Academy for Summer Studies Course Descriptions

The Academy for Summer Studies…

Thoughts From a Former TIP Participant

Sara Wrenn

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Course descriptions are listed alphabetically following the description of the four Academy sites; the location and term of each course are indicated at the end of each course listing as well as the content area (Mathematics, Science, Social Science, and/or Humanities).Courses are described to the best of our ability; however, they are subject to interpretation by individual Instructors.

AEROSPACE ENGINEERING

Offered: Kansas Terms I and II

In this course, students will study the basic concepts of physics, atmospheric conditions, the history of aviation, aerodynamics propulsion systems, aircraft structures, airplane performance analysis, stability and control, helicopter aerodynamics, and an introduction to airplane design. In addition to classroom lecture, lab sessions will be conducted to help students better understand the theoretical topics discussed in class. Several field trips, guest lecturers, workshops, and contests have been planned as well. This course is open to current eighth, ninth, and tenth graders only.

Sample of Topics Covered:

Basic physics and the atmosphere
Fluid mechanics
Lift and drag
Propulsion
Rocket building
Structures
Stability and control
Aircraft performance
Orbital mechanics
Spacecraft systems
Glider construction

ALGEBRA I

Offered: ASU Terms I and II
Texas Terms I and II

Before enrolling in a Math Sequence course, please see additional information under Academics—Math Sequence Courses. This course introduces students to the fundamentals of algebraic concepts. Students will examine linear and quadratic expressions, equations, and functions in detail. This course also features an introduction to radical and exponential functions. This course will challenge students to sharpen their skills in data analysis and in problem solving. Instructors employ a variety of instructional methods including, but not limited to, large and small group problem solving sessions, lecture, and individual practice. Extra material will be studied on the Center Level. A graphing calculator is required for this course. Please see requirements under Academics—Required Graphing Calculators.

Sample of Topics Covered:

Operations on numeric and algebraic expressions
Introduction to functions
Linear equations and absolute value functions
Systems of linear equations and inequalities
Operations on and factoring of polynomials
Quadratic equations and functions
Operations on and graphing of radical expressions
Exponential functions
Real world applications

ALGEBRA II

Offered: ASU Term II
Texas Term I

Before enrolling in a Math Sequence course, please see additional information under Academics—Math Sequence Courses. In this course, students will study a variety of advanced algebraic concepts. Students will work towards a deeper understanding of functions, polynomials, rational expressions, exponential and logarithmic expressions, the real and complex number systems, and systems of equations and inequalities. This course also introduces students to analytic geometry through conic sections and linear algebra through matrices. Instructors employ a variety of instructional methods including, but not limited to, large and small group problem solving sessions, lecture, and individual practice. Extra material will be studied on the Center Level. A graphing calculator is required for this course. Please see requirements under Academics—Required Graphing Calculators.

Prerequisite: Algebra I. See Courses with Prerequisites for instructions on providing documentation.

Sample of Topics Covered:

Function operations and inverses
Linear equations and absolute value functions
Matrix operations and solving linear systems
Operations on and factoring of polynomials
Quadratic equations and functions
Operations on and graphing of radical expressions
Exponential and logarithmic expressions
Conic sections
Sequences and series
Probability

AMERICA IN THE 60S

Offered: ASU Term I

In this course, students will learn the chief methods and concerns of the history discipline, while studying the history of one of the most important and mythologized periods of American history: the 1960s. Students will investigate the Civil Rights Movement, U.S. involvement in Vietnam, and the feminist movement as primary sites of social, cultural, economic, and political history. Students will then be required to work with primary source documents and write using original research in a fashion similar to that of professional historians.

