Summer Challenge
Seminars
Below is a list of seminars offered by the 2009 program. This list is subject to change for 2010. Please visit our website on December 15 for the updated 2010 seminar list.
Morning Seminars:
Afternoon Seminars:
Abnormal Psychology
This course investigates the experience and expression of psychological disorders—what it means to be "abnormal" and its effect on peoples’ lives. Students are encouraged to think analytically and challenge their beliefs regarding abnormal behavior and personality. Through dynamic group exercises and discussions, students gain a working knowledge of psychological disorders and an appreciation for the challenges of experiencing mental illness.
Morning Seminar: Sessions 2 & 3
Afternoon Seminar: Sessions 1, 2 & 3
Business: From the Ground Up
Explore fundamental business principles and how they are applied in today’s marketplace. Learn what a business plan is and the importance of developing one to effectively market and finance any new venture. Students work in groups to develop their product ideas.
Morning Seminar: Sessions 1, 2 & 3
Afternoon Seminar: Sessions 2 & 3
Creative Writing
Through reading and discussion, students analyze different styles of writing. In addition, students write original creative pieces and improve their writing skills by discussing their work in class as a group.
Morning Seminar: Sessions 1, 2 & 3
Engineering
Investigation of engineering methods through topical challenges provided by the Smart Lighting Center. Students will investigate and experiment with tools and technologies used in the development of novel LED lighting including its adaptation to applications such as communication and computer networking.
Morning Seminar: Sessions 1, 2 & 3
The History of Boston
Through lectures, discussions, and walking field trips throughout the historical city of Boston, students learn how the city’s writers, thinkers, activists, and citizens have helped define American identity into the twenty-first century. The class considers the American Revolution, Transcendentalism, slavery and abolition, urban politics, and immigration and ethnicity.
Morning Seminar: Sessions 2 & 3
Infectious Diseases
The goal of this course is to give students a basic understanding of the causes, pathology and cures of human infectious diseases, by engaging in lectures and conducting experiments. Specific diseases such as influenza, SARS, AIDS, and cancer are used to to illustrate the mechanisms of human disease. The laboratory component of this course functions as an introductory microbiology lab that allows students to study the morphological and physiological characteristics of microorganisms.
Afternoon Seminar: Sessions 1, 2 & 3
International Politics
This course analyzes in-depth several United States foreign policy case studies through structural, politico-bureaucratic, socio-economic, and individual causes. Students work in groups and participate in class debates to better understand the intricacies of decision making in resolving international conflict situations.
Morning Seminar: Sessions 2 & 3
Introduction to Chinese
This course provides an introduction to both the Chinese language (Mandarin) and culture. Topics include the phonetic system (Pinyin), writing system, and grammar. By the end of the class, students will have learned approximately a hundred characters and basic communicative skills. In addition, the course introduces a variety of cultural aspects, including tourism, history, and the movie industry, among others.
Afternoon Seminar: Sessions 2 & 3
Journalism
This course examines various aspects of journalism, from print to newsreels, television, and the Internet. Through lectures and practical exercises, students learn concepts such as objective versus subjective reporting, features, reviews, photojournalism, ethics, and commentary.
Class time is spent learning the histories of print and electronic media, studying the differences between the two formats, and presenting students’ work.
Morning Seminar: Sessions 1, 2 & 3
Law
Receive an introduction to the United States court system. Learn to read, interpret, and brief a court opinion, as well as discuss the importance and effect of precedent under the common law.
Students have the opportunity to sample the law school experience, to gain fluency in legal vocabulary and procedures, and to engage in mock adjudication sessions.
Afternoon Seminar: Sessions 1, 2 & 3
Mass Communication
Learn about advertising, public relations, journalism, film, and television. Classes focus on the history, current trends, and future of these media in America. Students work in groups on communication-related projects such as the advertising pitch, film analysis, news reporting, and television and print advertising.
Afternoon Seminar: Sessions 1, 2 & 3
Persuasive Writing
Learn persuasive ways to express your thoughts. Write convincing essays with emphasis on research techniques, including the location, evaluation, and synthesis of secondary sources. Explore the special impact of evidence on persuasion as you develop core skills—analysis, argument, and source use—for academic writing and successful college essays.
Afternoon Seminar: Sessions 2 & 3
Topics in Ethics
This course analyzes three topics in ethical theory that are central to our private and public lives: courage, loyalty, and responsibility. Who is truly courageous? To what and whom should we be loyal? For what am I responsible? Our study of selected philosophical works will aim at clarifying the importance of these topics in our everyday lives.
Afternoon Seminar: Sessions 2 & 3
Visual Arts
Through drawing and painting, this course offers students an opportunity to work from observation and memory while exploring the use of representation, color, and abstraction to capture feeling and meaning. On-site drawing experiences at locations around the city and a visit to the Museum of Fine Arts provide inspiration for students
Morning Seminar: Sessions 2 & 3
