Whether you're new to drawing or a figure drawing master, bring a pencil and some paper to join us for a 1 hour figure drawing session! In this class, we'll learn and practice how to bring life into our drawings of humans. Techniques we'll discuss are contrapposto, line of action, negative space, and more.

You've probably heard of film director Wes Anderson from some of his classics, including: The Grand Budapest Hotel, Fantastic Mr. Fox or Moonrise Kingdom. But still feel like you don't get it? Can't find the point in it but damn is it pretty to look at? Reject modernity and nihilism and come embrace some of the best absurdist films ever made!


Prerequisites
None!

Are you interested in picking up a new hobby to kill time on long car trips? Have you ever wanted a way to feel productive while watching hours of tv on end? Well, look no further than this beginner's crochet class! This class will cover the fundamentals of crocheting for people who have never held a crochet hook before! We will be covering making a slip knot, the chain stitch, working in the chain, and eventually building up to single and double crochet. Experienced crocheters are also welcome to work independently on a project of their choice. Project patterns will be provided.

Let's dance together! We'll learn a short sample of choreography from recent k-pop dance repertoire. Beginner-friendly - no experience necessary, and all levels welcome. Please wear something you feel comfortable moving in, as well as supportive shoes.

In this class, students will get a crash course on all things comic books: speech bubbles vs. thought bubbles, the importance of gutters, how to formulate an effective narrative arc, and how to create characters! By the end of class, each student will have the chance to brainstorm and begin sketching their own original comic.


Prerequisites
Open to anyone interested!

Living Water, one of Yale’s many a cappella groups on campus, is excited to teach you how to sing a cappella. You will be going through some warm-ups and exercises with us before we split everyone into different vocal parts and learn a song together. Be ready to have lots of fun singing together and hearing the way all of our voices fit together to make music (no singing or musical experience required)!

For as long as there have been humans, there has been belief in the supernatural. To what extent is this belief justified? What arguments have philosophers put forward for the existence of gods/God, and what arguments exist against this belief? This course is an introduction to the philosophy of religion, and will cover areas such as the cosmological argument, the teleological argument, the proper relationship between faith and reason, and the problem of evil. Prepare to leave with more questions that answers.


Prerequisites
Nothing except curiosity and an open mind!

As women musicians have long been steered toward the role of frontwomen, a disproportionate number are vocalists rather than instrumentalists. Due to gendered notions about acceptable musical performance, all-female bands have occupied a miniscule place in dominant music historiographies, usually regarded as novelty acts. This class seeks to introduce you to a wide array of all-women musical acts throughout the 20th century and beyond. We will start our tour in the 1920s with The Ingenues, then move to the 1930s and 40s which saw all-female bands rising to prominence during World War 2. The 1960s saw an influx of pioneering all-female guitar groups who never got their dues except for a few nods from Riotgrrrl acts decades later. Finally, we will move into the 21st century and consider the place all-female acts occupy in today's musical landscape. All the while, we'll bear in mind the role that race plays on notions of femininity and the consequences this has had for female musicians. I hope you'll join me on this musical journey through time highlighting pioneering women musicians!

Yes, you read that right! Toki Pona, a constructed language created by Canadian linguist Sonja Lang in 2001, can be learned extremely quickly thanks to its small vocabulary. While most languages have hundreds of thousands of unique words—the Oxford English Dictionary has 171,476 entires!—Toki Pona has only 120. This not only makes Toki Pona very easy to learn but also adds a puzzle-like element to the language: since Toki Pona doesn't have words for most real-world objects or actions, you have to create words yourself based on those 120 building blocks. Thus, when you're learning Toki Pona, you're solving a puzzle with every word you speak.

mi wile pana sona e sina toki pona! (I hope to teach you Toki Pona!)


Prerequisites
None! Anyone can learn Toki Pona—no background with foreign languages is required. :)

To put it simply: flags are everywhere! We see the American flag almost every day—in classrooms, in people's homes, and on uniforms—and you can probably recognize the flags of at least a few foreign countries. (Can you picture the maple leaf on Canada's flag? The spoked wheel on India's flag? The eagle on Mexico's flag?) Flags are all around us, but we rarely stop to think about where they come from—or what they mean. In this class, we'll talk about vexillology (the study of flags) and the history and meaning of these powerful symbols. We'll also look at recent efforts to redesign flags around the world and even propose some designs of our own!


