Splash Spring 2024
Course Catalog

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Arts Engineering
Humanities Math & Computer Science
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Arts

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A4873: Intro to Hand Lettering Full!
Difficulty: **
Teachers: Biruni Hariadi

Love the look of hand lettering (aka modern calligraphy)? Have never gotten the chance to try? Get started with the humble Crayola marker! We'll learn how to turn words into art and conclude with a piece you can take home. Geared towards the absolute beginner.


Prerequisites
Prior knowledge of cursive is nice to have, but not required.

A4890: Spiritual Heroes: How Miyazaki Writes Women
Difficulty: *
Teachers: Adriana Abad

Ghibli female protagonists are often defined within the parameters of traditional heroine archetypes. Embodying terms such as "independent", "strong" or "empowering" But are these terms nuanced enough to encapsulate their femininity? Miyazaki's films are ultimately about spiritual journeys, as his female characters are often on a quest to save themselves and the world from spiritual bankruptcy. Lets discuss how the love that Miyazaki's characters experience is not about physical attraction or romantic love, but about mutual aid, support, and partnership for their greater spiritual goals.


Prerequisites
Some past exposure to Studio Ghibli films though each film will also be discussed at an introductory level, with minor spoilers.

A4896: Korean Fashion - Current Trends, History, and Divergence Full!
Difficulty: *
Teachers: Kristen Kim, Kevin Seo

Insight into the influences of modern Korean fashion through popular culture, history of Korean fashion from the 1900s to today, and the divergence and differences caused by the separation of the two Koreas.

A4830: Jumping into 3D Modelling
Difficulty: **
Teachers: Alvin Shi

Interested in how people make 3D models? Look no further! In this class, we'll jump directly into 3D modelling with Blender, a free piece of modelling software.

Together, we'll make a looping .gif that'll touch on geometry, texturing, and animation.


Prerequisites
Have Blender 4.0+ installed on your computer and bring your computer! Also, try to bring a mouse if you can

A4835: Shaping Mud: Introduction to Ceramics
Difficulty: *
Teachers: John Duong

Changing clay into art through ceramics! Learn to pinch pot and coil.

A4892: An Introduction to Modular Origami Full!
Difficulty: **

Ever wondered how a single piece of paper can transform into intricate structures? Explore the art of modular origami! Our class unveils the secrets behind creating stunning sculptures from multiple folded units, offering a hands-on journey into creativity and precision. Join us and unfold the magic!

A4912: Observing the Unobserved
Difficulty: *
Teachers: Natalie Leung

In our hectic lives, it’s no surprise to spend most of our time and energy focusing on the “big moments,” whether this be an upcoming exam or an important competition. Through triumphs and disappointments, how much of life goes unobserved? Perhaps it’s the unique shadows casted by scattered pebbles on the street, the reflection of clouds in a rain puddle, or the way fabric crinkles from a tight embrace. In this course, we will use photography as a medium to explore what it means to be present, as well as photography as a discipline—its special ability to capture and convey ideas and emotions that can’t necessarily be expressed through words. Join me on my journey of noticing and appreciating the mundane joys of life :)


Prerequisites
None!! Though having a phone with a camera feature would be helpful.


Engineering

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E4854: Project Egg Drop: Hatching a Plan for the Ultimate Egg Survival Test Full!
Difficulty: *

Students will learn the physics behind the egg drop experiment, as well as some engineering innovations around the science of protecting fragile objects. Students will then create their own contraption in small groups with provided materials to protect their egg from a multi-story drop!

E4900: Making Waves: Female Engineers and the Radio
Difficulty: **

Would you like to build your own piece of history? Blending historical survey and hands-on learning, this course aims to teach students about the history of women engineers and innovators and their contributions to the field of engineering. From the inception of Bluetooth with Hedy Lamarr to the female codebreakers of World War II, women engineers, scientists, and thinkers have contributed immensely to the field of radio and communication. Students will also get the opportunity to participate in building a foxhole radio that was invented during the duress of World War II with the guidance of instructors. With a few everyday objects such as safety pins and pencil lead, students will create a tool that was integral to communicating with the American public during times of crisis.


