Human Rights in the 21st Century: Challe

Human Rights in 21st Cent

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.

In the first part of the course, 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.

In the second part of the course, students apply their new knowledge to the problems facing human rights today. Topics 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.

Each day participants are required to read college-level academic literature on the law and practice of human rights and engage with new ideas through group discussion and activities. The primary assignment for this course is participation in an international moot court activity, which challenges students to research and give oral arguments on a fictitious human rights case.

The course also introduces students to several different perspectives through a variety of guest lecturers.

• Department: Pre-College Programs (SHSP)
• MTWRF 1:10 p.m.-3 p.m.
• MTWRF 5 p.m.-8 p.m.
• MTWRF 8 a.m.-11 a.m.
• MTWRF 1 p.m.-3 p.m.
• MTWRF 8 a.m.-11 a.m.
• Instructor: Aygenc Berfu
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• Instructor: Michelle Chun
  CULPA: 12 Info
• 0 points

Introduction to Entrepreneurship & Innov

Entrepreneurship & Innova

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.

• Department: Pre-College Programs (SHSP)
• MTWRF 3:10 p.m.-5 p.m.
• Instructor: Stephane Goldsand
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• 0 points

Introduction to Entrepreneurship & Innov

Entrepreneurship & Innova

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.

• Department: Pre-College Programs (SHSP)
• MTWRF 3:10 p.m.-5 p.m.
• Instructor: Stephane Goldsand
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• 0 points

Introduction to Finance & Investment Man

Intro Finance Investment

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.

• Department: Pre-College Programs (SHSP)
• MTWRF 1:10 p.m.-3 p.m.
• Instructor: Ameera Horriyat
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• Instructor: Thomas W Leach
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• Instructor: Rajeev Nair
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• Instructor: Chang Xia
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• Instructor: Nurit Praeger
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• Instructor: Matthew S Cantwell
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• Instructor: Chang Xia
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• 0 points

Filmmaking with iPhone & iPad

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.

• Department: Pre-College Programs (SHSP)
• MTWRF 1:10 p.m.-4 p.m.
• Instructor: Yu Cheng
  CULPA: 1 h-index: 3 Info
• 0 points

Introduction to Global Economics and Pub

Global Econ and Public Po

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.

• Department: Pre-College Programs (SHSP)
• MTWRF 1:10 p.m.-3 p.m.
• Instructor: Nurit Praeger
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• 0 points

Introduction to Digital Filmmaking

Intro to Digital Filmmaki

Students in this beginner level filmmaking course learn a wide range of elementary film production techniques which allow them to create strong, visually-driven short films with an emphasis on narrative storytelling. Participants collaborate on short film projects while building a technical and aesthetic foundation structured around film grammar, story development, script writing, sound, and editing. In the first portion of the class, students learn the basic principles of cinematography and gain hands-on experience with film production equipment as they progress from basic equipment assembly to on-set production protocol. Each student takes on various key roles in the different projects - directing, cinematography, editing, sound – so that each experiences different facets of film crewing. Collaboration is emphasized as students work together to create three initial short pieces before moving on to collaborate on a final film. Each exercise leading up to the final film is intended to introduce a new element of filmmaking. In this final project, students collaborate and work sequentially 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 program, students screen their completed films at a film festival attended by friends, family members, and other program participants. The completed films can potentially be used for submission to short film festivals and as portfolio pieces for film or art school applications.

• Department: Pre-College Programs (SHSP)
• MTWRF 3:10 p.m.-5 p.m.
• Instructor: Yu Cheng
  CULPA: 1 h-index: 3 Info
• 0 points

Investment Portfolio Management

Investment Portfolio Mgmt

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.

• Department: Pre-College Programs (SHSP)
• MTWRF 3:10 p.m.-5 p.m.
• Instructor: Ameera Horriyat
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• Instructor: Bruce D Schoenfeld
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• 0 points

Introduction to Programming with Python

Intro to Programming w/ P

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.

