Have you ever seen a bad movie?? Do you know anybody who has ever seen a bad movie? Have you ever wondered why people tend to keep watching the bad movie, instead of walking out of the movie theater or turning the movie off?

If so, this course is for you! We'll discuss some of the shortcuts our brain uses for us, such as loss-aversion, sunk cost, diminishing gains, anchoring, and consistency-- in making daily decisions.

This class will be loosely based on "Thinking Fast and Slow" by Daniel Kahneman.

Will you actually understand religion after taking this class? Hardly.

But you WILL appreciate what people have written about religion, why religion makes some people angry and makes perfectly good sense to others, why some people join New Religious Movements ("cults") or almost anything else you may want to ask about the topic.

Come in with your own opinions, but come ready to understand and listen to other points of view!

A history lesson on the car. From the beginning, starting with the Benz Motorwagen in 1886 to present day. How the car has evolved, with respect to its design, technology, role in society and history, place in culture, and notable figures, to learn why we should not only appreciate the automobile, but also fall in love with it.

There have been many events in our history that have made people happy, such as the invention of the waffle-maker or the release of Michael Jackson's 'Thriller' album. But sadly, not everything that has ever happened in this country is smiley-face-worthy. This class takes you on a journey through some unfortunate events and periods that have taken place throughout the history of the United States. Together, we will explore the origins of American History's most important (and most lamentable) happenings - everything from the Civil War to the death of John Lennon will be covered.

When we are little, we have a pretty basic understanding of infinity, how we can count and count and never end. But when we do more complicated work with infinity, it suddenly isn't so intuitive. How do we deal with that concept when it is applied to different theoretical scenarios? What can we learn from using infinitude in fractals?


Prerequisites
Basic algebra (understand addition, multiplication, exponents)

What actually is science? How is logical different from illogical? Admittedly, one of the most important outcomes of education is learning how to think. Today we live with persistent distraction and seemingly endless amounts of information. We are all guilty of flawed thinking and logical fallacies and we associate with people who are simply unaware of, or even worse, trying to gain from, misinformation. Therefore, we must learn how to distinguish between clear thinking and irrational thinking, good science from pseudoscience. This class is a simple introduction to the topic of skepticism and logic, and how we perceive truth in science and our daily lives.


Prerequisites
The will to challenge, argue, and a sense of fun!

This course will cover topics in vertebrate evolution and paleontology such as dinosaurs, fish and humans! This course is divided into four separate classes which will each include fossil and/or zoological specimens from the Peabody Museum.

Biology is biology, and chemistry is chemistry.. right? The human brain has a tendency to group things into categories. In most cases, this is beneficial, but when it comes to scientific research, it can really impair one's thinking!

Come see how some extremely important biomedical advances were made when people were able to tear down these categorical barriers.

The diversity of life on Earth is astounding. From zebras to narwhals, our planet houses an amazing number of bizarre creatures. This 4-week class will address the role evolution played in creating this diversity, as well as the impact that evolution has on us today!

What is consciousness? How does consciousness develop? What are the consequences or moral obligations of consciousness? We will approach these questions and more as we attempt to understand the nature of consciousness in humans and other animals.


Prerequisites
An interest in the topic.

Biotechnology is rapidly growing as a set of tools to meet a variety of human needs through the use and manipulation of biological systems, chemistry, and processes. With an ever-growing population and concern over environmental health, genetic engineering is one tool now widely used in agriculture and research to improve crops, reduce resource use, study biological systems, and meet human needs. However, with this new technology come new concerns that lead people to question the efficacy of this technology to meet our needs safely and responsibly.

The first three sections are generalized introductions to complex topics in biology required to understand genetic engineering of plant systems. The third class, specifically, will discuss methods of genetic engineering (including applications and limitations), while the final class will be an interactive lecture on controversies surrounding the technology (topics may include food security, safety, efficacy, health effects, ethics, and ecology).