Humanities

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H4837: Is God Real? Introduction to the Philosophy of Religion Full!
Difficulty: ***
Teachers: Ryan Smith

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!

H4845: Introduction to Oral Argument Full!
Difficulty: **
Teachers: Ethan Yan

In this course, students will be introduced to the basics of oral argument at the Supreme Court. They will learn about the role of oral argument in the Court's decision-making and basic argument-writing techniques. Finally, the lesson will conclude with students writing and delivering short arguments of their own on fun, not necessarily law-related topics of their choice.

H4851: Memory in Literature and Music
Difficulty: **
Teachers: Alexia Dochnal

In this course, we will consider the ways in which writers and musical composers engage with time through their art. Is writing a way of preserving the past, of ensuring that we don't forget? Or is it also a way to let go of painful memories, to construct a new past, and to rise beyond the boundaries of time? We will engage with literary works by Marcel Proust, Anna Akhmatova, and others. We will listen to musical works by Fryderyk Chopin and others, examining the influence of written poetry on music. We will discuss the many ways in which art gives voice to memory.

H4874: Intro to Indonesian
Difficulty: **
Teachers: Biruni Hariadi

Indonesian (Bahasa Indonesia) is one of the easiest languages to learn as an English speaker — there are no tenses, the grammar is extremely simple, and it's written in the Latin alphabet. Come learn some simple words and phrases from one of the world's 200 million Indonesian speakers! Students will leave being able to carry very basic conversation in Bahasa Indonesia and knowing a bit more about Indonesian culture.

H4910: Why do we hate?
Difficulty: *
Teachers: Ryo Nagao, Justin Wang

Why do we get angry at others for their opinions? Why do we hate them?
This course will attempt to answer these questions from an interdisciplinary lens, drawing on everything from ancient philosophy to modern-day psychology and neuroscience! All this will culminate in a discussion of the ethical implications of hating someone.


Prerequisites
Come with an open mind!

H4827: Intro to World Building and Storytelling
Difficulty: *
Teachers: Roy Kohavi

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!

H4842: Basics of American Sign Language 1 Full!
Difficulty: **
Teachers: Tammy Chung

Have you ever wondered what it would be like to communicate with talking? Are you curious about learning American Sign Language (ASL)? Then this is the class for you! This class requires no prior knowledge of ASL! It is open to all levels, as we will start with the basics of elementary ASL.


Prerequisites
Nothing! Just a desire to learn ASL ◡̈

H4850: Intro to Writing Science Fiction and Fantasy
Difficulty: *
Teachers: Landon Bishop

Learn how to jumpstart your ideas into a fully realized fantasy story. We'll discuss setting, characters, and magic with examples from Tolkien, Martin, Sanderson, Hobb, Rothfuss, Liu, and Butler.


Prerequisites
None! Just a desire to learn about what goes into great Science Fiction and Fantasy stories.

H4852: Introduction to Sports Broadcasting
Difficulty: *
Teachers: Carter Dewees

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.

H4870: Exploring the Unknown: A Multidisciplinary History of Human Wonder
Difficulty: **

In this class, we will examine how various disciplines—art, poetry, philosophy, psychology, and science—approach the concept of the unknown. First, we will analyze and enjoy creative works on the themes of uncertainty, exploration, and unknowability by authors and artists including Robert Frost, Maya Angelou, Antonio Machado, Vincent Van Gogh, Georgia O’Keeffe, and Caspar David Friedrich. Next, we will discuss philosophers and psychologists’ insights on human engagement with the unknown across time, looking at excerpts from Plato’s dialogues, Descartes’ Meditations, and several modern psychological studies. Finally, we turn to science, tracing the evolution of the scientific method and learning about developments in quantum mechanics to illuminate the ways in which humanity grapples with the mysteries of the cosmos and the subatomic realm.