Sample of Topics Covered:

Sources and source bias
The Civil Rights Movement
The Great Depression, the New Deal, and WWII
Black activism and the Black Power movement
Political, social, and cultural history
The Student Movement and Vietnam
The Women’s Rights Movement
Gender history
Creative achievements

ANCIENT PHILOSOPHY AND CONTEMPORARY CULTURE

Offered: ASU Terms I and II

Delving into texts by Plato and Aristotle and considering philosophical systems such as Epicureanism and Stoicism, students in this course will trace the emergence of these radical ways of thinking. Through thoughtful discussion, vigorous debate, independent research, and innovative writing projects, students will examine the foundational works of Western aesthetics, ethics, metaphysics, and epistemology. By the end of this course, students will have developed the philosophical tools to critically examine how these ancient ideas and modes of thinking still influence contemporary popular culture.

Sample of Topics Covered:

Introduction to philosophy
Plato
Ancient Greek theatre
Metaphysics
Epistemology
Aristotle
Ethics
Hellenism
Stoicism
Marcus Aurelius
Seneca
Epicureanism
Neo-Platonism
Aesthetics

APPALACHIAN TALES: Ghosts, Hikers, and Bluegrass

Offered: ASU Terms I and II

In this course, students will learn about the history and culture of Appalachia through Appalachian folk tales and bluegrass music. Students will read and discuss numerous Appalachian stories, paying particular attention to those involving ghosts, nature, the role of women, and the interplay between Appalachian tales and African-American and Native-American folklore. Some other themes that will be explored include outlaws, poverty, sadness and loss, and resiliency. Students will also study the evolution of early bluegrass music into contemporary bluegrass, and bluegrass’ relationship to traditionally African-American blues and gospel music. Writing Intensive.

Sample of Topics Covered:

Appalachian history
Stereotypes
Jack tales
Folk tale genre
Psychoanalysis of literature
Bluegrass music
Mountaineering and exploitation
Bluegrass and the blues
Outlaw stories
Appalachian ghost stories
Nature and natural magic
Themes across genres
Women in Appalachia
Appalachian poetry

ARCHITECTURE

Offered: Kansas Term I

In this course, students will study architectural history, while sketching, drafting, building models, and completing design projects. Lectures will cover distinct architectural moments in history illustrated by a few key projects and architects active during the period. Discussions will be coupled with drawing exercises and design projects. Work conducted individually and in groups should encourage further exploration of design ideas, conceptual experimentation, and development of visual and oral expression.

Sample of Topics Covered:

Classical, gothic, and renaissance architecture
Palimpsest and line drawings, mapping
Watercolor exercises
Modern LAR and drafting exercises
Design and modeling exercises
Role of the architect in today’s society
Archigram discussion and pavilion exercise
Post-Modernism
Sustainable Architecture

CHEMISTRY

Offered: Texas Terms I and II

A rudimentary understanding of chemistry is essential to exploring the frontiers of applied chemistry disciplines such as the environmental, biological, and medical sciences. This course is an introduction to the basic principles of chemistry and is designed to provide students with a solid foundation in the preliminary concepts of structure, nomenclature, intermolecular forces, gas laws, and enthalpy. Course work both in the classroom and in the lab will aim to teach students the technical skills necessary to design, successfully complete, and clearly articulate the results of an experiment. Prerequisite: Algebra 1.

Sample of Topics Covered:

Introduction to general chemistry
Nomenclature
Organic structure
Inorganic structure
Intermolecular forces
Gas laws
Enthalpy

COASTAL ECOLOGY: Aquatic Ecosystems

Offered: Marine Lab (one term only)

This course is designed to provide students with a firm understanding of the basics of coastal ecology. Students will study the physical environment of the coast, including the mainland, estuary, barrier islands and littoral zone of the ocean, and how the plants and animals that live in the coastal environment have adapted to the conditions there. The majority of class activities will be conducted outdoors with students learning firsthand in, on, and around the water. There will also be lectures, lab work, night-time activities, and evening study sessions in addition to the daily outdoor exercises.

