An early look at the Republican and Democratic primaries, the candidates, and the implications of the race. The class will use the primaries to discuss larger divisions and changes in politics and specifically why the race is important even for students still in high school.

This class will be hosted at the Yale University Art Gallery where I will guide the class on a tour of the many art works and pieces on display at the YUAG. Through three lessons we will attempt to engage three distinct time periods, eras, and subjects. In the first week the emphasis will be primarily on the art found on the first floor of the YUAG: Roman, Greek, Byzantine, Islamic, and Pre-Columbian. The second week will take us up to the third floor where a collection of Asian and European Art is found. The third and final week will continue with what I left of European art and take us to the upper floor where pop art, modernist works, and abstraction explode onto the enormous white walls of the upper stories. The goal of the class is to familiarize you with some of the works at the YUAG and give you enough information to get a well-rounded understanding of what Yale and one of the most extensive art history departments in the United States has to offer.


Prerequisites
None.

In this course, we will cover the basics of human evolution, discuss monumental discoveries in the field of biological anthropology, and analyze critical stages in the prehistory of modern man. An excellent introduction into a field currently receiving a lot of attention in world news.

Do you want to be the very best, like no one was before ? Do you find the trainers in Pokémon a little too easy ? Do you want to learn about a new, competitive, fun way to experience Pokémon ? Then this class is for you !
We will cover the basics of competitive battling, including gameplay, team design, and tiers, over two days. On the final day of class, we will have a bracket-style tournament, where you will battle each other using the teams you built yourselves during this class ! Prizes will be awarded ! Walk away with the knowledge and experience to enter regional tournaments and battle your friends like never before.


Prerequisites
*MUST bring a Nintendo 2DS or 3DS and a copy of Pokémon Omega Ruby/Alpha Sapphire (preferred) or Pokémon X/Y, completed through beating the Elite Four. *Course assumes basic understanding of Pokémon battles (type matchups, statuses, moves)

Humankind has long imagined and predicted threatening futures that spell the end to life on earth: a final world war, the second ice age, or Earth’s collision with another planet, among other possibilities. Looking past fantasy, we will seek to locate some urgent issues that call into question our identity, way of life, physical resources, chances of survival or extinction. This course will seek to open students’ eyes to the issues of greatest importance for the planet and species, in the process raising far more questions than answers.

This class will offer a introduction to the history of the Soviet Union, a nation which existed from 1917 to 1991. We will cover the October Revolution, the construction of industry in Russia, the Second World War, the nuclear arms race, and the fall of the USSR.

This class will cover the history of stem cell technology, and related topics such as cloning, genetic engineering, public policy, and the media. The class will also turn to applications of stem cell technology in the present and future, including the promise of stem cells for treating and modeling diseases.


Prerequisites
1 semester in biology, preferably honors level

A look at some women artists (architects, visual artists, and more), and their places within their disciplines, styles and eras. Third class will be devoted to making our own art projects!

A very basic introduction to the French language for those with no prior experience. Will cover basic greetings and common expressions as well as essential vocabulary. Emphasis on speaking and pronunciation supplemented with written translation exercises.

Graphic design is ubiquitous: posters, logos, websites, movie opening sequences, books, product packaging, signs, and countless other graphics populate the world around us. In this course, learn the basic principles of design, including a brief overview of graphic design history, and participate in workshops. Our class projects will involve paper cutting and pasting, rather than computer programs.

Many students finish their first physics course associating the field with formulas and plugging-and-chugging. This isn't true! Physics is a creative process. It's all about using the laws that govern the universe in innovative ways to solve problems. This course will guide you through the process of solving problems in kinematics, focusing on the fact that problems can be solved in multiple ways. Each class, students will get to solve challenging problems together in groups on whiteboards. In addition to creativity, physics is all about collaboration!


Prerequisites
algebra and trigonometry

How do you add people to a fully occupied infinite hotel? 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)

Prepare to be surprised with an assortment of random cool topics! Taught by an ensemble of Splash teachers.


Prerequisites
An open mind to almost anything!

An accessible but research-based exploration of the science of happiness. Will focus on questions such as: what can we do to empower ourselves to lead more fulfilling lives? How can we change our mindset to be more successful academically, socially, even athletically?

