is skipped or some other mistake arises. It's the way an actor keeps the scene going, and often time improv can make the final cut in a TV or film. In this class, student will receive an introduction to improv focused mainly on hands-on work. This means students should be ready to practice improv exercises in groups, pairs, and, if they are comfortable, alone. This class is designed for all kinds of students, and acting experience is not at all required.


Prerequisites
None

What's the relationship between seeing and drawing? What makes drawing different from photography as a way to 'capture' what you see? Why don't we all draw as if we were making a photograph? We will start with descriptions of objects, then move to blind contour drawings, then to more complicated maneuvers for thinking about recording visual observations. We will be making a lot of drawings by looking hard at things in the world, trying to make sense of the decisions that get made in the process.

An introduction to sampling, one of the most important tools and techniques of modern music production, taught through the specific lens of hip-hop music. Together, we will dive into the history of sampling, explore the techniques and technology, and consider some of the ethical, legal, and artistic questions surrounding sampling.


Prerequisites
None

Mental rigor! Bodily movement! Laughter!
In Brief: Everything you need to become acquainted with the joys of juggling. Instruction. Balloons. A complementary set of juggling balls.

In Philosophyspeak: Too often we pass the days doing, mindlessly, permutations of things we already know how to do. Walking. Talking. Reading. Interacting with our cellular devices. Does this sound familiar? If so, we invite you to break from this cycle by engaging with something completely unfamiliar: the world of juggling. It's a surprisingly meditative experience, sure to test the hardest mental faculties, and, more importantly, to give you the tools to introduce spontaneity and fun wherever you go.

Whether you've never seen or read a Shakespeare play before, read it for school and hated it, or are already big fan, come explore his masterful language and see what happens when we bring his characters and words to life!

We will learn the art of figure drawing with the help of a real life (clothed) model.

Quickly learn how to make classic origami shapes with step by step guidance.

We will be watching clips from several different films and analyzing the devices they use to portray themes about society.


Prerequisites
If possible, ages 13 and up so that we are able to show rated PG-13 movies.

Do you think that Poetry is boring? Are you afraid of reciting Poetry in public? Would you like to impress your friends by memorizing a poem?

We'll be looking at some excellent poems and I hope you'll come and have fun learning how to make the most of them!


Prerequisites
Ability to read

Have you ever wanted to draw a flower? Make a pretty picture? Decorate your binders? Come and learn how!


Prerequisites
none

"You cannot win an Emmy for roles that are simply not there" - Viola Davis
The past couple of years have been triumphant for Black screenwriters and actors when it comes to awards and recognition and appreciation. A fun class tracking a history of film technology and practices that concern Black people, Black skin, and Black culture. How does the exclusion of Black people in front of and behind of the camera impact how they had to dodge social, legal, and political obstacles backed up by film discrimination? We will be viewing parts of some of the most significant advancements in Black film. We will end with a fun, quick, and interactive dialogue writing workshop.


Prerequisites
African American history Some filmmaking background would help because of some technological components

Drawing isn't just nude dudes and bowls of fruit. In fact, drawing can encompass pretty much everything, from things you can see to things you can't. In this class, we'll use techniques like blind contour (get ready for some scary pieces) and upside-down drawings (they're cool, I swear) to learn one of the greatest drawing techniques: draw what you see, not what you think.

Do you listen to electronic dance music? Have you ever wondered about how it's made? In this class, we'll explore a variety of aspects of electronic music production, as well as some of the different styles this genre has to offer.


Prerequisites
Ability to read music recommended.

In this seminar, Joe Allen and Wesley Day '21 will discuss ways to make the most of your free time and make an unproductive life a little more productive, but not by that much.

Get up out of your seat and dance! This is a crash course on ballroom dancing (the stuff you see on Dancing With the Stars and Fred Astaire movies). Among the dances we'll be covering are the waltz, an elegant and romantic dance, and the cha-cha, it's fun and flirtatious counterpart. No prior dance experience required, just be ready to move your feet!


Prerequisites
Two feet, and the ability to count to 3 & 4

Do you listen to electronic dance music? Have you ever wondered about how it's made? In this class, we'll explore a variety of aspects of electronic music production, as well as some of the different styles this genre has to offer.


Prerequisites
Ability to read music recommended.

Contemporary culture caricatures jazz as music for old people, intellectuals, and elevators. The film La La Land all but claimed it was dead. This course will analyze the implications of this question, drawing on different ways of looking at jazz, through historical and theoretical lenses. It will explicate the relationship between popular music and jazz, covering jazz’s roots, popular acceptance, decline, institutional preservation, and current state. All are welcome, regardless of musical background or lack thereof.

Want to know some of the techniques used by the best standup comedians? Watch hilarious clips from the best in the business and learn how to write your own set to perform!


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.

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!

Verbal, hands-on, or both at once?

These are the types of problems you'll face when you walk into this classroom—working collaboratively with your classmates, you'll be solving challenges ranging from building a tower that has to hold weight to naming as many things as you can that you can catch!

And speaking of catches, the catch with these problems is that you must be as creative as possible. The obvious answer isn't always the best one, so come and learn how to funnel your inner creativity into being spontaneous!

Got a paper airplane contest to win? Just want to impress your friends? Need an excuse to push back writing that paper? Come learn the basics of how to engineer an elastic-launched glider using aerodynamic principles!

Have you ever wondered how audio and video are processed? How images are generated and compressed? This course will provide a brief mathematical introduction to signal processing. In class examples will range from biological modeling to music production. We will also briefly explore computational techniques to generate random signals using MATLAB.


Prerequisites
Basic knowledge of differentiation and integration. Brief coding examples will not require any previous knowledge of computer science, and should be easy to follow.

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, and take a peek at modern applications.

This "class" is a discussion about strategy in FIRST Robotics. There are a few specific historic points to cover, from Team Hammond in 2001 through the Pool Noodle Agreement of 2015 to 254's undefeated season just last year. We'll examine these strategies and break down their strengths and vulnerabilities. I love FRC and hope you all do as well, so besides that we can take it in whatever direction you all are most interested in. Some possible topics include:
Designing for ranking points/maximizing score
Doing one task well/jack-of-all-trades
Strategies that depend on partners
Building the "best" drivetrain
Denying points/chokehold strategies
The (underappreciated) opportunities of your Bumpers!
Anything FRC y'all want!


