Morning
Seminars:
for a list of the 2009 Summer Challenge seminars. |
Afternoon Seminars:
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.
Business
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.
Creative
Writing
Through reading and discussion, students analyze different styles
of writing. Students write original creative pieces, focused upon
"coming of age," and the work is discussed in class.
Ecology
Engaging in lectures and performing experiments, students study
ecology including population, community, and the ecosystem. In
addition, students explore how our current way of living may impact
our global environment.
International
Politics
This course analyzes in depth several U.S. foreign policy case
studies through structural, politico-bureaucratic, and socio-economic
perspectives. To better understand the intricacies of decision-making
in resolving international conflict situations, students work
in groups and participate in class debates.
Introduction to Chinese
This course gives an introduction to the Chinese language (Mandarin)
and its culture. The topics include the phonetic system (Pinyin),
writing system, and grammar. At the end of the class, students
learn approximately 100 characters and basic communicative skills.
In addition, the course introduces a variety of cultural aspects
which include but are not limited to tourism, the history, and
the movie industry.
Journalism
This course studies various aspect of journalism from print to
newsreels, television, and the internet. Students learn through
lectures and practical exercises, objective versus subjective
reporting, features, reviews, photojournalism, ethics, and commentary.
Class time is spent learning the histories of the print and electronic
media, studying the differences between the two formats, and presenting
students' work.
Law
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 the legal vocabulary and procedures, and to
engage in mock adjudication sessions.
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 a
communication-related project such as an advertising pitch, film
analysis, or print layout.
Persuasive
Writing
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.
The History
of Boston
Through lectures, discussions, readings, and field trips, students
learn how the city's writers, thinkers, activists, and citizens
have helped define American identity into the twenty-first century.
The class considers such topics as the American Revolution, Transcendentalism,
slavery and abolition, urban politics, and immigration and ethnicity.
Visual Arts
This course offers students an opportunity to work from observation
and memory, while exploring the use of representation, color,
abstraction, and expressive drawing and painting to capture feeling
and meaning. A visit to the Museum of Fine Arts, accompanied by
on-site drawing experiences, provides inspiration for students.