H4871: Branching Out! Trees in Poetry, Math, and Drawing
Difficulty: **
Teachers: Caroline Pecore

This class will explore the interconnectedness of artistic expression and mathematical reasoning through the world of trees. First, we will study poems about trees by Rilke, Robert Frost, Mary Oliver, and Padma Venkatraman, focusing on themes of growth, resilience, wonder, and the connection between humanity and the natural world. Next, we'll examine how trees have sparked human innovation over time, with a focus on tree diagrams used to organize knowledge and data. We will explore mathematical applications of tree diagrams in probability and combinatorics. Finally, we will appreciate and draw inspiration from famous artworks inspired by trees, and create some art of our own.

H4875: Ekphrastic Poetry
Difficulty: **
Teachers: Corine Huang

How can you "read" a painting? In this class, we will cover techniques of formal analysis and examine how different poets write about art. Then, we will work through a generative writing exercise and create our own ekphrastic poems! Poets we read may include W.H. Auden, Victoria Chang, Steven Duong, and Frank O'Hara.

H4879: Understanding North Korea: History, Politics, and Society
Difficulty: **

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.

H4882: Charles Baudelaire and the Flowers of Evil
Difficulty: **
Teachers: Jacob Feldman

Charles Baudelaire (1821-1867) is widely considered to be one of the greatest poets in the history of the French language. His work brought about the beginnings of modernity in French art, and his poetry collection Les Fleurs du mal (The Flowers of Evil) is now celebrated for its revolutionary ideas on the poetics of Beauty and Death. Yet Baudelaire's poetry was less widely embraced during his lifetime: when The Flowers of Evil was first published in 1857, it was met with horror and scandal—even leading some of its poems to be formally censured by a French court. In this class, we'll discuss and analyze a handful of poems from The Flowers of Evil and also talk about Baudelaire's tempestuous personal journey from his rocky childhood up until his death in poverty and sickness.

*Quick Note: Baudelaire's poetry often explicitly speaks to topics that some might find difficult to discuss, such as death and sexuality.*


Prerequisites
Knowledge of French might be helpful, but it definitely isn't a requirement in any sense! All of the poetry we discuss will be presented in English. :)

H4883: The Simpsons and American Culture Full!
Difficulty: **
Teachers: Jacob Feldman

Homer: "Do you want the job done right, or do you want it done fast?"
Marge: "Well, like all Americans… fast!"

Homer's Life Coach: "You have what made America great: no understanding of the limits of your power and a complete lack of concern for what anyone thinks of you."

Homer: "If you don’t like your job, you don’t go on strike. You just go in every day and do it really half-assed—that’s the American way."

Though The Simpsons may—on its surface—appear to be a silly, carefree show about couch gags and steamed hams, a closer look reveals intelligently planned plotlines that offer poignant, satirical takes on modern life in the U.S. Over the years, they've tackled sensitive topics like gun ownership and religion—all while bringing the laughs. In this class, we'll talk about the ways in which American culture influenced The Simpsons and, of course, the ways in which The Simpsons influenced American culture.


Prerequisites
No necessary prerequisites! Just an appreciation for The Simpsons and an interest in discussing modern American culture. :)

H4893: Brainrot: A Course on Manufactured Dopamine, Chronically--Onlineness, and Corporate Greed Full!
Difficulty: *
Teachers: Zenaat Malik

This course will hold a lecture and seminar-based format for discussing the influence of social media on young minds. Students will deconstruct terms like 'brain rot', 'chronically online-ness', and 'dopamine hit' within scientific, economic, historical, and social frameworks. All with the aim of understanding social media's negative and positive impacts on youth culture.