Prerequisites
This is more relevant to students in FIRST Robotics, although everyone who likes engineering, games, and robots is welcome.

Interested making a worldwide impact with engineering? Come learn about sustainability and design with Yale Engineers Without Borders! Among several activities, students will collaborate to design and build their very own bridge.

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."

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

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

Come learn about the history and culture of the islands of Hawaii. We will discuss geography, language, traditions, and anything else you're interested in! We will also learn a little bit about the hula, the traditional dance of the Hawaiian people. Aloha!


Prerequisites
Positive attitude and open mindedness!

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

In this course, you'll learn basic Mandarin Chinese, such as elementary words/phrases, the Chinese pinyin system, and the Chinese alphabet/tones. I will highlight and address differences between the English and Chinese languages that makes learning the Chinese language difficult for some people.


Prerequisites
none

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!

If you don't think you have the time to travel to west Africa just now, but are longing to learn more about Gambian culture and lore- this is the class for you! In this class we'll look into various aspects of how traditional stories are adapted in order to understand the societal position of young girls in The Gambia. Our course material will hinge upon snake stories, including one traditional story and the adaptations retold by young Gambian girls. (Copies of stories will be provided!)

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.

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.


Prerequisites
*Younger students might want a background in American history*

Political ads, especially those featured on television, have changed dramatically since the 1950's. We'll look at a brief pre-history to political advertisements and how purchasing ads works in the United States. Then we'll review some of the most famous ads since President Eisenhower, as well as some more infamous ones...

Lots of videos and laughs -- and I hope you walk away with a new perspective on political advertising!


Prerequisites
*Younger students might want some sort of background in American politics, though not required*

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

Political ads, especially those featured on television, have changed dramatically since the 1950's. We'll look at a brief pre-history to political advertisements and how purchasing ads works in the United States. Then we'll review some of the most famous ads since President Eisenhower, as well as some more infamous ones...

Lots of videos and laughs -- and I hope you walk away with a new perspective on political advertising!


Prerequisites
*Younger students might want some sort of background in American politics, though not required*

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 course, we will examine instances where the Supreme Court has used judgments on (what we would normally call) hate speech to expand free speech and expression rights for historically marginalized minorities. Examples of cases to be discussed includes Brandenburg v. Ohio, Virginia v. Black, and NAACP v. Claiborne Hardware. Content Warning: As per nature of the class, we will be referencing certain examples of hate speech that some may find offensive or upsetting

Hate speech is a vile and harmful way to express ideas that are usually rooted in prejudice and/or fear. So, why do we protect hate speech? In which instances do we preclude hate speech and what pushes it over the line, whether it be incitement or true threats? Examples of cases to be discussed includes Brandenburg v. Ohio, Virginia v. Black, and NAACP v. Claiborne Hardware. Content Warning: As per nature of the class, we will be referencing certain examples of hate speech that some may find offensive or upsetting.

How does music produce images, colors, and stories without words? How can you connect what you've heard with what you've read?

In this class, we will be looking at several pieces of classic literature and classical music to understand how they interact with each other. (There will be live music!)


Prerequisites
Anyone who loves instrumental music or reading books!

In an increasingly entangled world, negotiation is one of the keys to success.
Learn how to disentangle people from the problem, identify common interests, find alternative options, and successfully negotiate with anybody at any level.

Students will learn basic information about refugees and be introduced to key concepts through a competitive collaborative quiz and an online simulation. The class will end with an open discussion and letter writing to refugees registered in New Haven.

In this course, students will be guided through interactive writing exercises and will engage with prompts that inspire imaginative thinking. Specifically, we will go over developing setting, characters, and tone, as well as ways to include dialogue in stories. We will also read excerpts from creative short fiction.

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.

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

(Small, discussion-heavy seminar)

When you're nervous, are you ever told to "just be yourself"? Is that perhaps the most unhelpful piece of advice we could ever receive?

In this class, we will explore some of history's most discussed philosophical texts as well as some more-or-less-famous personal essays to approach questions like:
- What does it mean to "be yourself"?
- Is it possible to "be yourself" consciously?
- Is hypocrisy inevitable?

The main goal of this class is to provide a space for us to indulge in some of the many benefits of studying philosophy-- including building resilience against temptation to judge ourselves too harshly.

(Larger lecture. For a smaller, more discussion-heavy experience, check out "PLKY (Seminar)")

When you're nervous, are you ever told to "just be yourself"? Is that perhaps the most unhelpful piece of advice we could ever receive?

In this class, we will explore some of history's most discussed philosophical texts as well as some more-or-less-famous personal essays to approach questions like:
- What does it mean to "be yourself"?
- Is it possible to "be yourself" consciously?
- Is hypocrisy inevitable?

The main goal of this class is to provide a space for us to indulge in some of the many benefits of studying philosophy-- including building resilience against temptation to judge ourselves too harshly.

Students will learn basic information about refugees and be introduced to key concepts through a competitive collaborative quiz and an online simulation. The class will end with an open discussion and letter writing to refugees registered in New Haven.

Strategies for looking on the bright side, reducing stress and remaining optimistic. We will talk through different practices like thank you-note writing, positivity journaling and mental reframing that can increase the tranquility in your life. We will also have fun activities like yoga, dance and meditation. Growing up can be tough but with some reframing, you can make the most of it!


Prerequisites
None

We've all heard about Honest Abe. Now, let's hear from him. In this class, we'll read a selection of Lincoln's speeches and writings to understand the man behind the myth. What did Lincoln really think about slavery and race? How radical was he? Where did he fit in with the politics of his time? How did he change over time? What did he think and do before he emerged on the national scene? And why has Abraham Lincoln become such a legendary figure in the American consciousness?