Sample of Topics Covered:

Introduction to ecological principles
Water testing
Ecology of tidal creeks and mud flats
Animal adaptations
Waves, currents, and tides
Coastal sediments
Mollusk ecology
Cnidarian biology and ecology

CRYPTOGRAPHY, CODE BREAKING, AND THE SCIENCE OF SPYING

Offered: Texas Terms I and II

Throughout history, human societies have devoted significant resources to the protection of domestic secrets and the detection of foreign intelligence. In this course, students will explore the techniques of cryptography and code breaking and study the science of remote sensing within the context of espionage. The complex mathematical theories behind modern cryptography will be discussed, and students will learn to translate these theories into working computer code. Students will also brainstorm solutions to problems involving cipher development, Internet security, and autonomous object detection within high resolution satellite imagery. Prerequisite: Algebra 1; computer programming experience is a plus.

Sample of Topics Covered:

Introduction to cryptography
Basic techniques
Cipher development
Mathematical theories
Computer code writing
Remote sensing

FILM CRITICISM AND ANALYSIS

Offered: Kansas Term I

This course is an introduction to film as audio-visual art, social entertainment, and communication medium. Throughout the course, students will examine how films are constructed through the interplay of narrative, technological, and aesthetic systems. Students will study the main subsystems that comprise the style of a film, as well as the broader questions of film meanings, their status in culture, and how they can be viewed more critically. A special emphasis will be placed on increasing the students’ exposure to a wide variety of films from different periods, countries, and artistic styles.

Sample of Topics Covered:

Silent cinema
Form and meaning
Mise-en-scene
Cinematography
Editing
Sound
Genres
Screwball comedy
Film Noir
Hindi cinema
Documentary
Animation
Representation of race

FROM WONDERLAND TO HOGWARTS

Offered: ASU Terms I and II

In this course, students will study the genre of young adult imaginative literature. Analyzing texts by considering their historical content and cultural context, we will examine how pre-existing styles and subjects of storytelling have influenced the evolution of the genre. Close readings of classic works such as Alice in Wonderland and The Chronicles of Narnia, as well as the contemporary best-seller, Harry Potter will encourage students to interpret the texts, express their ideas, and debate with colleagues. Students should expect to read full-length novels, critical excerpts, view film adaptations, and share their observations through discussion and analytical writing. Writing intensive.

Sample of Topics Covered:

Introduction and history of the fantasy genre
Alice 's Adventures in Wonderland and Through the Looking-Glass
The Wonderful World of Oz
Peter Pan in Kensington Gardens and Peter and Wendy
Tolkien
The Lion, the Witch and the Wardrobe
Geography of fantasy
Cultural phenomena
Harry Potter

GEOLOGY: Adventures along the Appalachian Trail

Offered: ASU Terms I and II

This course will provide an interactive approach to geology and paleontology and will utilize the vast resources of the region to enhance the classroom experience. Course work will involve presentations by the instructor, group presentations by the students, lab activities, field trips, readings, and class discussion. In this course, students will begin by learning the basics of geology and paleontology, and then will study the entire history of the Earth. Specific topics to be covered include the formation of the Earth, the origin of life, the Cambrian explosion of animals, the formation and breakup of the super continents, and the rise and fall of the dinosaurs.

Sample of Topics Covered:

Layers of the Earth and plate tectonics
Geologic time and dating
Origin of life
Pre-Cambrian eons
Cambrian explosion
Paleozoic era
Ordovician
Mesozoic—reptiles and birds
Cenozoic
Mammals and modern man
Species interaction and evolution
Earth’s future

GEOMETRY

Offered: ASU Term I
Texas Term II

Before enrolling in a Math Sequence course, please see additional information under Academics—Math Sequence Courses.In this course, students will study a variety of geometric concepts using both inductive and deductive methods of proof. Students will explore and manipulate geometric figures in two and three dimensions. This course will also provide students with the opportunity to apply algebraic skills and concepts acquired in Algebra I through an investigation of lines and their equations, right triangles with the Pythagorean Theorem, and a variety of other topics. Extra material will be studied on the Center level. A graphing calculator is required for this course. Please see requirements under Academics—Required Graphing Calculators.