• Department: Pre-College Programs (SHSP)
• MTWRF 1:10 p.m.-3 p.m.
• MTWRF 8 a.m.-11 a.m.
• MTWRF 5 p.m.-8 p.m.
• MTWRF 1 p.m.-3 p.m.
• Instructor: Ellen Duong
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• Instructor: Motahare Mounesan
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• Instructor: Farid Razzak
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• Instructor: Motahare Mounesan
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• 0 points

Computer Programming for Beginners: Codi

Coding in Java

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.

• Department: Pre-College Programs (SHSP)
• MTWRF 1:10 p.m.-3 p.m.
• MTWRF 3:10 p.m.-5 p.m.
• MTWRF 5 p.m.-8 p.m.
• MTWRF 8 a.m.-11 a.m.
• MTWRF 1 p.m.-3 p.m.
• Instructor: Robert Owsley
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• Instructor: Arnavi M Chheda
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• Instructor: Matthew Cheng
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• Instructor: Garrison W Grogan
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• Instructor: Robert Owsley
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• 0 points

Creative Journalism

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.

• Department: Pre-College Programs (SHSP)
• MTWRF 3:10 p.m.-5 p.m.
• Instructor: Hannah P Gold
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• Instructor: Jessica A Colley Clarke
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• Instructor: Laura J Palmer
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• 0 points

Knowledge, Reality, and Truth

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.

• Department: Pre-College Programs (SHSP)
• MTWRF 3:10 p.m.-5 p.m.
• Instructor: Alexander C Rigas
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• 0 points

Law as a Tool for Social Justice

Law as Tool for Social Ju

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.

• Department: Pre-College Programs (SHSP)
• MTWRF 1:10 p.m.-3 p.m.
• Instructor: James O'Brien
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• 0 points

Introduction to Criminal Law

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.

• Department: Pre-College Programs (SHSP)
• MTWRF 1:10 p.m.-3 p.m.
• Instructor: Jason Goldsmith
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• 0 points

Explorations in Modern Literature

In this course we explore modern literature from early pioneers such as Dostoyevsky, Emily Dickinson, and Rimbaud through to the full-fledged modernism of Kafka, Woolf, and Hemingway, and beyond to writers including Ralph Ellison, Philip Roth, and Toni Morrison and movements such as the Confessional poets, the Beats, and magical realism. We focus mainly on shorter 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 the focus is largely on close reading and formal analysis, we also look at 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 consider works from these other art forms and how they reflect back on written texts. We will likely visit the Museum of Modern Art and perhaps another major museum. 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 prepare oral presentations on works of their own choosing. Students learn how to read actively, think analytically, present their ideas coherently (in both written and spoken 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.

• Department: Pre-College Programs (SHSP)
• MTWRF 3:10 p.m.-5 p.m.
• Instructor: Mark Blacher
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• 0 points

Thinking and Problem Solving: Math in th

Math in the Real 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.

• Department: Pre-College Programs (SHSP)
• MTWRF 3:10 p.m.-5 p.m.
• MTWRF 1 p.m.-3 p.m.
• Instructor: Sridhar Nagubandi
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• Instructor: Patrick D Galarza
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• 0 points

The Media and Politics in Global Perspec

Media and Politics: Globa

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.

• Department: Pre-College Programs (SHSP)
• MTWRF 3:10 p.m.-5 p.m.
• Instructor: Timothy Novak
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• 0 points

Global Migration & Personal Identity

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

• Department: Pre-College Programs (SHSP)
• MTWRF 1:10 p.m.-3 p.m.
• MTWRF 5 p.m.-8 p.m.
• Instructor: James J Gerien-Chen
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• Instructor: Laura Vazquez Blazquez
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• 0 points

Natural Resources, Global Markets, and

Natrl Resource & Social I

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.

• Department: Pre-College Programs (SHSP)
• MTWRF 1:10 p.m.-3 p.m.
• Instructor: Wanda J Bell
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• 0 points

The Neurobiology of Learning and Memory

Neurobiology Learning & M

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.