This class will help you think critically about American history and political writing, giving you a toolbox to analyze today's political rhetoric by focusing on perhaps the greatest writer ever to be president. In the midst of the divisiveness of the current political climate, understanding Lincoln is as important as ever. And, just as importantly, reading Lincoln is fun — honestly.

How can we improve the lives of others as much as possible with limited resources? We will learn some of the key concepts of Effective Altruism, cause areas including global poverty, animal welfare and artificial intelligence, and take the first step towards figuring out how to maximize our impact, whether through our donations or careers.

Students will learn how to fingerspell the alphabet in American Sign Language, how to fingerspell their names, and how to sign words related to colors, school, and food terminology, not to mention participate in fun, engaging signing games! No previous knowledge of American Sign Language (ASL) is required; the only requirement is an eagerness to learn and readiness to sign!

What makes you you? Your body? Your brain? Your memories? Something else? In this class we will be exploring these questions by working through several philosophical thought experiments.

This class will give an overview of the history of the British Women’s Suffrage Movement, full of shocking acts of militancy and strength. The militant movement arose suddenly after years of attempting to make incremental progress towards the vote. Finally, after years of being ignored, the women made sure that they couldn’t possibly be anymore. I’ll focus in on influential figures of the movement, such as Alice Paul and Emmeline Pankhurst, and describe their individual contributions and how they rallied women to their cause. I’ll also show a clip from the movie Suffragette with Meryl Streep.

The opening narration goes "It is a dimension as vast as space and as timeless as infinity. It is the middle ground between light and shadow, between science and superstition, and it lies between the pit of man's fears and the summit of his knowledge. This is the dimension of imagination. It is an area which we call the Twilight Zone." But how close to reality is the Twilight Zone in real life?

In this class, we will talk about the real-life influences on the Twilight Zone and its creator Rod Sterling. We will also watch some Twilight Zone!

The opening narration goes "It is a dimension as vast as space and as timeless as infinity. It is the middle ground between light and shadow, between science and superstition, and it lies between the pit of man's fears and the summit of his knowledge. This is the dimension of imagination. It is an area which we call the Twilight Zone." But how close to reality is the Twilight Zone in real life?

In this class, we will talk about the real-life influences on the Twilight Zone and its creator Rod Sterling. We will also watch some Twilight Zone!

This class will give an overview of the history of the British Women’s Suffrage Movement, full of shocking acts of militancy and strength. The militant movement arose suddenly after years of attempting to make incremental progress towards the vote. Finally, after years of being ignored, the women made sure that they couldn’t possibly be anymore. I’ll focus in on influential figures of the movement, such as Alice Paul and Emmeline Pankhurst, and describe their individual contributions and how they rallied women to their cause. I’ll also show a clip from the movie Suffragette with Meryl Streep.

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

School (and life!) can be challenging. What have psychologists found out about staying mentally healthy? What can you do in your day-to-day life to promote your happiness and flourishing? This is a discussion-based class for students who like to speak up and share!

The growth of "positive psychology" since the late 1990s has given us invaluable insights into how to maximise our wellbeing and manage stress. The goal of the class is to help you enjoy more good days and navigate bad ones. Life in school is, of course, about more than just grades and academics - your mental health matters too.


Prerequisites
Eagerness to participate is essential - this is a very interactive class and each student will be expected to share their thoughts in a friendly, relaxed environment. Enthusiasm is key!

Have you ever experienced a "culture shock"? Are you wondering sometimes why people think in ways that are completely different from yours? Do you question if there is really one objective truth? In this course, we are going to explore the power of perspective and how our history and culture influence the way we experience the world. Reflecting on categories that shape our everyday lives fundamentally (like race, gender, intelligence or beauty), you will leave this class with a new spark of curiosity for what might have seemed natural to you before.

Over the course of the 20th century, Puerto Rico went from being a colony to being a commonwealth. Or did it turn into a Free Associated State? Or just a US territory? Or is it any different than a colony really? In this class, we will explore the history of the US-Puerto Rico relations to attempt to define the current political status of Puerto Rico. We will end by turning to today and discuss the implications of the political status on the everyday lives of Puerto Ricans.

Ever wanted to impress your friends? Earn better grades in English class? Understand one of the greatest writers in the English language? Well, Shakespeare is hard, but with some tricks, you can understand it without translation to modern English.


Prerequisites
It is suggested that you have read at least one Shakespeare play previously.

***This class can get graphic***
Are serial killers born or made? Find out the psychology behind serial killers like Ted Bundy, Jeffrey Dahmer, Albert Fish, and so many more!

Say rhiNO to poaching! You will learn basic facts about the Rhinoceros, but then most of it will focus on rhino poaching. We will expand on the why and how of the poaching crisis and will also analyze the different solutions of Rhino Poaching. Cute pictures of rhinos will arise, but also disheartening ones. So be ready to experience a roller coaster of emotions! It will be taught by a student who conducted research on Rhinos in South Africa.


Prerequisites
Must be an animal lover!

Surely, something cannot be both true AND false! And surely, there are no such things as true contradictions! Dialetheism is the view in the philosophy of logic that: (1) some claims are both true and false; (2) there are true contradictions. In this accessible lecture (no math or logic required), we'll work through some arguments for dialetheism and ask whether we can make sense of them.

Bonjour!

Learning a new language can be daunting. But, in this informative (and hopefully fun) class, students will get a basic introduction to this lovely language.

Students will learn how to introduce themselves, learn basic phrases if ever needed in a pinch, and more.

Bonjour!
Learning a new language can be daunting. But, in this informative (and hopefully fun) class, students will get a basic introduction to this lovely language.

Students will learn how to introduce themselves, learn basic phrases if ever needed in a pinch, and more.

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.


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.

A brief discussion during which students will walk through various thought experiments, notably the Trolley Problem, in an attempt to apply theoretical conclusions to real-world problems.

An analysis of current political issues in the European Union, most notably Brexit and growing far-right and populist movements in Europe. The course will include a brief history of the European Union, so no prior knowledge is necessary!