Prerequisites
None! Anyone with an interest in geography, history, or art/design (or flags in general!) is highly encouraged to enroll. :)

Are you curious to know about a love so great that is promised to you through Jesus Christ? Are you curious to learn about the Gospel, the Good News, and how to live that out in our everyday lives? This course will talk about who Jesus is and his love for you. It is open to anyone and everyone who wants to learn about Christianity regardless of past experiences. This space is for all who are curious about His love for you and those around you.

Can poetry serve as a home? How do artists build spaces of refuge and comfort through language? Dante Alighieri and Czesław Miłosz were two legendary poets in exile. Although they lived six centuries apart and wrote within vastly different historical and cultural contexts, both artists found hope and sanctuary in poetry. By writing in their native tongues of Italian and Polish, Dante and Miłosz created new homelands for themselves through art. This course will introduce students to the life and work of these poets, and will also serve as a literary analysis workshop in which we will analyze and discuss poems by two great writers.

An English speaker who grew up in Connecticut is not very likely to speak the same way as one who grew up in Kentucky. In other words, there is not just one “American English.” But this is about more than just accents and vocabulary—there are real differences even in the structure of sentences that speakers of different English varieties might say. In this class, we will uncover the rich tapestry of "Englishes" spoken in the United States and around the world, examining the many ways in which the grammar and lexicon of a language can vary within and across communities.

What is gender? Why is gender? How is gender? Who is gender? When is gender? All these questions and more will be answered in this course (maybe). Especially during political times reliant on aggressive misinformation campaigns about transgender, nonbinary, gender diverse, and two-spirit peoples, we'll unpack the basics of where gender comes from, what gender-affirming care actually is and what it's not, and how we can become more critical consumers of information about gender.

Are you interested in learning how to communicate without speaking? Do you want to learn more about deaf culture and the basics of American Sign Language? Then this class is for you!! No prior ASL knowledge required!


Prerequisites
None! Just a desire to learn ASL ◡̈

This course will primarily focus on the background of 2 assassinations: Abraham Lincoln and Julius Caesar. Take a journey through history as we explore the events leading up to the very first presidential assassination in American history, and then we'll take a stab at Julius Caesar's death. There will be many many many puns.


Prerequisites
Any vague interest in political history

This class hopes to explore the historical, political, cultural, and social aspects of North Korea in order to understand the importance of North Korea human rights.

We will learn about poetry and destigmatize a genre that can intimidate or seem inaccessible.

Have you ever dreamed of writing your own story? OR have you ever dared to make up your own world, sci-fi/fantasy or otherwise? Well, you've come to the right place! Join us to craft your own world/universe/city/town, whatever your heart desires! We'll learn some craft techniques, do some fun prompts/games, and begin planning our own worlds!

A space and opportunity to talk about writing, while also giving time to write your thoughts. We will connect Asian American identity, writing, diaspora, feelings, and a bunch of other stuff.

Artists have been getting a lot of lawsuits recently for “copying” others’ songs, but the concept that music must be totally original is a recent invention. From jazz standards to Elvis to punk rock, cover songs have shaped the evolution of English music.
Even so, when does covering a song turn into plagiarism? What are the politics of appropriating music from certain cultures or experiences and recontextualizing them? In contrast, can cover songs be a form of political empowerment?

Have you ever wondered what it's like to be a broadcaster? In this class, we will learn the basics of sportscasting and take a look at the most famous calls in modern history.

Cryptography has been in use for thousands of years, from ancient Greece until today. Codes (and codebreaking!) is the backbone of our modern society, powering everything from credit cards and cryptocurrency to the websites you use every day - including Zoom. In this class, you'll learn how to make and break your own codes to send secret messages to your friends!

Come learn about the computer-generated graphics found in movies, games, and television! We will begin with the origins of computer graphics in the 1950s and 60s and work our way into the cutting-edge advances of modern times.


Prerequisites
None!

Everyone knows the world's most famous equation: E=MC^2, but few know exactly what it means and where it comes from. In this class, we will derive E=MC^2 using only basic high school calculus and trigonometry, while also developing a strong intuition for what the formula signifies in physics and the real world.


Prerequisites
Basic knowledge of physics, exposure to high school calculus and trigonometry (basic derivatives and integrals)

Sure, you know how to play tic tac toe (and probably how to win too). But what about on a non-flat surface? Learn about topology, the study of the properties of geometric objects, in the context of tic tac toe.