• Department: Pre-College Programs (SHSP)
• MTWRF 3:10 p.m.-5 p.m.
• MTWRF 5 p.m.-8 p.m.
• Instructor: Rhonda Kolaric
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• Instructor: Anamaria Alexandrescu
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• 0 points

Novel-Writing Intensive

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.

• Department: Pre-College Programs (SHSP)
• MTWRF 1:10 p.m.-3 p.m.
• Instructor: Rachel E Carter
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• Instructor: Melissa Larsen
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• Instructor: Rose N Demaris
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• 0 points

Crafting the Novel

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.

• Department: Pre-College Programs (SHSP)
• MTWRF 3:10 p.m.-5 p.m.
• Instructor: Rachel E Carter
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• Instructor: Melissa Larsen
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• 0 points

Introduction to Neuroscience: Understand

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.

• Department: Pre-College Programs (SHSP)
• MTWRF 1:10 p.m.-3 p.m.
• Instructor: Adriel L Brown
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• Instructor: Timothy Myers
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• Instructor: Adriel L Brown
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• Instructor: Timothy Myers
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• Instructor: Alexander Goldberg
  h-index: 5 Info
• 0 points

Introduction to Neuroscience: Understand

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.

• Department: Pre-College Programs (SHSP)
• MTWRF 8 a.m.-11 a.m.
• MTWRF 5 p.m.-8 p.m.
• MTWRF 1 p.m.-3 p.m.
• Instructor: Alexander Goldberg
  h-index: 5 Info
• Instructor: Dena S Goldblatt
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• Instructor: Daniel Brennan
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• Instructor: Anamaria Alexandrescu
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• Instructor: Julia Derk
  h-index: None Info
• Instructor: L. E Denholtz
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• Instructor: Luiza Lodder
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• 0 points

Radical Skepticism, Reliability & Eviden

Introduction to Epistemol

This course introduces students to fundamental issues in the theory of knowledge. In this course we will critically address questions such as: (a) "What are the unique kinds of knowledge and what is the relationship between these kinds of knowledge?” (b)"Does knowledge require justification and if so, what does such justification consist in?” and (c) “What propositions can we know in light of powerful skeptical arguments?” We will investigate such questions by looking closely at how a number of epistemologists from a wide range of traditions have answered them. As we progress through issues directly related to epistemology, we will also see that these issues connect up with important issues in other areas of philosophy as well (e.g., metaphysics and moral philosophy). We engage with such challenging questions by critically reading and writing about them, and in doing so we fine-tune our own positions concerning these issues. 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 how issues concerning epistemology are of relevance to not only other areas of philosophy, but disciplines besides philosophy as well.

To accurately interpret a wide range of historically influential philosophers’ works on fundamental issues in epistemology, 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.

• Department: Pre-College Programs (SHSP)
• MTWRF 1 p.m.-3 p.m.
• Instructor: Jared Peterson
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• 0 points

Understanding Modern Ideologies

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.

• Department: Pre-College Programs (SHSP)
• MTWRF 3:10 p.m.-5 p.m.
• Instructor: Ki Young Kim
  CULPA: 5 Info
• 0 points

Physics and Technologies of the Future

Physics and Tech of the F

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.

• Department: Pre-College Programs (SHSP)
• MTWRF 3:10 p.m.-5 p.m.
• Instructor: Muath Natsheh
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• 0 points

Divine Beings, Miracles, and the Afterli

Philosophy of Religion

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.

• Department: Pre-College Programs (SHSP)
• MTWRF 8 a.m.-11 a.m.
• Instructor: Jared Peterson
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• 0 points

Introduction to Robotics

Participants in this course develop a foundation in robotics covering design, construction, and computer programing. They build robots using VEX robotics parts and programmed in ROBOTC, a C based language. Lectures on topics drawn from physics, engineering, and computer science are combined with hands-on group projects. Lecture topics include kinematics, torque, motors, gear ratios, sensors, and control loop feedback mechanisms. In the hands-on projects, students observe, for example, that their robots are not able to drive in a straight line without sensors. This leads to an exploration of gyroscopes and encoders so as to correct the problem and eventually to a lecture on PID control and a gentle introduction to the concept, from calculus, of integration. In the final week of the course, the students form into teams and build robots that compete against each other to perform a task taken from a prior robotics competition.

