This course is intended for students interested in learning the fundamentals of the innovation and development process that gives rise to ventures in both the commercial and social worlds. Through a combination of real-world examples and hands-on exercises, participants experience the entrepreneurial journey that has given rise to many of today’s venture success stories. Blending theory and practice through interactive lectures, case studies, group work, and visits from experienced entrepreneurs, the course gives students as close to a real life venture creation experience as possible. We cover all the essential aspects to building a successful venture, including creating a business model, customer discovery, product-market validation, in-depth industry and market analysis, product or service innovation, go-to-market strategy, financing, and finally pitching “shark tank” style in front of a group of experts. Working together in teams, participants work through the modules of the venture creation process. For each of the components, they follow a scientific approach whereby they create hypotheses which are then proven or pivoted using experiments and feedback from the instructor, visiting experts, and peers. They learn research methods for formulating well-supported hypotheses, acquire decision-making tools, and develop a deep understanding of how each planning activity fits into formal venture creation. They also practice their articulation skills at regular intervals so that they are ready to present their ventures in the capstone pitch sessions. Upon successful completion of the course, participants will have created fully realizable business models. They will have also honed key professional skills including creative problem-solving, communication and negotiation, project management, financial analysis, and collaborative leadership.
Participants learn the principles of finance - how stocks and bonds are valued, why investments make money, and why investment strategies work. They also gain a solid understanding of portfolio management - how investments are structured and balanced for different objectives. We explore the structure of the financial system - what firms such as investment banks, asset managers, and hedge funds do, both for clients and for the economy. The course connects foundations of economics, both micro and macro, to the foundations of finance and to selecting investments. What is the role of risk in investment? How does the environment of the market and broader world drive the returns on investments? Why have some investments done so well in memorable history? Why have others not done well? How are the winners and losers of past investments explained by the theories? What is the role of traditional investments, such as mutual funds, and of alternative investments, like hedge funds? As the final objective of the course, students generate their own investment strategies and portfolios.
Participants learn the principles of finance - how stocks and bonds are valued, why investments make money, and why investment strategies work. They also gain a solid understanding of portfolio management - how investments are structured and balanced for different objectives. We explore the structure of the financial system - what firms such as investment banks, asset managers, and hedge funds do, both for clients and for the economy. The course connects foundations of economics, both micro and macro, to the foundations of finance and to selecting investments. What is the role of risk in investment? How does the environment of the market and broader world drive the returns on investments? Why have some investments done so well in memorable history? Why have others not done well? How are the winners and losers of past investments explained by the theories? What is the role of traditional investments, such as mutual funds, and of alternative investments, like hedge funds? As the final objective of the course, students generate their own investment strategies and portfolios.
As smartphones and tablets continue to offer increasingly sophisticated capabilities, filmmakers have begun to turn to their mobile devices for both small and feature-scale projects. From Sean Baker’s Sundance feature film,
Tangerine
, to the Oscar-winning feature documentary,
Searching for Sugar Man
, mobile filmmaking has proven to be an exciting and innovative method of filmmaking. Students in this intensive course use their iPhones or iPads to create strong, visually-driven short films with an emphasis on narrative storytelling. In the process, they learn a wide range of elementary film production techniques and build a technical and aesthetic foundation structured around film grammar, story development, script writing, sound, and editing. In the first few days, participants learn the basic principles of mobile cinematography and gain hands-on experience as they progress from equipment assembly to on-set production protocol. They learn how to unlock the filmmaking potential of their mobile phones/tablets while taking on various key roles in the different projects - directing, cinematography, editing, sound – so that each student experiences different facets of film crewing. In the second half of the class, students work together through the stages of production: initial concept, synopsis, treatment, script, storyboards, final shooting, and editing. The instructor provides guidance throughout the process, emphasizing the students’ responsibility for carrying the project from inception to completion. In addition to film production guidance, the instructor provides practical information regarding the film industry and film schools/career paths. On the last day of the class, participants screen their completed films for review. These films can potentially be used for submission to short film festivals and as portfolio pieces for film or art school applications. Students should arrive on the first day of class with short film ideas ready to pitch; the films are made collaboratively as group projects, so we will be able to use only some of the ideas.
This project-based curricular option explores the intersections of economics, policy, and international relations. The goal of the course is to provide students with an introduction to the methods and to significant content areas of global economic policy. We examine how today's world is defined by the power of state governments, non-state actors, and networks of communication, politics, and economic exchange. We also investigate core issues facing the global community, such as growth and inequality, development, the role of corporations, sustainability, and environmental change. The course is designed to introduce core economic concepts through experiential case studies and simulations. We explore the dynamics of corporate board meetings, international negotiations, marketing campaigns, consultancy pitches, and policy-making. Students work in teams to hone their social scientific research, writing, and presentation skills in the creation of original corporate strategy and public policy proposals.