H4895: Quarks and Quatrains: At the Intersection of Science and Poetry
Difficulty: **
Teachers: Jacob Feldman

We often think about science and art as two conflicting forces with two conflicting perspectives on the world: one rational and steeped in logic, the other creative and steeped in emotion. But an in-depth examination of artistic traditions, both antiquated and modern, reveals that many scientific themes and ideas are much more "poetic" in nature than you might otherwise think. In this class, we'll search for scientific themes in the oeuvres of major poets, read poetry written by major scientists of the last few centuries, and discuss the deep philosophical relationships between these two domains of knowledge.


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

H4897: Young People and the Vietnam War Full!
Difficulty: **
Teachers: Zenaat Malik

This course aims discuss and explore the young person's existence during the Vietnam War period. Students will examine culture wars between old and young, the hippie movement, mandatory enlistment, art, and music during this contentious time for young people. Students will draw similarities to their own lives while learning about Vietnam War history and the culture at that time. All while making flower crowns!

H4898: Film is Dead, and We Have Killed Her Full!
Difficulty: *
Teachers: Zenaat Malik

This course analyzes and discusses the shift in film from drama arthouse blockbusters to conventional franchises like Marvel, Transformers, etc. From a historical, economic, and social perspective, students examine how movies have lost artistic qualities. Students will discuss the negatives and positives of a recycled franchise, cinematic universe, and sequel-driven movie industry.

H4904: Why Do We Read?
Difficulty: *
Teachers: Cristian Pereira

English and Humanities classes often offer us texts to read, operating under an assumption that we should read them. But why do we read, and what can we do to get the most out of what we are reading? In this class, we will look at excerpts from important literature and poetry and learn strategies that we may use to get the most out of what we are reading.

H4906: We Live in a Society: Political Philosophy 101 Full!
Difficulty: **
Teachers: Ruhi Khan

Have you ever felt lost in history class hearing about all of those influential thinkers? If so, this class is for you! In this class we will cover political philosophers such as: Aristotle, Plato, Machiavelli, Locke, Hobbes, and Rousseau and explore how they approached human nature and society. No prior knowledge of these philosophers is expected, come willing to learn and discuss!


Math & Computer Science

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M4859: Mathematics through Escher’s Eyes
Difficulty: **
Teachers: Valentina Simon

What is the geometry behind the incredible mosaic patterns in mosques? How do you fit an infinite plane inside a circle? What is the role of symmetry in art, math, and n-dimensional mobius strips?

Explore these questions and more by delving into the life of renowned artist (and secretly mathematician) Escher. The class includes optical illusion paintings, some unusual math, and a few hands on projects to make your own Escher inspired work. No art or math skills required!

M4861: Probability - The Most Misunderstood Type of Math
Difficulty: **
Teachers: Max Ohm

If I flip a coin, how often will it land on heads? What are the odds I win a game of poker? Will it rain tomorrow? Probability is the study of how likely events like these are to occur. It’s quite possibly the most common type of math in our everyday lives, predicting everything from weather forecasts to sports games to medical diagnoses. However, the human brain is famously bad at estimating probabilities—even incredible mathematicians like Isaac Newton failed to solve simple probability problems! This class will explore some basic scenarios that almost everyone guesses wrong but have very simple solutions. If you’re ready to have your expectations challenged while exploring the world around you, come to this class ready to learn!

M4868: Codebreaking: Intro to Cryptography Full!
Difficulty: **

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. In this class, you'll learn how to make and break your own codes to send secret messages to your friends!

M4902: Rethinking 2D Space: Matrices & Linear Transformations
Difficulty: ***
Teachers: Biruni Hariadi

What even is a matrix? ... Find out in this class, where we'll cover just one application of this amazing mathematical structure. Students will leave with an understanding of matrices and how they relate to geometric transformations and Cartesian space.


Prerequisites
Knowledge of geometric transformations (e.g. reflections, rotations).

M4832: Introduction to Desmos
Difficulty: **
Teachers: Julia Levy

Who says math has to be boring? Welcome to Desmos! We will learn the simple ways to graph functions and make them move using sliders. We will explore how to use Desmos from the tasks for your homework to making an awesome project! Class will be taught by an International Desmos Art Finalist.