Prerequisites
Some geometry may be useful, but not required

With high school on the horizon, chances are you've heard whispers of what many consider to be the hardest flavor of high school mathematics: Calculus. This class seeks to myth-bust the inflated reputation calculus has gained by offering a simple, logical perspective into the field of calculus. If you've heard of Calculus and feel anxious over it, this class is specifically for you!


Prerequisites
Algebra I

(…others for their opinion)

Why do you think we hate other people? More importantly, is it okay for us to hate others?

This course will begin to explore some of the underlying psychological phenomena that cause us to act with prejudice towards other people - both conscious and unconscious! We’ll also potentially explore some of the moral ramifications of these phenomena…


Prerequisites
Come with an open mind :)

Using the key of math into the door of physics then we can take off to space. This course explains physics theories in simple language inspiring students’ scientific dreams.


Prerequisites
N/A

While we rarely view viruses as social entities, successful infection is often a team effort among viral genomes. Just as in any cooperative system, there are those who cheat–benefiting from the work of others to replicate more efficiently. In this class, we'll delve into the intriguing world of viral cheating, from defective interfering particles to satellites like ‘Sputnik’ that infect giant viruses. We'll also explore how researchers use these 'cheats' to combat viral infections–and the potential limitations of these approaches. Join us for a captivating journey into the burgeoning field of social evolution in viruses!


Prerequisites
Introductory biology is helpful, but not required

This course will explain how vaccines harness the immune system to protect against future infections. Finally, this course will illustrate how herd immunity and other public health measures work to prevent spread of an infection at a population level.


Prerequisites
Recommended: biology

What makes human beings so special? Is it the size of our brains? Our art and culture? Our use of tools?
This class is a brief introduction to the field of comparative cognition, which looks to answer questions about humanity through studying what our fellow animals are capable of. After a brief introduction to the field's big questions, we'll explore fun examples from a variety of "smart" species, including octopuses, birds, dolphins, and more! We'll draw on studies from psychology, neuroscience, anthropology, and cognitive science in this interdisciplinary science course.

We will discuss the molecule at the basis of our existence: DNA. We will delve into its structure, function, and properties to figure out how this seemingly simple compound helps lay the blueprint for our creation. We will also explore methods to study DNA and even conduct our own mini lab to extract real DNA from fruit!


Prerequisites
N/A

Come learn about the largest percentage of the world's organisms: insects! From the world's deadliest animal to communicating through dance, insects have an incredible impact on the environment and have impressive abilities. In this course we will discuss cool insects, native and invasive species, climate change, the insect apocalypse and more!

This class will discuss and explore different "marine mysteries" ranging from the Bermuda Triangle to the Marina Trench to octopus consciousness. We will investigate unexplained aquatic phenomena and concurrently discuss topics of marine conservation and why these hidden wonders must be protected.

The main focus of my course is the Hydra Vulgaris, a fresh-water polyp straight out of a science fiction novel. These organisms are practically immortal in a lab setting and have been the inspiration for some very cool research related to aging, regeneration and the nervous system. I intend to bring in live Hydra with fluorescent neurons that can be visualized during firing. The students have an opportunity for some hands on experience by feeding the Hydra with Brine Shrimp.


Prerequisites
None

How does one species diverge into many? And from those many descendant species, how can we predict what their ancestor looked like? What changes occurred in between? These fundamental questions of evolution can be answered by looking into our DNA. Each of our genomes contains a record of the genetic changes that occurred as our ancestors evolved and diverged. But interpreting that record is difficult.

In this class, we'll learn how evolution manifests itself in our genomes, and how we can use genetic changes to infer the evolutionary history of species. We'll also zoom into a familiar branch of the tree of life, Homo sapiens, and think about how the same processes that govern the evolution of species also affect small groups of organisms.

By the end, we'll have gained appreciation for the incredible variety of life and how it came to be, and we'll have learned a new language - the language of DNA - that we can use to study the beautiful process of evolution.


Prerequisites
Basic algebra

Did you know that horseshoe crabs have blue blood? That's not to say that they're of noble birth... their blood really is blue! That's because their blood contains hemocyanin, a metalloprotein that transports oxygen using cobalt atoms—and it's cobalt that makes horseshoe crab blood blue. In contrast, our blood uses hemoglobin for oxygen transport; hemoglobin contains iron, making our blood red. So why do cobalt and iron produce different colors? In this course, we'll talk about the chemistry of color (what is color, really, and how is it produced?) and the chemistry behind color-changing reactions, both those seen in a lab and those seen in everyday life. We'll also discuss some applications of this chemistry and why color matters!