General Breakdown:
Week 1: Plant Biology
Week 2: Molecular Biology
Week 3: Genetic Engineering
Week 4: Controversies


Prerequisites
High School Biology

"Mathematics is the art of giving the same name to different things." - Henri Poincaré

In mathematics, abstract algebra doesn't have much to do with solving equations for x. Algebra is the study of structure and relation -- how different sets of objects relate to themselves and to each other through various types of transformation.

In this course, we'll explore groups, some of the most basic (but by no means simple or boring!) abstract structures. Group theory is essential to many areas of science and mathematics, from quantum physics to relativity to Rubik's cubes. We'll discuss symmetry, isomorphism, and plenty of beautiful and illuminating results.


Prerequisites
No formal prequisites, but students should be willing to participate and think creatively.

Our society’s unhealthy fixation on beauty results in an impaired self-worth and lack of confidence in girls who grow up feeling “un-pretty.” In a country where white is the social standard, it can be difficult for minority girls (especially black girls) who, in addition to dealing with the same body image issues as their peers, are less valued because of their skin tone. When girls turn around and see books, TV shows, and magazines that glorify light skin, they begin to identify with Toni Morrison’s Pecola in The Bluest Eye, praying to be something other than themselves so they too can feel pretty.

This class will focus on the topic of beauty, its inaccurate portrayal by the media, and how that perception warps young girls’ self-image. We will discuss how important it is to feel beautiful in every sense of the word, and how self-esteem can improve achievement and interpersonal relationships. We will learn to support each other—to erase the fences that we ourselves have built amongst minorities.


Prerequisites
None

Discover the many weird and wonderful microbes that make up our world. From the yeast that rise our bread to the ocean microbes that create more than half of our world’s oxygen, microbes affect every part of our lives. In this course you will discover the many microbes that live in, on, and around you, as well as uncovering the unseen ways they shape your life. You will become a scientist as you sample Yale for microbes, discover how they work, and connect with fellow scientists about the life, school, and work of scientists here in New Haven.


Prerequisites
Entering high school freshmen or sophomore year Interested to learn more about science and the world Curious and ready to ask questions Has taken a basic biology class in middle school or high school

In-depth analysis of the music of Kanye West from pre College Dropout to Yeezus. Students will learn basic music terminology and analysis techniques.

This course goes over some of the techniques and practices that help performers of all kinds focus and do better under pressure.

Science and art may seem to have little in common, but lots of scientific phenomena are beautiful, and undeniably a kind of art. We will talk about fractals, particle physics, the left brain-right brain dichotomy, and much more! Students will also have a chance to create some art of their own.

This course will pull on astrophysics, geochemistry, chemistry, biology and everything in between to survey the origin of the universe, the solar system, the Earth, and of the current breadth of biological diversity. Evolutionary biology will be a focus.


Prerequisites
Some high school science coursework

Come by to chat with a former admissions officer about your college search, get a draft of an essay reviewed, brainstorm ideas, or practice your interviewing skills for any college or job!

If you would like me to review a college essay in advance, please e-mail estersohn.college@gmail.com

Proteins perform a vast number of roles from providing structural support to cells to catalyzing the biochemical reactions in our body. Thanks to modern science, we can visualize the intricate structures of proteins to better understand their function. In this course, you will learn about the different levels of protein structure and fold a zinc finger protein!


Prerequisites
Biology recommended

The class will discuss how different ethnicities and cultures are presented in terms of both appearance and personality in comic books and comic strips. Humorous comics and superhero comics will be analyzed for their storylines and their depiction of issues common in different cultural communities. The class hopes to explore the change in presentation of ethnicity and culture in this form of media.

We rely on memory for a lot more than just reliving good times from the past! By conducting a series of in-class experiments, learn how memory plays an important role in everything we do and find ways to improve your memory in real-life situations.


Prerequisites
A background in psychology is useful but not necessary!