• Department: Pre-College Programs (SHSP)
• MTWRF 3:10 p.m.-5 p.m.
• 0 points

Global Cities, Food, and Transnational C

Global Cities, Food, & Cu

As cities rapidly change, food and culture become centers of connection, influence, and transformation. This interdisciplinary course is an introduction to food and urban cultural studies. It serves as an opportunity to analyze discourses around food, transnational cultures, and urban space, and to apply critical thinking skills to understand the connection between these themes within broader questions. In this course, we will examine the transformation of global cities, culture, food, and capital, and how these are portrayed in different artistic and media productions. We will employ a multidisciplinary approach to understand and analyze the commodification of food and cultures in connection with urban regeneration to enhance the symbolic economy of different cities. We explore how globalization has had an impact on the urban fabric. We will also emphasize inequality and how neoliberal practices have affected food accessibility and have contributed to gentrification. Additionally, students will examine cities virtually by exploring and comparing their neighborhoods, food stores and markets, gourmet restaurants, galleries and museums, other significant landmarks and cultural venues. The course will also touch on our own relationship to food, what factors do we take into consideration when we consume food? Does food play a key role when we define our identity? Is our heritage and culture relevant when we make food choices? How has our life changed when it comes to food and the way we experience the city after COVID-19? Are residents and our neighbors aware of these rapid changes? Students explore different cultural and artistic productions to understand how the aforementioned processes are portrayed in visual culture. Topics that will be discussed include commodification of cultures, transnationalism, touristification, gentrification, neoliberalism, media, food and urban cultural studies, and consumer culture in different parts of the world.

• Department: Pre-College Programs (SHSP)
• MTWRF 5 p.m.-8 p.m.
• Instructor: Laura Vazquez Blazquez
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• 0 points

Explorations in Physics: Special Relativ

Physics: Special Relativi

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.

• Department: Pre-College Programs (SHSP)
• MTWRF 1:10 p.m.-3 p.m.
• Instructor: Anton Kananovich
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• 0 points

The Supreme Court and Major Topics in U.

Supreme Court and U.S. La

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.

• Department: Pre-College Programs (SHSP)
• MTWRF 1:10 p.m.-3 p.m.
• Instructor: Jason Goldsmith
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• Instructor: Adam J Weisler
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• Instructor: Sharon Yamen
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• Instructor: Stacy Veeder
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• Instructor: Adam J Weisler
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• 0 points

Creating Original Theater: Playwriting,

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.

• Department: Pre-College Programs (SHSP)
• MTWRF 3:10 p.m.-5 p.m.
• Instructor: Dyana J Kimball
  Info
• 0 points

Creating Original Theater: Playwriting,

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.

• Department: Pre-College Programs (SHSP)
• MTWRF 3:10 p.m.-5 p.m.
• Instructor: Dyana J Kimball
  Info
• 0 points

Creating Television: Pitching, Writing,

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.

• Department: Pre-College Programs (SHSP)
• MTWRF 3:10 p.m.-5 p.m.
• Instructor: Mark A Christopher
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• 0 points

Issues in Terrorism and Counterterrorism

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.