The mission of this class is to provide the tools for participants to create positive atmospheres of peace, and apply what they learned back in their own schools and local communities. This course will be an engaging discussion-based conversation, in which we will focus on what the ideas of peace, positivity, and empathy mean to us, and think about the everyday strategies we can use to feel empowered. In doing so, we will hope to understand how we can use the powerful talents we already possess, learning from examples of peaceful displays of nonviolent power in history. By empowering ourselves as students, we can frame our interactions with others in a way that focuses on respect, inclusivity, and joy for the larger communities we share. Through a variety of interactive activities, we will share our personal experiences and opinions to build strategies for how we can make our futures more positive, peaceful, and successful.

What can the father of existentialism teach us about love? This course will explore Kierkegaard’s “Works of Love” and his philosophical and theological insights.

A brief overview of theories and manifestations of "soft power" as a way one country influences another beyond mainstream politics. A brief history of Korean Pop music (K-pop), the Hallyu wave, and its role as a source of soft power in East-Southeast Asian affairs.


Prerequisites
A pure interest in both political theory and K-Pop!

Globalization is threatening the rural American identity, and rural America revolted in force in November 2016. Through hindsight, we see that there is a cultural distinction between rural and urban America that drives their differences in opinions and views on politics. We will analyze population, electoral, and polling data to see if such a divide exists, what are some potential historical, cultural, and ideological causes for the divide, and discuss how the democratic party was ignorant of its causes and potential consequences in 2016. Finally, we will look at ways of bridging the gap

How did China rise to become one of the superpowers? In this lecture class, we will analyze US and China and their co-dependency on each other. We will look at economic development in China since the late 1970s and comparing it with the same period in US economic history.
There will be a close emphasis on how China transitioned from its export- and investment-led model to the current pro-consumption model.


Prerequisites
None

This seminar style course, through discussion, seeks to explore various contemporary and non-contemporary topics concerning politics, medicine, and various facets of the human experience. The goal of the course is to allow for an open-ended expression of individual experiences on aforementioned topics to allow for students to garner a more multidimensional understanding of their own beliefs, cognitions, and experiences. Students are advised to be open-minded and open to discussing and questioning preconceived ideas and notions of morality and empathy within individual contexts.


Prerequisites
none

How many people in America can say “Hello!” in Turkish? Do you want to become one of them? Do you want to learn more about one of the earliest countries to give women the right to vote? Do you want to learn about the country that bridges the continents of Europe and Asia?
If so, come and learn the basics of Turkish and the country of Turkey!

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

How many people in America can say “Hello!” in Turkish? Do you want to become one of them? Do you want to learn more about one of the earliest countries to give women the right to vote? Do you want to learn about the country that bridges the continents of Europe and Asia?
If so, come and learn the basics of Turkish and the country of Turkey!

How does language work? What makes it special? In this class, we dive into the world of linguistics: the scientific study of language. We’ll look at how children are able to learn language so quickly, how words came to be, how words come together to make meaning, and how we seem to know the rules of language even if we don’t realize what those rules are. The scientific study of language will teach us how we communicate, how we work, and even how we think. And linguistics is becoming more and more applicable in the world of computers: as Google Translate seeks to convert from any language to any other, and Siri and Alexa try to listen to you and understand what you’re asking, understanding language and how it works is becoming more and more important.

Ever find yourself in a position where you can't seem to convince other people of your ideas? This class will explore the art of persuasive speaking, to help you convince others that you're right. We'll talk about how construct a compelling argument, how to respond to someone else's (less compelling) argument, how to ask insightful questions, and how to present your ideas in a clear and well-articulated way. And we'll do it all through a group debate over one of the most important and unanswered questions: What is the right thing to do?

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.

Are you curious about the society and life in another country with rich history and culture? Have you ever heard about Hot Pot, the Yangtze River, and world war two in the Asia Pacific? Can you name Chinese city names rather than Beijing, Shanghai, Hong Kong, Guangzhou? Come an lear more about the food, history, and culture in China!


Prerequisites
An interest in foreign cultures.

This will be a very basic introduction to Mandarin Chinese. How does the language work? How do you write Chinese characters? How do the infamous "tones" work in spoken Chinese? Students will learn basic characters and phrases as well as some of the history behind Mandarin Chinese. Also, students will learn a bit about how Mandarin Chinese works linguistically as compared to English.


Prerequisites
No prerequisites. (I am a student of Mandarin Chinese so I am nowhere near perfect, so if you are already a speaker of Mandarin Chinese this might not be the class for you).

While student activism seems to be at the forefront of headlines today, students have historically been change-makers, both in the United States and around the world.
In this course you will learn about the origins and impacts of some of the most important social and political movements started by students and analyze the reasons for their triumphs and pitfalls.

When greeted "how are you?", we've all responded before that we are well, but what does it mean to have high or low well-being? We will entertain different philosophical theories of well-being, ranging from hedonism and mental state theories to preference and objective list theories. We will then examine different measures of well-being and their philosophical foundation. If time permits, we will consider problems with aggregating well-being---specifically the repugnant conclusion in population ethics.

Have you ever wondered what the heck was going on in the Harry Potter universe? Why does Gringotts literally keep your gold in a locked room? What's up with the plot of the fourth book? We all love Harry, but let's be real, he's pretty naive. In this class we'll look at small details about the Harry Potter universe and how it also reflects on the way we view banking and other "grown-up" things in society.


Prerequisites
Having read the Harry Potter books is probably good! No need to know them super well, we'll try to explain all the stuff that people don't remember.

Explore some of the most contentious problems in philosophy, ranging from classical Greece to the modern day. We will discuss philosophers such as Plato, Augustine, Hume, and many more!

The term "Asian American" is commonly traced back to 1968, when a group of UC Berkeley students joined together, inspired by the Black Power movement. "Asian American" is meant to express a collective identity — but who got to decide who belongs? And what does being "Asian American" mean in the context of white society? In this class, we'll explore a bit of "Asian American" history, especially in activism, and especially in the context of the history of other minority groups in America. We'll critically think about the complexities of the so-called "Asian American" experience. Most importantly, we'll critically examine the shortcomings of this umbrella term for such an incredibly diverse group of people in America.