Prerequisites
A very basic knowledge of chemistry (atoms, molecules, electrons, etc.) will be extremely helpful! :)

This course provides an overview of the world of plant biology. We will talk about the basics and then dive into some really cool phenomena in plant biology, such as the Venus fly trap and moving plants!

You might have seen someone point to a bag of chips or candy and say: "oh, don't eat that... it's full of chemicals." But the reality is that all of our food—everything from bread to beef to bananas—is made of chemicals! In this class, we'll talk about the tasty science behind food: what different kinds of molecules do different foods contain? How do those molecules change and react when we cook food? And how do our bodies sense different molecules through taste? You'll never look at food in the same way again... :)


Prerequisites
None! Just an appreciation for science... and food. :)

Have you ever looked at Einstein's work and thought, "big deal!" This course explores what, really, the big deal is with relativity. From correcting Newton's mistakes to predicting the progression of the universe, Einstein's theories of relativity redirected the course of physics into exciting new directions. There will be some math, but not at a more advanced level than algebra, and it will all be explained in detail. Building on a few key principles, we will develop an intuitive understanding of relativity, and hopefully change the way you look at the universe.


Prerequisites
Algebra is helpful, but not required; the math involved will be explained in detail.

Have you ever thought about how medicines and agrochemicals work? How people in the world of science discover new cures to diseases? In this class, we will cover the basics of drug discovery and the organic chemistry behind the scenes to see how science works in action.


Prerequisites
Knowledge of general chemistry and biology is useful.

Astrophysicists often mention the strangest of things, such as dark matter, dark energy, black holes, and what not! Those ideas can be very exotic, but their discoveries are tied to very simple textbook physics from high-school. The course will draw the connecting link between concepts taught in a high-school physics and the breakthrough discoveries in astrophysics that shape our understanding of the universe. The course will have a balanced mixture of physics ideas, discussion about astronomical observation techniques, and a historical overview of modern astrophysics through the lens of a few groundbreaking discoveries.


Prerequisites
Prerequisites: understanding of Newton's laws of motion, and Newton's law of gravitation. Additionally, being already introduced to centripetal and centrifugal forces will be helpful (but is not obligatory).

This class will dive deep into different types of immunity, its functions, and its importance in maintaining the health of our bodies.

How different are we from Neanderthals? How many different hominin ancestors were there, and what did they look like? Are we still evolving, as a species? In this class, we will discuss the evolution of our lineage, characterize changes in body shape and features through time, and consider the implications for who we are today. This class includes a lab component, and students will be asked to observe casts of bones (esp. skulls) of various hominins, including humans.

Here’s a thought experiment: you’re in a room with 20 people, and 5 of them are contagiously ill. What are the odds you will get sick? In this lesson, we will explore how math, statistics, and computer science intersect to help epidemiologists understand the spread of infectious disease. We will cover concepts in basic probability, simulation, and principles of infectious disease modeling that predict outbreaks before they happen. Join us and learn how leading public health officials identify emerging infections before they hit the news.

There are hundreds of different species of primates, but most of us probably only know a few. In this class, we will talk about what all of those species have in common (what makes a "primate" a "primate"?) as well as some of the differences in their anatomy, enivronments, and behavior. We will also learn about some of the ways in which animal behavior is observered and studied by scientists. The goal is for this class to be very interactive.

Come learn about the 206 bones that make up the human skeleton! In addition to learning the bones themselves, we will also cover types of bone tissue, types of joints and how they move, and how the skeleton looks at different stages of development. The goal is for this class to be very interactive.

Name the only living group of dinosaurs on Earth. That's right: BIRDS!

Learn to identify birds by both sight AND sound! In this course, we will discuss the basics of bird identification, the importance of birds in the environment, and the steps we can take to protect them. You will also learn to use binoculars and a field guide.

There are some 10,000 bird species around the world. Get a head start on building your life (bird) list! No prior experience necessary!

Drugs, supplements, and vitamins: we take them to better our health. But, have you ever wondered how drugs or supplements are determined to be safe or effective? Specifically, how does the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) test them and how do they choose what to test? We’ll discuss these topics, ethical concerns, and potential policies that we can come up with today to make for a better tomorrow.

