In this course, students learn the craft and theory behind 2D character design for animated shows, movies, video games, anime, graphic novels, and your own intellectual property.

The art of character design will be approached through a step-by-step process, where students serve as storytellers to their own characters, designing not only their visual design, but their personalities and emotions through the art of facial expression, clothing, and posture. Using shape driven design and construction, poses and character turnarounds, students will gain anatomical drawing and technical skills required to build their own figures and work towards creating their own portfolio of work. 

Sharing their work with their peers and instructor, students will receive thoughtful, in-depth feedback, culminating in the creation of their own character model sheets. 

Towards the end of the course, students will gain insight into the animation industry, including portfolio creation, professional design roles, avenues of study for college, and insight on industry design tests for jobs in animation and gaming. 

Students with some drawing experience may be more prepared for this course, but skills are not required.

Course Materials: Students can work traditionally, or if working digitally, students should bring their iPad or laptop. All other materials will be provided. 

Designed for students with prior experience in drama who wish to explore the creation of original theatrical works, this course offers an in-depth study of the collaborative process among the actor, director, and playwright. Emphasis is placed on the artistic and interpretive relationships that develop when working with untested material and the ways in which each role contributes to shaping a new work for the stage.

During the first week, students participate in workshops and lectures introducing the principles and challenges of play development. Building on this foundation, students will experience the full cycle of theatrical collaboration twice over the course of the program—each time in a different creative role and with a different ensemble. This rotation allows students to engage with the artistic process from multiple perspectives, deepening their understanding of how actors, directors, and playwrights work together to bring new material to life.

Each collaborative cycle culminates in the creation, rehearsal, and performance of an original short play, developed under the guidance of theatre professionals. Workshop sessions are highly interactive, with works-in-progress shared periodically for feedback in a supportive and thoughtfully critical environment that mirrors professional practice.

The program concludes with a presentation of selected student works for an audience of peers, friends, and family, featuring one evening performance and one matinee on the final Thursday of the session.

This course offers a distinctive opportunity to engage in the rigorous, creative, and collaborative process of new play development—twice—while exploring the interdependence of the actor, director, and playwright. 

Prior experience in amateur community or high school theatre is recommended.

In this workshop based course, participants learn all the basics of making a strong, visually-driven short film with an emphasis on narrative storytelling. The course focuses on the fundamentals of video production: essential film grammar, story development, script, camera, sound, music and editing.

Working in small groups, students shoot three “exercises” before making their final films. The exercises start off simply, adding a new element of filmmaking with each new assignment.

Students work sequentially through the stages of production: initial concept, synopsis, treatment, script, storyboards, and final shooting and editing. During pre-production participants learn how to work in a group to plan for and realize a short film from concept to shooting script. During production they work together to coordinate and shoot their scripts. And finally in post-production they edit and polish their projects. The instructor provides guidance throughout the process, emphasizing the students’ responsibility for carrying the project from inception to completion.

The emphasis throughout the three weeks is on collaborative teamwork. Over the course of the various exercises, each student takes on a variety of different roles within the production teams, such as director, screenwriter, cinematographer, editor, sound. For the final project each student will write and direct a 1-2 minute short film collaborating with their teams  The final film will employ everything that the student has learned about storytelling and the technical aspects of filmmaking (camera work, costumes. sound, props, lighting. etc.).

On the last day of the program, students screen their completed films at a film festival attended by all sections of the digital filmmaking course. The completed films can be used for submission to short film festivals and as portfolio pieces for film or art school applications.

Laptops are recommended but not required for this class. Cameras and other film production equipment are provided.

This course introduces students to the key debates, controversies, and inequities posed by tech industries in the 21st-century. Our lessons begin by locating the forms of techno-utopianism that began the century, as the internet demonstrated the capacity to break down old media systems and empower grassroots activism. Over the course, this narrative about technology is complicated by tracking how this “digital sublime,” what Vincent Mosco termed a set of myths about computers and cyberspace, conceals the deleterious effects of tech industries on society in the ensuing decades. Where new digital platforms promised economic agency, students learn how apps like Uber and DoorDash fit into a history of flexible labor that shifts the costs of employment onto workers as one response to the Great Recession; where Airbnb promised to disrupt the hotel industry, its effects caused a new housing bubble that skyrocketed the cost of rents and amplified the conditions of homelessness in metropolitan centers and colonial territories. 

Course material takes a primarily global perspective to challenge students to recognize the everyday effects of digital technology and inequities on their lives in what some have termed a new Gilded Age. Lessons also include a focus on global dimensions of tech from the rise of crypto-blockchains increasing environmental waste or the transnational arrangements of labor from gold farming in China for roleplaying video games to content moderation centers in the Philippines. 

In the final week of the course, students consider how new media has shaped the conditions of information spread online and its potential effects on democratic systems, as the algorithmic transformations of culture produce new scientific regimes of racism, radicalized misogynistic digital communities, and lethal forms of disinformation. To end, students consider how we might regulate or solve for the harmful effects of new media technologies in ways that advance a new digital understanding of the public interest.

Studio arts courses are offered in conjunction with Columbia University's School of the Arts.

This course is aimed at developing a series of foundational drawings for a fine arts college-application portfolio.

Students explore various approaches to drawing from both observation and imagination while focusing on conceptually creative assignments. Each session develops the students’ approach to various materials, composition, and personal narratives into completed works that can be used for a final portfolio. Students have prolonged time to study and sketch the human figure from live nude models in class. Ideas are explored through assigned writings and developed in a sketchbook throughout the course.

A visit to a museum or gallery is scheduled as part of the course so as to facilitate discussion of relevant art historical concepts as well as contemporary approaches to drawing.

Lastly, participants learn how to prepare and digitally document works into a final portfolio for college applications.

Some previous experience with drawing is recommended, and the course is designed for students interested in applying to a visual arts undergraduate program in the future. All materials are provided.

Studio arts courses are offered in conjunction with Columbia University's School of the Arts.

In this beginner-level class, students explore various modes of looking at and interpreting the world through drawing. The course emphasizes drawing from both observation and imagination as ways to learn traditional drawing techniques and foster creativity and personal interpretation. Course assignments stress observation while focusing on experiments with materials so as to find creative approaches to visual problem-solving. Assignments include exercises in composition, use of charcoal and pencil, graphic drawing techniques, wet media, color theory, and optical illusions.

The course combines studio work, including the study of the human figure using live nude models, with outdoor drawing, individual and group critiques, and visits to major museums and art galleries. Critical issues in art are addressed once a week in the form of a short seminar, so as to generate meaningful debates as a context for studio work.

Participants also learn how to prepare a final portfolio for college applications, and the session concludes with a group show. 

This intensive, one-week course introduces students to concepts and methods for executing a spatial design project. Students will, through instructor and peer critique, be guided through intensive studio design exercises, following a project through multiple iterations, starting from abstract form-making and developing the project into a finished architectural or spatial design proposal. Students will be introduced to the drawing and representational tools used by architects and designers and use those to cultivate students’ own ideas about space and design through making. By the end of the course, students will have gained experience hand-drafting and model-making, understand the processes by which architects and designers address spatial problems, and leave with a design project that can form the basis of a portfolio.

This intensive course introduces architectural design processes and key concepts in architectural history and theory. Through making and critiques, participants will learn to use architectural drawing techniques and modeling, to develop and communicate design ideas by completing studio-based exercises. Students will also be introduced to significant design work, interrogate important readings, and grapple with relevant discussions in architecture, all with a New York City lens. Students may participate in architectural tours, site visits, and experiences with practitioners, providing real-world exposure to the field; these experiences may vary by section. By the end of the course, students will look at buildings with a new perspective, have a better understanding of architectural pathways and futures within the discipline, and leave with a design project that can form the basis of a portfolio.

Course participants will be required to purchase approximately $150 of basic studio supplies prior to the start of class

Art appreciation can take many forms. From visiting museums to reading literature to listening to oral histories, absorbing the stories behind pieces provides perspective and insight into creative expression from all over the world. Through this course, students will explore a variety of works and learn how to analyze and discuss their complexities and meanings. Further, students will become acquainted with period pieces in multiple modalities (sculptures, videos, etc.) and discuss thought-providing interpretations from academics, philosophers, and theorists. Additionally, the course will have an experiential component, providing students with the opportunity to physically and virtually view major collections at NYC landmarks like the Frick, MoMA, the Whitney, the Guggenheim, and the Metropolitan. At course completion, students will be able to intelligently converse about art, as well as acquire a sophisticated foundation for further study.

Studio arts courses are offered in conjunction with Columbia University's School of the Arts.

In this course students explore various approaches to painting from observation. They learn oil painting techniques, the basic principles of color theory, and, by working with live nude models, diverse approaches to the study of the human figure. Assignments focus on composition, color theory, the use of materials, and creativity and visual communication in painting.

Studio work is complemented by individual and group critiques as well as lectures and field trips to major New York City museums and galleries. Critical issues in art are addressed once a week in the form of a short seminar, so as to generate meaningful debates as a context for studio work.

Participants also learn how to prepare a final portfolio for college applications, and the session concludes with a group show to which parents, friends, and other program participants are invited.

Some experience with drawing is recommended but not required. All materials are provided.

This course introduces students to the art and analysis of cinema through examination of works by filmmakers ranging from Orson Welles to Martin Scorsese. Readings, screenings, the analysis of clips and full-length movies, as well as hands-on exercises such as storyboarding, blocking, shooting, and editing a scene all combine to convey the excitement and artistry of film.  

In week one, students explore how Hollywood developed its own cinematic language by analyzing key scenes from early and modern filmmakers. Week two shifts focus to international cinema, introducing alternative storytelling approaches from around the world that both challenged and influenced American film. In week three, students bring together what they’ve learned through group analysis of influential films, examining how cinematic techniques work together to create powerful emotional experiences.

Assigned readings include film reviews and essays on film analysis, technique, and history. Students are also responsible for an oral presentation on a specific scene, film, or director of their choice. 

Please be aware that some of the films viewed contain violence and mature subject matter. Students should have a willingness to engage thoughtfully with challenging films

Making urban areas livable, sustainable, and desirable is a top priority for governmental bodies, economists, business leaders, realtors, and many other key stakeholders. Shaping the way our society operates is a big job, and it’s why urban planning is such a sought-after career. Becoming an urban planner requires a combination of sophisticated skills that includes architecture, engineering, and design. Through this course, students will explore the fundamentals of urban planning, learn how to build effective communities, and discuss the best practices of working with land (including infrastructure, water, and air) to design healthy, happy, and in-demand habitats. Additionally, students will explore how transportation, business districts, and environmental concerns impact development through hands-on experiences, like field trips. By the end of the course, students will have an acumen for discussing history, theory, and pressing social issues that impact both real estate and residents’ quality of life. 

Note: This class will focus on this topic from a United States perspective. 

This course offers an immersive introduction to contemporary architecture through the lens of New York City’s built environment. Designed for students curious about architecture (whether or not they intend to study it formally) the course focuses on how architecture shapes human experience, community life, and urban environments. Using New York City as an open-air classroom, students will explore key architectural sites and neighborhoods to better understand how buildings reflect and influence social, cultural, and environmental dynamics.

Through field trips to iconic and lesser-known architectural works, such as Lincoln Center, the High Line, and Grand Central Terminal, students will learn to critically observe and analyze buildings in complex urban settings. Studio and/or office visits will provide an inside look at how contemporary architects approach design today, including their responses to sustainability, inequality, and community engagement.

While the course includes some hands-on elements like sketching and observational exercises, the primary emphasis is on expanding students’ awareness of architecture through direct engagement with the city, supplemented by short readings and discussions that provide historical and conceptual context. The course concludes with conversations about current debates in architectural practice, helping students connect what they’ve seen to the larger questions shaping the field today.

Product innovation in the asset management industry has led to a proliferation of alternative funds and investment strategies, many of which are in nontraditional, often illiquid, asset classes. This course provides a comprehensive understanding of alternative investments, how to evaluate them (risks and returns), and the role they play in portfolio diversification. The course covers many prevalent strategies including private credit, private equity, structured credit, real assets, and hedge funds. Students form teams of investment analysts tasked with evaluating an alternative investment opportunity for the chief investment officer of a university endowment fund.

This practical course equips students with the skills necessary to realize their entrepreneurial visions. Students will learn about the entrepreneurial process, from the preliminary stages of research, to the legalities of setting up, as well as financials and marketing. Students will be introduced to the different types of enterprises, for profit and nonprofit, as well as social entrepreneurship. Through real examples, the course takes a closer look at common pitfalls, and stories of successes within the business world. 

Class time is divided between interactive lecture and guided hands-on work. Students will be expected to develop a business idea over the duration of the course, culminating in a final presentation and the submission of a business plan proposal. 