Prerequisites
Basic understanding of 6th grade math and algebra required. Knowledge of Calculus is optional but will be briefly introduced in the class.

M4849: What are the odds you get sick?
Difficulty: **
Teachers: Isabel Rancu

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 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 probability, simulation, Bayesian inference, and statistical modeling that predict outbreaks before they happen. Join us to solve a few problems and learn how leading public health officials identify emerging infections before they hit the news.


Prerequisites
Differential Calculus (AB Calc or Intro Calculus); knowledge of integration is helpful but not required.

M4853: Intro to Mathematical Problem Solving
Difficulty: **
Teachers: Rachel Lawrence

In this course, we’re going to try out the job of mathematicians for a day… no prior experience necessary! We’ll start with a problem inspired by a real-world (well, Netflix reality-TV world) social scenario, work together to come up with a mathematical hypothesis, and then finally invent a proof using graph theory!

M4856: Quantum Computing!
Difficulty: ***
Teachers: Brennan Lagasse

Have you ever wondered why all computers use electricity and circuits to represent information (and not something more exciting)? In this class, we will explore a fun and different approach to building computers that takes advantage of the strange properties of microscopic objects (aka quantum physics). In the process, we will explore topics in computer science and physics to understand how these so-called quantum computers work and how they can quickly solve problems that are near impossible for traditional computers. We will look into some of the ways quantum computers already excel, how they will probably break all modern encryption (and how we can avoid that), and why we have hope they can solve vital problems in medicine, physics, economics, and more.


Prerequisites
Students should be comfortable with algebra and basic probability. No other knowledge of physics or computer science will be assumed.

M4866: A Middle Schooler's Guide to Calculus
Difficulty: **
Teachers: Christian Guirgis

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

M4836: Representing Our World: An Introduction to Graph Theory
Difficulty: ***
Teachers: Ethan Mathieu

How does Google Maps know how to route you from one location to another? How does Instagram recommend you videos that other people you follow liked? How does your phone provider know how to route your call to the person you're calling optimally? The answers to all of these questions have one thing in common: they're applications of graph theory. Graph theory, the study of related objects, is one of the fundamental building blocks of discrete mathematics. In this course, students will learn the answers to these questions (and more!) by being exposed to the basics of what a graph is from a computer science perspective by exploring some common representations and graph traversal algorithms.


Prerequisites
No strict prerequisites.


Science

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S4838: Stayin' Alive! Full!
Difficulty: **
Teachers: Tomeka Frieson

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. A dummy will be used for demonstrations of CPR and thrusts.

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

S4843: Human Evolution
Difficulty: ***
Teachers: Hannah Keller

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.

S4857: Exploring the Immune System Full!
Difficulty: *

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

S4865: What Makes You You?
Difficulty: **
Teachers: Rishi Shah

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

S4867: Nutrients and Nourishment
Difficulty: **

What does it mean to eat healthily? This course will address the science behind your diet and dissect commonplace food terms that are often misunderstood, like “Calories,” “fiber,” and “organic.” How does your body interact with the food that you consume? Are you really what you eat? These are the questions we will be investigating with you!


Prerequisites
None

S4891: Intro to Quantum Mechanics: The Science of Tiny Things
Difficulty: **

Have you ever wondered what the world would look like if you just kept zooming in? What if I told you that on a really tiny scale, objects behave as both a particle and a wave? It sounds crazy, but these are the discoveries of the field of quantum mechanics! Quantum mechanics is the study of extremely small objects and how they construct the world around us. It is a fascinating and challenging field of physics with applications in many other sciences. In this class, we will get a little taste of the concepts of quantum mechanics by exploring the behavior of electrons in atoms. No background knowledge of physics or chemistry is required!