In this beginner-level course, participants use their personal cameras (either iPhones, iPads, or DSLR’s) to create strong, visually-driven short films and video exercises with an emphasis on the foundations of narrative storytelling. They learn a wide range of elementary film production techniques and build a technical and aesthetic foundation structured around film grammar, story development, script writing, sound, and editing.
Students begin by learning the elements of digital filmmaking with video exercises that start off simply at first, adding a new element of filmmaking with each new assignment until they advance to a final film project.
For the final film, students work sequentially through the stages of production: initial concept, synopsis, treatment, script, storyboards, and final shooting and editing. During pre-production they learn how to plan for and realize a short film from concept to shooting script. During production, they coordinate and shoot their script. In post-production, they edit and polish their projects collaboratively, sharing feedback on scripts and cuts.
Classes include both lectures and workshops, in which students thoughtfully critique and learn from each other’s work. Course instructors provide, in addition to guidance on film production, practical information regarding the film industry, film schools, and career paths.
The completed films can potentially be used for submission to short film festivals and as portfolio pieces for film or art school applications.
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. 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.
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. 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.
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. 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.
This course, intended for students with little or no programming experience, provides an intensive introduction to Python, one of the most popular and user-friendly programming languages, and to programming in general. Participants become familiar with fundamental computer science concepts and are challenged through the use of logic games, programming problems, and hands-on assignments to develop logical reasoning and problem-solving skills. Class time alternates between instruction in new concepts and practical exercises in applying these concepts, allowing students ample opportunities to work with algorithms and code. By the end of this course, students should have a solid understanding of variables and user interaction, control flow statements, and using library functions. This knowledge will support them in future ventures in computer science and engineering.
An introductory course designed to develop logical reasoning and computer programming skills through immersion in the fundamentals of Java. Programming projects involving mathematical problems and logic games challenge students to develop their logical reasoning, systematic thinking, and problem-solving skills. Students become familiar with fundamental object-oriented programming concepts, algorithms, and techniques. This course covers an overview of introductory material through hands-on labs and individual and collaborative projects. Labs are carried out in the cross-platform Java environment, which will be set up on students' personal laptop computers.
An introductory course designed to develop logical reasoning and computer programming skills through immersion in the fundamentals of Java. Programming projects involving mathematical problems and logic games challenge students to develop their logical reasoning, systematic thinking, and problem-solving skills. Students become familiar with fundamental object-oriented programming concepts, algorithms, and techniques. This course covers an overview of introductory material through hands-on labs and individual and collaborative projects. Labs are carried out in the cross-platform Java environment, which will be set up on students' personal laptop computers.
What creative possibilities do true stories hold? How can truth telling and storytelling work together? This class helps students build interviewing and reporting skills while learning about journalistic ethics and exploring forms such as feature writing, profiles, op-eds, and audio pieces. Participants read a wide variety of articles and compose a new story draft every night. Through in-class workshops, students develop their skills in ways that allow them to serve as editors and peer readers for each other and for classmates and publications at their home schools.
Courses in creative writing are offered in conjunction with the Writing Program at Columbia University’s School of the Arts. Overseen by Chair of Creative Writing Lis Harris, Professor Alan Ziegler, and Director of Creative Writing for Pre-College Programs Christina Rumpf, the creative writing courses are designed to challenge and engage students interested in literary creation, providing them with a substantial foundation for further exploration of their creative work.
Is it possible that how things “really” or “truly” are is very different from how they appear to us? Could it be, for example, that the “real world” in which we believe ourselves to live is actually a computer program, á la
The Matrix
? If not, then how can we know that this is not the case – what is our evidence or justification for ruling out, with certainty, such a scenario? What, if any, are the implications of skeptical scenarios for more ordinary knowledge – what, if anything, can we, as believers aiming at knowledge, learn from such apparently fantastic and improbable hypotheses? And would it make any ethical difference – would our lives be better or worse off, and in what ways – if we actually are living in the Matrix? In attempting to answer these questions, we read selections from philosophical classics such as Plato’s
Republic
and René Descartes’
Meditations
, as well as articles by contemporary philosophers David Mitsuo Nixon and Jim Pryor. This course has three aims: 1) to introduce students to key themes in philosophy, particularly metaphysics and epistemology, and in so doing to show how an apparently abstruse discipline is of surprising relevance to our lives; 2) to provide students with essential tools for understanding the nature of logical reasoning and evaluating arguments; 3) to sharpen students’ abilities to express themselves clearly and cogently, in writing and especially in speaking. Beyond thoughtful reading and active participation, students are expected to complete several short and informal writing exercises, in part as a warm-up for a longer concluding reflection on key course themes.
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 and District Attorney’s Office (inspiration for
Law and Order
) and 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.