Participants are required to bring laptops for this class and should have an entrepreneurial idea in mind that they would like to develop during the duration of the course.

This course is designed for students who have an interest in the future of finance, technology, blockchain, cryptocurrency, artificial intelligence, and work. Beginning with an exploration of Fintech (financial technology), we explore technology’s impact on everything from banking to real estate to Wall Street. Additionally, we look at how artificial intelligence (AI) will automate and reduce the need for human workers, as AI, Fintech, and other technologies are combined to automate many tasks.

After gaining a solid understanding of the real-world use cases of Fintech and the everyday ways it impacts the economy, social justice, and our lives, students take a journey of discovery into the world of AI, the Internet of Things (IoT), blockchain, Bitcoin, and cryptocurrency. Since Bitcoin’s launch in 2009, cryptocurrency and decentralized ledger technology, aka blockchain, have emerged as an economic force majeure, disrupting the fundamentals of how people interact and how they perceive money. In addition to pushing the evolution of money, blockchain technology is now poised to disrupt how we organize businesses and the future of work. Course participants explore the organizational impacts and transformations caused by blockchain and cryptocurrencies and examine what this will mean to them as future CEOs and global business and thought leaders.

The course concludes by exploring the perspective of entrepreneurs and innovators, further examining how technologies come together to form the businesses, disruptions, and methodologies of the 21st Century. Participants walk away with a fundamental understanding of what tokens and cryptocurrencies are; how businesses leverage blockchain technology, AI, and other Fintech applications; and how digital transformation impacts social interactions and the future of work.

Please note: This course is not a computer programming course and requires no prior knowledge or experience, but rather looks at these emerging technologies more broadly from business, social, political, and cultural perspectives.

This course takes an applied, practical approach to understanding how and why financial markets experience cycles of rapid growth, speculation, and collapse. By examining key episodes such as the Great Depression, the dot-com bubble, the 2008 Global Financial Crisis, and the recent rise of meme stocks and cryptocurrencies, students learn to identify recurring patterns and the underlying economic, psychological, and policy forces that shape them. 

Class time is divided between interactive lectures, instructional games, and guided hands-on work. During the course, students gain insights into how markets reflect human behavior, innovation, and risk-taking. Students can expect to learn how to:

• Analyze the causes and consequences of major financial crises across history
• Understand how investor behavior and decision-making contribute to bubbles and crashes
• Assess the impact of government regulation and policy responses on financial stability
• Analyze current market data to evaluate where today’s markets may sit in the boom-and-bust cycle

Do you want to make a difference in the world? Social entrepreneurship bridges passion and action, where business principles meet social impact to address today’s most urgent challenges. Can economic growth align with sustainability? How can social entrepreneurs find solutions to climate resilience or help communities in need? In this course, you will dive into these questions, exploring the dynamic balance between fiscal responsibility and social equity in an ever-changing global landscape.

Through a hands-on journey into social entrepreneurship, you will explore key frameworks for turning challenges into opportunities, learning how to design solutions that benefit shareholders and stakeholders to deliver a “triple bottom line”—people, planet, and profit. Through collaborative projects, lively debates, and case studies, you’ll analyze real-world issues and develop strategic approaches that make a lasting impact. 

This intensive 2-week course provides students with a comprehensive introduction to entrepreneurial finance and the management of new ventures. The course explores how to identify business opportunities, validate ideas, design business models, and evaluate financing options. Students will develop the skills to analyze start-up opportunities, understand the fundraising process, and prepare compelling venture presentations.

Key topics include:

• The start-up lifecycle (ideation to exit)
• Opportunity recognition and market validation
• Lean start-up methodology and MVP development
• Business models and value proposition design
• Financing options (bootstrapping, angel investors, venture capital, crowdfunding, accelerators)
• Entrepreneurial finance fundamentals: valuation, term sheets, SAFE/convertible notes
• Key metrics that matter (traction, TAM, CAC, LTV, churn, burn)
• Pitching and communicating the venture story
• Managing growth, scaling challenges, and founder’s mindset

Students will work in teams on a mini-venture project, culminating in a final presentation that simulates an investor pitch.

This course is recommended for students who have previously taken an introductory course in business, economics, or entrepreneurship.

This course provides students with strategies and tools to elevate the efficacy of social innovations by integrating insights from behavioral science research and practice. Through readings and hands-on innovation projects, participants will gain skills to deeply understand user psychology, frame opportunities focused on specific behavior changes, develop interventions using evidence-based techniques, rapidly prototype concepts, and rigorously evaluate impact on behaviors. 

The sessions cover opportunity framing, customer discovery, creative ideation, prototyping, and experimentation. Students will learn how applying behavioral economics, psychology, and cognitive science can enhance the innovation process and drive positive social change.

Intended for students interested in creating new business or social enterprises, this hands-on course focuses on the creation, evaluation, development, and launch-readiness of new business or social ventures. Participants are guided through the new venture creation process as applied to student team-selected venture ideas. Through interactive lectures, short case studies, and structured peer activities, students explore the elements of the new venture planning process in an innovative modular format.

For each student venture, key issues are addressed in a fashion highly consistent with other formal venture-planning processes including: business model development, customer discovery, product-market validation, in-depth industry and market analysis, product or service innovation, brand development and go-to-market strategies, team selection and management, profit models, financing, and legal considerations.

Students work through a series of structured activities and assignments that correspond with each phase of new venture planning. Throughout the class they refine their venture’s hypothesized business model on the basis of instructor and peer feedback. At each stage of venture plan development, they learn critical terms, apply tools that support research and decision making, and develop a deep understanding of how each major planning activity fits into formal venture creation. Additionally, they hone critical professional skills including creative problem-solving, communication and negotiation, project management, financial analysis, and collaborative leadership. By the end of the class, participants have generated robust business models, with supportive venture plan documents, investor pitches, websites, and crowd-funding videos. 

This intensive course takes an applied, practical approach to the development, testing, and validation of customer or community-driven product solutions. By learning and applying contemporary design-thinking concepts and tools, students generate innovative solutions to important customer or community problems. During the program, students identify and define a major problem to be solved, work with real customers to better understand the problem from their perspective, generate multiple solutions, then choose a solution to test with real customers. Students acquire practical knowledge and tools focusing on the development, testing, and validation of new products that solve real customer problems and needs, from idea to early product development.

Students can expect to learn how to:

• identify and articulate customer problems in an accurate way, reflecting how individuals truly experience the problem and its challenges
• create effective customer surveys to help validate your assumptions on customer problems (pain points), solutions, and benefits (expected outcomes)
• assess current solutions provided in the marketplace in order to build on best practices as well as identify gap areas
• develop a minimal viable product in order to gain additional feedback on specific solution features
• measure and validate customer needs fulfillment or social impact assumptions
• develop a solution (business or social enterprise) model to test your assumptions about customer interests, acceptance, and use

In-Person participants are expected to bring laptops for this class.

This course equips students with tools to assess, critique, and design FinTech applications, preparing them for careers in banking, asset management, consulting, and entrepreneurship. Throughout the course, students will explore the rapidly evolving financial technology (FinTech) landscape, focusing on how technology is disrupting and transforming traditional financial services. Topics include mobile payments, trading algorithms, blockchain and cryptocurrencies, robo-advisors, and AI in finance. Students will examine real-world case studies, participate in simulation-based analysis, and develop both analytical and communication skills relevant to the FinTech ecosystem.

Game theory is the science of strategy. Within this ever-evolving field, practitioners are responsible for working through economic concepts that depend on rationality, as well as choice and uncertainty. Specifically, those working in this field help with optimal decision making between an independent agent and competing actors. The result of this work can take many forms, including when (and if) to launch a product and how to price it, or when to be cooperative in a negotiation (or not), or even whether to confess to a crime (or not). Throughout the course, students will study the works of key pioneers in Game Theory, as well as synthesize and triangulate readings to topics in economics, business, political science, and project management. Students will be expected to apply learnings to solve complex probability sets and analyze decision-maker payoffs. By the end of the course, students will have a new appreciation for how Game Theory directly impacts - and influences - major decisions. Additionally, they will be able to work through choices and outcomes better in their own lives. 

What is the impact of the resurgence of populism, nativism, and geopolitical competition on foreign relations and economic growth? Is China’s push to turn the renminbi into a global currency a threat or an opportunity? What are the implications of an unsustainable levels of public debt (U.S., Europe, Latin America, and Asia) on the future of international monetary and financial architecture? Given questions such as these, this course examines the interplay between globalizing pressures and national interests.

Working from a multilateral perspective, students use case studies to examine the nature of relations between nation-states in a period of increased economic and political integration. Topics include theories of international political economy in relation to foreign aid and sovereign debt, international trade and capital flows, security and non-state actors, rights-based approaches to development and humanitarian emergencies, energy sustainability, and the role of international organizations and financial institutions.

For counterpoint, students also examine the political, ideological, and social determinants of domestic political economies, including that of the United States. The political mechanisms of economic policy-making and the relationship between domestic policy and foreign policy are explored using theoretical, historical, and topical cases; examples include the political economy of income distribution and social welfare, national defense and hegemony, the national debt, and globalization.

Students examine these and other topics through lecture, research, academic and policy dialogue, group projects and presentations, and peer critiques. For students enrolled in the in-person program, the course typically includes a visit to the United Nations Headquarters.

Students should have “business casual” outfits for UN field trips and need identification (ID card, drivers license, or passport) for entry.

This course focuses on the firm’s financial and economic behavior. The firm needs cash to undertake worthy investments, and the firm needs to identify investments worth undertaking. What models does the firm use to identify such investments? What sources of cash can the firm use? How do the financial markets in which this money is raised function? How does the market value the firm, its securities, and its investments? What financial instruments are available to the firm? What are the microeconomic models that best describe a firm’s behavior in such markets?

In answering these questions, the participants discuss stocks, bonds, stock markets, as well as valuation models of investments, firms, and securities. They also work with concepts like optimal investment strategies, what is revealed and what is hidden in published accounting statements, and what are some of the sources of risk. Students also acquire familiarity with the mechanics and history of the financial markets.

The course includes case studies and some sustained independent work by the participants. Laptops, while not required, are highly recommended for In-Person participants. 

Students should have “business casual” outfits for potential field trips and may need identification (ID card, drivers license, or passport) for entry. 

This introductory-level course is intended for students who have an interest in learning more about how corporations make business decisions and fund those decisions. The course provides a brief introduction to the fundamentals of finance, emphasizing their application to a wide variety of real-world situations in corporate decision-making and financial intermediation. Key concepts and applications include the time value of money, risk-return tradeoff, cost of capital, interest rates, discounted cash flow (DCF) analysis, net present value, internal rate of return, hurdle rate, and payback period. Students will leave with an understanding of both sound theoretical principles of finance and practical tools of financial decision-making.

Participants learn the principles of finance and investment management, to include interest rates and compound interest, the time value of money, risk and reward, how stocks and bonds are valued, how the stock market functions, how the international financial market functions, and how to approach stock selection and portfolio management.

We explore the structure of the financial system, to include the role of individual participants, investment banks, asset managers, the Central Bank, and other players in the global economy. The course connects foundations of economics to financial markets. What is the role of risk in investment? How does the environment of the market and the broader world drive return on investments? Why have some investments done well in memorable history? Why have others not done well? How are the winners and losers of past investments explained by financial theory? What is the role of traditional investments, such as mutual funds, and of alternative investments, such as venture capital, private equity and hedge funds?

Students generate their own investment strategies and portfolios. 

As this is a quantitative course, students should be comfortable with math and prepared for a challenging experience.

News reports on developments in financial markets or trends in important economic indicators like the unemployment rate can often give the impression that “the economy” is something akin to the weather, an aspect of the natural world whose ups-and-downs we may try to predict but that we must ultimately take as given. In reality, however, the economy is us: large-scale economic phenomena result from the aggregated effects of small-scale decisions – for instance, about how we spend our money or use our time – that all of us confront each and every day.

This course is designed to offer an engaging introduction to microeconomics, or the study of decision-making in the face of trade-offs and constraints. Motivated by practical questions about how individuals strive to balance work and leisure or how businesses decide to set prices for their products and services, students will become acquainted with foundational concepts in economics like opportunity cost, scarcity, comparative advantage, and economic rent. Class activities and exercises will provide opportunities for hands-on learning, and collaborative group work will allow students the chance to apply newfound knowledge to real-world issues, such as environmental regulation or the impact of emerging technologies on the labor market.

Those who successfully complete the course will be well-positioned for future studies at the undergraduate level in both economics and related fields, and will also come away equipped with new tools for understanding the economic systems of which we are all a part.