Human trafficking is a huge problem facing governments in countries around the globe, and it often appears in ways you would not expect. The girl "turning tricks" on the street corner could be just as much a victim as a worker illegally brought here from another country or a child taken from his home and forced to serve in an army. And they are all just as much victims as the slaves who have been traded and sold for centuries, because that's what human trafficking is: a modern form of slavery.

History of the idea of the apocalypse, from the Bible to 2012. Ways in which end-time beliefs have influenced politics and society, from the American Revolution to the Islamic State. Some attention to representations of the end of the world in literature and popular culture.

In 2011, surgeon Anthony Atala 3D-printed a rough prototype of a human kidney on-stage before a TEDx talk audience, and immediately brought forth a wave of renewed focus on 3D-printed body parts and their applications in medicine.  This course will introduce the concept of tissue engineering, and the differential expression of the genetic code in forming disparate tissues.  The wide variety of cell types will be addressed, as well as the associated engineering challenge of creating proper mimics of such great physiological diversity.  Historical forms of tissue replacement and their strengths/flaws will be discussed, ranging from early wooden prosthetics to modern prosthetics.  Surgical replacement or addition of tissues and the challenges associated with them will be presented, followed by the aspects of the tissue engineering that can address these issues.  Techniques such as matrix modeling, materials engineering, and ex vivo growth and implantation will be introduced.  Finally, case studies on 3D printed kidneys and artificial lungs developed at Yale will be analyzed, as well as institutional methods and debates in promoting tissue engineering research.


Prerequisites
None!

Through the art of music videos, we will explore the evolution of Taylor Swift from country nobody to international pop-star.


Prerequisites
None

This class focuses on learning how to think outside the conventional English box when approaching literary analysis: instead of relying exclusively on basic critical perspectives such as formalist analysis (syntax, tone, imagery, style, etc.), historical/biographical analysis, gender or political theory, and overly common themes (death, love, power, hope, coming-of-age, etc.), we will discuss how to develop more original and unexpected critical approaches to authors like Shakespeare and J.K. Rowling. This will apply most directly to essay writing, though it can also relate to developing unique perspectives in students' creative work.


Prerequisites
Some background in English is highly recommended. Ideally, students will have had at least some experience with Shakespeare: though this is not required, students should at the very least review the basic plot and story elements of Romeo and Juliet. Students should also review or have read/watched the following modern works: J. K. Rowling's Harry Potter series and the Disney film adaptations of Cinderella, The Little Mermaid, and the Lion King.

What is a 'group'? What is an 'algebra'? Why do we care? In this elective, we'll talk about symmetries, permutations, and transformations, with examples and applications from Physics and Chemistry to Music and Rubik's cubes.


Prerequisites
Algebra 2, Geometry

J.K. Rowling, a lover of the classics, borrowed from Greco-Roman mythology in the writing of Harry Potter. We will investigate the mythological origins of several of the magical creatures, spells, and names in the series. And we might even end with a duel!


Prerequisites
none!

From illegal drug testing, to secret chemical weapons development, to psychological torture, scientific research has long been marred by unethical practices. This course will cover the details of several infamous experiments on human subjects, what made them unethical, and how that unethicality was concealed from the general public.

Note: Contains some mildly graphic content.

On June 17, 2015, white supremacist Dylann Roof walked into the Emanuel AME Church in Charleston, South Carolina, and shot dead nine African-American men and women. In the days after the shooting, Roof’s ties to neo-Confederate groups reignited debates about the place of Confederate symbols in today’s society.

This course will explore some of the core questions surrounding the meaning and memory of the Confederate flag. Why does the flag still have such a strong presence in the American South and elsewhere? What, if any, is the appropriate role for Confederate symbols in today’s society? What should be done with monuments and symbols that honor ideology no longer accepted today? Is it possible to separate the memory of Confederate soldiers from the cause for which they fought?

We will seek to answer some of these questions by exploring the origins of the Confederate flag, its evolving meaning, and the controversy surrounding its current place in American culture.

Ready to go beyond cranes and frogs? Come discover modular origami and construct some folded-paper awesomeness!
All levels welcome, from beginners to origami ninjas.


Prerequisites
Opposable thumbs.

Come learn about the LGBTQ+ world history and culture that your AP World teacher will never tell you was queer–from ancient Rome to China's Han Dynasty to the the Wild West and more.

The Standard Model is arguably the pinnacle of physical models we have built to describe fundamental particle interactions. There are some very profound and simple symmetry arguments that underly all particle interactions, and we will introduce these to you! We will also briefly discuss possible extensions to the Standard Model.

