Rochester Scholars
Summer Session A
Course Descriptions 2008
- 2008 Summer Session A: July 14 – July 25
- Offered to students in grades 9-12, running for two weeks, Monday - Friday. Students may choose a morning (9 a.m. to 12 noon) and/or afternoon (1 p.m. to 4 p.m.) class. Each session includes a group lunch hour from 12 noon to 1 p.m.
Course List
Morning (9:00 a.m. - Noon)
Abnormal Psychology
American Sign Language: Understanding the Deaf Experience
Astronomy; Planets, Stars, & NASA
Bang Your Head! Heavy Metal Music and Its History
Build a Mobile Robot
Careers in Communications
Digital Art
Forensic Files: The CSI Phenomenon
How to Write a College Essay and Succeed!
The Life and Times of Wonder Woman
What’s Up Doc? Exploring the Pre-med Experience
Afternoon (1:00 p.m. - 4:00 p.m.)
Argument and Debate: How to Argue & Win!
As Easy as Saying Sushi: An Introduction to Japanese
Careers Engineering: An Introduction to the Field of Engineering
Light and Optics
Linked Fate: Energy, Equity, and Global Energy Transitions
Natural Born Killers: Man, Microbes, and Diseases
Oh, the Humanity! Genetics, Robotics, and Science Fiction in the 21st Century
Sports Marketing
What’s Up Doc? Exploring the Pre-med Experience
Why We Play? The Psychology of Video Games
Writing the Hollywood Screenplay
Full Day (9:00 a.m. - 4:00 p.m.)
Life Sciences Learning Center: Summer Science Academy
Course Descriptions
Abnormal Psychology
Morning
Available Summer Sessions A & B
Go inside the mind and explore the human reality of psychological disorders. Learn about Depression and Bipolar Disorder, eating disorders, phobias, Schizophrenia, Tourette's Syndrome, and other personality and mood disorders. Find out what these disorders are and where they stem from. View and discuss film clips that portray psychological disorders both in the media and in real life. Students will visit the University of Rochester Counseling Center where they will have the opportunity to talk with a senior psychologist. Students will leave this class with a better working knowledge of the most common psychological disorders, and will have a heighten interest in the field of psychology.
American Sign Language: Understanding the Deaf Experience
Morning
Available Summer Sessions A & B
Are you ready to go on a journey into the world of the Deaf, where our voice is in our hands and we listen with our eyes? Did you know that Deaf Americans share a rich and unique culture with their own history, traditions, beliefs, values, and etiquette? The Deaf community has its own doctors, Avon ladies, hairdressers, teachers, scientists, mechanics, and even plumbers. This class taps into the Deaf world and teaches students all about its people. Students will develop important signing skills and strategies that will allow them to communicate confidently and effectively with Deaf individuals. Rochester has the second-most populous Deaf community in America. There is a need and desire for this language to grow, bridging the gap between the hearing world and the Deaf world.
Argument and Debate: How to Argue and Win!
Afternoon
Available Summer Session A Only
Debate emphasizes public speaking, critical thinking, organization, and research, while improving one’s self-confidence and self-esteem. These tools make for success in any academic discipline or field of personal interest. This course introduces argumentation and logic, policy analysis and problem solving. Basic research techniques will emphasize the use of Internet databases. Students practice debate in front of an audience. Students are encouraged to voice their opinions on a number of social issues in a forum that stresses free speech and open-mindedness.
As Easy as Saying Sushi: An Introduction to Japanese
Afternoon
Available Summer Sessions A & B
In an age where International Relations is crucial to economic growth and homeland security, being bilingual can open the doors to many high profile job opportunities – political, educational, cultural, medical, and otherwise. As the relationship between the United States and Japan strengthens, the need to learn Japanese becomes greater. In this intensive Japanese course, students will learn to form some basic sentence patterns and carry simple, but fun conversations with their peers. In addition, the class will view Japanese animations and dramas to enhance their ability to recognize words and phrases. Students will leave this class with a better understanding of how important bi-lingual speakers are in the business world, and will have a newfound appreciation for a different culture.
Astronomy; Planets, Stars, & NASA
Morning
Available Summer Sessions A & B
How does astronomy impact our daily life? Time, days, seasons, and weather revolve around astronomy – and that’s just the beginning. In this course, students will learn about our solar system’s inner and outer planets; comets and asteroids; our own star, the Sun; star birth, life, and death; NASA’s manned/unmanned space missions; and recent events and spacecraft launches in the news such as the demotion of Pluto, the New Horizons spacecraft on its way to Pluto in 2015, the still-functioning Mars Rovers and Mars Reconnaissance Orbiter, and the Cassini spacecraft presently observing Saturn. Get ready to explore outer space and discover new worlds!