"If a tree falls in a forest and no one is around to hear it, does it make a sound?" From wave propagation in the air to complex sound processing in the brain, the noises we hear on a daily basis embark on a remarkable journey of energy transduction before we hear them. Learn about sound waves, ear anatomy, and neuroscience in the context of our sense of hearing.


Prerequisites
None

Learn how motion pictures can tell stories, and who decides what movies come to your local movie theater.

A series of rapid fire writing exercises designed to be fun and stretch the creative muscles. This class will help students generate ideas quickly and overcome the fears of putting pen to paper. Class participation is preferred, but not required (some pieces are just too personal to share). If you have any questions feel free to email me at zachary.fishman@yale.edu

Learn the basics and techniques of digital photography to get the most out of your camera. This seminar will go over how manual operation of a digital camera works (i.e. what changing a lens aperture or shutter speed does to your photos), how to create neat effects, and generally how to become a better photographer. No camera required!


Prerequisites
Basic math (arithmetic, algebra, geometry)

What is a psychological disorder? What are the different types of disorders? How do psychologists determine which disorder people have? This course will introduce students to the assessment of mental illness and symptoms of different illnesses (such as depression and schizophrenia).

This class will explore the structural basis of cytokinesis and actin/myosin polymerization. Experimental techniques and current scientific literature will also be discussed.

When you visit a website, what is actually happening? Learn about the how websites are created, what goes on in the background, and how they ultimately end up on your computer.


Prerequisites
Must have used a web browser

Snow flakes, liquid crystal displays, spider silk, soap bubbles - how and why are these things related? In this seminar you will learn about self-assembly, how it works, and why it is important in our day to day lives.

If you have ever wondered if a home can become entirely solar powered, the answer is yes and it's happening all across the country. Learn about the process of retrofitting homes with photovoltaics, from system design to actual installation.


Prerequisites
A basic understanding of electricity and math fundamentals are all that are required to understand the material in this course.

Ever wonder how antidepressants work or why people get addicted to morphine? This course will explore the science behind the effects of several well-known therapeutic and recreational drugs. An overview of required neuroscience will be followed by a survey of neurotransmitters and the drugs that modulate their activity, linking the science to behavioral effects.


Prerequisites
Some background in biology would be helpful, but is not required.

Bookbinding is the art of creating books by hand. In this class, students will learn some basic bookbinding techniques and create a book or blank journal from scratch.

Come learn about the Human Genome, the instruction manual that our cells use to make proteins and ultimately our whole selves! This course will help introduce you to what DNA is and how it works to create proteins and regulate cellular functions. This course is perfect for people interested in science who want an introduction to the emerging non-Mendelian field of Genomics - and don't worry if you don't know what that means, because you'll find out!


Prerequisites
Some basic biological terms will be used, but this course should be fine for anyone with an interest in biology regardless of level.

The course will cover topics such as what are atoms and molecules, what are elements and compounds. Students will also learn about the periodic table of elements and attempt to solve problems determining molecular weight of compounds.

The Black Plague. Smallpox. AIDS. Far more than simple pathogens, these diseases have helped shape Human history, and their impact is still felt today. In this joint biology / history course, we will look at these notorious illnesses not just as pathogens, but also in terms of their historical significance, connecting the tiniest of microbiological mechanisms to the epic scope of the Mongol invasions, colonization of the Americas, and modern pandemics.


Prerequisites
Should have some understanding of human biology and history.

A diatom is a unicellular organism that is used for biofuel and green energy. It is well known for looking like pieces of a kaleidoscope. Some species create bioluminescence or shell fish poisoning... and that is just the tip of the iceberg. In this class, we will also learn scientific methods to solving problems about how to create a more efficient ways of producing biofuel and the method behind the madness of marine biologists in the field.


Prerequisites
Introductory Biology

This course will introduce students to the subject of nanotechnology, with examples taken from self-assembly of molecules.


Prerequisites
General knowledge of atoms and molecules.