Did you know that there are over 3,500 species of mosquitoes? Or that these insects have killed more people than any other animal? These tiny creatures have changed the course of human history, one bite at a time. This class will review the fascinating biology of mosquitoes, their remarkable role in transmitting diseases, the current methods used to control mosquito-borne diseases, and, of course, the ultimate question: could we really extract dinosaur DNA from fossilized mosquitoes and use it to grow dinosaurs for an island theme park?

This class will introduce students to the Yokai -- a unique group of monsters from Japanese mythology including the Kappa, Tengu, Oni and countless more. You'll learn the different types of Yokai, the reasons they came about, and why these creatures are still relevant in Japanese culture today.


Prerequisites
None

Six mass extinctions have occurred in Earth's history -- each one destroying a tremendous number of species in a short amount of time. But what caused these extinctions, and how did they change the development of the planet? And most importantly, what can we do to stop the one occurring now?


Prerequisites
None

In this class, we will explore the art of rhetoric in the classical world and draw connections to how classical conceptualizations of artful rhetoric have found footholds in the modern world. Changes in rhetoric from antiquity to modernity will also be examined.


Prerequisites
none.

Let the sunshine in and learn about the benefits of living life with an optimistic attitude!

Get on your feet and dance!
This is a crash course on Ballroom Dancing. Think Fred Astaire or, more recently, Dancing With the Stars. Dances we'll be covering: the romantic and elegant Waltz, and the energetic and flirtatious Cha-Cha.
NO DANCE EXPERIENCE REQUIRED

A broad introduction to the core concepts behind Astrometry (ie measuring angles and distances in the sky)!
You'll learn how to measure the position of varius celestial objects at any given moment, which will allow you to calculate the time of the day, the time of the sunrise and sunset, and much more simply by looking at the sky!
No prior math requirements; just a vivid interest in Astronomy!


Prerequisites
Not at all! Actually knowing sines and cosines might help, but that's about it!

What motivates us to act in the ways that we do? We'll take a look at psychology experiments that give key insights into how and why we interact with each other in certain ways.

Get a top-level survey of the principles, tools, and technologies that make up the internet! No programming or design experience necessary. Come with an open mind, and you'll leave with a newfound appreciation for the techniques and tools that make the brings the modern web landscape to life.

We will discuss the phenomena of Benford's Law and how it appears naturally and seemingly inexplicably arises across a large slew of data. We will discuss applications of Benford's Law and discuss some explanations of the phenomena.


Prerequisites
Know what numbers and digits are

Ever wondered how art for your favorite books, magazines, albums and videogames gets made? In this class we will do a whirlwind tour of the process of illustration, with a focus on the more technical aspects of creating fantastical scenes, although the methods covered can be applied to any genre. We’ll talk about what makes a good piece, go through some basic art fundamentals, ideation and reference, and look at the way professionals do it.

** If you took this course last semester, it's the same thing - email me if you're interested in learning about next steps with your art **


Prerequisites
- Interest in representational visual art - No actual art background required, but this class might not be too interesting to you if you don't have some interest in the practice of art - Email me beforehand with some of your favorite illustrations or artists for brownie points

Do you want to combine creative crafting with fascinating visual mathematics? Join us and learn about tessellation, or the tiling of geometric shapes. We'll learn about modern day mathematical research on polygonal tiling, examine prominent artists who use tessellation, and explore ubiquity of patterns in everyday life. This interactive class will also give students a chance to create and take home their own their own art through applying these mathematical concepts.

Most history books are biased and focus on old white men that changed the course of different countries. This course will solely be focused on highlighting important women that changed the course of Latin American History.

Wizards, elves, dragons and hobbits. Come learn about the origins of Middle Earth and your favorite Lord of the Rings characters.


Prerequisites
Seen at least 1 Lord of the Rings movie or read at least 1 book.

This course tackles the subject of public speaking from a variety of unique and fun-filled angles. Through interactive and interesting challenges and games, students will have an opportunity to practice and improve their public speaking skills. These skills are useful in almost every avenue of life, and this class tries to strengthen students' technical abilities and confidence.

Origami is amazingly elegant, but do you know the mathematical principles behind its beauty? In this course, we will explore the mathematical aspects of origami, augmented by some hands-on paper folding.