• Department: Pre-College Programs (SHSP)
• MTWRF 1 p.m.-3 p.m.
• Instructor: Alexander de la Paz
  CULPA: 2 Info
• 0 points

Introduction to Labor Studies

This course serves as an introduction to the multidisciplinary study of organized labor and collective bargaining, with a primary focus on the United States. Recent years have seen an upswing in labor activism, including organizing campaigns and strikes at major American employers like Amazon, Kellogg’s, and John Deere, as well as by schoolteachers and other workers in the public sector. Students who are curious to explore such issues will find in this course valuable tools for understanding these and other related developments, and for situating them in the larger context of American labor history, the current framework of U.S. labor relations, and global movements for workers’ rights. Each day of class will feature both a lecture session and a small group activity designed to introduce practical aspects of labor studies, such as how social scientists use data to analyze the economic effects of unions or how labor and management bargaining teams approach the task of negotiating a contract. The course is designed for high school students who may never have taken a class in economics or related disciplines but who are eager to learn more about what labor unions are, how they work, what they do, and what their larger impact is on society and the economy.

• Department: Pre-College Programs (SHSP)
• MTWRF 1 p.m.-3 p.m.
• Instructor: Matthew M Mazewski
  Info
• 0 points

Sex, Power, God

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.

• Department: Pre-College Program (Barnard)
• TR 2 p.m.-4:30 p.m.
• Instructor: Faculty
  h-index: 37 Info
• 0 points

Expository Writing Intensive: How to Wri

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.

• Department: Pre-College Programs (SHSP)
• MTWRF 1:10 p.m.-3 p.m.
• Instructor: Mark Blacher
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• Instructor: Brie M Bouslaugh
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• Instructor: Barbara Morris
  CULPA: 5 Info
• Instructor: Anne E Summers
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• Instructor: Brie M Bouslaugh
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• 0 points

Understanding the Arts: Art History and

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. Numerous field trips to museums and architectural landmarks throughout the city enable students to take advantage of New York’s vast cultural resources.
What is Art History?

This course introduces students to selected monuments of painting, sculpture, and architecture and to basic trends and concepts in the history of art. Examples are drawn from a wide range of periods and cultures. Students are introduced to aspects of visual analysis, historical context, and problems of interpretation. Participants engage in discussions centered around slide presentations, videos, and, most importantly, field trips. One of the objectives of the course is to consider how the way art is displayed can enhance or detract from its power. To this end the class visits sites such as the Metropolitan Museum of Art, the Hispanic Society, the Cloisters, the Frick Collection, the Guggenheim Museum, and the Museum of Modern Art.
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 effect 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. Students will gain an understanding of architecture through slide presentations, discussions, readings, visits to museum exhibits, and on-site observations and analyses of architecture and public spaces in New York City, both iconic and lesser-known. Past field trip destinations have included the Cathedral of St. John the Divine, Lincoln Center, Times Square, and the Highline, a public park built on a former elevated railway.

• Department: Pre-College Programs (SHSP)
• MTWRF 1:10 p.m.-4 p.m.
• 0 points

Astronomy and Astrophysics

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.

• Department: Pre-College Programs (SHSP)
• MTWRF 9:10 a.m.-11 a.m.
• Instructor: James H Applegate
  CULPA: 44 Info
• 0 points

Biochemistry in Our Daily Lives

In this hands-on, activity-based course, students use their favorite food items to learn challenging biochemistry concepts in a fun and interactive way. Topics covered include the biological importance of water, hydrogels, macromolecules that compose food, vitamins and minerals, carbon compounds and generation of ethanol, risks and prevention of disease, and recombinant DNA technology. Global applications of genetically modified foods, use of monosodium glutamate, turmeric, and omega-3 fatty acids are critically examined. Experiments with food use candy and fruit to build models and fruit for extraction of DNA. Food dyes, pop rock candy, milk, shampoo and toothpaste are used to perform microscale experiments. Participants engage in thought-provoking discussions to help them dissect the science behind newsworthy stories about issues such as weight-loss drugs, different diet concepts, fluoride or lead in water, and the outbreak of diseases such as Ebola, cholera, and hepatitis. Participants are evaluated based on class participation and homework assignments.
Please note: In-class experiments, because they use everyday foods, are conducted in a traditional classroom rather than in a laboratory.

• Department: Pre-College Programs (SHSP)
• MTWRF 1:10 p.m.-3 p.m.
• 0 points

Climate Change, Disasters, and Recovery:

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.