Join us in diving into chemistry and physics to decode the magic behind superhero vision powers! Let's learn how doctors harness this science to take X-rays and MRIs, and how we can look through our bodies to see how our brains look through powerful beams of invisible particles!


Prerequisites
Introduction to general chemistry helpful but not necessary

Viruses and vaccines have been all over the news during the COVID-19 pandemic, but what exactly makes some viral vaccines successful while other viruses still lack an effective vaccine?

We will start with background on what viruses and vaccines are, and then explore the following topics:

- Virology concepts, such as why some viruses like poliovirus have had effective vaccine campaigns vs. others like HIV present unique obstacles for vaccine development.

- Why are vaccines easier to develop for pathogens like bacteria compared to viruses?

- Vaccine design, including types of vaccines, efficacy (including why we need boosters), and the growth of vaccine-related misinformation.

- Future directions and improvements in vaccine technology for viruses, such as the success of mRNA vaccines.


Prerequisites
Some basic biology background (we'll go over what viruses and vaccines are, but prior exposure will make understanding scientific terms easier)

Have you ever tried to solve a Rubik's Cube? In this class, we'll learn how to solve a smaller version of the Rubik's Cube: a 2x2 cube. By the end of the class, you'll know all the basics you need to solve the 2x2 cube on your own!


Prerequisites
You don't need to know how to solve a Rubik's Cube to take the class. You just need a willingness to learn!

Learn all about sustainable/reusable menstrual products here! We will talk about menstrual cups and discs, reusable period underwear, reusable pads, and more! We will demonstrate how to use various products, as well as talk about the health, environmental, and monetary benefits of using these products. Our hope is to make knowledge about sustainable menstrual products more accessible!

Have you ever thought about the stock market, wondered how people retire, or just want to figure out how to use, save, and grow your money efficiently? This course, taught by volunteer instructors from Yale’s Dwight Hall Socially Responsible Investment Fund, will teach students how to responsibly manage their personal finances now and in the future. Topics will include saving, borrowing, and creating an investment portfolio (covering topics such as diversification, index fund investing, and the power of compounding interest). No prior finance-related knowledge is required!

Want to learn all about menstruation, menstrual equity, and menstrual health? In this class, we'll discuss topics ranging from how to put in a tampon, why we bleed, managing periods, and the worldwide inaccessibility of hygiene products. Menstrual health is a taboo topic. However, raising awareness for menstrual health is essential for the safety for all menstruators. Ultimately, this class will inspire students to develop their own period product advocacy initiatives that they can bring home to their communities!

Today we live in a world where periods are stigmatized and portrayed as something shameful or dirty. But how did we get to this point? This course aims to look at different cultures throughout history. We will analyze how these cultures viewed periods as well as how they treated those who menstruated.

Did you know that women have only a 5% chance of becoming pregnant by the age of 40? Join us as we explore the notorious "ticking time bomb,” which encompasses the biology of ovarian aging, the intricacies of menopause, the potential of fertility treatments, and the ways in which these factors can limit women's choices. Although there is no definitive solution yet, various groups ranging from cutting-edge research institutions to ambitious biotech start-ups are competing to extend the fuse. Let's explore the pressing issue of reproductive aging and understand how it shapes our future!

The video game industry today generates more than $200 billion in revenue. It produces some of the most innovative stories using cutting-edge technology with an audience that grows year by year. But it wasn't always this way, and contemporary video games are the product of historical, economic, and social factors stretching back decades.
This course answers questions like:
- What did early video games look like?
- How have video games evolved with technology?
- What forces have influenced trends in video games?
- How have video games evolved as an art form?

M'athchomaroon! Aiya! Hello! Have you ever wondered why the invented languages in books, movies, and TV shows sound the way they do? How are they made? What makes invented languages different from the languages of the real world? In this course, we’ll take you through the steps to start making your own constructed language (a “conlang”). We’ll cover what the world’s languages have in common (and how they differ), and how you can use these differences to make your own linguistic art!

Typing is something we do more than we may realize. This class will be a fun introduction to the mechanical keyboard hobby. Expect to learn about different types of hardware involved with these customizable computer peripherals, the relevance of typing in your everyday life, and then try them hands-on in class! There will also be a take-home switch for you to keep.