A brief survey of the dialect spoken among native-born children of Latino descent in the Southwestern US with an emphasis on the variety spoken in Los Angeles. Will go through differences in pronunciation and grammar (phonology and syntax) as well as the common misconceptions surrounding what exactly Chicano English is and what it represents. No prior linguistic knowledge required.

Why is your parody getting taken off YouTube? Don't you have the right to artistic expression? Why didn't that OTHER parody get taken down? What even is a copyright? Why did Glee get sued over it? Discuss memes, cat videos, and mash-ups in the framework of the law.

Have you ever looked out the window of a car and wondered what's going on out there? In this class, we'll explore how roads affect frogs, why the plant life is different along roads, and what the differences might be between birds that avoid roads and birds that don't.

Ever wondered what's going on inside a baby's brain? Why is it making that face? Why is it producing such bizarre sounds? Come on a journey through the minds of young children as we discuss some key studies, concepts, and insights from developmental psychology!

A discussion on how to write about science, how to break down complex ideas, and why good scientific journalism matters

There are over 6,000 languages in the world. How do these languages communicate the same information in wildly different ways? What patterns exist across all languages? How do computers encode the structure of language? Learn the answers to these questions and more by solving fun language puzzles. In the process, discover surprising truths about unfamiliar languages and even about English itself.

No previous experience with linguistics or computer science is required!

It sounds simple: some problems are easy to solve (like how to win Tic-Tac-Toe), and some are hard (like how to win Chess). But how can we measure just how hard a problem or a game really is? Could we build a computer to find quick solutions to even the hardest problems? And what is that P vs. NP thing everyone's talking about? We'll investigate these questions and more, taking a beginner's tour through the wild and weird world of computational complexity.


Prerequisites
You should be comfortable looking at graphs of logs, exponents, and polynomials.

Ladies and gentlemen... The Beatles! This course will cover a brief history of the band, starting from their humble beginnings in Liverpool to their last recording session at Trident Studios. We will also discuss key post-1970 events and their influence in today's culture. Throughout the class, we will listen to the band's recordings and analyze the evolution in their sound as they progressed. Fans and non-fans alike are welcome to take this course. Come learn about one of the greatest rock bands of all time!

The use of mathematics in sports is increasing at an exponential rate. Each game produces a wealth of data, but what exactly do the numbers tell us, and how can we use them to better understand our favorite players and teams? In this course, we'll take a look at some of the most pressing questions in sports. When should you go for it on 4th down? How much do different baseball stadiums affect performance? Is there such a thing as a "hot streak"? We'll analyze these questions and many more!


Prerequisites
Knowledge about popular sports in the US, like football, basketball and baseball.

There are over 6,000 languages in the world. How do these languages communicate the same information in wildly different ways? What patterns exist across all languages? How do computers encode the structure of language? Learn the answers to these questions and more by solving fun language puzzles. In the process, discover surprising truths about unfamiliar languages and even about English itself.

What kinds of techniques do marketers use to encourage you to think you're getting a "deal"? Why do people love their Apple products but think their reliable Samsung or Sony products are just ok? We'll explore these questions and possibly more in our hour together!

While we might think we make decisions "fairly," it turns out that a lot of irrelevant information that surrounds a decision can influence what we do and why. In this class we will cover some famous experiements and even have a chance to run some experiments of our own.

Ever wondered what the differences between Mac OS vs. Windows are? Or what Linux is? This is the class for you!

This class will give a brief mathematical insight to one of the fundamental tool of Particle physics. Students will learn about the importance of Feynman diagrams and how to use them in calulations.


Prerequisites
Students should have some knowledge of calculus, and basic physics

This class gives an overview of the phenomenon of chemophobia, the fear of chemicals (not of organic chemistry as a class!). It will define the terminology of chemicals, including the difference between natural and artificial chemicals and how one is not necessarily better than the other.


Prerequisites
High school level chemistry

Let's face it: pretty much no one likes taking tests. At best, they're boring; at worst, they're stressful.

But recently, schools across the nation have seen a dramatic increase in the amount of tests administered, the amount of school time spent testing, and the range of subjects tested. A natural question from any student might be: why are we taking more tests? What do tests seek to measure? Why are they important? Are they important?

Discussion in this class will be centered around modern education reform, and the accountability movement—including things such as George W. Bush's "No Child Left Behind", and Barack Obama's "Race to the Top".