Prerequisite: Algebra I. See Courses with Prerequisites for instructions on providing documentation.

Sample of Topics Covered:

Introduction to fundamental concepts and definitions
Lines and line segments
Types of angles and relevant theorems
Types of polygons and their measurements
Types of triangles and their measurements
Tests for congruence and properties of right triangles
Types of quadrilaterals and their measurements
Circle measurements
3-dimensional solids
Conditional statements and proofs
Ratios and probability
Non-Euclidean geometry

INTERACTION DESIGN: Beyond Conventional Computer Programming

Offered: Texas Terms I and II

What makes us love or hate e-mail software, chat clients, or web sites? How can we design software that people can use? Good software is not accidental. Careful design of the user interface and its behavior is critical to ensure software usability. This course takes students beyond the mechanics of programming and introduces them to the principles behind the design of effective interactive software interfaces. Consideration is given to current practices and trade-offs. Hands-on activities include case studies and reviews of successful and unsuccessful software interfaces.

Prerequisite: Algebra I. See Courses with Prerequisites for instructions on providing documentation.

Sample of Topics Covered:

Introduction and History of Interfaces
Evaluating Interfaces
Understanding Users
Design
Designing for Specific Uses
Special Topics

INTERNATIONAL RELATIONS

Offered: ASU Terms I and II

In this course, students will study international politics and global conflict, globalization and international economics, and terrorism and the emerging American response. Lectures will first provide students with the historical and theoretic background to understand contemporary topic and then introduce students to the opposing views of the current world system. Students will use what they have learned to formulate coherent arguments and debate one another on relevant global issues.

Sample of Topics Covered:

Introduction to international relations
Power transitions and the World Wars
Multilateralism and international institutions
Introduction to globalization
Global interdependence
Opposition to globalization
Regional and ethnic conflict
Terrorism and US politics
The future

INTRODUCTION TO MEDICAL SCIENCE

Offered: Kansas Terms I and II

In addition to studying human anatomy (parts of the body) and physiology (how the body functions), the two building blocks of medical science, students will examine the decision making processes of doctors. Medical ethics, human genetics, and current research will guide discussions, laboratory work, and field trips.

Sample of Topics Covered:

Tissues and Blood
Cardiovascular System
Respiratory System
Nervous System
Vision, Hearing, and Balance
Skeletal System
Muscular System
Gastrointestinal System
Renal Anatomy and Physiology

INTRODUCTION TO VETERINARY MEDICINE

Offered: Texas Terms I and II

Modern veterinarians are engaged in a variety of careers from the typical clinical practice for domestic or exotic animals; to research and academic scholarship; to large scale organization and management of professional veterinary services. Veterinary medical training includes comparative anatomy and physiology, histology, biochemistry, pharmacology, toxicology, animal health, public health, communication, and veterinary medical ethics. Laboratory work, veterinary school tours, discussions, procedures, and critical analysis of complex critical cases will teach the requirements and opportunities that veterinary medicine offers.

Sample of Topics Covered:

Introduction to Cells, Tissues, and Scientific Method
Animals and Public Health
Animal Parasites
Physiology and Pharmacology
Nervous System
Animal Reproduction
Veterinary Anatomy
Veterinary Radiology
Animals in Research
Bioterrorism, Public Health, and Emerging Animal Diseases
Toxicology
Cancer Research
Heart Disease

MARINE BIOLOGY

Offered: Marine Lab (one term only)

In this course, students will perform an in-depth examination of the many aspects of marine plant and animal life. Through classroom presentations, frequent field trips, and laboratory explorations, students will master the principles of marine life, study the structure and function of several marine ecosystems, and observe the effects of human interaction on marine organisms. During the term, students will design and implement a research project on a topic of interest and will present their findings during a symposium at the end of the program.

