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).

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.

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 will 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.