Prerequisites
Algebra

S4894: Making Giant Bubbles: A Hands-On Chemistry Class Full!
Difficulty: **

Have you ever seen a bubble as big as you floating in the sky? More importantly, have you ever wanted to make one? You’ll learn the steps to create giant bubbles – we'll go over what goes into the formula, and the chemistry of why it works. During the class, you'll learn about the interactions between soap and water that make bubbles form, and then build your own specialized bubble wand to test the theory. At the end of the class, we’ll all go outside and test out our wands with some bubble solution, and you'll get to go home with a bubble wand and a recipe to replicate our giant bubbles!


Prerequisites
Basic proficiency with crafts and a bubbly personality!

S4903: Land Navigation 101 Full!
Difficulty: *
Teachers: Jon Jazwinski

Learning the basics of land navigation, which involves map reading, knowing terrain features, understanding and plotting coordinates, planning routes, pace counting, compass familiarization.

S4834: What's So Special About Relativity?
Difficulty: **
Teachers: Pranet Sharma

Have you ever looked at Einstein's work and thought, "big deal!" This course uncovers the true significance behind relativity – from showing that Newton's laws are technically wrong to predicting the structure of the entire cosmos. Einstein's theories catapulted physics into thrilling new realms, and we're here to reveal the excitement. Brace yourself for a touch of math (nothing more complex than algebra, and we'll guide you through it). We'll build an intuitive grasp of relativity, transforming the way you perceive space. Say goodbye to mundane physics – join us on this exhilarating ride through the captivating landscapes of Einstein's revolutionary theories. Get ready to be wowed and rethink everything you thought you knew about the universe!


Prerequisites
No formal prerequisites. Algebra is helpful, but not required; the math involved will be explained in detail.

S4844: Modern medicine: emerging biotechnologies and big pharma Full!
Difficulty: **
Teachers: Jason Jiang

Before history itself was recorded, humanity has been using biologically and chemically active substances to modify their bodily functions and treat diseases. Of course, the science behind these substances have evolved drastically since then, turning into a billion-dollar industry in present day headlined by both innovative start-ups and massively profitable corporations. In this class, we will cover the contemporary landscape of the pharmaceutical industry, the life cycle of drug development, and the socioeconomic consequences of pitting patient health against shareholder profits.

S4846: Marine Mysteries Full!
Difficulty: **
Teachers: Liana Talpins

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.

S4858: Vital Signs: What do they mean?
Difficulty: **
Teachers: Kierstin Gehres

What are doctors listening for when they listen to your heart or take your blood pressure? What is considered
"normal"? Learn about basic vital signs and practice taking them.

S4863: Medical Mysteries: Monsters Inside Me Full!
Difficulty: **

A 12-year-old female presents with an unexplained form of spontaneous epilepsy. A 38-year-old man began speaking gibberish after falling off his bed. A 78-year-old women woke up with symptoms of meningitis with no sign of bacterial or viral infection. So, what was responsible? Join us in this hour-long journey of looking at medical mysteries caused by parasitic infections. We will walk through the diagnostic process for some of the most fascinating cases in modern medicine, including the parasites that caused them. Students will have the opportunity to take votes on what they think might have caused these symptoms, so bring your medical curiosity, and best guess, to class.

S4864: Intro to Organic Chemistry
Difficulty: *

An interactive introduction to the principles of organic chemistry— modeling the flow of electrons, protons, reactants, and products with stereochem

S4880: Edible Chemistry: Science You Can Eat Full!
Difficulty: *
Teachers: Jacob Feldman

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. :)

S4887: The Fascinating World of Plants
Difficulty: **
Teachers: Joanna Wypasek

This course will give an overview of all things plant! Instead of going over the mundane details biology of plants, however, we will dive into different phenomena of plants and the biology underlying them. Topics include how plants are able to attract pollinators, what triggers the Venus flytrap, and more!