This course is designed to give students an opportunity to explore substantive criminal law and its attendant legal issues. Beginning with an introduction to the courts, legal system, and Constitution of the United States, the course provides students with a foundation for a detailed examination of the structure, policies, interpretation, and application of criminal law. We delve into a variety of topics, from the basic elements of crimes such as homicide, robbery, and assault, to inchoate crimes like attempt and conspiracy, to crimes against property. Students evaluate the fairness and morality of punishments, including the death penalty, and analyze and apply legal defenses. We delve into a variety of topics, from the basic elements of crimes such as homicide, robbery, and assault, to inchoate crimes like attempt and conspiracy, to crimes against property. Students evaluate the fairness and morality of punishments, including the death penalty, and analyze and apply legal defenses. 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. Students write legal briefs of landmark court cases and prepare and deliver courtroom-style legal arguments in a mock trial exercise. All of these issues are explored against the broader backdrop of race and socio-economic class in America. The course provides an opportunity for students to gain academic skills for high school and beyond. Sophisticated legal readings sharpen their text analysis, critical thinking, and reading comprehension abilities. Participants burnish their oral communication, argument, and debate skills through case law discussions and mock trial activities.
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.
The combination of globalization and new communication technologies has had a dramatic impact on the relationship between media and politics. In this course we explore the centrality of the media as a force challenging and, in some cases, altering relations of power within and between societies. Starting from the premise that freedom of expression is a fundamental requirement for any truly democratic system, particular attention is given to how approaches to media and politics vary globally, and how these differences impact the way politicians, journalists, activists, and ordinary citizens operate within the broader political process. We critically examine the impact of political communication on policy-making, elections, and political movements, with the goal of developing a deeper understanding of the relationship between citizens, media, and governments in a rapidly changing, increasingly interconnected world. In so doing, we investigate the connection between media and current political trends and conflicts around the world, including, but not limited to, the United States, Europe, Russia, the Middle East, and Asia. Students engage with the course material through a combination of lectures, daily discussions, short essays, group research projects, field trips, and guest speakers from the worlds of journalism and politics. Participants also work in teams to create media campaigns designed to generate greater public awareness and support for a hypothetical non-governmental organization (NGO), developing their own mission statements, messaging strategies, and targeted media plans.
Migration has never been so disruptive a phenomenon and omnipresent a political topic as it is today, both globally and in the United States. We are living in a period that is witness to catastrophic refugee crises, with large populations of displaced peoples fleeing war, economic crisis, and political or social persecution across the globe. At the same time, migration is a topic that directly relates to modern concepts of identity. Who are we? What defines us? How does one’s identity change and evolve? Those who migrate to new host countries are directly confronted with these challenging questions. Individual and national identities are formed and evolve based on how these questions are addressed. This course is an introductory seminar that links the individual human experience of migration to current political and cultural systems. Why do people migrate? How do they migrate? Can they migrate? How are they perceived in the host country? How do migrants view and define themselves? How are concepts of identity affected by the process of migration? Participants examine migration as a dynamic part of culture and society while discovering how it reflects and shapes our lives. We employ a multidisciplinary approach to look into the concepts of identity and its transformation and to understand migration and how it shapes identity across cultures and contexts. We then utilize this conceptual basis to challenge assumptions and myths we hold about the Other and perceptions we have about Self. Regarding the Other, we also look at how current trends are catalyzing shifts in national and international migration policies—and are sparking growing opposition to immigration in numerous host countries. We approach the material through various formats including discussion, readings, field trips, research projects, and guest speakers. Class activities involve active application of methods, including researching popular culture information sources, literature, video, and film for indications of how migration defines/redefines cultural and social identities. Guest speakers offer various views of migration and identity across disciplines. We also visit the Tenement Museum, where we explore the story of immigration in New York City. Outside of class, students read articles on migration theory as well as various case studies, including life stories of young migrants in Europe, accounts of the border crisis in the US, and testimonies from DACA recipients. Drawing on their own social and family networks, participants conduc
How has the US–China trade war affected the growth of world economies? Why has Latin America, a region rich in natural resources, not been able to attain economic growth levels similar to those in Asia? What implications does a potential global water crisis pose to how nations interact with one another? How has the mix of traditional and renewable energy sources made an impact on the United States? Is it unethical to apply economic principles to natural resources? This course examines these type of questions as it dives into the fundamentals of natural resources, their pivotal role in the development of OECD (Organization of Economic Co-operation and Development) and non-OECD economies, and the monetization impact from Wall Street to the end consumer on Main Street. Through case study analyses of current events, students develop an understanding of global reserves and yields of natural resources, identify world consumers and producers – i.e. export (supply/origin) and import (demand/destination) hubs – along with transportation channels, and conduct deep dive analyses in group settings on the financial life of these resources and their contribution to the pace of global growth. Complementary to these topics, participants debate the basis for responsible business procurement of natural resources – including those that are sustainable – and their effect in the global landscape. Students gain an understanding of – and think critically about – various natural resources (agricultural, energy, mineral, and livestock) and the key challenges of international trade in an interconnected world. They also learn about the social impact of exploration and production of these raw materials. Topics explored include the relevance of geopolitical analysis, how shipping markets and freight rates/chartering are crucial to world trade, and the growing presence of private capital in shoring up global imbalances.