Bang Your Head! Heavy Metal Music and Its History
Morning
Available Summer Session A Only
Behind the screaming guitars, thundering pulse, and soaring vocals of heavy metal music lies an impressive history of censorship, rebellion, and redemption. In this course, students will study both the musical structure and the fascinating social/cultural history of metal through reading, listening, discussion, and hands-on activities. No formal music training is required! Consider pairing with the Session B course, Music and Society.
Build a Mobile Robot
Morning
Available Summer Sessions A & B
How would you like to build a robot that moves around and interacts with the environment? Now is your chance! Sensors, motors, computer programming, robot design, and construction come together in this hands-on workshop. First, students work in small groups using Lego Mindstorm kits to design, build, and program a robot that will accomplish an assigned task. Then students think of a problem, design a robot to solve it, and build that robot. Students learn how to program, how to work effectively in groups, how to solve engineering problems, and the start-to-finish design process for building a working system. (Maximum Enrollment of 15).
Careers in Communications
Morning
Available Summer Sessions A & B
Get the real scoop, and learn how to report it, publicize it, or market it accurately and ethically in this course, designed for students who aspire to work in the field of Communications, Journalism, or Marketing. Through discussions, a field trip, and case studies, students will learn the ins and outs of working in the fast-paced field of media relations, and how to get on the inside track to a great career in the field of communications.
Careers Engineering: An Introduction to the Field of Engineering
Afternoon
Available Summer Sessions A & B
Through stimulating lectures, interactive labs, and informative field trips, this class introduces the many disciplines of engineering, and what students can expect during academic training at a university level. Students will be provided with an overview of the necessary tools for analysis and problem solving, and they will be encouraged to use their creativity, energy, and interpersonal skills while participating in several in-class design projects. Additionally, students will learn the importance of mathematics, science, and technology in everyday engineering situations. By the end of the course, students will have a better-defined idea of engineering, its requirements, and the options for their future within this field.
Digital Art
Morning
Available Summer Sessions A & B
Digital Art techniques are some of the most pervasive tools used by contemporary artists. Printmakers, photographers, performance artists, and graphic artists are currently incorporating digital techniques into the production of their artwork. In addition, Digital Art has forged its own separate place in commercial and fine art fields. Web design, digital advertising, digital video, digital music, and interactive art thrive as separate forms of art on their own. In this course, students will learn to use computer software as a tool in the creation of art and art projects, and use this software in the creation of individualized art projects. Using two different software packages, students will learn to incorporate technical skills with artistic expression of ideas.
Forensic Files: The CSI Phenomenon
Morning
Available Summer Session A Only
Are you curious about how evidence left at a crime-scene can solve the actual crime? Do you wonder if shows such as CSI are real or just Hollywood embellishment? This hands-on course will provide an overview of the physical, biological, and chemical sciences involved in forensics. Students will investigate how trace pieces of evidence, like hair, fibers, and fingerprints, can be utilized to prosecute criminals. In addition, students will have the opportunity to learn about the importance of blood spatter, DNA, and entomology as they become detectives in a crime scene investigation.
How to Write a College Essay and Succeed!
Morning
Available Summer Session A Only
Learn the ins and outs and dos and don’ts to get off on a great start to your college career! This course will provide an overview of how to write a well-crafted college essay, through thesis statements, argument summaries, and outlines – the paper will practically write itself! Through hands-on activities and class discussion, students will produce an essay and workshop with the class and instructor to bring it to college-level. Bring your thinking caps and a fistful of red pens – it’s time to write!
Light and Optics
Afternoon
Available Summer Sessions A & B
In this course, students will focus on the foundations of physical and geometrical optics, and the basic principles of light, as well as the role of light and optics in everyday life and modern research. Through thought-provoking demonstrations, intensive mini-labs, and group problem solving exercises, students will study the human eye as a multi-lens system, the relationship between wavelength and frequency, and the design and function of lasers. The course culminates with field trips to research labs to experience advanced uses of light and optics on the University of Rochester campus.
Linked Fate: Energy, Equity, and Global Energy Transitions
Afternoon
Available Summer Session A Only
Though many question when the energy crisis may strike in the United States, half of humanity already faces one, as 3.5 billion people have no access to modern energy. Meeting these needs in the face of impending petroleum shortages and attendant environmental problems may be the defining challenge of the next generation. How do we assess what we know, what we can estimate and how to best pursue transitions, both locally and globally? This course will introduce students to the issues facing energy transitions and the challenge of making energy available and affordable. Students will learn to critically evaluate conflicting and uncertain information in order to make informed decisions. The class will also take a field trip to Harbec Plastics to see innovative alternative energy hybridization first hand!
