COURSE DESCRIPTIONS 2008

Fine and Performing Arts

Exploring Art History *COURSE CLOSED*
An introduction to the subjects and methods of art history via painting, sculpture, and architecture as well as the so-called “minor” arts. Topics include: American landscape painting; Impressionism; Cubism; stained glass; pyramids, cathedrals and skyscrapers; monuments; Frank Lloyd Wright; and Da Vinci.

History of Rock and Roll *COURSE CLOSED*
In this course, students learn about rock in America from its origins to the rise of Elvis Presley and rockabilly; Chuck Berry and pop-rock; Bob Dylan and protest rock; the Beatles and Rolling Stones; psychedelic rock; and soul. The industry itself will also be analyzed both domestically and internationally.

Shakespeare's Theatre
This class allows students to explore the variety of styles in which the Bard composed his masterpieces, as well as develop acting technique, audition protocol, scansion, and performance skills. The curriculum will consist of one comedy, one history, and one tragedy, all critically evaluated in historical context, literary worth, and translation to the stage.

Foreign Language

Beginning French
This course is designed for students with very little or no knowledge of French.Students practice the four skills: reading, listening, writing and speaking through a wide variety of activities (books, internet-based exercises, blogs, games, movies, role-plays, songs, etc). Upon completion of the course, students will have learned the equivalent of one-year of high school French.

Contemporary French Culture and Conversation *COURSE CLOSED*
This course, conducted in French, focuses on events shaping current French social, political, and cultural life, and provides students with an overview of the cultural heritage, customs and traditions of France. Prerequisite: Completion of a 2nd year high school French course or equivalent proficiency.

Beginning German
In this course, you learn basic German with emphasis on developing proficiency necessary to function socially. Media and movies develop speaking, reading, writing and listening skills and an overview of the culture and history of Germany, Switzerland and Austria is also included. Upon completion of the course, students will have learned the equivalent of one-year of high school German.

German Conversation, Language and Literature *COURSE CLOSED*
This course is designed for students who understand basic German. We develop advanced communication skills in various situations while refining writing skills in German and learning more about German-speaking Europe's cultures, politics and history. Prerequisite: Completion of a 2nd year high school German course or equivalent proficiency.

Elementary Japanese
This course introduces students to the Japanese language and the culture. The Japanese writing system (Hiragana, Katakana and a few Kanji characters) will be introduced. Students develop basic listening, speaking, reading and writing proficiency and gain insight into socio-cultural aspects of the Japanese language. Upon completion of the course, students will have learned the equivalent of one-year of high school Japanese.

Beginning Spanish *COURSE CLOSED*
This course is designed for students with very little or no knowledge of Spanish.Students will practice the four skills: reading, listening, writing and speaking, through a wide variety of activities (books, internet-based exercises, blogs, games, movies, role-plays, songs, etc).

Spanish Culture, Conversation, Composition *COURSE CLOSED*
In this course, students will strengthen their beginning writing and conversational skills and gain an understanding of Hispanic culture in different Spanish-speaking countries. The course will be conducted entirely in Spanish. Prerequisite: Completion of a 2nd year high school Spanish course or equivalent proficiency.

Humanities and Social Sciences

Campaigns and Elections: America Votes 2008
This course examines the 2008 Presidential election against the backdrop of campaign strategies and historical trends in voting behavior. Students will also run a mock Presidential campaign based on the actual candidates in the November elections.

Classical Mythology *COURSE CLOSED*
A comprehensive overview of Greek and Roman mythology with particular emphasis on major gods, goddesses and heroes. Students will be introduced to the manifestations of myth in Western literature, graphic arts and music, as well as several of the modern interpretations of myth and its meaning.

Creative Writing
The course introduces students to the fiction writing process, including the elements of plot, character, setting, tone, pace, style, and point of view. Course work will include story writing as well as reading models of literary prose and essays on writing. The seminar culminates with a collection of stories from each student.

Personal Narratives *COURSE CLOSED*
Creative Nonfiction is emerging as the predominant narrative form in American publishing and media. This course introduces students to creative nonfiction writing such as memoir, travel narrative, and personal profile. Students focus on peer review and revision, and will publish a collection of their work at the end of the semester.

Public Speaking and Argumentation
This seminar focuses on research, organization, argumentation, logic, presentation, and critique to develop and present effective ethical speeches and critically evaluate those of others. Students will become more comfortable and competent in a variety of speaking roles.

Science and Math
The Math of the SATs
Short answer or multiple choice? In this course, we research and study the methods of exam design, explore test-taking strategies and their logic, and develop math and critical thinking skills necessary to excel on these tests. Prerequisite: Completion of Algebra I or proof of equivalent math proficiency.

Mechanical and Aerospace Engineering (Summer Robotics)
Would you like to know what a Mechanical Engineer does? Are you interested in Mechanical Engineering but not sure what it takes to become one? We provide an introduction to the discipline and profession of mechanical engineering through lecture material and hands-on projects. The lecture component will provide information about the design methods, tools, and problem solving techniques used by mechanical engineers. The laboratory component will expand upon these topics through hands-on design projects.

Nuclear Science
In this course, we explore types of nuclear reactions, and the reasons they occur, learn about nuclear reactions in nature, and how humans have harnessed the natural processes of fusion and fission for both nuclear reactors and nuclear weapons.

Unstable Chemistry
From the fuels we use for our cars to the rockets used to send satellites into orbit, controlled explosions are everywhere. Students learn basic organic chemistry reactions, basic thermodynamics, and will gain respect for the power of these compounds. Topics include unstable liquids, solids and gases; combustion reactions; and nuclear reactions.