Sample of Topics Covered:

Introduction to marine biology concepts
Marine ecology and evolution
Coastal and marine habitats
Phylogenetics
Marine microbes and algae
Plant and animal diversity
Feeding and locomotion adaptations
Reproduction
Defense mechanisms

MARINE ZOOLOGY

Offered: Marine Lab (one term only)

In this course, students will explore the structure, function, and development of marine life found in estuarine and marine habitats. Students will also examine body structure and physiology of organisms and different types of marine habitats to investigate how physical characteristics determine ecological relationships and how vertebrates and invertebrates interact with their environments. Guided lectures and discussions will be balanced by fieldwork and laboratory exercises each day. Students will be introduced to the techniques and instruments used in the lab and in the field while they dredge, trawl, and tow using Duke University’s research vessels. Students also will perform dissections and be instructed in scientific drawing.

Sample of Topics Covered:

Lab safety and procedures
Taxonomic classification
Marine food web
Sponges, cnidarians, and mollusks
Crustaceans and echinoderms
Bony fish, sharks, and rays
Marine reptiles, birds, and mammals
Bioluminescence
Symbiosis and competition
Defense mechanisms and escape responses
Species interactions

MENTAL ILLNESS IN AMERICAN SOCIETY

Offered: ASU Term II

This course examines mental illness in American society from a cultural and public policy viewpoint. How does American society view mental illness? Does that viewpoint determine how we help those who are suffering?This course will examine these questions through literature, film, and debate.

Sample of Topics Covered:

Anxiety disorders
Mood disorders
Substance abuse
Schizophrenia
Personality disorders
Treatment

MIND AND MYTH: The Psychology of Myths and Legends

Offered: Kansas Term II

In this course, students will examine a variety of cross-cultural myths, reconstruct how these texts create a sense of cultural identity, and explore the psychological theories behind these legends to better understand how they have evolved over time. Classical Greek and Roman mythology, as well as Norse, Celtic, Native American, Sumerian, and Pacific Island myths and epics will be studied by students in this class. This course will conclude with an examination of contemporary tall tales and urban legends as the modern equivalent of ancient myths. In order to gain a comprehensive understanding of myths and legends, students will produce creative projects, conduct research, participate in class discussions, and write both creatively and analytically.

Sample of Topics Covered:

Introduction to mythology and mythic allusions
Greek and Roman mythology
Modern adaptations
Zodiac constellations
Norse mythology
Mythic beasts
Heroes and other archetypes
Creation and migrations myths
Annotation
Urban legends and ghost stories

MOCK TRIAL: An Introduction to Civil Law

Offered: Kansas Terms I and II

This course will introduce students to the American civil trial process and provide an overview of the legal principles and concepts most pertinent to young adults in the areas of educational, sports, entertainment, and family law. Alternative dispute resolution, mediation, and negotiation strategies within the context of civil disputes will also be discussed and practiced in class. Students in this course will develop and hone their oral and persuasion skills while preparing and presenting full-length mock trials that will be presided by actual judges, lawyers, and politicians.

Sample of Topics Covered:

American legal system
Historical evolution of law
Trial advocacy and procedure
Attorney’s roles
Role of judge, jury, witness, clerk, etc.
Direct and cross examinations
Jury selection process
Non-trial solutions
Mock trial

MONSTERS IN THE MODERN IMAGINATION

Offered: Kansas Term I

In this course, students will explore how the concept of a monster varies from culture to culture, era to era, and person to person. Students will examine how fluid the definition of monster can be, and how some former monsters have become accepted into society. Through works of literature, cinema, art, creative writing, lecture, and discussion, students will gain an understanding of both sides of a perceived monster’s story.