This course explores the role of venture capital (VC) in the funding process of companies: how venture capitalists operate, their investment decision-making process, the criteria they use to evaluate investment opportunities and startup companies, the mechanics of VC fund economics, and how they support and add value to portfolio companies. 

In short, this course intersects with both finance and entrepreneurship. It will cover both the perspective of a VC investor and of an entrepreneur raising capital for their venture.  Students will engage in case studies and simulations as both entrepreneurs negotiating a capital raising round with a VC firm, and as a venture capital investor evaluating an investment opportunity, i.e. the business model of a start up company.

Looking at stocks, bonds, ETFs, cryptocurrency, real estate, futures, and options, this course introduces students to how professional investment managers construct investment portfolios. We look at these different investment opportunities as well as key valuation and risk management techniques. How might investors benefit from diversification? What are the metrics for measuring performance?  What are the common pitfalls made by investors? 

Class time is divided between interactive lecture and guided hands-on work. Participants assume the role of professional money managers as they operate their own diversified investment portfolios in a session-long simulation game. Students also are given the opportunity to interact with guest speakers, who are professionals in the field. Common theories and practices presented in class, news of current and world events, and discussion around decisions made by the world’s foremost investors are incorporated as students develop a sense of how real-time managers make decisions.

Participants are required to bring laptops for this class and, as this is a quantitative course, should be comfortable with math and prepared for a challenging experience.

What drives a country’s economy? How do we measure a nation’s wealth, and why does unemployment matter? In this fast-paced introductory course, you'll get the answers to these big questions while diving into the world of macroeconomics. Designed for students curious about the forces that shape economies, this course covers everything from economic growth to inflation, and how these concepts affect our daily lives.

Throughout the course, we’ll explore how economic output is measured (hello, GDP!), the causes of inflation and deflation, and how policies can affect everything from interest rates to international trade. Ever wondered why governments raise taxes or how central banks control money supply? You’ll get the inside scoop on fiscal and monetary policies, and discover how events like the 2008 financial crisis or global trade wars ripple across the economy. By the end of the course, you'll be able to explain the basics of economic growth, unemployment, and investment, and how these principles connect to real-world problems like income inequality and financial crises. Ready to understand how the world works on a macro scale? Together we’ll take a whirlwind tour of the economy—big picture style!

By the end of the course, students will have a solid foundation in macroeconomic theory and be able to apply their knowledge to analyze real-world economic situations, preparing them for further studies in economics or related fields.

In this course, you'll explore how statistics plays a crucial role in the world of finance. From understanding how financial markets work to learning how to manage risk and make predictions, this course introduces you to the tools that finance professionals use every day. Whether you're interested in stocks, investment strategies, or risk management, you'll gain a solid foundation in how to analyze financial data and make informed decisions using statistical methods.

Throughout the course, you'll work with real-world financial data, apply statistical techniques like probability and regression, and explore the basics of portfolio management and/or market trends. You’ll also participate in group projects, stock market simulations, and case studies that help bring the theory to life. By the end of the course, you'll not only understand how statistics and finance are connected, but you’ll also have the skills to analyze financial information and even predict future trends. Whether you're considering a career in finance, economics, or data science, this course will give you a head start and a deeper understanding of the power of numbers in the business world.

Goldman Sachs, Morgan Stanley, and other leading investment firms have predicted that the space economy will be worth trillions of dollars within the next few decades. In this course we explore a number of key issues having to do with the space industry and the emerging space economy with the intention of preparing participants to be leaders in those fields.

Potential topics to be covered include:

• How private businesses are changing the new space race
• Why space commercialization will lead to a Fifth Industrial Revolution
• What old and new financial models are enabling the growth of space technology
• The role of NASA, the Space Force, NOAA, and other government agencies
• Should we be investing in space when there are so many challenges facing humanity on Earth?
• How do businesses profit from working within the space economy?
• What does the work of SpaceX, Blue Origin, and Virgin tell us about opportunities in Low Earth Orbit (LEO), the moon, and Mars?
• What steps a business must go through to be part of the new space race
• How new private and national programs will add to the complexity and vibrancy of the economy
• What is the role of space in human rights?
• How does the improvement of communities in space lead to social and technology improvements?
• What environmental problems can be solved using space technology?
• What is the role of traditional financial institutions such as banks and mutual funds, and how does that compare to the role of family private offices, VCs, and hedge funds in disruptive industries like the space economy?

The course draws on fundamental concepts in business, economics, and finance and applies new concepts from ESG (environmental, social, and governance) investing, risk management, and social impact measurements. Participants gain a foundational understanding of business development, the importance of intellectual property, and the value of community building as part of any business strategy - how solving for space is really about solving for problems on Earth. Guest speakers represent the private sector as well as groups such as NASA, the Space Force, and international space organizations.

Students leave with the tools to place an economic lens on the business, technology, and financing of spaceports, the aerospace industry, space adjacent technology, and the space economy as a whole. From launch, to satellites, to private stations, to manufacturing in LEO, to the permanent human settlement of the moon, via the Artemis program, this course gives students insights into the future they will help build and lead.

As the final project for the course, participants generate their own investment strategies and portfolios.

Curious about how knowledge is created – and ready to create your own? Whether you’re passionate about psychology, politics, tech, environmental studies, education, or something entirely different, this course invites you into the world of academic research! You’ll go behind the scenes of how researchers ask big questions, gather and analyze data, and build new understanding across various fields of study. As such, this course includes two complementary approaches: 1) an overview of research principles and fundamental research methods and 2) student led research projects. 

Using “case study” published research reports as a backdrop, you will be introduced to foundational research principles, concepts, techniques, and their application across various disciplines. We’ll review methods for carrying out eMective research and prepare to produce robust college level social science research utilizing various research methodologies. A broad range of research models, including the scientific method, research design, and data collection techniques, will be explored. We will discuss the selection process for conducting quantitative, qualitative, empirical, and hybrid analyses as well as explore their use across various disciplines. In short, we will review:

1. The use of mixed methods and triangulation of information to balance strengths and weaknesses.
2. Procedures for material data collection and sampling.
3. Common data analysis methods and tools.
4. Techniques for analyzing quantitative and qualitative data.
5. Considerations for determining implications and research limitations.

We will learn while being mindful of the ethical, moral, and philosophical considerations intertwined with: academic research; the possible open access to the findings; and the derived research-based applications.

By the end of this course, you will also work in groups to design and develop a research project (ready for publication), that you select based on your interests.

So if you’re excited by discovery, problem solving, and making an impact with your ideas, this course will give you the tools to do just that!

The Columbia Writing Academy is designed for those who want to use the power of writing to develop their own personal voice and style. Through a combination of workshops and tutorials, students will learn new writing techniques and develop the skills and confidence to write a powerful college admissions essay. As many colleges place less emphasis on standardized test scores, the admissions essay has taken a larger role in the application process. In this course, students will explore each stage in the essay writing process—brainstorming, drafting, revising—and will receive in-depth feedback from the teaching team throughout the process.

The College Admissions Essay, often called a personal statement, is an opportunity for students to stand out and set themselves apart from other applicants by saying “here’s something about me that you might not know from my grades; here’s my story; here’s what matters to me.” By the end of the two-week course, students will have written an essay that personalizes their college application, captivates readers, and shows colleges why they should accept them. The Workshop will be a lively, stimulating two-week online course that requires six to eight hours of work each week, including reading, writing, participating in three weekly synchronous sessions via Zoom.

Please note that this course follows an atypical schedule: Monday, Tuesday & Thursday evenings from 7:00 to 8:15 p.m. ET.

Throughout our lives, in every role we play, persuasion plays a critical part. In the fields of sales and marketing, the connection is obvious, but when we apply to schools and interview for jobs our ability to frame our capabilities comes into play. The work of trial lawyers may clearly require the ability to influence judges and juries, but teachers, engineers, managers – people in every line of work – at some point need to convince others of a different way of thinking. Even in our personal lives, there are times when we want to change others’ minds.

In this course, students will – through reading, lecture, discussion, exercises, and activities -- learn the art, science and practical techniques used by the most successful marketers and salespeople. Over the course of the term, we will cover broad themes that inform all communication (e.g., motivators, language, storytelling, etc.), as well as best practices specific to each approach (written communication, phone, meetings, speeches, et al). To enrich the experience, guest speakers from various industries will join the class to share real-world insights and applications of persuasive communication.

In this course, students learn how to write effectively about complex topics. They learn to use writing not only as a tool for expressing themselves clearly, but also as a way to refine and advance their thinking. They write and revise formal essays in which they analyze college-level texts, and, time permitting, compose personal essays about their own experiences.

Participants identify the strengths and weaknesses in their writing and improve their skills through individual and group work, class discussion, multiple revisions, in-class exercises, and homework. They learn how to formulate a clear and original thesis, identify and explain supporting evidence, organize an essay, and use language that is lucid and precise. We review essential points of grammar and style, paying special attention to common mistakes, and we read and analyze works that exemplify good writing.

By the end of the week, students will have become not only better writers but also more insightful and sophisticated readers and thinkers.

This week-long, immersive course invites students to explore the art and science of persuasive communication and public speaking. Through interactive workshops, group exercises, and real-world speaking practice, participants will develop the skills to express themselves confidently, connect authentically with audiences, and deliver powerful, purpose-driven messages.

Students will learn techniques for crafting persuasive arguments, refining vocal and physical delivery, managing public-speaking anxiety, and tailoring messages for different audiences and contexts—from classroom presentations to interviews and impromptu talks.

By the end of the week, students will present a short persuasive talk of their own design in a culminating in-class showcase event.

While some leaders are born, most are made. Becoming a great leader takes both training and practice, and today’s most effective leaders are forever honing their skills. The Pre-College Leadership Lab is a unique and meaningful experience for any future leader. Students will begin the highly experiential course by immersing themselves in leadership theory, and identifying their own leadership styles. Applied practice of new-found knowledge will include public speaking, role play activities, team building, and conflict resolution. Additionally, the lab may feature guest speakers from various leadership areas, who will discuss both their challenges and successes. By the end of the course, students will be prepared to articulate their leadership goals, and have an actionable plan to grow and develop into future leaders who will positively impact the world.

This workshop is geared toward students who have an interest in creative writing and would like to develop their skills and writing practice across genres. Students read and write free verse poetry, short prose, drama, fiction, and creative nonfiction with the goal of developing a final portfolio of revised work.

Students are introduced to a range of technical and imaginative concerns through creative exercises and discussions, and exposed to all aspects of the writing process, including generating ideas, writing and revising drafts, and editing. Students practice their literary craft with an attentive group of peers under the guidance of an experienced instructor. They write extensively, read and respond to excerpts from outstanding works of literature, and participate in candid, helpful critiques of their own work and that of peers. Students are expected to come to the class with an openness to various approaches toward literature and writing. Classes are supplemented by conferences with the instructor.

How does one write characters who are convincingly deceptive? Is writing fiction an act of deception in itself? In this course, we will explore the various shades of lying in literature, investigate why characters who lie are often more interesting than those who don’t, and identify the nuanced, precarious relationship between lying and fiction, parsing the difference between lies intended to deceive versus fictions crafted to articulate an emotional truth. 

Starting our journey with The Odyssey by Homer and moving through texts like The Turn of the Screw by Henry James, Passing by Nella Larsen, and The Talented Mr. Ripley by Patricia Highsmith, we will trace the tradition of portraying not only deceptive characters but also the rich emotional charge between the liar and deceived, as well as the change in self-perception and worldview that occurs when one recognizes oneself as someone who can be manipulated. 

Through close readings, class discussions, and writing exercises, students will learn to craft complex characters whose lies shape their identities and relationships. We will explore how deception can serve as a narrative tool to create tension, develop plot, and reveal hidden truths about both the characters and the world they inhabit. Ultimately, this course will offer a deeper understanding of how the art of lying in literature mirrors the human experience, challenging our assumptions about truth, trust, and the boundaries between fiction and reality.

What gives horror stories their power, and what truths can they reveal about the human condition that no other literary genre can?

In this dual seminar-workshop course, students will learn the fundamentals of suspenseful writing from the greats of the horror genre, from Mary Shelley and Edgar Allan Poe to Shirley Jackson, Stephen King, and Victor LaValle. On a craft level, students will be introduced to the formal elements that make suspenseful stories and be provided with prompts that inspire their own spine-tingling “future classics.”

Over three weeks, students will engage deeply with assigned texts, supply feedback to peers, and meet individually with their instructor with a shared goal as a cohort: to reveal the human psyche in its truest form, and to support a creative and inclusive workshop environment while doing so. 

The course culminates in a final project that will include a selection of revised horror stories and one new piece. 

Parallel universes and the supernatural have the power to reveal truths often hidden behind the veil of modern life. Situating oneself in realities other than one’s own imparts lessons in empathy, possibility, and advancement in our real world. From Dune to The Hunger Games, both beloved and feared characters in such fiction have united legions of readers-turned-writers over many continents and generations through the art of world-building. 