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!

Whether it be how we predict what a friend will say before they say it, or choose the best time to come to lunch, we are all theorists in the truest sense of the word– we are processing information, creating patterns, and then testing our ideas through experience and observation. There is nothing more important about published, academic theory than the everyday theory we create.

In this class, we will learn how to do what we already know, exploring the concepts of local knowledge, social constructionism, structuralism, and functionalism in our own lives. We will have exercises where we will both apply these theories to our experiences (and critique them!) and develop our own theoretical approaches to social interaction in small groups. We will have a discussion and critique of their ideas. We will end class by testing these theories in a variety of settings both real and imagined, discussing how important everyday theorizing/knowledge is and suggesting ways that it can both empower people and challenge social structures to bring about meaningful change.

Students will learn how to fingerspell the alphabet in American Sign Language, how to fingerspell their names, and how to sign words related to colors, school, and food terminology, not to mention participate in fun, engaging signing games! No previous knowledge of American Sign Language (ASL) is required; the only requirement is an eagerness to learn and readiness to sign!

Are you curious about the society and life in another country with rich history and culture? Have you ever heard about Hot Pot, the Yangtze River, and world war two in the Asia Pacific? Can you name Chinese city names rather than Beijing, Shanghai, Hong Kong, Guangzhou? Come an lear more about the food, history, and culture in China!


Prerequisites
An interest in foreign cultures.

Have you ever wondered what the heck was going on in the Harry Potter universe? Why does Gringotts literally keep your gold in a locked room? What's up with the plot of the fourth book? We all love Harry, but let's be real, he's pretty naive. In this class we'll look at small details about the Harry Potter universe and how it also reflects on the way we view banking and other "grown-up" things in society.


Prerequisites
Having read the Harry Potter books is probably good! No need to know them super well, we'll try to explain all the stuff that people don't remember.

In this class, students will be given a news or opinion piece on world events, and asked to read between the lines. We'll have a discussion afterwards of what they processed from the article. Through this discussion, we'll talk about what the author is really trying to say, what the author is implying, what biases the author might hold, and what rhetorical tools are employed. Then we'll continue to talk about the subject matter presented, and practice expressing our opinions in an effective way.


Prerequisites
Has taken at least one English course in high school.

During the Second World War, famine, rationing, starvation, and food insecurity were rampant across the globe, even in the supplies of armies. In contrast, American food largesse crossed the globes, supplying its own armies, its allies, and its captured enemies with unimaginable quantities of food. This will be an examination of the logistical demands and industrial innovations of the American food industrial complex during the Second World War through three questions: what were the food requirements of the front line soldiers receiving this food across the globe, what was manufactured to meet these requirements, and how was this manufacture organized, distributed, and streamlined?

Whether it be how we predict what a friend will say before they say it, or choose the best time to come to lunch, we are all theorists in the truest sense of the word– we are processing information, creating patterns, and then testing our ideas through experience and observation. There is nothing more important about published, academic theory than the everyday theory we create.

In this class, we will learn how to do what we already know, exploring the concepts of local knowledge, social constructionism, structuralism, and functionalism in our own lives. We will have exercises where we will both apply these theories to our experiences (and critique them!) and develop our own theoretical approaches to social interaction in small groups. We will have a discussion and critique of their ideas. We will end class by testing these theories in a variety of settings both real and imagined, discussing how important everyday theorizing/knowledge is and suggesting ways that it can both empower people and challenge social structures to bring about meaningful change.

Explore some of the most contentious problems in philosophy, ranging from classical Greece to the modern day. We will discuss philosophers such as Plato, Augustine, Hume, and many more!

In an increasingly entangled world, negotiation is one of the keys to success.
Learn how to disentangle people from the problem, identify common interests, find alternative options, and successfully negotiate with anybody at any level.

We've all heard of the Bill of Rights. But which Right is the most ... right? Come learn more about our Constitution's amendments, watch us debate why our favorite ones are the "most important," and then debate which amendments matter most to you.


Prerequisites
Knowing what the Constitution is

***May get mildly graphic***This class will give a history of some of the most famous cases of unethical experiments in scientific history including the Tuskegee Syphilis experiment, the Yale Milgram experiment, Henrietta Lacks, and others. We will also go over what now exists to protect research participants, especially those from marginalized communities.

Do you want to learn how to write your name in Japanese and learn about the bustling megacity of Tokyo? Then this class is for you! We will learn some basic Japanese, like greetings, numbers, and the writing script, while also getting to know what modern Japan is like. After this class, you may want to go there yourself!

Do you want to learn how to write your name in Japanese and learn about the bustling megacity of Tokyo? Then this class is for you! We will learn some basic Japanese, like greetings, numbers, and the writing script, while also getting to know what modern Japan is like. After this class, you may want to go there yourself!

School (and life!) can be challenging. What have psychologists found out about staying mentally healthy? What can you do in your day-to-day life to promote your happiness and flourishing? This is a discussion-based class for students who like to speak up and share!

The growth of "positive psychology" since the late 1990s has given us invaluable insights into how to maximise our wellbeing and manage stress. The goal of the class is to help you enjoy more good days and navigate bad ones. Life in school is, of course, about more than just grades and academics - your mental health matters too.


Prerequisites
Eagerness to participate is essential - this is a very interactive class and each student will be expected to share their thoughts in a friendly, relaxed environment. Enthusiasm is key!

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 key moments in queer history around the world. It teaches students about how gender and sexual orientation was thought about in various cultures. The goal is to show students that queer identities have a long and diverse history that spans every time and every continent.

"Abandon all hope, ye who enter here," These are the infamous words emblazoned on the gates of Hell as written by the medieval poet Dante Alighieri. Join me on a lively adventure through hell and find out why we still read his Inferno 700 years later. On the way we will discuss the literary device of Contra Passo—ironic punishment—among other hellish things!