We will learn how to draw what you see using pencil and ink by doing quick 10 minute drawings.
This will include:
-a sketch where without looking at the paper
-a sketch where without lifting the pencil
-contour just line drawings
-a stick and ink free flowing drawing
The result will be a new way to think about drawing!

A comprehensive survey of important political philosophers of modern Western thought, spanning the Enlightenment, the Anti-Enlightenment, the New Left, the Marxists, and others. Includes discussions of philosophers such as Locke, Hobbes, Marx, Rawls, Nozick, Arendt, Bentham, and Mill. For students who wish to gain a general overview of modern political thought, and who wish to explore political philosophy.

This course surveys the principles behind our fascinating immune systems. We will discuss the biology behind viruses, microbes, and how our body fends off pathogens. Topics also include current research in immunologic disorders.


Prerequisites
Prior knowledge of biology/immunology is helpful but not required.

In this class we will learn about optical illusions and the visual neuroscience that underlies them. Class will consist of many demonstrations of illusions interspersed through lecture on the visual process.

How does your brain store memories? And what happens if something goes wrong in the process? Imagine being in a state of constantly forgetting and only being aware of the present moment. We will explore the neuroscience of memory and some interesting cases of memory deficits.


Prerequisites
none!

Although Spanish is a Romance language, Spain's proximity to Northern Africa and the historic presence of Moorish people on the Iberian Peninsula resulted in the adoption of Arabic words and phrases. In this course, we will look at some common Spanish (and Latin American) words, phrases, and place names of Arabic origin and their original meanings.


Prerequisites
None, although knowledge of Spanish would only add to the experience.

What role does race play in American politics and policy? How do institutions of power continue to perpetuate the marginalization of minority groups? And in what ways can we strive for a more equal America?

This seminar will focus upon race in all spheres of the political arena, from public policies to political life to voting. The use of race, both explicit and implicit, in politics will be analyzed. By the end of the seminar, students will have a basic understanding of race-driven politics.


Prerequisites
Basic understanding of American political system and history.

In this class, we will learn how to solve Kakuro puzzles, which are like mathematical crosswords in the sense that a number form 1-9 must be inserted into each white box according to the horizontal and vertical clues given. If you are a fan of Sudoku and want to learn a different type of addicting logic puzzle, then this class is perfect for you! Students will come out of the class fully equipped to solve Kakuro puzzles for daily brain training and endless fun!

As computers and other modern technologies evolve, these technologies work their way into new pieces of theater. Come learn about some theater companies that use technology onstage, and then create your own work with the class!

No oven, no refrigerator. What desserts can you possibly make in a classroom without these two appliances? Take this class to find out!

Email me at una.boyle@yale.edu if you have any questions, concerns, or food allergies.

As science is evermore incorporated into nearly every facet of our society, conflicts arise at areas of overlap, largely driven by political strife and misunderstanding on all sides. This class is an 80 minute, onetime instructor-led discussion, focusing on areas where science and society meet and are often perceived to conflict. Topics may include religion, public perception, epistemology, biotechnology, enviromentalism, politics, education, or formal/informal logic, depending largely on student interest.


Prerequisites
Willingness to speak and listen.

This course will focus on the close reading of two poems: Walt Whitman's "Youth, Day, Old Age and Night," and E. E. Cummings' "old age sticks." We will also discuss some basic poetry terminology and common poetic structures. Student participation will be highly encouraged, though not mandatory.

What makes race such a complex topic in America? Do histories of oppression still have impacts in modern-day America? And can issues of race ever be truly solved?

This seminar will examine the ever present nature of race in American society, and its role and impacts on all people. We will take a look at major current issues, such as income disparities, incarceration rates, and job hiring/college admissions policies to understand the history of marginalized groups. By the end of the seminar, students will have an understanding of how one's race can lead to very different interpretations of the American experience.

Learn how to use Sketchup, a free program you can use to create digital 3D models of buildings, vehicles, airplanes, and much more.