The course’s aim is to explore and create immersive, exciting fiction that incorporates the unreal—from surreal short stories to excerpts from epic fantasy novels. In this one-week intensive, students will think and write about the futuristic, uncanny, magical, and speculative, and how these elements mesh with our individual writing goals. 

Students will analyze published works of Science Fiction and Fantasy from a writer’s standpoint, considering: what effect did this have on the reader, and how did the writer create this effect? What draws us to these genres? How can we create work that is compelling, original, artful, and fun? Through discussion and writing exercises, we’ll focus on topics including world-building, hero/villain relationships, plot, magic, and suspense. 

In this course, students will uncover the power of imaginative fiction by reading selections of cornerstone texts in the genre, both past and present, and use the techniques discussed in the pieces to write their own original works. Classes are supplemented by conferences with the instructor.

This dual seminar-workshop course is designed to teach students the essential craft techniques of short fiction, including: micro-fiction, novellas, short stories, and fables. 

In this course, we will consider as a class the following questions, among others: What are the world-building possibilities inherent in short fiction? And how might an economy of language benefit young writers? 

Along with reading and analyzing assigned texts, students will share their writing in a workshop setting and receive in-depth feedback from both their peers and the instructor. The course includes asynchronous work, which students are expected to complete between class sessions. Not only does this course impart a greater understanding of what it means to write short fiction, but it will also help students become stronger writers through the use of economized and well-crafted language. The course will culminate in a final project of revised creative pieces generated over the term.

This course is designed for advanced students who seek an intensive experience in the writing of fiction. Students explore diverse styles of and approaches to fiction, and learn essential skills for writing their own short prose works, including stories, flash fiction, novellas, and pieces that may be developed, following the session, into novels. Students participate in rigorous daily discussions on craft and workshops, as well as one-on-one conferences with their instructor. 

The course culminates in a final portfolio composed of carefully revised pieces that implement instructor and peer feedback.

Though this course is intended primarily for older students, it is open to highly qualified rising freshmen and sophomores.

This rigorous one-week course is designed to teach students the ins and outs of novel writing, from conception to outlining to the writing itself. Whether interests lie in literary fiction, young adult, fantasy, or any other genre, students will learn we focus on how to structure and plot a successful novel. Areas of exploration include establishing conflict, world-building, character work, pacing, and how to create an effective scene.

Students share their writing in a workshop setting and receive in-depth feedback from both their peers and the instructor. The course includes asynchronous work, which students are expected to complete between class sessions. Not only does this course impart a greater understanding of what it means to craft a long-form work of fiction, but it will also help students become stronger and more confident in their overall writing skills.

In this intensive course, students are introduced to the key tenets of writing and performing comedy. With the guidance of professional New York City performers and writers, they learn how to generate writing through improvisational comedy. Budding comedians and comedy writers learn how to make people laugh both on and off the page, a skill that can take practitioners down a variety of career paths on stage and in film and television. 

Participants hone their comedic sensibilities with a wide variety of exercises and readings and build confidence by learning the art of “Yes, and…” Areas of exploration include sketch comedy, improvisational comedy, and stand-up. 

Ah, the teenage mind: with its many passions, attitudes, and opinions that have the power to shape culture, change tastes, and build the future. What can teenagers teach us about the way our world works? And in what ways have fictional characters helped foster identity in real-life teenagers, who have gone on to change the world for the better?

In this dual seminar-workshop course, students will study literary works that center on teenage lives, learn the mechanics of YA literature, and try their hands at building their own memorable characters that just might someday inspire adolescents a century from now. Teenagers have stories worth telling, and, in the space of this course, students will empathize with and learn from great works, both classic and contemporary, as well as their peers in regular weekly workshops. The course will culminate in a final project of revised creative pieces generated over the term accompanied by an artist’s statement.

This rigorous one-week course is designed to teach students the essential techniques of short story writing by contextualizing the form throughout history—from Edgar Allan Poe to James Baldwin, to contemporary practitioners, including Joy Williams and Jhumpa Lahiri. By encountering the work of renowned authors from a writer’s perspective, students will utilize the 5 key elements of the short story—plot, character, setting, conflict, and theme—to arrive at what is finally a common goal: to make readers feel through original, compelling, and climactic prose. 

Students will share their writing in a workshop setting and receive in-depth feedback from both their peers and the instructor. The course includes asynchronous work, which students are expected to complete between class sessions. Not only does this course impart a greater understanding of what it means to write short stories, but it will also help students become stronger writers through the use of economized and well-crafted language.

This foundational course, adapted from Columbia's MFA in Writing program, serves as a generative exploration of the creative writing process. Students receive instruction in key genres, idea generation, creation and development of drafts, and basic revision and editing skills. 

Through frequent and diverse readings and writing exercises, students hone elements of craft through the development of voice, imagery, characterization, dialogue, rhythm, and narration. Students work in poetry, prose, fiction, and creative nonfiction. Works produced by acclaimed writers, as well as by students in the class, form the basis of discussion in the workshop process.

A range of technical and imaginative concerns will be introduced through exercises and discussions, where students will produce their own writing for the critical analysis of the class. Students will begin to develop the critical skills that will allow them to read like writers and understand, on a technical level, how accomplished creative writing is produced.

"As it has been said: Love and a cough cannot be concealed. Even a small cough. Even a small love." —Anne Sexton

Of all central themes that have endured through time, most scholars would likely agree that love is the most favored through centuries of literature. But why? What compels humans to write of romance, of love both lost and found? 

Students will study excerpts from great works of literature in multiple genres that center on love and what comes of it. After completion of the course, students will be able to identify and discuss key examples of love in literature and why these stories survive the ages. 

In addition to assigned texts, students will write their own creative pieces, which will be workshopped by both their peers and the instructor. The course culminates in a final creative project accompanied by an artist’s statement. 

In this course we explore modern literature from early pioneers such as Dostoevsky, Dickinson, and Rimbaud through to the full-fledged modernism of Kafka, Woolf, and Hemingway, and beyond to the Harlem Renaissance, the Beats, and magical realism. We focus mainly on short fiction and poetry but may also look at excerpts from some longer works.

We consider not only the meanings of the works but also what it is about how they are written and constructed that gives them their power. While our approach is grounded in close reading and formal analysis, we also consider historical context and pay attention to how literature sounds and makes us feel.

Modern literature has had close ties to trends in visual art, music, theater, and film and so we may look at works from these other art forms and how they reflect back on written texts. The course also includes a field trip to the Museum of Modern Art.

Course participants are expected to contribute actively to class discussion, write a number of informal reaction pieces, engage in a few short creative projects, and deliver oral presentations on works of their own choosing.

Students learn how to read actively, think analytically, present their ideas effectively (both orally and in written form), and collaborate with their peers—all skills that will be invaluable to them in college and in their personal and professional lives. They also gain an understanding of and appreciation for modern literature.

No previous knowledge or course work is required.

This course is designed for students who want to engage in lively debate on a philosopher's ideas, closely read primary texts, and investigate how philosophical concepts are present in our experiences today. In the process of delving into key philosophical texts about love, human excellence, and existential freedom, course participants are familiarized with the basic methodology of philosophical enquiry.

We begin by reading and discussing Plato's Symposium and Aristotle's Nicomachean Ethics, their respective treatises on love and moral character (virtue ethics). Students debate questions related to the dialogue on love that Plato develops through the voice and character of Socrates. What is love and what does it mean to be a lover of wisdom—a philosopher? In the Ethics, students discuss the topic of human excellence and seek to answer how humans should best live their lives. In a practical sense, what is the purpose of human life and what is the ultimate goal of human endeavor? Why does Aristotle consider friendship a virtue, an excellence one must pursue if one wants a good life, Eudaemonia?  

Having established the classical foundations, we move into the 20th Century and begin a dialogue and exploration of ideas on existential freedom, choice, and responsibility. We begin with readings to explore the ideas of determinism and indeterminism associated with various philosophies of freedom. Specifically, we focus on the foundational works of Jean-Paul Sartre’s concept of existential freedom found in Being and Nothingness and Soren Kierkegaard’s religious freedom from Fear and Trembling, which Donald Palmer introduces in Does the Center Hold? An Introduction to Western Philosophy. This introduction serves as the foundation students need in order to grasp the idea of existential freedom articulated in the essays that make up Albert Camus' seminal work The Myth of Sisyphus. Through this lens students will debate whether it is practical to attempt to live an existential life and how philosophers as diverse as Nietzsche, Camus, and Sartre would define that life.

In addition to the readings, participants will have an opportunity to critique film and other art forms that present interpretations of existential themes. 

How is the mind related to the brain? Are sensations, beliefs, and desires immaterial or physical states? What are the different types of consciousness and how, if at all, are they related? How do we know that beings besides ourselves possess mentality? Can robots possess minds?

We explore these questions via a philosophical analysis of a number of attempts to explain the nature of the mind and mentality. The course begins with dualist attempts to characterize the mind as a non-physical soul that possesses immaterial mental states such as beliefs and hopes, and proceeds to an investigation of recent efforts to understand the mind and mentality as physical phenomena. Some historically influential answers to the question what is a mind and what is mentality? are critically assessed, including (i) substance dualism, (ii) mind-brain identity theory, and (iii) functionalism. In the latter part of the course, issues such as the nature of consciousness as well as how to make sense of the causal efficacy of mentality are discussed.

Course readings include such influential works as René Descartes’s Meditations on First Philosophy, J.J.C. Smart's "Sensations and Brain Processes,” Hilary Putnam’s “The Nature of Mental States,” and Thomas Nagel’s “What is it Like to be a Bat?” Course activities include class debates, group presentations, the designing of thought experiments, critical writing exercises, and close textual analysis.

The broad goal of the course is to sharpen students’ analytical reading and writing skills, while the more specific objectives are to give them a solid understanding of issues in the philosophy of mind as well as an understanding of the methods of philosophy.

Many have heard of the trolley problem, a problem that involves a runaway trolley about to cause devastating results. But the trolley problem is more complex and daunting than just a single scenario involving a runaway trolley, and the proposed solutions to this problem not only reflect this greater complexity, but also illustrate some of the more ingenious, creative thoughts contemporary ethicists have had about rightness and wrongness.

In this course, we will work to solve the real trolley problem, as well as address some of the most challenging, fundamental questions in moral philosophy. Such questions include: (i) Is moral rightness and wrongness entirely based on what people believe is morally right or wrong? (ii) If, contra moral nihilists, all value is not baseless, how do we know whether things have value and what type of value they have? And (iii) Are there mind-independent moral properties that make actions right or wrong, and if there aren't, what does make an action right or wrong? Working to answer such questions will not only help us better understand the nature of morality but will also provide the background and training needed to resolve ethical debates that take front and center in our contemporary times. Such debates include disagreement about immigration, hate crime legislation, free speech, universal healthcare, and abortion.

In addition to serving as an introduction to contemporary moral philosophy, this course will also serve as an introduction to philosophy. Students will not only acquire a background in ethics, but will also learn what philosophy is. More broadly, by taking this course, students will sharpen their critical reasoning, writing skills, and debating skills, skills that will serve them well in disciplines that require a high-level of analytic thinking, which, arguably, is every discipline.

Why do we still read the Odyssey almost three thousand years after it was composed? Why is Shakespeare considered to be so important? What makes great literature great? Is it still being written today? Does literature still matter? Can it be important to our lives?

We explore these questions by looking closely at and thinking deeply about classics of world literature in a variety of genres and from various historical periods. Some of the authors we may cover include Homer, Sappho, Du Fu, Hafez, Shakespeare, Emily Dickinson, Tolstoy, Kafka, Hemingway, James Baldwin, and Sheila Heti. While our approach is grounded in close reading and formal analysis, we also pay attention to how literature sounds, how it makes us feel, and whether it has personal relevance to us.

We will occasionally look at art forms such as painting, music, and film to see how “greatness” works in other media; and the class will include a field trip to the Metropolitan Museum of Art. 

Course participants are expected to contribute actively to class discussion, write a number of informal reaction pieces, engage in a few short creative projects, and deliver oral presentations on works of their own choosing.

Students learn how to read actively, think analytically, present their ideas effectively (both orally and in written form), and collaborate with their peers—all skills that will be invaluable to them in college and in their personal and professional lives.

No previous knowledge or course work is required.

This course provides a foundational understanding of journalism, covering its history, contemporary practices, and essential skills. Students will learn journalistic writing, interviewing techniques, news gathering, and research. Emphasis is placed on media ethics, responsibility, and critical analysis of news. 