"Abandon all hope, ye who enter here," These are the infamous words emblazoned on the gates of Hell as written by the medieval poet Dante Alighieri. Join me on a lively adventure through hell and find out why we still read his Inferno 700 years later. On the way we will discuss the literary device of Contra Passo—ironic punishment—among other hellish things!

This course will allow students to:
-learn a brief overview of the history of eugenics.
-identify lingering aspects of eugenical ideals and recognize how they specifically impact the Intersex Community.
-explore and reflect upon their own biases towards groups of people of by exploring their universe of obligation.
-explore themes of social justice, activism, and upstanders.

Throughout the course of this lesson, I hope to inspire the students to consider how the modern media they consume shapes their perceptions of the medical system— specifically their racialized image of the doctor— and how these perceptions are connected to the histories of medical education’s reform during the Progressive Era.
The lesson, which is divided into two main parts, focuses on both participants lived experiences as patients and consumers of media, as well as the 1910 Flexner Report. In the first half of the lesson, participants will analyze their own experiences through two main activities. The first of which is a simple drawing exercise where participants are asked to draw their own doctor, while the second is a gallery walk of images of television’s most famous doctors. In the second half of the lesson, participants will: 1) learn a brief history of Progressive Era, 2) learn a brief history of the evolution of medicine during the Progressive Era, 3) learn about Abraham Flexner, 4) closely analyze 1910 Flexner Report, and finally, 5) consider both the immediate and long-term consequences of the 1910 Flexner Report. Participants will learn this information in a myriad of ways including through lecture, close readings, video.

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

Modeled after MATH230, this course starts from the premise that you know how to count with positive whole numbers, and goes from there. From that, we should end up moving through functions into linear algebra, stopping by $$\sqrt{2}$$ and calling it irrational, and finally wind up at a bit of calculus and multivariable calculus. Or, you know, we might get sidetracked if one of you had a beautiful problem I’ve never seen before.
And if you (collectively via democratic process) all want to learn something different, like probability, basic science, or physics, I might teach that instead. Also some of my favorite problems will be discussed.


Prerequisites
“You should be able to add fractions. Like, consistently.”-Pat Devlin, our excellent MATH230 professor. Muy seriously, you should all be comfortable with casually using basic mathematical techniques, like adding numbers. And the distributive property. And completing squares, though we won’t use that. Also if you know what a Taylor series is, you are cool and should still take this class.

Why is randomizing so important in Statistics? What happens when we make observations and conclusions on samples that aren't randomly selected? How can we account for selection bias in non random samples?


Prerequisites
This class should be completely accessible to all :)

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

Have you ever wondered how to create a two-headed tadpole or perhaps a wingless fly? Well, then look no further! Learn about these crazy experiments in genetics! This class will cover interesting genetic experiments and the science behind how they happened. Warning: this class will have many gruesome pictures!


Prerequisites
Introductory Biology

Did you know that Domino Pizza stock saw an increase of 319% in the past 5 years, or that real estate market return is very close to that of the stock market return? Do you enjoy understanding company's business model and what contribute to its success or failure? A lot of popular financial advice are based on complex mathematical models, but if you want to intuitively understand an investment decision and learn the math behind it, join our class for some exciting takeaways!
*This class' curriculum is edited by the Yale Student Financial Education Group and co-teach by Phi Gamma Nu, a professional development Greek organization chapter at Yale.


Prerequisites
A quest for mathematical and personal finance knowledge.

1 in 9,223,372,036,854,775,808.

Those are the odds of someone predicting a perfect bracket in the NCAA March Madness basketball tournament. From learning how sports analytics works, to analyzing specific examples in the current March Madness tournament, this course will help you get that 1 perfect bracket. Come join us during the Final Four to talk about your brackets, predictions, and the madness of March.

Once you sign up for the class, we'll send you a link to a bracket group and as long as you make one before the tournament starts on March 19th we can have a group for our class!


Prerequisites
Basic sports knowledge and enthusiasm!

The determinant is an extremely powerful tool in linear algebra, data manipulation, and mathematics in general. In this class, we'll define what it is and talk about some of its uses, including the volume of a cube, finding a tangent plane, and eigenvalues.


Prerequisites
No prerequisites beyond basic algebra and geometry as every mathematical idea brought up will be thoroughly explained.

Discussion of different topics regarding infinity ranging from the Infinite Monkey Theorem to Boltzmann’s Brains. Countable and uncountable infinities will be discussed alongside brain games exploring those topics. The topic of an end to numbers will also be discussed.


Prerequisites
Good understanding of algebra and geometry. Understanding up to Algebra 2 but having had a precalculus is a plus.

Code-writing and code-breaking, also known as cryptography and cryptanalysis respectively, have been around for centuries: the ancient Greeks were said to have used ciphers, and secret codes played enormous roles in the Civil War, WWI and WWII. In this class, we'll look at a short history of cryptography, learn about different methods of code-writing, look at the mathematics behind some of the most difficult codes to crack, and try our hand at writing our own.

Computers can now beat the world’s best chess players and the world’s best Jeopardy players. They can diagnose some diseases more accurately than doctors. They can drive cars. And they can predict what product you should buy next on Amazon, what TV show you should watch next on Netflix, and more. How did computers learn to do all this? In this class, we’ll explore the domains of artificial intelligence and machine learning. We’ll look at strategies we use to teach computers how to teach themselves, and we’ll talk about what lies in the future in this fast-growing world of machine intelligence. No prior computer science experience required!

Let's say you're trying to place pigeons into holes, but you have more pigeons than holes: at least two pigeons must go into the same hole. Obvious, right? Turns out this simple fact, known as the Pigeonhole Principle (or Dirichlet's Box Principle if you're boring), can be used to prove all kinds of surprising results. In this class we'll take a look at a handful of very neat problems that can be solved with this idea.

This course will help you understand the business and analytics side of the beautiful game. Why do some teams spend so much more than others? Will the US ever become the best in the world at soccer? How is a soccer team managed and run? Find out the answer to these questions and more in this revolutionary course.

While it can sometimes be tedious to add, subtract, multiply, and divide, there are some amazing hidden patterns that appear... sometimes?