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 intensive, 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, we focus on how to structure and plot a successful novel. We also touch on establishing conflict, world-building, character work, pacing, and how to create an effective scene.
Course participants share their writing in a workshop setting and receive in-depth feedback from both their peers and the instructor. By the end of the week, students will have completed an original outline and at least one full chapter of their novel. Not only does this course impart a greater understanding of what it means to craft a long-form work of fiction, it will also help students become stronger and more confident in their overall writing skills.
Courses in creative writing are offered in conjunction with the Writing Program at Columbia University’s School of the Arts. Overseen by Chair of Creative Writing Lis Harris, Professor Alan Ziegler, and Director of Creative Writing for Pre-College Programs Christina Rumpf, the creative writing courses are designed to challenge and engage students interested in literary creation, providing them with a substantial foundation for further exploration of their creative work.
Whether you are interested in writing literary fiction, young adult, fantasy, sci-fi, or mystery, certain truths about crafting a novel hold true across genres. This course is designed to teach students the ins-and-outs of novel writing, from conception to outlining to the writing itself. We focus on how to structure a novel as well as establishing conflict, world-building, character work, pacing, and how to create an effective scene. Course participants share their writing in a workshop setting and receive in-depth feedback from both their peers and the instructor. By the end of the three weeks, they will have completed an original outline and the first three chapters of their novel. They leave with a greater understanding of what it means to craft a long-form work of fiction—and having become stronger and more confident in their overall writing skills.
Courses in creative writing are offered in conjunction with the Writing Program at Columbia University’s School of the Arts. Overseen by Chair of Creative Writing Timothy Donnelly, Professor Alan Ziegler, and Director of Creative Writing for Pre-College Programs Christina Rumpf, the creative writing courses are designed to challenge and engage students interested in literary creation, providing them with a substantial foundation for further exploration of their creative work.
Whether you are interested in writing literary fiction, young adult, fantasy, sci-fi, or mystery, certain truths about crafting a novel hold true across genres. This course is designed to teach students the ins-and-outs of novel writing, from conception to outlining to the writing itself. We focus on how to structure a novel as well as establishing conflict, world-building, character work, pacing, and how to create an effective scene. Course participants share their writing in a workshop setting and receive in-depth feedback from both their peers and the instructor. By the end of the three weeks, they will have completed an original outline and the first three chapters of their novel. They leave with a greater understanding of what it means to craft a long-form work of fiction—and having become stronger and more confident in their overall writing skills.
Courses in creative writing are offered in conjunction with the Writing Program at Columbia University’s School of the Arts. Overseen by Chair of Creative Writing Timothy Donnelly, Professor Alan Ziegler, and Director of Creative Writing for Pre-College Programs Christina Rumpf, the creative writing courses are designed to challenge and engage students interested in literary creation, providing them with a substantial foundation for further exploration of their creative work.
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 of the brain as the seat of the self from ancient Greece to modern times, 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.
At the end of the Cold War, many in the West celebrated what they perceived as not only a political victory over the Soviet Union but also the intellectual and ideological ascendency of liberal democracy. And yet three decades later many liberal democracies are facing numerous challenges, if not outright crises. This course explores the key political, economic, and social ideologies of the modern world that seek to challenge, improve, and even threaten liberal democracy. We begin by asking what an ideology is, before delving into the various -isms including liberalism itself, capitalism, socialism, communism, populism, and nationalism. We investigate how these ideologies shape societies and mold social behavior, exploring their origins and principles. We ask how these ideologies intersect with democratic governance and offer different understandings of key concepts such as freedom, equality, justice, and citizenship. Our goal is not to determine which ideology is best but rather to understand and critique the many different ways of thinking about politics and society. We draft initial ideology statements, to be revised during the course as students reflect on and question their own assumptions and beliefs through engagement with different perspectives. Participants also engage in debates with their peers in order to practice articulating arguments in a persuasive manner. Morning sessions are normally dedicated to reviewing and clarifying the assigned material, which includes classic and contemporary works in political theory as well as news and magazine articles and film clips. In the afternoon, students apply their understanding in group activities including debates, and engage with guest speakers from various ideological positions. By the end of the course, participants not only better understand the key ideologies of the modern world but are also equipped with the analytical tools to critique and revise them in a forward-thinking way.