Prerequisites
None

Whether it's the green of a granny smith apple, the blue of the sky, or the yellow of an incandescent bulb, color is all around us. Through a series of investigations, scientific, mathematical, and--of course--visual, we'll take a look at how color really works (colorblind students welcome).

A survey of major existentialist thinkers, with a focus on Kierkegaard, Heidegger, Nietzsche, and Camus. An exploration of the problem of evil and the nature of freedom available to human beings, and how to express that freedom authentically. An examination of the existential crisis in Simone De Beauvoir's The Second Sex.

An examination of the relation between religion and ethics, traditional arguments for the existence of God, religious experience, the problem of evil, miracles, immortality, and faith and reason.

A survey of the current dilemma facing medicine as ever evolving pathogenic bacteria evolve and adapt against standard antibiotic treatments. Also surveys one of the possible treatments for the future, antimicrobial peptides (AMPs), and some of the current research being done on them.


Prerequisites
An interest in biology or medicine.

Learn how to make simple static websites! In part 1, we will build a simple blog-style website together.


Prerequisites
Comfort with a computer. IMPORTANT: The size of this class is limited by the number of computers we have available. If you are able to bring your own computer, please let us know as soon as possible at yalesprout@gmail.com.

Learn to design simple websites! In Part 2, we will learn how to style the blog site we put together in the last lesson.. i.e. make it pretty!


Prerequisites
1160: Web Design Part 1 -- no exceptions. IMPORTANT: The size of this class is limited by the number of computers we have available. If you are able to bring your own computer, please let us know as soon as possible at yalesprout@gmail.com.

Space is all around us. But, what is it? How is it related to time? And, what is really out there?

An introduction into developing ideas about the nature of nothing, time and space, and activity in the Universe. Come to learn the known and contemplate the unknown!


Prerequisites
An basic understanding of algebra might be helpful for aspects of the course.

Everyone listens to music. Have you ever wondered what makes certain aspects of music appealing to our ears, while others sound less pleasing? In this class, we will listen to music samples across genres and discuss some of the theory behind the music we hear. No prior background in music theory necessary.

Have you ever wondered what it's like to learn a new alphabet? In this fifty-minute seminar, you'll learn that it's surprisingly easy to pick up the Russian alphabet and recognize some familiar words. This class is intended for students with no prior experience with the Russian language, and will be a good stepping-stone to further study of Russian.

Origami usually focuses on constructing beautiful things, but in this class we'll build a model that's just as awesome while falling apart as it is assembled together.
(This class relies on the power of the human hand - no explosives will be used.)


Prerequisites
Open to all levels, from beginners to origami ninjas.

Algorithms are just lists of instructions to tell someone (usually, a computer) how to solve a problem. But what makes an algorithm good? And how do you come up with one?

We will look at some simple algorithms for solving everyday problems, including sorting and finding common factors, and then throw caution to the wind and create our own algorithms for some interesting situations.


Prerequisites
Basic algebra or pre-algebra, and a willingness to think creatively!

Fonts are much more than just arbitrary settings in your Word document! They are also powerful expressive and artistic tools. Come learn the basic components of a typeface and see just how beautiful a letter can be. You will get a chance to do some lettering of your own so bring your decorative flourish!

From the French term "plein air" (meaning "in the open air"), and the English term "drawing" (meaning, "drawing"), plein air drawings are art that happens outside.

Hillhouse Avenue, described by both Charles Dickens and Mark Twain as "the most beautiful street in America", is probably a decent place to make a drawing, if you like that kind of thing.


Prerequisites
Feel free to come as long as you have no great fear of chalk pastels and the great outdoors.

A series of rapid fire writing exercises designed to be fun and stretch the creative muscles. This class will help students generate ideas quickly and overcome the fears of putting pen to paper. Class participation is preferred, but not required (some pieces are just too personal to share). If you have any questions feel free to email me at zachary.fishman@yale.edu