The course will also explore the principal ethics of journalism, using real world examples of sensationalism, diversity, bias, and current and historical events. This course will also include guest speakers from experts in the field. Students will engage with practical exercises of how to write a feature story, highlighting their knowledge of form, style, and methods acquired over the course of three-weeks. By the end of the course, students will have the skills needed for effective storytelling in today's dynamic media landscape.

The exciting field of sports journalism blends a passion for sports with writing, reporting, and broadcasting. Through this survey-style course, students will be introduced to different areas of the profession, and practice the necessary skills to be successful in a sports journalism role. Beginning with the foundations of looking at sports as a business and relaying details of a game/players to different audiences, students will begin analyzing sports through a non-spectator lens. Students will work through different areas of sports journalism, including covering sports “beats”, how to intersect sports with society, broadcasting, and interviewing. Additionally, students will practice their new-found skills through real-world exercises and real-time games by participating in various on-site field trips and/or guest lectures. By the end of the course, students will have a better understanding of what this profession entails, and an acumen for the tasks required for a successful career in sports.

This is a course designed for students interested in law, government, and politics. It examines a wide range of contemporary issues subject to constitutional interpretation, introducing students to the constitution, the fundamental concepts of constitutional law, the role of the courts, and the legal limitations on governmental policy making.

Students discuss and analyze topics including separation of powers, federalism, freedom of speech, affirmative action, the death penalty, gun control, civil rights, and abortion. They are exposed to current constitutional challenges and are given the opportunity to explore the relationship between law and society, including through the experiences of guest speakers or field trips. 

Students develop skills that enable them to read and interpret Supreme Court decisions, which serve as the basis for class discussion. Debates and Moot Courts call on students to develop persuasive arguments in defense of their positions, thereby sharpening reasoning and analytical skills.

Students should have “business casual” outfits for potential field trips and may need identification (ID card, drivers license, or passport) for entry.

Due to the sensitive nature of possible content and material covered in this course, it is recommended that students should only register if they have the maturity, and willingness to engage thoughtfully with challenging topics.

The legal profession is remarkably vast and wide. Within it, prospective law students have a variety of exciting opportunities to explore. Through this course, students will acquire a realistic understanding of a career in law and become well-versed in the academic steps and important skills needed to be successful. This course will begin by examining what it’s like to be a lawyer, including the preparation involved (college pathways, the LSAT, and attorney licensing requirements). Then, students will practice key skills needed in the profession, including legal writing, secondary research, and public speaking through in-class activities and homework assignments. By the end of the course, students will have a better sense of if a career in law is the right fit for their career goals and have a new-found confidence in their ability to navigate this ever-growing field. 

This course is recommended for students interested in pursuing a legal studies major in college, attending law school and/or a future career in law. 

Due to the sensitive nature of possible content and material covered in this course, it is recommended that students should only register if they have the maturity, and willingness to engage thoughtfully with challenging topics.

Are human rights still relevant in promoting social justice and freedom in the 21st Century? Human rights law and advocacy have been central to international politics since the end of World War II. However, recent rises in authoritarianism and anti-liberal regimes have raised new questions on whether the human rights framework is still capable of addressing injustices in the modern world. This course introduces students to the law and practice of human rights as well as the challenges of enforcing rights in an international environment that has grown increasingly hostile to principles of human dignity and personal freedom.

Students review the philosophical foundations of human rights and then examine human rights from two perspectives. First, the legal perspective introduces them to basic principles and rules of international law and the main international organizations and mechanisms designed for promoting and enforcing human rights. Second, they adopt the role of social scientist. We debate evidence on the effectiveness of human rights law and discuss challenges of enforcing rights in an international system in which states are not accountable to a higher authority.

Students apply their new knowledge to the problems facing human rights today. Topics may include cultural relativist critiques of human rights as a Western, neo-colonialist institution, challenges from new technologies in state surveillance and autonomous weapons, and existential threats to human populations through climate change and environmental damage. The course includes asynchronous work, which students are expected to complete between class sessions.

Students should have “business casual” outfits for potential field trips and may need identification (ID card, drivers license, or passport) for entry.

Due to the sensitive nature of possible content and material covered in this course, it is recommended that students should only register if they have the maturity, and willingness to engage thoughtfully with challenging topics.

This course provides students with a comprehensive introduction to the legal framework that governs the creation, operation, and dissolution of business organizations. We’ll explore the different types of business entities—such as sole proprietorships, partnerships, and corporations—and learn how to select the right entity based on specific business needs. Students will also examine the legal issues that arise throughout a business’s lifecycle, from formation to operation to termination, including contracts, liabilities, and disputes.

Throughout the course, we’ll evaluate the legal responsibilities of key stakeholders, including agents, partners, and corporate officers and directors, and how their actions impact a business's success or failure. We’ll also propose legal terms to be included in essential business documents, such as articles of incorporation, partnership agreements, and bylaws, to address common organizational challenges. By the end of the course, students will have a broad understanding of how businesses function from a legal perspective. 

No prior knowledge of law is required, though a general understanding of business concepts will be helpful.

Due to the sensitive nature of possible content and material covered in this course, it is recommended that students should only register if they have the maturity, and willingness to engage thoughtfully with challenging topics.

This course is designed to give students an opportunity to explore substantive criminal law and its attendant legal issues. The course provides students with a foundation to examine the structure, policies, interpretation, and application of criminal law. Students evaluate the fairness and morality of punishments, analyze and apply legal defenses and contemplate basic elements of crimes such as homicide, robbery, and assault, to inchoate crimes like attempt and conspiracy, to crimes against property. Participants also learn to recognize the primary sources of criminal law in the US, and probe the boundaries of statutory law as imposed by state and federal constitutions.

Due to the sensitive nature of possible content and material covered in this course, it is recommended that students should only register if they have the maturity, and willingness to engage thoughtfully with challenging topics.

Knowledge of law and legal process can be used as a tool to address issues of social justice. Whether a lawyer or a layperson, there is opportunity for individuals to engage in advocacy, whether on behalf of a single battered woman or in support of displaced refugees. In this course, which focuses primarily on the legal system in the United States, we:

• Survey the fundamentals of substantive law, such as criminal law, constitutional law, property law, contract law, and torts.
• Explore legal procedure as a means to enhance – or frustrate – justice.
• Look closely at successful litigation and political movements as means of bringing about social change.
• Meet legal practitioners in a variety of advocacy areas who share how they use the law to achieve the ends of justice.
• Visit pertinent sites such as the New York County Criminal Court, the District Attorney’s Office (inspiration for Law and Order) or the United Nations Headquarters.

Case studies come from areas such as civil rights, environmental protection, criminal justice, immigration policy, international human rights, family law, and animal rights.

Participants should be willing to dedicate several hours per week on case law readings, drafting of briefs, and related mock trial/moot court preparation. At the conclusion of the course, students, working in groups, produce a strategic advocacy project for addressing an issue of interest to them from among the subjects addressed in the course.

Familiarity with the fundamentals of American government is recommended. Students should have “business casual” outfits for field trips and may need identification (ID card, drivers license, or passport) for entry.

Due to the sensitive nature of possible content and material covered in this course, it is recommended that students should only register if they have the maturity, and willingness to engage thoughtfully with challenging topics.

This course focuses on reading case law and interpreting the underlying laws, the research and reasoning that underlie solid legal arguments, and legal writing, while also giving students an inside look at the practice of law today. The course is structured like a traditional introductory first-year law school class.

Students learn first to use the methods and tools of legal reasoning and research, which they marshal to create effective, persuasive, and sophisticated written legal arguments. Once they have a foundation in legal research, reasoning, and writing, they are given an in-depth look at various types of law through interactive sessions with practicing lawyers, via guest speakers and/or field trips (in-person only) to law firms. They learn how to problem solve using the lawyer’s toolbox and how to analyze legal sources and develop legal arguments based on and supported by the law and cases we research.

In-class drafting and public speaking exercises strengthen participants’ reasoning, argumentation, and writing skills while introducing them to various types of legal work.

Students with strong writing skills will be most prepared for this course. Debate experience is helpful but not required.

Students should have “business casual” outfits for potential field trips and may need identification (ID card, drivers license, or passport) for entry.

Due to the sensitive nature of possible content and material covered in this course, it is recommended that students should only register if they have the maturity, and willingness to engage thoughtfully with challenging topics.

Neuroscience and the law are inextricably linked. Every day, new learning behavior and decision-making discoveries are impacting how lawyers do their jobs. Through this highly discussion-based course, students will explore how understanding the science of human mental processing is imperative to being able to prosecute - or defend - a person’s actions. Specifically, students will work through challenging case studies, medical journals, and court decisions that illustrate the challenges and complexities in trying to assign culpability. Additionally, students will practice critical thinking and argumentation skills on a variety of relevant topics through in-class debates and activities. By the end of the course, students will acquire a comprehensive skill set for further inquiry, and a new-found appreciation for how assessing human behavior is imperative to a successful career in law. 

This course is recommended for students with a strong interest in the social sciences and/or law. No prior knowledge of psychology, neuroscience, or law is required. 

Due to the sensitive nature of possible content and material covered in this course, it is recommended that students should only register if they have the maturity, and willingness to engage thoughtfully with challenging topics.

Conflict is a part of life. Most people do not like conflict because they usually do not resolve their conflicts well and so they develop a distaste for it. There are also ways to constructively engage in conflict that lead to better quality outcomes and relationships. In this course, students learn basic concepts about conflict resolution so that they can develop a deeper and broader understanding of conflict dynamics. There are many types of conflicts and in this course the students focus on learning more about their interpersonal conflicts with others. They learn skills so they will be able to more constructively resolve their interpersonal conflicts toward win-win outcomes.

These goals are achieved by students developing more self-awareness as to the types of conflict styles they tend to use as their “default” approach. They become more aware of their “hot buttons” and the types of behaviors and situations that cause them to become embroiled in a conflict situation. In addition to learning more about their own habits, they apply these concepts and skills to better understand others around them. By developing more empathy and understanding of others, students are able to reduce the number, types, and intensity of their interpersonal conflicts.

The course is primarily experiential and interactive so students learn by doing and reinforce their learning through immediate application. There are role-plays, simulations, discussions, presentations, film analyses, and other activities designed to enhance learning of the identified concepts and skills.

Due to the sensitive nature of possible content and material covered in this course, it is recommended that students should only register if they have the maturity, and willingness to engage thoughtfully with challenging topics.

This course examines the United States Supreme Court and several of the major social and legal issues over which it has jurisdiction. Beginning with a brief introduction on how cases are heard by the Supreme Court, we proceed to a wide-ranging look inside America's most hotly debated cases and the issues that shape them. Covering both the substantive and the procedural law, students learn how to identify legitimate arguments for and against each topic and gain an understanding of constitutional challenges and limitations.

Topics under consideration may include privacy rights, freedom of speech, LGBTQ rights and the determination of sex and gender, the death penalty, legalization of marijuana, voting rights, gun control, and coronavirus-related issues. The course includes asynchronous work, which students are expected to complete between class sessions.

Due to the sensitive nature of possible content and material covered in this course, it is recommended that students should only register if they have the maturity, and willingness to engage thoughtfully with challenging topics.

Preparing for trial is one of the most important jobs of a lawyer. And, it’s not easy: Success in the courtroom requires a deep understanding of the trial process, as well as sophisticated skills in evidence analysis, argumentation, and relationship management with all involved parties (law enforcement, witnesses, experts, the judge, their client, other attorneys, etc.). Performing well in the courtroom takes both study and practice and through this course, students will gain hands-on experience in both preparing for - and simulating - a trial. Students will begin by learning about the particulars of the United States Legal System and trial logistics, including how to navigate different parts of the proceedings. After learning the fundamentals, students will practice analyzing and validating evidence, developing strategy and arguments, and preparing clients and witnesses. The course will conclude with students practicing their new-found skills by preparing for a mock trial. 

This course is recommended for students with a high interest in pursuing a major in legal studies and/or going to law school. Please note that this course is highly participatory. By signing up, students should be prepared to engage in regular debates, presentations, and to be called on by the instructor to share thoughts and opinions regularly. Prior coursework in debate, argumentation, or intro to law is helpful, but not required. 

Students should have “business casual” outfits for potential field trips and may need identification (ID card, drivers license, or passport) for entry.

Due to the sensitive nature of possible content and material covered in this course, it is recommended that students should only register if they have the maturity, and willingness to engage thoughtfully with challenging topics.

The fascinating field of forensic psychology is at the intersection between criminal justice and science. Working as a forensic psychologist takes advanced training in understanding the criminal mind and the motivations behind behavior. Through this introductory course, students will explore the psychological principles, research methods, legal decision making, and behaviorism behind criminal investigations. Throughout the session, students will work through case studies and news stories illuminating key concepts and will become well versed in key vocabulary, theories, and frameworks that practitioners use every day in their roles. With a focus on foundational concepts of criminal justice, this course will be a strong entry point into psychology, legal studies, social work, or criminal justice majors and professions.