In this course, intended for students who have an interest in science and technology but have not yet taken physics, participants are introduced to key concepts in the field and look at how these concepts are changing the world. Topics covered include electromagnetics, quantum mechanics, thermodynamics, Newtonian mechanics, waves, stars and galaxies, nuclear physics, Einstein’s theory of relativity, and string theory. Having gained an understanding of these concepts, students explore new technologies in areas such as renewable energy, virtual reality, and biotechnology. Participants explore material conductivity by building circuits, assemble a physical model for understanding conversion of energy, experience virtual reality through Google glasses, write onto computers directly from brain signals, and work with MATLAB to create simulated models. They also work in groups on projects that they present at the end of the course. Lectures and hands-on experiments are supplemented by tours of Columbia's research laboratories and visits to locations such as The Museum of Natural History, The National Museum of Mathematics (MoMath), and The Intrepid Sea, Air & Space Museum.
Please note that hands-on work for this class is conducted in a traditional classroom rather than in a laboratory.
In this course, intended for students who have an interest in science and technology but have not yet taken physics, participants are introduced to key concepts in the field and look at how these concepts are changing the world. Topics covered include electromagnetics, quantum mechanics, thermodynamics, Newtonian mechanics, waves, stars and galaxies, nuclear physics, Einstein’s theory of relativity, and string theory. Having gained an understanding of these concepts, students explore new technologies in areas such as renewable energy, virtual reality, and biotechnology. Participants explore material conductivity by building circuits, assemble a physical model for understanding conversion of energy, experience virtual reality through Google glasses, write onto computers directly from brain signals, and work with MATLAB to create simulated models. They also work in groups on projects that they present at the end of the course. Lectures and hands-on experiments are supplemented by tours of Columbia's research laboratories and visits to locations such as The Museum of Natural History, The National Museum of Mathematics (MoMath), and The Intrepid Sea, Air & Space Museum.
Please note that hands-on work for this class is conducted in a traditional classroom rather than in a laboratory.
This is not a real course. This is a dummy course that allows students to be billed.
This course introduces students to fundamental issues in philosophy of religion. We critically address questions such as the following: (a) Given the diverse range of religions in the world, what is it that makes them all religions? (b) Is it possible for miracles to occur? (c) What is the relationship between science and religion? (d) Is it reasonable to believe in an afterlife for beings like us? We broach such challenging questions by critically reading and writing about them, and in doing so we fine-tune our own views. The broad objective of the course is to develop and refine students' critical reasoning and writing skills. Other learning objectives include:
To acquire a richer understanding of and facility with the methodology that philosophers use to answer fundamental questions.
To develop an understanding of the different branches of philosophy, including metaphysics, epistemology, and moral philosophy.
To accurately interpret a wide range of historically influential philosophers’ works on fundamental issues in philosophy of religion, and in doing so sharpen our exegetical skills.
To critically assess, in a careful, charitable, and sophisticated manner, a number of challenging positions and arguments in philosophy of religion, and in doing so develop and refine our critical reasoning skills.
This course offers an intensive exploration of one of the fundamental principle of physics –relativity. Both Galilean and special relativity are discussed, with an emphasis on the latter. Using algebra and space-time diagrams, students arrive at Lorentz transformations and explore their most significant consequences. Through examples, exercises, and problems, participants acquire an understanding of one of the most fundamental theories of modern physics. They discover how special relativity changes our conceptions of time and length measurements. We also examine the experimental basis for Einstein’s theory of special relativity and look at how general relativity helps us to understand concepts such as black holes, gravitational waves, and the evolution of the universe. In the process of exploring these challenging topics, course participants expand their capacity for creative problem solving and their ability to think critically and independently.
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.
Designed for students with experience in drama who are interested in developing original theatrical productions, the course emphasizes the working relationship between actor, director, and playwright, and the unique dynamic that exists between them when working on untried material. Workshops and lectures during the first week introduce students to the demands of play development. Students then elect to specialize in one of three areas: acting, directing, or playwriting. The remainder of the course is given over to the development of short plays to be written, directed, and acted by the students under the supervision of theatrical professionals. In small, autonomous groups of actors, each with its own director and playwright, students create a production to be mounted at the end of the program. Workshops are interactive, with the evolving pieces of each play periodically shown to the entire group for feedback in a safe, supportive environment. The course affords students a unique opportunity to experience the nuances of professional theatrical collaboration. In the last two days of each session, several of the completed plays are performed for an audience of peers, friends, and family members. Students present two evening performances and one matinee.
Students learn how to develop their own TV shows in this hands-on course. The focus is on writing for television, which is at the heart of the creative process, but we also look at the history of the medium, how to pitch a show, and production. Ultimately participants film mini-pilots or key scenes from the shows they have developed.
We begin with a brief history of television in the United States – its creation and how it has grown over the past seven decades. Classic works by influential TV creators are screened, read, and discussed. Various genres of TV are explored, from comedy to drama to sci-fi to unscripted (or “reality”) television, but our primary focus will be on work within the single-camera drama and comedy genres.
