2025 High School Summer Scholars Program Courses

We remain fascinated by the events and people of the Roman Empire because they continue to affect the modern world in important ways. In this course we will discuss the social, political, and cultural transformations Rome imposed on the Mediterranean world from its first emperor, Augustus (d. 14 CE) to its last, Justinian I (d. 565 CE). Our focus will lie not only on the emperors and their deeds, but on the women who shaped the course of Roman history, the slaves and freedpersons who helped administer the state, and the diverse peoples who carried the weight of this power. We will analyze everyday life in the multiethnic empire, the gender dynamics of Roman society, and the religious transformations that affected Jews, Christians, Romans, and Greeks alike. Our class will focus on questions of power, diversity, tolerance, the meaning of "empire," and ultimately why Rome mattered and still matters so much. Prerequisites: none.

Times: MTuWThF, 1:00-2:45pm

This course is for students who wish to learn about the biology of the nervous system, and the scientific process of understanding how it works. Biology of the Brain will include lecture, discussion, and analysis of cutting edge research, so active participation will be important. We will discuss the gross anatomy and cellular composition of the brain. We will analyze how the brain develops, changes with experience to create memories, and recovers from injury. Along the way, we will discuss nervous system dysfunction a range of contexts such as Addiction, Alzheimer's disease, and Parkinson's disease. Prerequisites: biology. Copy of 2023 syllabus is available here.

Times: MTuWThF, 1:00-2:45pm

A critical examination, in light of contemporary moral disagreements and traditional ethical theories, of some of the moral issues arising out of medical practice and experimentation in our society. Issues that might be discussed include euthanasia, genetic engineering, organ transplants, medical malpractice, the allocation of medical resources, and the rights of the patient. Prerequisites: None. Copy of the 2023 syllabus is available here.

Time: MTuWThF, 11:00am-12:45pm

Introduction to ordinary differential equations: first-order equations, linear equations, systems of equations, series solutions, and Laplace transform methods. Computer-aided study of numerical solutions and graphics phase planes.

Prerequisite: Calculus III

Times: MTuWThF, 1:00-2:45pm

Topics from discrete mathematics will be explored with an emphasis on problem-solving and methods of proofs. Modules on counting; combinatorial tools; binomial coefficients and Pascal's triangle; Fibonacci numbers; combinatorial probability; integers, divisors and primes; and graphs will be covered as well as additional topics as time permits. Addressed mainly to college freshmen and sophomores; it would also be suitable to advanced high school students with an interest in mathematics. Prerequisites: A good understanding of high school mathematics. Copy of 2023 syllabus is available here.

Time: MTuWThF, 11:00am-12:45pm

This course introduces the basic concepts, theories, and methods of Cultural Anthropology - an academic discipline that studies the diversity of human cultures and societies. The purpose is to provide a broad perspective on the types of research that anthropologists undertake, and to engage in a critical dialogue on how the work of anthropologists contributes to understanding the human condition. Introduction to Cultural Anthropology is a portal into more advanced anthropology courses. Prerequisites: None. Copy of the 2023 syllabus is available here.

Time: MTuWThF, 11:00am-12:45pm

What is produced in an economy? How is it produced? Who gets the product? Microeconomics seeks to answer these fundamental questions about markets. In this course, you will learn to analyze models that explain real-world behavior of consumers and firms while exploring empirical results and policy implications. Determination of prices; distribution of national income; theory of production will be covered in this course. Prerequisites: None.

Time: MTuWThF, 9:00-10:45am

An introduction to major developments in modern art, architecture and design in Europe, the Americas, and across the globe from the mid nineteenth century to the present. Focus will be on the history and theories of modernism and its international legacies, and the relationship of the visual arts, architecture and visual culture more generally to the social, cultural and political contexts of the modern era. While the precise topics covered may vary from one instructor to another, foundational movements and trends to be discussed will typically include Beaux-Arts style, the Arts and Crafts Movement, Impressionism, Symbolism, Art Nouveau, Cubism, Dada, Surrealism, Purism, Art Deco, the Bauhaus, the International Style, Abstract Expressionism, Pop Art, Minimalism and Post-Modernism. Cross-currents in various media will be emphasized as we seek to understand the origins and complexity of modern visual forms in relation to political and cultural history and to critical theory. Students will engage a wide range of readings in historical sources, theories composed by artists, architects and designers, critical responses to the arts, and secondary critical literature. Prerequisites: none.