S4888: Dark Arts of Social Influence Full!
Difficulty: *
Teachers: Ralph De Guzman

This course, centered on social psychology, will teach students various "arts" of persuasion that all people are influenced by in their daily lives, namely: reciprocity, commitment, scarcity, social validation, liking, and authority. Questions such as "Why do we conform?" or "Why do advertisers do [insert technique here]?" will be explored. Class is meant to be fun and interactive, and gives insight as to what YOU can do to avoid being manipulated by others. Heavily inspired by Professor Lazzaro's PSYC 110 class -- Introduction to Psychology -- here at Yale.


Prerequisites
No prerequisites required.

S4901: ABCs: The Biology of Vital Life Functions
Difficulty: **
Teachers: Abraham Tolkoff

In this class we'll discuss the ABCs which stand for airway, breathing, and circulation. These three elements make up the key vital functions for life. We'll discuss why each is important and the body systems that are involved. Finally, we'll talk about the some ways that the ABCs can be compromised. I hope this course inspires students to take CPR and First Aid classes to learn how to help those in emergency scenarios.

S4905: The Cell and Cancer
Difficulty: **
Teachers: Shelly Lin

An in-depth overview of the parts of the cell and how it can be a double-edged sword in cancer development.

S4907: Psychology and Me
Difficulty: **
Teachers: Isabel Leka

An introductory course on the social self and the different psychological theories about how we interact with with world! Super basic introduction to the social, behavioral, and cognitive components that make us who we are!

S4909: The Chemistry of Food Full!
Difficulty: **
Teachers: Jackie Gu, Jason Jiang

In every single dish prepared and recipe followed, there is a bit of chemistry at work! Whether you're baking a fresh loaf of bread, caramelizing a sweet dessert, whipping up a fluffy cream, or searing a savory steak, you're working with chemical phenomena to modify your ingredients and give your food their delicious flavors. In this class, we'll group various foods and ingredients into types of chemical substances as well as discuss several chemical reactions and other processes important to cooking. Bring your appetite for both food and science!

S4833: Viruses and Vaccines
Difficulty: **
Teachers: Neha Arun

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 more effective vaccine campaigns vs. others like HIV that present unique obstacles for vaccine development.

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

- Vaccine design, types of vaccines, efficacy (including why we need boosters), and addressing 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)


Miscellaneous

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X4828: Psychology of Shopping
Difficulty: *
Teachers: Amy Estersohn

In this class, we'll learn about some of the common techniques that stores use to make customers more likely to buy a product. Then, you'll have a chance to apply these principles into your own designs of a store or a product.

X4829: Journaling for Calm, Creativity, and Inspiration
Difficulty: *
Teachers: Amy Estersohn

This class will be an overview of simple ways to reduce stress from your life and environment with time through journaling prompts and artistic expression. Come if you always journal! Come if you never journal!

X4831: Transcribing the Sounds of Language
Difficulty: **
Teachers: Gui Pereira

Our writing system is not very good at representing the sounds of English. The words “though” and “thought” have no consonant or vowel sounds in common, yet we write them with almost the same sequence of letters. If we want to accurately represent sounds found in English and in languages around the world, we need some other system. In this class, we will learn the basics of transcribing language sounds in the most widely used system in Linguistics: the International Phonetic Alphabet (IPA).

X4908: How to Plan the Perfect Date: An Introduction to the Psychology of Relationships Full!
Difficulty: **

Have you ever read dating advice in a cheesy magazine or online article and questioned how valid it was? Or maybe you've wondered what your favorite romance movies got right? In this class, we'll be looking at various theories and experiments from social psychology aimed at explaining love, relationships, and attraction, to examine one of the many ways psychology affects our daily lives.

X4914: The Power of Tea
Difficulty: **

This class offers a captivating journey through the rich history of tea, tracing its origins from ancient China to its global proliferation. Students delve into the cultural, social, and economic significance of tea, examining its role in shaping civilizations, trade routes, and rituals worldwide. From the Zen-inspired tea ceremonies of Japan to the integral role of chai in India's social fabric, each sip unveils tales of exploration, innovation, and tradition. Through historical anecdotes and tea tastings, participants gain a deeper appreciation for the leaf that has steeped humanity's journey for centuries.