While learning about the “TV greats,” students launch into the creation of their own shows, working through a series of exercises individually and in groups, developing and honing their skills in writing and pitching. Since television continues to be primarily a writers’ medium, we focus on character, story, tone, contemporary value, etc. We also cover the creative aspects of TV production, such as directing, camera, production design, costumes, and music.
The final project is a short pilot or key scene that the students pitch then write and create in groups and shoot on their phones and with basic editing software.
This course provides an introduction to central debates about terrorism and how it can and should be combatted. We begin with a general overview of debates about terrorism and its definition. We then explore four major debates about terrorism and counterterrorism policy, namely:
Root causes and effectiveness:
What are the root causes of terrorism? When, if ever, is terrorism an effective strategy?
War and crime:
Is counterterrorism generally best approached on the model of law enforcement? When, if ever, is counterterrorism best approached on the model of war? What are the pros and cons of each approach? This unit will focus on the debate about targeted killings in the United States and Israel.
Torture:
Is the use of “enhanced interrogation techniques” ever justified? Do the exigencies of counterterrorism require that certain techniques be brought within the bounds of the law? This unit will focus on debates in the United States and more recently in Israel.
Surveillance:
How should counterterrorism policy strike a balance between security and privacy? This unit will focus on recent debates about surveillance programs in the United States and the United Kingdom.
Course materials draw widely from political science, law, political philosophy, declassified documents, journalism, and film. Class time is divided between lectures in the morning session and discussions and activities, including debates, in the afternoon session.
For students who seek intensive experience with the writing of fiction. Students explore diverse styles of and approaches to fiction, and learn essential skills for writing their own short stories and novels. They participate in rigorous daily workshops and discussions on craft, as well as one-on-one teacher conferences.
This course will also consider shifting notions of sex, power, and god that represent the increasingly complex relationship between identity, knowledge, and media in the modern era as we explore the concurrent changes in the social, political, and economic systems that made it possible for millions to worship the massive media culture icons of the 20th century: the Disney princess, First Lady Jackie Kennedy, and Princess Diana. By exploring these changes in the works of scholars like Tim Wu and Bernard Harcourt we will gain a deeper sense of contemporary sexual politics in “expository society” as we determine the criteria for evaluating the success of the modern celebrity. Finally, we will consider how the celebrity reality tv industrial-complex shifts notions of sex, power, and god by exploring the emergence of icons “famous for being famous” in the 21st century whose command of attention and social influence in the digital age represents power, capital, and divine myth befitting a queen: Paris Hilton and Kim Kardashian West.
What creative possibilities do true stories hold? How can truth telling and storytelling work together? How can we turn ourselves—and other real people—into compelling characters? This class considers the possibilities of journalism and creative nonfiction. Students will learn basic research and reporting skills essential to all forms of nonfiction writing, as well as how to incorporate techniques traditionally associated with fiction writing into journalism and nonfiction. We will engage with a range of nonfiction prose and quality journalism—from news and magazine writing to memoir and personal essay—and use workshops to develop skills as editors and as writers.
What creative possibilities do true stories hold? How can truth telling and storytelling work together? How can we turn ourselves—and other real people—into compelling characters? This class considers the possibilities of journalism and creative nonfiction. We will explore sub-genres ranging from news and magazine writing to memoir and personal essay; from science writing and profiles to humor, food writing, and lyric essay. Students will learn research and reporting skills essential to all forms of nonfiction writing, as well as how to incorporate techniques traditionally associated with fiction writing into journalism and nonfiction. We will engage with a range of nonfiction prose and quality journalism, and use workshops to develop skills as editors and as writers.
Participants learn how to read challenging texts and write about them clearly and coherently, assess and think critically about their own writing, and improve writing skills through in-class exercises, homework, and revisions. Readings for the course are taken from several disciplines, including literature, history, journalism, and social sciences.
This course enables students to identify their strengths and weaknesses in writing and to improve their skills through individual and group work. We read and analyze short essays that exemplify good writing, and we learn how to define a thesis, organize an essay, and incorporate appropriate vocabulary.
Participants are required to read a text and provide a synopsis; they also create a research project to outline and write an abstract. The class uses games as a mode to learn more advanced vocabulary. By the end of the week, students will have become not only better writers but also better and clearer thinkers.
This course traces our knowledge of the universe from astronomy’s ancient roots to the modern study of extrasolar planetary systems, cosmology, and black holes. We begin with Newton’s laws of motion and universal gravitation, Kepler’s laws, orbital dynamics, and space travel. Next we take up the nature of light, the structure of matter, the emission and absorption of light by matter, and nuclear physics. We apply this knowledge to describe the properties of our sun and of the planets of our solar system, the properties and fate of stars in general, and the discovery of planets around other stars. Further topics include galaxies and the dark matter and black holes they contain, supernovae and the creation of chemical elements, and the expansion of the universe. We end with Einsteinian cosmology, the cosmic microwave background, dark energy, and the fate of the universe.