Due to the sensitive nature of possible content and material covered in this course, it is recommended that students should only register if they have the maturity, and willingness to engage thoughtfully with challenging topics.

Throughout our lives, in every role we play, persuasion plays a critical part. In the fields of sales and marketing, the connection is obvious, but when we apply to schools and interview for jobs our ability to frame our capabilities comes into play. The work of trial lawyers may clearly require the ability to influence judges and juries, but teachers, engineers, managers – people in every line of work – at some point need to convince others of a different way of thinking. Even in our personal lives, there are times when we want to change others’ minds.

In this course, students will – through reading, lecture, discussion, exercises, and activities -- learn the art, science and practical techniques used by the most successful marketers and salespeople. Over the course of the term, we will cover broad themes that inform all communication (e.g., motivators, language, storytelling, etc.), as well as best practices specific to each approach (written communication, phone, meetings, speeches, et al). To enrich the experience, guest speakers from various industries will join the class to share real-world insights and applications of persuasive communication.

Have you ever wondered how companies make commercials, how many thousands of ads you see in a single day, why Procter & Gamble sells 12 brands of detergent, or why you buy what you buy?

This course answers these questions and many more as students explore the various strategies used by companies to communicate with the consumer. Through selected readings including marketing texts, case studies, and current news articles, students acquire a general background in marketing, advertising, and public relations. The course includes asynchronous work, which students are expected to complete between class sessions.

Digital media has surpassed television to become the most important way for marketers to reach and influence consumers. While television advertising represents just one method of affecting consumer sentiment (video ads), digital is far more complex, offering video, search, social, email, and more.

In this introductory course, students will learn how marketers leverage digital media to promote and sell products. Students will come to understand the inner workings of multiple digital media platforms (e.g., search, video, display, gaming, et al.) and the strategies and tactics marketers employ to influence consumers. In addition, students will explore the ethics of big data and privacy, as well as develop an understanding of how marketers use digital media to influence consumers.

The course culminates with a final project presentation which allow students to put into practice topics and theories about digital media and advertising covered during the course.

This course has no prerequisites and is appropriate for anyone interested in the fields of marketing and media, as well as those interested in the topic of persuasion and how corporations influence consumer behavior.

Behind any successful marketing plan, stand the four pillars of the marketing mix: product, price, placement, and promotion. Looking closely at each element, students will engage in an introductory study of the four Ps, delving into the theory and practice behind its application. 

Through selected readings, including marketing texts, case studies, and current news articles, students will look closely at the marketing mix in action, examining what strategies lead to a lucrative and successful marketing plan. By the end of the course, students will be able to identify the key elements of the marketing mix structure, apply methods for market research, and craft their own introductory marketing plans, utilizing the basic principles of the four Ps.  

The ability to skillfully influence and persuade others is the key to success in business, civic engagement, and politics. The primary goal of the course is to help prepare students to organize and present information in compelling and concise ways. While the art and science of persuasion has a long history, recent breakthroughs in the field of Generative A.I. are poised to completely upend traditional approaches to the creation and targeting of persuasive messages. The effective use of A.I. as a technology of influence, however, requires an understanding of both the social psychological foundations of persuasion, and a basic knowledge of how A.I. systems work. Toward that end, students who successfully complete this course will gain a solid grounding in how Generative A.I. can be deployed to effectively influence people’s attitudes, opinions, and behaviors in ways designed to optimize specified outcomes. Students will have the opportunity to apply this knowledge through “hands-on” participation in a Team Project, where working in small groups students will build their own persuasive messaging campaigns, utilizing “off the shelf” Generative A.I. tools—e.g., ChatGPT, Dall-E, Bard. Together, through the combination of readings, classroom instruction, group work, and in-class learning activities, the overall objective of the course is to improve student’s ability to apply the principles of A.I.-based persuasion to achieve desired business outcomes, galvanize change, and forge greater civic and political engagement.

Laptops, while not required, are highly recommended for In-Person participants. 

Today’s sports industry generates billions of dollars each year, with a significant portion coming from marketing strategies that connect teams, brands, and fans. In this dynamic and energetic course, we’ll explore how sports organizations use marketing to drive fan engagement, boost ticket sales, and build lasting brand loyalty. From creating unforgettable advertising campaigns to leveraging digital media and sponsorships, you’ll gain firsthand insight into the strategies that power the business of sports.

Throughout the course, you’ll learn key marketing concepts such as branding, fan engagement, and event promotion, while analyzing real-world campaigns from top teams or athletes. You’ll also have the chance to apply these concepts by designing your own marketing plan for a sports team or event. Whether you dream of working in sports management, digital marketing, or event planning, this course will give you the skills and knowledge to understand how sports marketing shapes the industry and influences fans worldwide. By the end of the course, you’ll be ready to create your own sports marketing strategy and appreciate the business side of the game!

This course focuses on theoretical mathematics that is not typically part of a traditional high school curriculum. The course covers a variety of topics including: logic, set theory, number theory and combinatorics. Throughout the course, an emphasis will be placed on proofs and different techniques of proofs, including mathematical induction, direct proof and proof by contradiction. While some applications will be considered, this course will primarily focus on theoretical concepts.

This course is titled A Bridge to Higher Mathematics because it will help teach you the mathematical reasonings and proofs; writing skills that you will need for higher-level university mathematics, and more generally, STEM courses. It will give you a path for learning the skills that you need to succeed in higher-level mathematics.

Is the universe infinite or finite? What is the curvature and overall shape of the space we live in, and how might we detect this? In this course, participants learn how models for topological spaces relate to theories on the shape of the physical universe. Philosophical discussions are informed by pencil and paper computations, experiments with common household materials, and interactive online games and modules.Participants gain, in addition to early exposure to modern content at the intersection of topology and physical cosmology, an appreciation for rigorous mathematical thinking that is motivated not so much by numbers and quantity as by profound questions about the nature of our world.

Designed for aspiring physicists and mathematicians, students will delve into the powerful mathematical tools essential for understanding and solving complex physical problems.

Students will develop an understanding of these methods by learning to model, analyze, conduct theoretical investigations and interpret physical phenomena. Through engaging lectures, hands-on problem-solving, and interactive projects, participants will gain proficiency in applying concepts to real-world scenarios. Emphasis will be placed on developing critical thinking skills and intuition to tackle challenges encountered in theoretical and experimental physics.

This course provides a valuable head start for those planning to pursue studies in physics, engineering, mathematics, or related fields at the collegiate level. 

In this course, you'll explore how statistics plays a crucial role in the world of finance. From understanding how financial markets work to learning how to manage risk and make predictions, this course introduces you to the tools that finance professionals use every day. Whether you're interested in stocks, investment strategies, or risk management, you'll gain a solid foundation in how to analyze financial data and make informed decisions using statistical methods.

Throughout the course, you'll work with real-world financial data, apply statistical techniques like probability and regression, and explore the basics of portfolio management and/or market trends. You’ll also participate in group projects, stock market simulations, and case studies that help bring the theory to life. By the end of the course, you'll not only understand how statistics and finance are connected, but you’ll also have the skills to analyze financial information and even predict future trends. Whether you're considering a career in finance, economics, or data science, this course will give you a head start and a deeper understanding of the power of numbers in the business world.

In this course intended for students who enjoy mathematics and logical reasoning, participants explore innovative ways in which math is used in the real world, in fields such as economics, computer science, media, and the physical sciences. By engaging with challenging practical problems, students hone their independent thinking and problem-solving skills.

Areas covered include the following:

• Graph theory, a topic heavily developed by both mathematicians and computer scientists. We explore algorithmic ways to compute, for example, the optimal path between two points on a map (minimizing cost, time, or another parameter). Another application is minimizing the cost of an electrical network which has to provide power to all residents in a new neighborhood.
• Probability and its numerous applications. We look at how probabilities are applied in economics and in popular media, and examine how they can sometimes be counter-intuitive or even deceptive.
• Various counting methods, combinatorics, and examples of Nash equilibria. We study applications of these techniques in economics (the prisoner's dilemma), computer science (assessing the complexity of an algorithm), finance (loans and investments), and biology (population growth).

Students work individually and in groups to find creative solutions to given problems. Each student also works on a project of his or her own choosing, on a topic about which he or she is passionate.

Dive into the dynamic world of neuroscience with this course designed to bridge the gap between cutting-edge research methods and rewarding careers in the biomedical field. Students will explore the vast landscape of neuroscience, from the intricacies of neuroimaging and electrophysiological techniques to the frontiers of molecular neuroscience and computational modeling. Each week unveils a new dimension of neuroscience research, paired with experiments and interactive discussions that bring theoretical concepts to life.

Engage in practical activities like designing experiments, analyzing neuroimaging data, and exploring the ethical dimensions of animal models in research. The course incorporates real-time experiments, where you can observe the effects of neuropharmacological agents on neurons, record brain activity, and even delve into neuroprosthetics. This course not only demystifies complex neuroscience methods but also maps out the diverse career paths within the field, from clinical roles to research careers to cross-disciplinary opportunities.

This course is designed for students interested in the science of the brain, including its evolutionary origins, early development, and role in generating behavior. We explore theories and investigate systems that make up the brain from the individual neuron to the entire central nervous system. We also look into how sensation, perception, and decision making work at the physiological level. The course blends historical trends in neuroscience with modern experiments and findings, and touches on major areas of research including animal studies, recording and imaging techniques, computational neuroscience, and neuropharmacology.

In-class small-group exercises, in addition to lectures, allow students to tangibly explore the ideas presented in class. Participants construct various models of the brain, critique professional neuroscientific papers as “peer-reviewers,” and visualize actual neural data with instructor guidance. The course includes asynchronous work, which students are expected to complete between class sessions.

Neuroscience is the study of the neural processes and mechanisms underlying human function and behavior. It is an interdisciplinary field that combines the ideas explored in the field of psychology with the science that governs the brain and body. In order to understand the etiology of disorders such as addiction, post-traumatic stress disorder, and schizophrenia, it is crucial to understand how molecular, cellular, and endocrine changes contribute to disease progression.

In this course, students learn about how the laws of neurons and neurotransmitters direct brain processes. Classes include interactive lectures, discussions, and assignments designed to help students understand the neuroscience of addiction, major depressive disorder, post-traumatic stress disorder, and schizophrenia. Outside of class, students explore case studies of neuropsychiatric disorders so as to fully understand the extent of debilitation and possibilities for recovery. 

Learning and memory are the processes by which we store information about our experiences, which is crucial for our survival. Without learning and memory, we would be unable to acquire basic motor or communication skills, the ability to perform complex reasoning, or social dynamics. Modern neuroscience has made great strides toward understanding how our experiences shape our brains, and how changes in our brains impact behavior.

In this course we explore how our experiences shape who we are, what kinds of changes in the brain are thought to underlie learning and memory, and how learning and memory can contribute to the development of mental health problems such as addiction, depression, or post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD).

Topics to be covered include types of learning and memory, disorders such as amnesias and dementias, an introduction to the cellular and molecular basis of memory formation, and an in-depth examination about how these processes can contribute to mental health problems. We conclude the course with an overview of innovative treatments under development for various disorders, and how learning and memory might play a role in their therapeutic effects. Topics are approached through lecture, group discussion, short videos, interactive web-based activities, and readings.

Students exit the course with a basic understanding of how modern neuroscientists conceptualize and study the processes of learning and memory, and how this research impacts modern mental healthcare.

This course traces knowledge of the universe from astronomy’s ancient roots to the modern study of extrasolar planetary systems, cosmology, and black holes. Topics include Newton’s laws of motion and universal gravitation, Kepler’s laws, orbital dynamics, and space travel. Additionally, students will contemplate the nature of light, the nature of matter, and nuclear physics. This knowledge to will be used to explore the properties of our sun, solar system, further galaxies, the creation of chemical elements, and the expansion of the universe. By the end of the course, students will be prepared to explore dark energy and the fate of the universe as we know it.

From climate change to resource management, today’s environmental challenges call for creative, interdisciplinary solutions. This course invites students to explore what it means to build a sustainable future that balances human needs with the health of our planet.

Using a systems-thinking approach, students investigate the interconnectedness of ecosystems, food systems, energy systems, and the built environment. Through interactive lectures, hands-on lab activities, and design-based projects, students will examine topics such as ecological restoration, regenerative agriculture, energy-efficient design, and sustainable transportation. Field experiences bring these ideas to life through visits to locations such as the Hudson River, the Billion Oyster Project, vertical farms, and examples of green architecture. Students conduct water and air quality testing, experiment with renewable energy through projects like solar cars and water wheels, and collaborate on case studies that analyze real-world strategies for sustainability.