Prerequisites
A love for tea!

X4839: Periods, Pads, and Poverty

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!

X4840: Introduction to Investing and Personal Finance

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!

X4841: Influential Experiments in Psychology
Difficulty: **
Teachers: Lyn Rodriguez

We'll be going through a variety of influential experiments in the field of psychology! From the Car Crash Experiment, to Pavlov's Dog Experiment, and even the Stanford Prison Study, we will unpack these experiments, question their validity, and examine their continued influence on the world of psychology. You'll even have the chance to participate in reconstructions of some experiments.
Since 1879, psychology has grown into a massive collection of theories, concept, hypotheses, methods of practice and study and a specialty area within the field of healthcare. None of this would have been possible without these and many other important psychological experiments that have stood the test of time.

X4848: Chinese Cuisine
Difficulty: **
Teachers: Jack He

The course will touch on the following ideas:
History and Philosophy of Chinese cuisine
Chinese cuisine as national, regional, international cuisine
Chinese Cuisine outside China (e.g. American or British Chinese cuisine)

X4855: Exploring Egypt: Introduction to Hieroglyphics
Difficulty: **
Teachers: Emma Cantu

Are you interested in ancient civilizations? Ever wanted to explore one of the oldest forms of writing in the world? In this class, you will learn the basics of the Egyptian language through different hieroglyphic signs. We will go over the most basic signs and phrases along with their corresponding sounds, transliterations, and translations.

X4862: Introduction to Feminist Theory
Difficulty: **
Teachers: Amber Zettle

What is feminism? What are the goals of the contemporary feminist movement and how do they compare to the historical goals of the movement? How do celebrities like Taylor Swift describe feminism compared to feminist activists and scholars? By focusing specifically on Black feminist thought, this class aims to engage with all of these questions and more!

X4876: Period Attitudes Throughout History
Difficulty: **

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.

X4878: Strategic Suppression: Exploring Censorship in Dictatorships through Board Games
Difficulty: **

In this course, students delve into the complex world of censorship within dictatorships through the lens of board games. From ancient civilizations to modern autocratic regimes, censorship has been a powerful tool for controlling information, stifling dissent, and maintaining power. Through strategic gameplay, students will explore the tactics, motivations, and consequences of censorship in various historical and contemporary dictatorships.


Prerequisites
Content Warning: Please be advised this course examines sensitive topics related to censorship and oppression, which may include human rights abuses and suppression of freedom of expression.

X4884: An Introduction to Christopher Nolan
Difficulty: *

Do you love movies that bend your mind, thrill your senses, and make you question everything? Then you need to join this course and dive into the world of Christopher Nolan, the visionary director behind some of the most groundbreaking and acclaimed films of our time. From his indie debut Following to his latest epic Oppenheimer, you will discover how Nolan crafts his stories, experiments with techniques, and explores themes that resonate with millions of viewers. Whether you are a fan of his sci-fi masterpieces like Inception and Interstellar, his gritty Batman trilogy, or his historical dramas like Dunkirk and The Dark Knight Rises, you will find something new and exciting to learn in this course. WARNING: there will be spoilers!

X4889: Kinky-nomics: How the Market for Natural Hair Care has Changed Over Time
Difficulty: **
Teachers: Laila Davson

In this course, students will learn about the origins of the Black hair care market, with a specific focus on how businesses create opportunities for generational wealth. Students will also be able to connect the latter to the cultural significance of texture representation in the United States.

X4911: Global Climate Governance: Youth Perspectives and Policies
Difficulty: *
Teachers: Isabelle Ramseyer

This course explores key frameworks, country negotiations, and private sector involvement in international climate policy. Gain insights into United Nations discussions, sustainability, and the crucial role of governments in implementing climate policy. Empower yourself to contribute to the vital conversation on sustainability and shape a resilient future!