The field of biology has expanded rapidly over the past fifty years. New discoveries are happening almost every day. In this course we explore the basic elements of molecular biology, genetics, and evolution and how these sciences affect modern medicine, agriculture, and ecology. The course begins with a full description of the structure, function, and synthesis of DNA, RNA, and proteins. Students then apply this information to a wide range of topics such as modern biological research techniques, data interpretation, genetic engineering, immunology, cancer, and virology. The course also includes mini-units on bioethics and the biology of global warming, and we connect modern biology to fields such as anthropology, history, and economics. A variety of group activities, online labs, and videos supplement the student experience.
Please note: Approximately a third of the material covered in this course will already be familiar to students who have taken AP Biology.
The impacts of climate change in the form of more frequent and severe disasters around the world have finally begun to take the spotlight, and we are being forced to think critically about how we prepare ourselves and our communities for more sustainable futures. Everyone has a role to play in mitigating the impacts of climate change. This workshop is designed to introduce students to the avenues by which they can make an impact in combating the climate crisis, both personally in their communities and professionally in the future. We take a system approach in evaluating climate change, past disasters, the COVID-19 pandemic, and preparedness for future events. Students work in groups to create preparedness plans for live case studies to be presented virtually to Columbia University’s National Center for Disaster Preparedness. They also participate in an exercise in which they adopt stakeholder profiles of their choosing in a simulation of disaster response and recovery.
Intended for students who are already strong academically, this curricular option enables participants to hone the core skills necessary to thrive not only at top-caliber American universities but also in any intellectually demanding profession and in personal life. Classroom environments are intimate and collaborative, and students learn by actively engaging with the subject matter, the instructors, and their peers. The emphasis throughout is on using reading, writing, and research as tools for thinking clearly and critically.
Writing and Research Skills
This course provides an overview of the techniques essential for successful academic writing, with particular emphasis placed on argumentation and organization. While reviewing the basic components of strong writing through discussion of argument structure, essay organization, style, and mechanics, we also engage in creative activities and discussions aimed at strengthening analytic and rhetorical skills. The focus is on expository writing, the kind of writing called for in academic essays and term papers, but we also branch out into narrative and personal writing, as required for college admissions essays. The course also offers an overview of the research process, with special attention given to library and online resources, source evaluation, and bibliographic format.
Intended for students who are already strong academically, this curricular option enables participants to hone the core skills necessary to thrive not only at top-caliber American universities but also in any intellectually demanding profession and in personal life. Classroom environments are intimate and collaborative, and students learn by actively engaging with the subject matter, the instructors, and their peers. The emphasis throughout is on using reading, writing, and research as tools for thinking clearly and critically.
Writing and Research Skills
This course provides an overview of the techniques essential for successful academic writing, with particular emphasis placed on argumentation and organization. While reviewing the basic components of strong writing through discussion of argument structure, essay organization, style, and mechanics, we also engage in creative activities and discussions aimed at strengthening analytic and rhetorical skills. The focus is on expository writing, the kind of writing called for in academic essays and term papers, but we also branch out into narrative and personal writing, as required for college admissions essays. The course also offers an overview of the research process, with special attention given to library and online resources, source evaluation, and bibliographic format.
Genre Fiction:
Our aim is to explore and create immersive, exciting fiction that incorporates the unreal—from surreal, ghostly short stories to detailed epic fantasy novels. In this three-week elective, we’ll think and write about the futuristic, uncanny, magical, and speculative, and how these elements mesh with our individual writing goals. We’ll analyze published works of Science Fiction, Fantasy, and Horror from a writer’s standpoint: what effect did this have on me, 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 like Worldbuilding, Hero/Villain relationships, Plot, Magic, and Suspense. Expect light homework, designed to help you dig in to your created worlds, characters, and premises. In the final week, each student will submit 5 pages of original imaginative fiction, which we will workshop as a class.
Genre Fiction:
Our aim is to explore and create immersive, exciting fiction that incorporates the unreal—from surreal, ghostly short stories to detailed epic fantasy novels. In this three-week elective, we’ll think and write about the futuristic, uncanny, magical, and speculative, and how these elements mesh with our individual writing goals. We’ll analyze published works of Science Fiction, Fantasy, and Horror from a writer’s standpoint: what effect did this have on me, 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 like Worldbuilding, Hero/Villain relationships, Plot, Magic, and Suspense. Expect light homework, designed to help you dig in to your created worlds, characters, and premises. In the final week, each student will submit 5 pages of original imaginative fiction, which we will workshop as a class.