We will do some math around this. At the very least, you'll leave this class knowing a few things that you can ask your calculator to get surprising results.

Modeled off the most popular class in Yale history, this class will explore how to use psychology to live the happiest 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:
"Thank you for such an awesome and impactful class! It has definitely increased my happiness/well-being:)"

"This class by FAR was my favorite class and it definitely had a HUGE impact on me. Inspirational."

This class will cover radiation, nuclear arms stockpiles, and of course what to do if disaster were to strike. Specific areas covered will include nuclear fallout and damage to life. A background in chemistry may be helpful but is not required.

More than just hypnotics, brains, and psychotherapy, psychology is relevant to the world around us. In fact, psychology is almost always surprising and fun! We will be discussing “what is psychology?” and how concepts such as inattentional blindness, heuristics, and critical thinking impact many of us everyday.


Prerequisites
Interest in experiencing a new perspective for the first time

The human eye is amazingly complex, yet surprisingly inefficient. In this class we will explore the biological principles that underly visual sensation and perception with brief applications to physics (lenses) and comparative anatomy.


Prerequisites
Basic knowledge of algebra and biology.

Why is the universe expanding? What is cosmological inflation? Where is Dark Matter located? Come to learn all about the history of the universe and some of the still open questions!


Prerequisites
For the mathy portions of the class, basic algebra would be very useful. Knowledge of calculus might be useful, but is not at all required.

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.

**Note: this class will not certify you in CPR/First Aid, but will provide you an overview of lifesaving techniques.**

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.

**Note: this class will not certify you in CPR/First Aid, but will provide you an overview of lifesaving techniques.**

Ever wondered how the heart works? What does blood do anyway? Why are there different blood types? Who can donate blood, and how does it work? If you've ever wondered about any of these questions, this is the class for you! We'll begin with an explanation of the physiology of blood and the cardiovascular system—how it works normally, what can go wrong, and how it differs between people. Then, we'll discuss blood donation and transfusion—the process, the biomedical blood supply, and scientific and ethical considerations of regulation—as well as any other questions or topics brought up by you!

This course will teach students about various science concepts through forms of Pop Culture such as video games or movie.


Prerequisites
n/a

Learn more about why high blood pressure (hypertension) is known as the "silent killer" in a hands-on workshop that teaches YOU how to manually measure blood pressure using a stethoscope and sphygmomanometer cuff!


Prerequisites
None!

This course will teach students about various science concepts through forms of Pop Culture such as video games or movie.


Prerequisites
n/a

Explore immunology and virology through the context of making a comic! Students will learn about the human immune system and how it fights off disease. They will then pick a virus or pathogen and make a comic to show how the immune system kills off the disease.

Quantum Mechanics says that the world changes when we measure it, but it doesn't answer the crucial question -- what is a measurement?

We'll discuss why this is a flaw, and go over alternative options -- for example, maybe the world splits every time an event happens!

Class is taught on the assumption that you have never heard the term quantum mechanics -- there is no prerequisite (genuinely)!

The extreme overuse of antibiotics has caused a huge increase in infectious bacteria that are resistant to antibiotics. These bacterial infections are extremely difficult to treat with traditional methods. However, new research shows that viruses can be used to make bacteria affected by antibiotics again. In this course, we'll talk about how antibiotic resistance occurs and how viruses can solve this major health problem!


Prerequisites
Introductory biology knowledge

The extreme overuse of antibiotics has caused a huge increase in infectious bacteria that are resistant to antibiotics. These bacterial infections are extremely difficult to treat with traditional methods. However, new research shows that viruses can be used to make bacteria affected by antibiotics again. In this course, we'll talk about how antibiotic resistance occurs and how viruses can solve this major health problem!


Prerequisites
Introductory biology knowledge

This class will focus on the anatomy and physiology of the heart, blood, and blood vessels. We will learn about blood composition, how the heart functions as a pump, hemodynamics, and regulation by the central nervous system.


Prerequisites
Basic knowledge of biology.

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.

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.

Our ears never stop growing, so why not learn about them! There's so much more to them then what meets the eye! This class will explore the biology of the ear, dive into auditory processing, discuss what makes human ears special, investigate audio illusions, and test what happens when we knockout out our hearing.

This will be a qualitative introduction to relativity. We'll start by discussing some of the experiments that motivated Einstein to develop this theory, and then move on to the implications of special and general relativity, including time dilation, length contraction, the equivalence principle, and the curvature of spacetime. Beware: while there will be very little math (if any) in this course, the concepts discuss will be quite complicated and potentially confusing.

Interested in energy & the environment? Looking for a fun class with lots of activities, trivia, and cool content? Join Yale's undergraduate solar energy group Project Bright as we learn about all of that and more!

What is a bloodborne disease? How do we get them? How do we protect ourselves from them? Answer all these questions and more as you learn how to correctly clean small wounds. If time permits, we'll discuss the history and science of HIV, the virus that causes AIDS.

What is archaeology? Why is it important today? These are the questions that people often ask when faced with the idea of archaeology. In this class, we will explore the basic concepts and foundations of archaeology and archaeological science. We'll talk about the history of archaeology, from it's very beginnings in antiquarianism in Europe to the science that it is today.

You are made up of trillions of cells, but you started as just one. How does that happen? How do tissues know when to grow and when to stop? How does a cell decide which identity to take on? We'll discuss some of these questions, plus the tools and experiments that biologists have used to answer them.


Prerequisites
None!

Have you ever wondered how exactly vaccines work? Or why it's said that you can't "catch the same cold twice"? In this class 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 though not necessary.

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.

This course would start with a brief portrayal of the two halves of the brain: the logical, analytical right lobe and the creative, imaginative side. Although these sides may seem very distinct at first, we wanted to discuss specific parallels we find in our daily lives and hobbies that integrate these sides in funny, exciting, and inspiring ways. We will mainly focus on the parallels between music and science/math. We would then end with how the coolest and most useful discoveries were made with both aspects in mind!