Sample of Topics Covered:

Define monster
Monstrous creatures and doppelgangers
Mary Shelley and Frankenstein
Robert Louis Stevenson and Dr. Jekyll and Mr. Hyde
The paranormal
Psychology—monsters in humanity
Orson Scott Card and Ender’s Game
Aliens and robots
Henry James and The Turn of the Screw
Prejudice, fear, and isolation
Women and witches
Race and prejudice
Harper Lee and To Kill a Mockingbird
Mental illness

MUTINY AND PIRACY IN MARITIME LITERATURE: Dead Men Tell No Tales

Offered: Marine Lab (one term only)

In this course, students will read books and short stories and watch films that address the themes of piracy, rebellion, cruelty, and leadership. As a class, students will interpret these texts fully, examining motivation, meaning, and historical significance. Aside from exploring the individual texts, students will also consider the figure of the pirate, investigating what he represents as well as measuring his history against his depiction in fiction.

Sample of Topics Covered:

Stereotypical pirate figure
Treasure Island by Robert Lewis Stevenson
Characters and motivation
Narrators
Under the Black Flag, David Cordingly
Themes
New criticism
Short stories
Race and gender criticisms
Narrative of Arthur Gordon Pym of Nantucket, Edgar Allen Poe
Biographical and historical criticisms

NANOTECHNOLOGY

Offered: Texas Terms I and II

This course introduces students to the history, basics, and vast applications of nanotechnology. Through lectures, hands-on synthesis, field trips, electron microscope operation, class discussions, and scientific readings, students will study the fundamentals of molecular assembly, the ethical and environmental implications of nanotechnology, and the uses of nanotechnology in the fields of medicine, textiles, and renewable energy.

Sample of Topics Covered:

Introduction
History and fundamentals
Nanotechnology and medicine
Nanometals
Nanoparticle synthesis
Transmission electron microscopy
Atomic force microscopy
Nanotechnology and renewable energy
Nanotechnology and textiles
Ethical, societal, and environmental impacts
Scanning electron microscopy

OCEANOGRAPHY

Offered: Marine Lab (one term only)

In this course, students will study the biological, chemical, physical, and geological principles and processes of the world’s oceans. An emphasis will be placed on the interactions between the different components of and the organisms within the ocean environment. One goal of this course is to foster a better comprehension of economic and sociological problems concerning the marine environment. Students will explore the biotic and abiotic components of the world’s oceans through classroom discussions, laboratory experiments, and field research. Data gathered will be analyzed and presented in project presentations.

Sample of Topics Covered:

Ocean survey
Trophic levels and limiting factors
Bioenergetics
Tropical, temperate, and polar regions
Phytoplankton
GPS and satellite methods of data collection
Color absorption and reflection
Global ocean movement
Sharks
Latitude and longitude
Contour mapping
Diving

PHILOSOPHY

Offered: Kansas Terms I and II

This course will introduce three major topics in the field of philosophy: skepticism about the external world, justice and equality, and creative expression. One of the main goals of this course is to sharpen students’ critical thinking and argumentative skills. Students will study the works of Descartes, Hume, Plato, and John Stuart Mill among others. As the course progresses, students will discuss the value of philosophy, its role in today’s world, and what it means to be a philosopher.

Sample of Topics Covered:

Introduction to philosophy
The external world
Skepticism
Rationalism vs. Empiricism
Justice and equality
Utopia
Freedom of expression
Aesthetics
Defining art
Paradox of fiction

POETRY AND POP CULTURE: Society and Revolution in America

Offered: Texas Term I

We will examine the phenomenon of spoken word poetry and popular music, including hip hop, through its literary predecessors like the Beat Generation, the Harlem Renaissance, bop poetry, and jazz to understand what literary movements have not only expanded the American literary canon but also transformed the very political and social fabric of America. We will read works by Walt Whitman, Langston Hughes, Allen Ginsberg, among many others as well as listen to spoken-word artists such as Gil Scott-Heron, Saul Williams, Ursula Rucker, and Tracie Morris. This course will also focus on analytical and expository persuasive writing as well as a tremendous amount of creative writing (poetry). This course aims to go beyond the analysis and deconstruction of the literary phenomenon of political poetry by allowing students to develop insight into why this genre of poetry and art continues to influence American politics and society.