Times: MTuWThF, 11:00am-12:45pm

A survey and analysis of concepts, theory, and research covering the areas of biological psychology, human development, learning, memory, social psychology, and mental disorders and their treatment. This is a general survey course designed to introduce students to the diversity of topics, research methods, and theories that comprise the study of mind and behavior. Prerequisites: None. Copy of 2024 syllabus is available here.

Times: MTuWThF, 9:00-10:45am

Data collection: sampling and designing experiments. Data organization: data, tables, graphs, frequency distributions, numerical summarization of data, and consumer price index. Inference: elementary probability and hypothesis testing. Prerequisites: None. Copy of 2023 syllabus is available here.

Times: MTuWThF, 1:00-2:45pm

This course is an introduction to first-order logic. Logic is the study of the formal properties of arguments. In this course, we learn how to make arguments precise by formalizing sentences and applying methods of deductive reasoning to prove conclusions. We also discuss the relations between logical reasoning and informal reasoning, and logic and rationality. Why study logic? Logic gives you principles and techniques to distinguish good forms of reasoning, helps you to construct correct arguments, and (to some extent) think orderly. Additionally, logic is essential in other fields that you might also be interested in studying (e.g., mathematics, computer science, linguistics, and analytic philosophy). And of course, logic is a fun and interesting subject in its own right. The course presumes no background in philosophy or logic. Prerequisites: None. Copy of the 2023 syllabus is available here.

Time: MTuWThF, 1:00-2:45pm

An introductory course in linear algebra that focuses on Euclidean n-space, matrices and related computations.  Topics include: systems of linear equations, row reduction, matrix operations, determinants, linear independence, dimension, rank, change of basis, diagonalization, eigenvalues, eigenvectors, orthogonality, symmetric matrices, least square approximation, quadratic forms.  Introduction to abstract vector spaces. Prerequisite: Calculus II (AP Calculus BC). 

Time: MTuWThF, 11:00am-12:45pm

The ability to speak well and to communicate effectively in the public forum is an essential skill for all students. This course aims to offer a comprehensive and wide ranging approach to developing the skills of the contemporary speaker. While acknowledging and utilizing traditional approaches to public speaking, this course will expand its reach to include applicable techniques from the world of the Performing Arts -- especially theatre and dance. The course does not intend to train the student as a dancer or actor, but it maintains that the successful speaker would do well to harness some of the transferable skill sets from these disciplines. The speaker, like the performer, must stand before an audience with an objective to communicate something well. Both should be dedicated advocates for the message. They share the common ground of requiring a strong voice for a sure delivery of the material, and an expressive physicality willing to fully embody and serve the message. Prerequisites: none

Times: MTuWThF, 11:00am-12:45pm

This course explores and analyzes contemporary American social problems and social issues using sociological tools. The sociological perspective provides the overarching framework for analyses of social issues, along with the application of sociological theory and research. Topics may include aging, alcoholism, drug abuse, crime, violence, poverty, discrimination, health care, family, globalization, and environmental degradation. This course will be valuable to students pursuing graduate work and careers in sociology, law, medicine and health care, and social services. Prerequisites: none.

Times: MTuWThF, 11:00am-12:45pm

In this course we will read a number of Young Adult novels that have been banned and examine what leads to the banning of a book. Why are YA novels particular targets of censorship, and why does society attempt to sanitize narratives about adolescence? The novels we will cover, by Toni Morrison, Stephen Chbosky, William Golding, and Lois Lowry, among others, have been banned in the United States on political, religious, sexual, or social grounds. We will gain insight into the controversies these novels started and also consider the themes and questions raised by the texts and their moral implications. In written assignments and class discussion, we will explore what, if anything, these novels have in common and what they may contribute to the study of literature. Students will be asked to engage critically with the texts they encounter and to hone their close reading skills while also considering historical and cultural contexts of the novels. Readings: "The Lord of the Flies," William Golding; "The Perks of Being a Wallflower," Stephen Chbosky; "The Bluest Eye," Toni Morrison; "The Giver," Lois Lowry; "The House on Mango Street," Sandra Cisneros. Prerequisites: none.

Times: MTuWThF, 1:00-2:45pm