By the end of the course, students gain practical insight into how science, engineering, and social systems can work together to design a more resilient and sustainable world.

Is the universe infinite or finite? What is the curvature and overall shape of the space we live in, and how might we detect this? In this course, participants learn how models for topological spaces relate to theories on the shape of the physical universe. Philosophical discussions are informed by pencil and paper computations, experiments with common household materials, and interactive online games and modules.Participants gain, in addition to early exposure to modern content at the intersection of topology and physical cosmology, an appreciation for rigorous mathematical thinking that is motivated not so much by numbers and quantity as by profound questions about the nature of our world.

Do rats laugh? Do dogs pretend? Can birds use tools? While it has traditionally been assumed that animals are not capable of thoughts, emotions, or anything comparable to human intelligence, researchers working with animals from rats and bats to wolves and whales now have an impressive and growing body of evidence, both scientific and anecdotal, that strongly challenges those earlier suppositions.

This course surveys the fascinating field of cognitive ethology—the study of animal minds—and explores questions of what animals think and feel, the complexity of their thought, and the depth of their emotions. Students examine cutting-edge research from fields such as cognitive neuroscience, psychology, endocrinology, and ethology that support the theoretical ideas first proposed by Darwin, who is often credited as the first scientist to seriously study the emotional lives of animals. Darwin’s ideas were later advanced by Donald Griffen, the “father of cognitive ethology,” whose big questions about animal consciousness laid the groundwork for the explosion of research we see today. What we are learning about animal sentience is transforming our understanding of non-human animals, creating impetus for new research into how they experience the world, each other, and possibly themselves.

In this seminar-style class, students read and discuss the research of ethologists such as Marc Bekoff, Konrad Lorenz, James Gould, Jane Goodall, Franz De Waal, and E.O Wilson. These pioneering researchers fundamentally changed our understanding of the animal mind, shedding new light on the extraordinary and diverse abilities of our fellow species to learn, problem-solve, use tools, express emotions, and even mourn their dead. What’s more, we are learning that animals communicate complex information in ways we could never have imagined.

A field excursion to the Wolf Conservation Center offer participants an opportunity to observe animal behaviors up close, emulate observation techniques used by scientists in the field, and speak to experts about their research. This first-hand experience provides context for the material covered in class, and gives rise to important questions and rich, stimulating discussions. Students also have an opportunity to explore the broad array of academic and career paths that relate to cognitive ethology, including evolutionary biology, animal behavior, conservation biology, psychology, philosophy and ethics, cognitive neuroscience, science writing, and animal law.

Course requirement include assigned readings of scientific literature and excerpts from books on animal cognition, daily participation in class and small-group discussions, and a final project that demonstrates students’ understanding of the course concepts and content.

Laptops are required for this course.

Chemistry, the central science, is the science of molecules and bonds. Its signature is change in all its manifestations, from geological to instantaneous, and from the cosmological to subatomic. Chemistry provides powerful scientific tools that extend our ability to sense and predict matter’s changes, and stretches the limits of what we know of our universe.

Intensive Modern Chemistry Laboratory is designed for highly motivated students who want to strengthen their understanding of chemistry and current research methods.  Students are expected to attend both the morning and afternoon sessions for this course.  Note that this extended laboratory and class engagement time will restrict student attendance at other events during the program.

Topics for laboratory experiments, data analysis and class discussions have been selected because they stand out as essential themes of current research, illustrate the methods of science, lend themselves to historical development, and highlight the role of chemistry as the central science. Through integrative experiments and collaborative projects, students discover the synthetic and analytic dimensions of chemistry in medicinal, environmental, and materials solutions. Students will simultaneously develop their problem-solving and critical thinking skills.

Formal training includes instrumental methods in spectroscopy, chromatography, and computer simulations with state-of-the-art equipment in the department’s modern laboratories. Guest lecturers, from numerous scientific realms of both academia and industry, round out the program. Students are expected to complete a small research project, prepare a scientific paper and group presentation, and participate regularly in class discussions.

This course introduces students to the mathematical and conceptual foundations that underlie modern physics. Designed for students with interests in physics, mathematics, or engineering, the course emphasizes the powerful analytical and computational tools used to model and interpret physical phenomena.

Through interactive lectures, collaborative problem-solving, and coding-based simulations, students explore essential topics such as probability and statistics in physics, coordinate transformations, complex numbers, Fourier and Laplace transforms, and linear algebraic methods. These tools are applied to real-world systems including oscillations, waves, and circuits. By the end of the course, students will have gained practical experience applying mathematical methods to understand and predict the behavior of the physical world, ultimately building a strong foundation for future study in physics or related STEM fields.

Designed for aspiring physicists and mathematicians, students will delve into the powerful mathematical tools essential for understanding and solving complex physical problems.

Students will develop an understanding of these methods by learning to model, analyze, conduct theoretical investigations and interpret physical phenomena. Through engaging lectures, hands-on problem-solving, and interactive projects, participants will gain proficiency in applying concepts to real-world scenarios. Emphasis will be placed on developing critical thinking skills and intuition to tackle challenges encountered in theoretical and experimental physics.

This course provides a valuable head start for those planning to pursue studies in physics, engineering, mathematics, or related fields at the collegiate level. 

This course delves into the fundamentals of Quantum Computing, bridging the gap between quantum mechanics and its groundbreaking applications in computing. It focuses on developing students’ knowledge and skills in modern quantum technologies with numerous real-world applications. The course will include lectures emphasizing conceptual understanding and problem-solving, as well as essays and group projects to foster collaborative learning.

Topics include:

• Quantum Mechanics Foundations: Understanding quantum states, superposition, entanglement, and the evolution of quantum systems.
• Quantum Bits (Qubits): Exploration of qubits as the basic units of quantum information and their state manipulation.
• Quantum Algorithms: Introduction to key algorithms like Shor's algorithm for factoring and Grover's search algorithm.
• Quantum Computing Models: Study of quantum circuits, quantum gates, and error correction.
• Quantum Technologies: Insight into current quantum computing hardware and future prospects.

This course is designed for motivated high school students who want to expand their knowledge of modern physics and be at the forefront of technological innovation.

What makes the universe tick? At the heart of modern physics lies Einstein’s theory of special relativity—a revolutionary idea that redefined time, space, and energy. From the iconic equation E=mc2 to the strange realities of time dilation and length contraction, this course invites you to explore the concepts that forever changed how we understand the cosmos. Along the way, you’ll see how Einstein’s ideas influence everything from black holes to interstellar travel, laying the groundwork for some of today’s most thrilling scientific discoveries.

In this three-week journey, you will delve into the foundational principles of special relativity, including spacetime, Lorentz transformations, and the interplay between relativity and electromagnetism. You’ll also connect these ideas to larger concepts like the Doppler effect and general relativity, gaining a preview of college-level physics without getting bogged down in heavy mathematics. With thought experiments, interactive discussions, and real-world applications, this course is perfect for students eager to uncover the elegance and mystery of Einstein’s legacy. 

The origin and evolution of the Universe is one of the greatest (and oldest) questions ever asked. In a little over a century, cosmology has matured as a discipline due to improvements in our understanding of fundamental physics and technological advances allowing us to map the Universe in unprecedented detail and perform complex calculations. This course is an introductory review of the field of cosmology for students with a background in physics and math, but not necessarily astronomy.  The course focuses on the field of cosmology, its early history, and its relationships to observational astronomy and particle physics.  We will discuss the observations that led scientists to believe that the Universe is expanding, explanations for the expansion, the origin of the Universe and the evolution of its constituent materials, including dark matter and dark energy.  We will also discuss general relativity and its implications for the structure of the Universe, its history, and predictions regarding astrophysical phenomena such as black holes.  In-class discussions and activities based on primary source research papers will complement in-class problem solving and supplemental readings.

Each year cybercriminals steal hundreds of billions of dollars’ worth of information from major companies and vital national security secrets from governments, while terrorist organizations leverage cyber-networks for distributing their media and recruiting. It is imperative to nurture the next generation of intelligence professionals to understand the cyber-threat landscape given its ubiquitous impact on our daily lives.

In this course participants are exposed to cyber-threat intelligence as a discipline and its function in providing decision-makers with the support they need to stay abreast of evolving security challenges. Case studies on advanced persistent threat (APT) groups and large cybercrime networks are examined so as to better understand their tactics, techniques, and procedures (TTPs); their successes; and their shortcomings. Further, we look at technology’s evolution and how it is integrated into our lives along with the likely future threat landscape that accompanies these technologies.

Threat intelligence encompasses more than the government, considering all private companies are reliant on technology and have their own threat intelligence teams, so this course focuses on both the public and private sectors.

Course readings cover the topics of intelligence, analysis, advanced persistent threat groups, cybercriminals, terrorist organizations, and the different methods these actors use to conduct their attacks and operations. We discuss these topics in greater depth in class lectures and with guest speakers. Students produce short white papers and work on group presentations in which they represent threat intel teams focusing on particular entities.

Please note, this is not a computer science class and no technical expertise is required.

The course begins by introducing international relations theory and practice, evolves into the evolution of the international order and concludes by discussing great power competition and economic statecraft.

The first half of the course presents theoretical and practical frameworks for understanding international politics and the policy decisions that shape global outcomes. It considers major international trends, such as the rise and fall of great powers, cooperation and conflict between states, and the influence of non-state actors on security, economics, and politics. With an emphasis on contemporary world affairs, it also explores the institutions, interests, ideas, and personalities behind international events. Foundational knowledge will be conveyed by looking at key historical events and the evolution of theoretical concepts that frame our understanding of international relations and informs policy. Each class meeting will use illustrative historical/contemporary cases to link theory to real world policy formation and execution.

The second half of the course, which builds on the material covered in part I, examines challenges to the current global order in a world of growing political, economic and military competition. We will examine the rise of great power competition among the United States, China and Russia and use of economic statecraft as a principle tool to advance each country’s interest. This part of the course examines each of these actors from an economic viewpoint, proceeding from the premise that a national economic base provides the resources from which these nations provide for domestic living standards while at the same time resourcing their national security objectives. The course provides an overview of each nation in context to its regional and the world economy. The course will examine contemporary and projected trends for each nation and relate these to security and strategy.

This is designed as an economics course for those who are interested in international relations but who do not have a deep knowledge of macro-economics. The instructor will familiarize students with basic macroeconomic concepts and provide a framework for inquiry which the course will apply to each of the actors. The course will then draw conclusions for strategy and decision makers.

Due to the sensitive nature of possible content and material covered in this course, it is recommended that students should only register if they have the maturity, and willingness to engage thoughtfully with challenging topics.

This course explores the central political, economic, and social ideologies of the modern world, including capitalism, socialism, communism, liberalism, populism, and nationalism. We ask what principles define these ideologies, how these ideologies intersect with democracy, and how they produce and require different meanings and understandings of key concepts such as freedom, equality, justice, and citizenship.

Starting with an extended focus on capitalism and liberal democracy, students investigate the origins and key beliefs of each ideology and think about the pros and cons of various systems of governance and social control. Our goal is not to proclaim any one ideology as superior, but to more deeply understand different ways of thinking about politics and society that have shaped the past and present, and that offer us possibilities for the future. In the process, class participants become more reflective about and aware of their own convictions, and better able to articulate and defend such convictions in speech and writing with thoughtfulness, precision, insight, and persuasive force.

Course materials include excerpts from classic and contemporary political theory texts, as well as newspaper and magazine articles and film clips. Students draft and revise personal ideology statements and participate in debates in which they marshal ideas from the sources studied to justify and defend their positions.

The course also includes guest speakers representing various ideological positions. Students are encouraged to engage in serious dialogue with and pose difficult questions of these guests, probing what they believe and why.

The morning sessions are generally devoted to helping students achieve a firm grasp of the theoretical and factual arguments found in the readings, through a combination of presentations by the instructor and class discussion. The afternoon sessions allow students to put these theories and facts to work in written and oral form, working both individually and in small groups to develop arguments and debate controversial political questions.

By the end of the three weeks, students are equipped with not only a deeper understanding of the competing political and economic ideologies that shape the modern world, but also with the tools to make, understand, and critically evaluate claims of all kinds—tools which should serve them well both in their future studies and as future citizens and leaders.

Due to the sensitive nature of possible content and material covered in this course, it is recommended that students should only register if they have the maturity, and willingness to engage thoughtfully with challenging topics.

This course considers the relationship between wealth and democracy, in theory, in history, and in practice today. Topics investigated include the following: political and legal debates about campaign finance reform from the late 20th century to the present, including whether money is speech and whether campaigns should be publicly financed; the role of the wealthy in American politics as candidates and as donors/funders; and the nature and problem of political corruption.