Sample of Topics Covered:

POLITICS IN AMERICA: Divided We Stand?

Offered: Texas Terms I and II

In 1992, the newspaper USA Today reversed the traditional coloring scheme for the major political parties (red had been color of the left leaning Democrats and blue had been the color of the right leaning Republicans… think socialists and blue bloods), and created a new “red vs blue” map that quickly came to symbolize the political division in the nation. This conceptual framing, of an America divided into two increasingly polarized and bitterly warring political camps, has been reinforced by journalists, pundits, and politicians themselves. Students will consider the ways in which the “red vs blue” metaphor accurately captures the essence of today’s political reality, and the ways in which it distorts the truth. Students will develop working knowledge of the terms and theoretical lexicon important to this debate. They will also be exposed to and learn to evaluate the empirical evidence for and against the metaphor. Students will come to better understand today’s politics by exploring the ways in which the Constitution was designed to “combat the evil of faction,” as well as the sociological, institutional, and strategic reasons that political parties have flourished and persisted anyway. This theoretical and practical appreciation will enable the students to both understand how and why parties structure partisanship and to recognize how partisan battles have played a major role in shaping the course of American political development ever since the founding. *Students will utilize the George H.W. Bush Presidential Library at Texas A&M University.

Sample of Topics Covered:

Introductions and key terms
Red vs. Blue
Current Events and Political Issues
Constitutional Framework
Presidential Elections
Political Parties

PRODUCT DESIGN FOR THE 21st CENTURY

Offered: Kansas Term II

Product design is a generic term for the creation of an object that originates from design ideas— in the form of drawings, sketches, prototypes, or models—through a process that can extend into the object’s production, logistics, and marketing. It involves numerous considerations and processes. While a product can be physical or metaphysical, we will attempt to uncover the creative ideas behind the design of products while identifying physical and intellectual issues. Most importantly, as designers we need to be in line with and meet people’s needs. Issues of perception, functionality, ergonomics, scale and technology will therefore be emphasized.

Sample of Topics Covered:

Designing for People
Research in Design
Model Making
Technology in Design

PSYCHOLOGY

Offered: ASU Term I
Kansas Terms I and II

This course serves as an introduction to the field of psychology. In this course, students will study the psychological theories behind human learning, motivation, intelligence, memory, and development. Students are encouraged to make connections between what they learn in this class and what they hear in the media, experience and observe in their lives, and what they have learned in other courses.

Sample of Topics Covered:

Introduction to psychology as a science
Operant and classical conditioning
Consciousness and dreams
Nature versus nurture
Intelligence and memory
Sensation and perception
Stages of development
Motivation, Emotions, and Personality
Abnormal psychology
Psychotherapy
Social psychology

ROBOTICS IN ENGINEERING

Offered: Texas Terms I and II

This introductory course examines the application of robotics technologies within the context of engineering problem-solving. In abstract terms, a robot is any type of synthesized element that automates one or more process according to a set of pre-defined or learned instructions. Usually synthesized elements take the form of mechanical mechanisms that improve the efficiency of physical tasks; however, this is far from a general rule, as the course will explore. The second aspect of the course will explore three common systems that engineers usually encounter—physical systems, chemical systems, and biological systems. Each week the students will work within a different system theme, developing robot-based solutions for related engineering problems. The overarching goal of the course is to expose students to the various fields of engineering through experiential education with robots. The additional skill gained through the course will benefit the students regardless of the academic or professional fields they may choose to enter.

Sample of Topics Covered:

Engineering statistics and dynamics
Graphical and Java programming
Search and rescue robot design
Computer-aided drawing
Engineering biology
Insect robot design

SCREENWRITING

Offered: Kansas Term II

In this course, students will observe the film industry from the perspective of the original creative force, the writer. Students will explore idea development, outlining, treatments, story, character, setting, dialogue, theme, subplots, and alternative poetics within the film industry. In order to learn how the style of screenwriting dictates what the director, cinematographer, actors, and editors put onto film, students will read the scripts of famous and well-respected screenwriters and view the corresponding films. With the introduction of each new topic, students will develop their own writing skills by completing creative and critical writing assignments. As a culminating project, each student will write and edit a short film script and will pitch the film idea in a mock agency setting.