In this poetry writing workshop, students will explore the poem as a place for expressing what is essential about the self—and as a process for discovering the truth. The study of a variety of poetic forms will reveal how each offers a framework for clarifying one’s own understanding of the world on the way to inviting readers to share it. Class time will consist of workshops and close readings of exemplary poems. My workshop approach focuses on developing a safe and supportive climate for feedback in which we practice how to respond in ways that respect the goals and intentions of the poet as well as how to receive feedback with an open mind and confident heart. Afternoon special sessions will also feature craft talks and readings by other award-winning contemporary poets, followed by Q&A with students. During office hours, students will receive individual poetry consultations—focused on helping their poems be the poems they want them to be. At the end of the course, students will have a portfolio of poems ready to submit to journals, contests, and writing programs. For those who wish to begin publishing, there will be advice on how to create effective cover letters and target submissions strategically.
This course introduces students to the fundamental concepts and theories of psychology, the science of the mind and behavior. The course provides an in-depth excursion into psychological research, including biological bases of behavior, learning and memory, sensation and perception, cognitive development, language acquisition, personality, and social influences on behavior.
This course introduces students to the fundamental concepts and theories of psychology, the science of the mind and behavior. The course provides an in-depth excursion into psychological research, including biological bases of behavior, learning and memory, sensation and perception, cognitive development, language acquisition, personality, and social influences on behavior.
This is not a real course. This is a dummy course that allows students to be billed.
What creative possibilities do true stories hold? How can truth telling and storytelling work together? How can we turn ourselves—and other real people—into compelling characters? This class considers the possibilities of journalism and creative nonfiction. Students will learn basic research and reporting skills essential to all forms of nonfiction writing, as well as how to incorporate techniques traditionally associated with fiction writing into journalism and nonfiction. We will engage with a range of nonfiction prose and quality journalism—from news and magazine writing to memoir and personal essay—and use workshops to develop skills as editors and as writers.
What creative possibilities do true stories hold? How can truth telling and storytelling work together? How can we turn ourselves—and other real people—into compelling characters? This class considers the possibilities of journalism and creative nonfiction. We will explore sub-genres ranging from news and magazine writing to memoir and personal essay; from science writing and profiles to humor, food writing, and lyric essay. Students will learn research and reporting skills essential to all forms of nonfiction writing, as well as how to incorporate techniques traditionally associated with fiction writing into journalism and nonfiction. We will engage with a range of nonfiction prose and quality journalism, and use workshops to develop skills as editors and as writers.
A two-course curricular option for students wishing to develop their appreciation of art and architecture. Both courses emphasize critical thinking and analysis, skills that will be valuable to students in whatever fields they choose to pursue in college and beyond.
What is Architecture?
An introduction to ways of understanding architecture framed around four topics: Concept, Context, Form, and Materials. Students are challenged to examine and understand the effects of physical environment on human experience, the factors that influence architectural forms, and the role that architecture plays in shaping our behaviors and civic cultures
Participants gain an understanding of architecture through slide presentations, readings, virtual visits to buildings, and discussions around observations and analyses of architecture and public spaces around the world, both iconic and lesser-known. We examine different types of buildings such as museums, churches, libraries, and transportation hubs. While the primary focus is on learning through observation and analysis, students also learn to think and imagine through hands-on, at-home model-making, using materials they should be able to find around their homes.
Comedy Writing Elective
: Do you like making your friends laugh? Do you like making yourself laugh? Then Comedy Writing is the class for you! In this Comedy Writing elective, we will explore improvisation and sketch comedy. You will learn the basic tenets of Second City's sketch comedy philosophy, and how to use improvisation to generate material. Does improv make you nervous? Don't worry, it makes everyone nervous! Look forward to a silly and playful space where you can try anything out (and you're totally allowed to fail! It'll probably be funny!) This course will culminate in writing and having your classmates perform your very own original sketch. Watch out world, you're comin' to Broadway (and 116th)!
Comedy Writing Elective
: Do you like making your friends laugh? Do you like making yourself laugh? Then Comedy Writing is the class for you! In this Comedy Writing elective, we will explore improvisation and sketch comedy. You will learn the basic tenets of Second City's sketch comedy philosophy, and how to use improvisation to generate material. Does improv make you nervous? Don't worry, it makes everyone nervous! Look forward to a silly and playful space where you can try anything out (and you're totally allowed to fail! It'll probably be funny!) This course will culminate in writing and having your classmates perform your very own original sketch. Watch out world, you're comin' to Broadway (and 116th)!
"The Future is Female" except in science fiction, where it still looks pretty white and male. What happens when women of color take on such tropes as space exploration, cybernetics, superpowers, and the end of the world? How can women of color change the way we not only think of the future, but think of the present as well? In this class we’ll look at how speculative literature looks at the intersections of race, gender, class, sexuality, technology, and environmental concerns. Readings will include work from such authors as Octavia Butler, Franny Choi, Sam Chanse, G Willow Wilson, and Tananarive Due with potential critical readings from Lisa Yaszek, Charlotte E Howell, and bell hooks.
This is not a real course. This is a dummy course that allows students to be billed.