• Department: Pre-College Programs (SHSP)
• MTWRF 1:10 p.m.-3 p.m.
• MTWRF 1 p.m.-3 p.m.
• Instructor: Joshua Devincenzo
  h-index: 1 Info
• 0 points

The Science of Psychology

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.

• Department: Pre-College Programs (SHSP)
• MTWRF 3:10 p.m.-5 p.m.
• Instructor: Olivia Caldwell
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• Instructor: Starlett R Hartley
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• Instructor: Olivia Caldwell
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• Instructor: Kimberly A Muellers
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• Instructor: Alison Martingano
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• Instructor: Hong Nguyen
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• Instructor: Kathryn Hauschild
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• Instructor: Michaela Porubanova
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• 0 points

The Science of Psychology

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.

• Department: Pre-College Programs (SHSP)
• MTWRF 8 a.m.-11 a.m.
• Instructor: Michaela Porubanova
  Info
• 0 points

Creative Writing Elective: Comedy Writin

Comedy Writing Elective
: Does everything still feel too... serious? Did you laugh today? Fix that by joining the Comedy Writing Elective! Learn the basic tenets of Second City's sketch comedy philosophy, and how to use improvisation to generate comedic material. While chasing dreams of being on SNL, learn how to make jokes while making life-long friends. You'll become funnier AND a better person-- or else! Does the idea of improv sound scary? Join anyway! Look forward daily to a silly, playful environment where you can make dumb jokes and be rewarded with laughter (However, failure is strongly encouraged)! This course culminates in writing your very own original 3-5 page comedic sketch.

• Department: Pre-College Programs (SHSP)
• MTWRF 2 p.m.-3 p.m.
• Instructor: Paulina M Pinsky
  Info
• 0 points

Creative Writing Elective: Comedy Writin

Comedy Writing Elective
: Does everything still feel too... serious? Did you laugh today? Fix that by joining the Comedy Writing Elective! Learn the basic tenets of Second City's sketch comedy philosophy, and how to use improvisation to generate comedic material. While chasing dreams of being on SNL, learn how to make jokes while making life-long friends. You'll become funnier AND a better person-- or else! Does the idea of improv sound scary? Join anyway! Look forward daily to a silly, playful environment where you can make dumb jokes and be rewarded with laughter (However, failure is strongly encouraged)! This course culminates in writing your very own original 3-5 page comedic sketch.

• Department: Pre-College Programs (SHSP)
• MTWRF 2 p.m.-3 p.m.
• Instructor: Paulina M Pinsky
  Info
• 0 points

The Media and Politics in the United Sta

This course explores a broad range of questions concerning the relationship between the media and politics, with a focus on historical and contemporary issues presented in the American context: Do the news media educate or manipulate the citizenry? What is the role of the press in a democracy and how does the First Amendment protect the press in the United States? What has the impact been of the new information technologies on the traditional media and on the political role of citizens? Against the backdrop of these questions, we critically assess the political significance of social media and the increasing “weaponization” of information. In particular, we examine the extent to which these new developments limit the ability of citizens to participate meaningfully in society and politics, while at the same time challenging longstanding assumptions about the role of journalism and political communication in America’s system of democratic government. Students engage with course material through a combination of readings, lectures, daily discussions, films, and guest speakers from the worlds of journalism and politics. Participants also work in small teams to create a hypothetical media proposal for selected candidates running in the 2020 New York City Mayoral Race. This will involve doing research on target constituencies, developing a persuasive message, and designing an effective media plan that matches specific messages to appropriate audiences and platforms. The central goal of this course is to provide students with a deeper understanding of the factors that characterize effective communication strategies, and to equip them with the tools necessary to be more intelligent, critical consumers of all forms of political communication.

• Department: Pre-College Programs (SHSP)
• MTWRF 3:10 p.m.-5 p.m.
• Instructor: Timothy Novak
  Info
• 0 points