Sample of Topics Covered:

Introduction to the history of film
Brainstorming and outlining a story
Characters
Dialogue
Genres
Plot progression
Script formatting
Location
Archetypes
Hollywood
Production

SHAKESPEARE: Much Ado about Everything

Offered: ASU Term I

Written to be performed, Shakespeare’s plays can often be difficult reads, better understood when studied interactively through various media forms. In this course, students will read, discuss, write about, reenact, and watch movie adaptations of a variety of Shakespeare’s dramas. Through a closely guided study of the works, students can hope to uncover the riches buried within Shakespeare’s carefully constructed metaphors and rhetorical language. Students will not just discuss the plot of the dramas or beauty of the words, but will explore the deeper social critiques present in his works as well.

Sample of Topics Covered:

Much Ado About Nothing
Hamlet
Othello
Merchant of Venice
Twelfth Night
Staging and performance

SOME BAD, SOME MISUNDERSTOOD: The Villain in Literature and Popular Culture

Offered: Texas Term II

Some villains are bad and some are plain evil, but most would say that they're just misunderstood. This course will explore the symbolic function of villains—the monsters of myth and legend as well as that infamous fairy tale villain, the wicked Stepmother, and other villains of literature and film. By plotting the archetypal villian in various cultures and historical periods, students will try to understand the villain's motivation, why some villains are just anit-heroes, and how the villain often represents the worst fears of the society in which we exist. Writing intensive.

Sample of Topics Covered:

THEATER ARTS

Offered: ASU Term II

In this course, students will study the history of western drama from the Greeks through the present, develop their acting skills, and learn how theatre is made. The skills section of this course will begin with basic acting exercises, progress to an advanced text workshop, and conclude with Stanislavski’s method of recreating real life on stage. Students will prepare, rehearse, and present acting exercises and scenes, and will also participate in class readings. In addition to providing students with an understanding of how a play is produced in America, this course will explore why and how theatre has become a valuable part of American culture.

Sample of Topics Covered:

Acting warm-up exercises
History of the theater
The Greeks, Aristotle, and mythology
Monologues
Improvisation
Shakespeare
Acting onstage
The director
Production elements

WRITER'S WORKSHOP

Offered: Kansas Term I
ASU Term II

In this introductory creative writing course, students will learn about form, content, and the possibilities of each. They will read and write within multiple genres of literature from short fiction to poetry. In-class time will be divided between creative exercises, thoughtful discussions, and readings. Discussions and critiques of readings will include dialogue on the personal writings of students. The ultimate goal of this course is for students to complete a well-written short story, creative personal piece, and several poems that clearly display his or her imaginative writing talents. Writing intensive.

Sample of Topics Covered:

Elements of fiction
Creating characters and settings
Dialogue and conflict
Alternative points-of-view
The role of description
Creative nonfiction
Perspective and truth
Poetry
Imagery and the senses
Versification
Conceptual metaphors

WRITING WITH POWER

Offered: Kansas Term II

In this course, students will develop their voice, style, research, and critical analysis skills. This course will introduce and inculcate these skills while also preparing students to continue improving independently. Students will learn about journalism, nonfiction, literature, and scholarship writings and write a sample of each. This course will also introduce students to various writing processes and strategies, the most important of which involves the ability and drive to edit, rewrite, and revise multiple times. Writing intensive.

Sample of Topics Covered:

Rhetoric and persuasion
Nonfiction and the personal essay
Introduction to the short story
Introduction to the research paper
Evaluating sources
Research outlines and bibliographies
Structure of a research paper
Editing and revision
Contemporary satire
Journalism
History of writing
Resumes and professional letters