Natural Born Killers: Man, Microbes, and Diseases
Afternoon
Available Summer Session A Only
How do infectious agents like the common cold, E. coli, the flu, or HIV affect the body? This lab-based course provides students with a general survey of infectious diseases, highlighting bacteria, parasites, and fungi that cause infection. Students will be given the opportunity to examine bacteria, fungi, and parasites through light microscopy, in addition to examining the morphology of colonies with the naked eye. Through lab work, students will learn the basic techniques used in microbiology, including staining of bacteria, cultivation, smear and swab preparation, and the use of equipment. Students will also be instructed in the method of gram staining and aseptic techniques. They will have first-hand exposure to the exciting field of microbiology and its relationship to healthcare. This course is recommended for students interested in science, medicine, and healthcare.
Oh, the Humanity! Genetics, Robotics, and Science Fiction in the 21st Century
Afternoon
Available Summer Sessions A & B
As we move further into the 21st century, ideas that were once considered science fiction have become real possibilities with advances in science. But with these advantages come new concerns and debates surrounding genetic engineering, cloning, and robotics rage in the political medical, and academic spheres. Is our accepted definition of humanity changing? What are the advantages and consequences of our evolving perceptions? Students will examine these questions through the lens of science fiction literature and film, hands on creations and activities, and exciting debate and discussion.
Sports Marketing
Afternoon
Available Summer Sessions A & B
The sports industry is one of the most profitable industries in the United States. Marketing sports products is also a global business. Fans spend billions of dollars each year on recreation and related products and services. In this course, students will cover the components of sports marketing, which include marketing a particular sports team or event, athletic wear, gear, or sports drinks. Students will also discuss careers in sports marketing. By participating in hands-on sports marketing simulations and projects and meeting with guest speakers, students will have an understanding of the marketing strategies and plans used to promote and sell product items and lines, describe effective branding and merchandising, and identify careers in sports marketing.
The Life and Times of Wonder Woman
Morning
Available Summer Sessions A & B
What can a comic book character tell us about American History? Plenty! Popular culture does not only reflect, but can also help to shape people’s attitudes and experiences. In this course, we will explore the recent history of American women through Wonder Woman, the most popular and enduring comic book superheroine of the post World War II period. Looking at comics from the 1940s to the present, we will consider how changes in the Wonder Woman character relate to changes in real women’s lives. Come see how fun history can truly be as you learn to read and analyze popular culture for its historical significance!
What’s Up Doc? Exploring the Pre-med Experience
Morning or Afternoon
Available Summer Sessions A & B
What’s it like to be a physician? What does it take to become a doctor? Meet with practicing physicians, medical students, and other experts. Explore hands-on medical procedures, examine equipment, and discuss medical ethics and the role of the physician. Learn what it takes, academically, to prepare for medical school, how to decide if medicine is right for you, and current pros and cons of being a doctor.
Why We Play? The Psychology of Video Games
Afternoon
Available Summer Sessions A & B
Video games and virtual environments are quickly becoming the dominant form of entertainment and communication among youth. They take the shape of gaming worlds, and non-game virtual worlds. This class gives students the opportunity to understand cutting-edge research in human motivation for playing games. Students will get hands-on time with the experimental games used in actual studies to examine the aspects of both aggression and learning in video games. Students will be exposed to quantitative research methods, some raw data and discuss research findings in class. (Maximum Enrollment of 10).
Writing the Hollywood Screenplay
Afternoon
Available Summer Session A Only
For those of you who have ever sat in a movie theater and said, “I could do better!” – now is your chance! This course will explore the fundamentals of the Hollywood studio screenplay – concept, theme, structure, story, dialogue, and characters. Students will craft a pitch of their original movie idea, a detailed treatment, and a first draft of a script for a short film. The instructor and fellow students will critique all work in class.
Pair with the Session B course, Making the Hollywood Movie, to bring your screenplay to life!
Life Sciences Learning Center: Summer Science Academy
Full Day
Available Summer Session A Only
This two-week, full-day program is designed for high school students who have a strong interest in biological science. Students use state-of-the-art equipment to do hands-on laboratory investigations, and learn about important ethical issues in science and medicine. This challenging science program emphasizes topics in microbiology and molecular biology, and teaches basic skills that are important for working in the field of biological research. Students will immerse themselves in laboratory investigations that involve hands-on techniques, including plating and streaking bacteria, microscopy, isolating bacteria, gram staining, latex agglutination, DNA fingerprinting, and isolating human and fruit fly DNA. By using these cutting-edge techniques in microbiological and genetic studies, students will become proficient in standard laboratory techniques widely used in research labs, and will become familiar with opportunities for further investigation. * Prerequisite: Completion of Regents Biology Course.