This class will cover the rich and surprising history of food items we all enjoy today. We'll talk about how chocolate chip cookies were invented by accident in 1938, or how a clever restaurateur created the potato chip to satisfy upset customers. All the while, we'll discuss how these same foods have shaped American culture, from soup can artwork to PB&J sandwiches in spaceflight. Through food history, we will explore how happy accidents have transformed the way we think about what to eat.


Prerequisites
There are no prerequisites for the course, except, of course, an interest in learning about food!

Did you know that over 3900 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? 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

What happens to your brain when you learn something new, or when you listen to your favorite song over and over again? Does your brain remain the same after development of your body stops? Research has shown that your brain changes constantly with every task that you perform through a process called neuroplasticity.

In this course, we are going to investigate what drives plasticity in the brain, and what are the underlying factors that are entailed in brain plasticity. We are going to look into examples of neuroplasticity in everyday life, understand the impact of neuroplasticity on recovering from brain injury. and explore the prospects of plasticity of the brain in tackling neural degeneration.

If you have a passion about the marvels of the brain then this class is for you!

This course will be a basic introduction to the field of neuroscience! We will cover how the brain functions, parts of the brain and what they do, ways we study the brain, and weird things that can happen with brain damage.

Students will be able to learn basic concepts of how the human brain functions and the anatomy of the human brain.

Quantum mechanics was developed about 100 years ago, and predicts strange or even "spooky" effects in physics. Later, it was discovered that quantum mechanics can be used, at least in theory, to build more powerful computers.

In this course, we will answer the following questions:
- What is quantum mechanics?
- What are superposition and entanglement?
- How could a quantum computer solve problems?
- What do real quantum computing experiments look like?

Since the dawn of civilization, humanity has exploited the Earth by depleting natural resources, polluting ecosystems, and diminishing biodiversity. This lecture will provide a general overview of society's most pressing environmental issues, including climate change, air and water pollution, deforestation, species extinction, commercial agriculture, urban sprawl, solid waste, and resource extraction. Students will become familiar with the history of the environmental movement and the policy that has improved our relationship with the natural environment. This course will also include an activism workshop in which students will gain skills in organizing, public speaking, lobbying, and designing social movements.

What is archaeology? Why is it important today? These are the questions that people often ask when faced with the idea of archaeology. In this class, we will explore the basic concepts and foundations of archaeology and archaeological science. We'll talk about the history of archaeology, from it's very beginnings in antiquarianism in Europe to the science that it is today.

You are made up of trillions of cells, but you started as just one. How does that happen? How do tissues know when to grow and when to stop? How does a cell decide which identity to take on? We'll discuss some of these questions, plus the tools and experiments that biologists have used to answer them.


Prerequisites
None!

Is it possible to edit the very genetic code that makes you who you are? Learn the science behind the buzz about CRISPR/Cas9, the revolutionary technique that allows scientists to specifically and permanently edit genomes, and decide for yourself what this means for our future.


Prerequisites
High-school level biology and chemistry.

Class Description:
Socratic Seminar - this class is about thinking! Be ready to listen, share your thoughts, and challenge the teacher, as well as each other.

What we'll discuss:
-What is Science?
-How does Science relate to Society and vice versa?
-Scientific Lingo
-Semantics (e.g. belief, proof)
-Context: why belief in dragons is reasonable or not
-Certainty, Subjectivity, & Objectivity
-Scientific Method
-Logic & Fallacies
-Science-Public Controversies (may touch on climate change, gluten, GMOs, evolution, vaccines, junk food, designer babies, etc - determined by class interest)


Prerequisites
A willingness to listen, challenge, think, and rethink

Students will be able to learn basic concepts of how the human brain functions and the anatomy of the human brain.

Ever wondered how the heart works? What does blood do anyway? Why are there different blood types? Who can donate blood, and how does it work? If you've ever wondered about any of these questions, this is the class for you! We'll begin with an explanation of the physiology of blood and the cardiovascular system—how it works normally, what can go wrong, and how it differs between people. Then, we'll discuss blood donation and transfusion—the process, the biomedical blood supply, and scientific and ethical considerations of regulation—as well as any other questions or topics brought up by you!

Ever wonder how weather forecasts work? Why do airplanes fly? How are volcanoes formed? All of these questions be answered by the same equations in fluid mechanics. Fluids are everywhere in our lives, from our cups of coffee in the mornings to large scale flows in the atmosphere and the ocean. In this class, we will review basic concepts in fluids mechanics and derive the Navier-Stokes Equations. These are the fundamental equations that all fluid motions.


Prerequisites
Need background in physics (kinematics, definition of pressure) and calculus (derivatives).

In response to the climate and plastic crisis worldwide, one of the first things we ask ourselves is "What can I do to help?" It can feel impossible to put an end to both of these challenges, but what if I told you it all starts with you? How do the little decisions we make every day contribute to the issues we're trying to solve?

This class will look at climate change, plastic pollution, and tips on what you can do to make a difference.

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.

This class will be held outside at scantlebury park, so make sure to dress for outside, and be prepared to be active. Please note that this class will be cancelled in the event of rain so you should select 2-3 alternate classes during these blocks that you might be interested in if this class is cancelled.


Prerequisites
Although not a requirement, be aware that this class will likely be more enjoyable for right-handed throwers. There will be 17 different right-handed boomerangs available, but only 1 left handed boomerang and 1 ambidextrous boomerang available for left-handed throwers. Some general athletic experience in sports that involve throwing (like baseball) will make this class easier but is certainly not required.

Come learn the fundamentals of Thai Kickboxing! We will teach you the basic punches and kicks that you can use for self defense. All contact will be with the instructor, students won’t be striking each other.

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!

In this class, we will learn the method and importance of some of the basic food science underpinning some of your favorite candies and baking in general. We won’t just talk, but also learn to do in the kitchen. Finally, we will apply these to recreate some of your favorite candies, which we will of course sample, both on their own and compared to the real thing. If you are interested in food science, baking, or just eating candy, this class is for you.


Prerequisites
This course will involve hands on/close proximity to nut allergens (peanuts, almonds).