Readings are drawn from philosophers and political theorists, contemporary studies of the impact of wealth on American democracy, and key Supreme Court decisions including Citizens United. Other sources include film excerpts and press accounts. Students also benefit from several guest speakers working on issues pertaining to campaign finance and related issues of money and politics on the local, state, and/or national level.

Morning sessions are generally devoted to helping students achieve a firm grasp of the theoretical and factual arguments found in the readings, through a combination of presentations by the instructor and class discussion. Afternoon sessions allow students to put these theories and facts to work in written and oral form, working both individually and in small groups.

In addition to completing and discussing reading assignments, students write position papers and participate in debates in which they marshal ideas from the sources studied to justify and defend their positions.

Our ultimate goal is not to establish the proper role of money in politics, but to more deeply understand different ways of thinking about wealth and democracy that have shaped the past and present, and that offer us possibilities for the future.

Due to the sensitive nature of possible content and material covered in this course, it is recommended that students should only register if they have the maturity, and willingness to engage thoughtfully with challenging topics.

This intensive three-week course offers high school students a hands-on, college-level introduction to Anatomy and Physiology, exploring the structure and function of the human body’s major systems. We invite you to explore the wonders of anatomical structures and their physiological functions, and to discover how body systems interact to maintain balance, respond to stress, and support life.

Through interactive lectures, group activities, laboratory investigations, and real-world case studies, students will examine the musculoskeletal, cardiovascular, respiratory, digestive, nervous, and endocrine systems. This course emphasizes the interconnectedness of body systems and encourages critical thinking about health, disease, and performance.

Students will build foundational knowledge in human biology, develop observation and problem-solving skills, and gain experience in a simulated college classroom and lab environment, an ideal primer for future studies in healthcare, sports science, medicine, or biology.

This intensive course takes you inside the science that drives modern medicine, exploring how drugs work at the cellular and molecular level to transform patient care. You’ll follow the complete journey of a drug—from its initial discovery and design, to how it’s administered, to how the body ultimately breaks it down. Along the way, you’ll uncover how drugs alter the activity of their molecular targets to produce therapeutic effects, and investigate essential topics such as drug toxicity, interactions, ethical questions in drug development, and the promises and challenges of next-generation therapies.

Through interactive lectures, small-group problem solving, and case studies, you’ll analyze real-world examples like insulin therapy, aspirin metabolism, opioid treatments, and groundbreaking innovations such as CAR T-cell therapy. The experience culminates in a team-based final project where you apply your new expertise to a specific medical condition and its treatments. 

Nutrition is recognized as essential to the future of medicine, public health, biology, and sustainability. The material in this course introduces students to the fundamentals of nutritional competencies, personalized plant-based diets, and nutrition as therapeutics. 

Beginning with foundations of nutrition science, the class examines macronutrients and micronutrients, USDA guidelines, and major dietary patterns such as USDA MyPlate, the Mediterranean, DASH, MIND, and Planetary Health diets. They then apply this knowledge to nutritional competencies for undergraduate and graduate medical school and training. Finally, the course explores nutrition as a cornerstone of disease therapeutics, highlighting common conditions and evidence-based diets for prevention, management, and treatment. Mini-units invite students to consider diet culture over time and the latest research on precision nutrition, with attention to factors such as genetics, epigenetics, anthropometrics, lifestyle, and disease status. Students will also examine how nutrition impacts physical, cognitive, and mental well-being, alongside contemporary issues such as nutrition and social media, advances in technology, artificial intelligence, and the intersection of nutrition and climate change.  

Designed for motivated high school students, through engaging lectures, interactive discussions, small-group projects, guest speakers and field experiences, this course provides an accessible introduction to human nutrition. Students gain insight into how evidence-based nutrition connects science, healthcare, society, and the built environment, and why it is a key determinant of individual and population health outcomes. It will be of interest to any student eager to understand how nutrition shapes human health and well-being.

Do rats laugh? Do dogs pretend? Can birds use tools? While it has traditionally been assumed that animals are not capable of thoughts, emotions, or anything comparable to human intelligence, researchers working with animals from rats and bats to wolves and whales now have an impressive and growing body of evidence, both scientific and anecdotal, that strongly challenges those earlier suppositions.

This course surveys the fascinating field of cognitive ethology—the study of animal minds—and explores questions of what animals think and feel, the complexity of their thought, and the depth of their emotions. Students examine cutting-edge research from fields such as cognitive neuroscience, psychology, endocrinology, and ethology that support the theoretical ideas first proposed by Darwin, who is often credited as the first scientist to seriously study the emotional lives of animals. Darwin’s ideas were later advanced by Donald Griffen, the “father of cognitive ethology,” whose big questions about animal consciousness laid the groundwork for the explosion of research we see today. What we are learning about animal sentience is transforming our understanding of non-human animals, creating impetus for new research into how they experience the world, each other, and possibly themselves.

In this seminar-style class, students read and discuss the research of ethologists such as Marc Bekoff, Konrad Lorenz, James Gould, Jane Goodall, Franz De Waal, and E.O Wilson. These pioneering researchers fundamentally changed our understanding of the animal mind, shedding new light on the extraordinary and diverse abilities of our fellow species to learn, problem-solve, use tools, express emotions, and even mourn their dead. What’s more, we are learning that animals communicate complex information in ways we could never have imagined.

A field excursion to the Wolf Conservation Center offer participants an opportunity to observe animal behaviors up close, emulate observation techniques used by scientists in the field, and speak to experts about their research. This first-hand experience provides context for the material covered in class, and gives rise to important questions and rich, stimulating discussions. Students also have an opportunity to explore the broad array of academic and career paths that relate to cognitive ethology, including evolutionary biology, animal behavior, conservation biology, psychology, philosophy and ethics, cognitive neuroscience, science writing, and animal law.

Course requirement include assigned readings of scientific literature and excerpts from books on animal cognition, daily participation in class and small-group discussions, and a final project that demonstrates students’ understanding of the course concepts and content.

Laptops are required for this course.

There is a growing interest among high school students in healthcare careers, yet few have structured opportunities to explore medicine before college. This course addresses that gap by combining foundational science with practical clinical reasoning and ethical considerations, helping students understand not only how the body works, but also how clinicians think—all in an accessible online format.

By using real clinical scenarios, evidence-based discussions, and interactive virtual sessions, students see how basic science translates into patient care—making the learning experience applied, memorable, and relevant.

The course aligns with Columbia’s commitment to academic excellence, interdisciplinary learning, and social responsibility by including topics such as health disparities, cultural competence, and ethics.

Students leave with:

• A deeper understanding of human physiology and pathology
• Early exposure to clinical thinking
• Professional insights into careers in medicine and healthcare
• Improved teamwork, presentation, and critical thinking skills

This immersive course introduces high school students to the growing and impactful science of rehabilitation and specifically the field of Physical Therapy. Students will explore how movement science, clinical care, and biomechanics come together to restore function, enhance performance, and improve quality of life across the lifespan. Whether you're interested in sports, healthcare, or human biology, this course provides a strong foundation in how the body heals and adapts through rehabilitation.

Becoming a physician—mastering the intricacies of the human body and working to heal when illness occurs—has long been considered a noble pursuit, but it’s not all guts and glory. It takes a particular kind of mind; one that can focus on the smallest details while keeping the big picture in sight. A doctor must see the forest and the trees.

This course is an investigation into how different types of physicians think within their discipline and what it means to be a doctor in today’s society. The course includes asynchronous work, which students are expected to complete between class sessions.

Potential topics to be discussed include the following:

• Logic and reasoning
• Evidence-based medicine
• Human psychology and its influence
• The crossroads of media, myth, and medicine
• Ethics
• Malpractice
• Medicine's history and future
• Medical School and Residency

Participants gain a deeper knowledge of the medical world as well as what it takes to think like a doctor—and acquire mental tools that can be utilized in any aspect of life. Please note that the field of medicine is far reaching and each class will vary depending on the instructor and their scope of knowledge and work within this vast field.

Modern biology is transforming how we understand ourselves, our environment, and the future of life on Earth. In this course, students explore the core principles of molecular biology, genetics, and evolution, and investigate how these concepts shape advances in medicine, agriculture, and ecology.

Beginning with the structure and function of DNA, RNA, and proteins, students build a foundation for understanding how cells operate and how genetic information drives biological systems. They then apply this knowledge to pressing real-world topics such as genetic engineering, cancer biology, immunology, biotechnology, and virology. Mini-units on bioethics and climate biology invite students to consider the broader implications of scientific discovery, connecting biology to social, historical, and economic contexts.

Through interactive lectures, group discussions, online labs, and multimedia activities, students gain both scientific literacy and insight into how biological innovation influences the world around them.

Please note, this course does not include a wet lab component. 

Approximately a third of the material covered in this course will already be familiar to students who have taken AP Biology.

Have you ever wondered what goes into helping athletes reach their full potential or recover after a life-changing injury? Sports physiology is the science behind movement, endurance, and strength. From personal trainers and exercise physiologists to strength and conditioning coaches, athletic trainers, and even researchers developing cutting-edge technology, sports physiology professionals work on the front lines of human performance and health. Whether you are passionate about fitness, health, or helping others succeed, sports physiology offers countless opportunities to make an impact.

Over three weeks, you will delve into the science of sports and exercise, exploring biomechanics, nutrition, muscle physiology, and the psychology of performance. You will discover how the body adapts to physical activity, the role of recovery and injury prevention, and how innovations like wearable technology and data analysis are transforming the sports industry. From training regimens for elite athletes to health interventions for everyday individuals, you will examine how sports physiologists contribute to improving performance, well-being, and longevity.

By the end of the course, you will have a clear understanding of the foundational principles of sports physiology and the career possibilities it offers. Whether you aspire to work in fitness coaching, athletic training, rehabilitation, or research, this course will give you the knowledge and inspiration to pursue your goals in this dynamic and rewarding field. 

Do you want to make a difference in the world? Social entrepreneurship bridges passion and action, where business principles meet social impact to address today’s most urgent challenges. Can economic growth align with sustainability? How can social entrepreneurs find solutions to climate resilience or help communities in need? In this course, you will dive into these questions, exploring the dynamic balance between fiscal responsibility and social equity in an ever-changing global landscape.

Through a hands-on journey into social entrepreneurship, you will explore key frameworks for turning challenges into opportunities, learning how to design solutions that benefit shareholders and stakeholders to deliver a “triple bottom line”—people, planet, and profit. Through collaborative projects, lively debates, and case studies, you’ll analyze real-world issues and develop strategic approaches that make a lasting impact. 

From climate change to resource management, today’s environmental challenges call for creative, interdisciplinary solutions. This course invites students to explore what it means to build a sustainable future that balances human needs with the health of our planet.

Using a systems-thinking approach, students investigate the interconnectedness of ecosystems, food systems, energy systems, and the built environment. Through interactive lectures, hands-on lab activities, and design-based projects, students will examine topics such as ecological restoration, regenerative agriculture, energy-efficient design, and sustainable transportation. Field experiences bring these ideas to life through visits to locations such as the Hudson River, the Billion Oyster Project, vertical farms, and examples of green architecture. Students conduct water and air quality testing, experiment with renewable energy through projects like solar cars and water wheels, and collaborate on case studies that analyze real-world strategies for sustainability.

By the end of the course, students gain practical insight into how science, engineering, and social systems can work together to design a more resilient and sustainable world.

Socializing is a key part of being human. And, while being social may sound simple, the complexities behind interaction directly impact the world in which we live. Sociology, by definition, is the study of social change, life, and causes of human behavior, and a career in this field can be both challenging and fulfilling. Through this introductory course, students explore foundational concepts in sociology, including literature on socialization, cultural phenomena, urbanization, and inequity. Specifically, students will explore sociological institutions (family, government, etc.), growing concerns of social inequality, and popular theories that impact the world in which we live. By the end of the course, students will be able to appreciate human interaction in a new way, and become empowered to be agents of change themselves. 

This course offers an overview of the field of linguistics, the scientific study of human communication. It will cover the major components of language, including phonology (sound patterns), morphology (word formation), semantics (meaning), and syntax (sentence formation).

Students will examine the essential role communication plays in daily life, and the ways languages can vary by culture and evolve over time. They will explore topics such as dialects, slang, stereotypes associated with different accents, MRI research on language processing in the brain, differences between human and animal communication, taboo words, figurative statements, and the Internet’s impact on “proper” English. The course will also include talks by guest speakers, professionals in their fields who will share their valuable expertise.

Students will act as language scientists for the week, analyzing linguistic phenomena and working with texts, lectures, fieldwork, and videos that demonstrate how language permeates life. Participants in this course gain a deeper understanding of the relevance of linguistics to all career and academic paths, as well as the fascinating insights it can offer into the human experience.