This is an introductory-level course in theoretical linguistics, especially the fields of syntax, semantics, and phonology. We will explore natural language: what makes a grammatical sentence, how we can tell what it means, and how we pronounce and understand it. Linguistics will be fun for those who enjoy puzzle-solving and critical thinking. Classwork and homework will involve solving problems, possibly involving fieldwork with native speakers. No previous experience in linguistics or foreign languages is required.

Thought, learning, perception, reasoning, and language are all cognitive abilities powered by the soft squishy gray stuff inside our skulls. After a quick-and-dirty introduction to neurons and the brain, we'll examine several aspects of human cognition and look at the neurophysiology that underlies them. We'll also discuss methods used to study these areas, read some current research, and navigate the wilds of the science library.

A high-school level biology course is a recommend prerequisite for this; we'll be talking about neurons and brain systems, and basic biology understanding will be assumed.

This course will seek to provide students with a fundamental understanding of Classical Mechanics. Newton's laws, concepts of momentum, energy, angular momentum, and rigid body motion. Special emphasis will be placed in having students design and run experiments using everyday items.

Prerequisites - This class will travel at a fast pace and will include trigonometry and calculus. Although prior experience with these subjects - especially trigonometry - will be helpful, eager students will be able pick up these tools through a little extra effort. Extra time before or after class will be available for those who request it.

This fast-paced multivariable calculus course will prepare students for more in-depth study by imparting to them an understanding of the tools and methods of vector calculus involving more than one variable. Topics include: vectors, dot products, cross products, alternate coordinate systems, partial differentiation, applications of the derivative, LaGrange multipliers, multiple integrals, vector fields, line integrals, flux, and curl. While a graphing calculator such as a TI-83 or TI-89 can sometimes be helpful, the course will be taught mostly without the aid of these devices, as to ensure that the student has a full understanding of the topics without a reliance on a calculator. The textbook that we will be using for the course will be Calculus, 5th ed., by James Stewart, which can be purchased from online retailers such as Amazon.com.

NOTE: Students must have already completed a single-variable calculus course, such as AP Calculus BC or equivalent.

We will discuss combinatorial problems and various methods in solving them. Come prepared to learn new ways of thinking.

"Magrathea?" -- Watch This:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=MbNtlS69HhU

Starting from the basic chemistry of cellular biology and the astronomy of planetary formation, I will, in class, build up the structure of life on Earth and the history of how it evolved. In parallel, your projects (which you will be expected to work on mostly outside of class) will be to hypothesize and create the blueprints for life on planets with different properties than earth: more or less gravity, different atmospheric conditions, and/or exposure to different spectra or amounts of radiation. In non-fictional science, this research is know as Astrobiology: the interdisciplinary study of life in the universe, combining aspects of astronomy, biology and geology. Lecture topics will range from the types and life cycles of stars to the ecosystems found in high methane high heat undersea vents to the evolutionary history of whales to NASA's current predictions for life on undiscovered planets and the currently observed signs for past and present life on Mars. This class has no prerequisites: introductary chemistry, biology, and physics will be quickly covered as needed, but be prepared for fast paced classes and assignments that require significant research and creative reasoning. Every day will be intense and will require the full participation of all students. Come with an open and inquisitive mind and the work ethic to support it!

Communication: easy to do, a challenge to do well. It can be fun yet frustrating, rewarding yet annoying, and…we’ll spend a lifetime doing it. This class will help a smart person like you start a conversation, express their ideas, and keep their cool in tense situations. Class time will be devoted to discussion, activities, and fun: the best way to become a better communicator. Hope to see you there!

What have you always wanted to do with a computer? The goal of this class is to teach you how to use your computer as a powerful tool. Emphasis will be placed on efficient design insuring scalability. You will have the opportunity to work on your own project. Each week we will cover a different aspect of algorithm design or data management. You do not need to provide a computer, but if you have a laptop you are welcome to use it. There are no official pre-requisits, but we will be doing a lot of analytical thinking. A good understanding of algebra would also be useful.

This fast-paced introductory calculus course will prepare students for more in-depth study by imparting to them an understanding of the tools and methods of standard calculus. Topics include: behavior of functions, limits, alternate coordinate systems, the derivative, applications of the derivative, the integral (interated and indefinite), the Fundamental Theorem of Calculus, and an introduction to sequences and series. While a graphing calculator such as a TI-83 or TI-89 can sometimes be helpful, the course will be taught mostly without the aid of these devices, as to ensure that the student has a full understanding of the topics without a reliance on a calculator. The textbook that we will be using for the course will be Calculus, 5th ed., by James Stewart, which can be purchased from online retailers such as Amazon.com.

This course will explore physics with an emphasis on Special Relativity. We will also touch on a variety of topics from Quantum Physics to General Relativity. There will be readings and problem sets that will give you a chance to work through each topic to a depth that you find interesting.

Prerequisites: I will assume that you are comfortable with math. This means that you should be open to working through an extra problem or two if you aren't familiar with some particular types of math (linear algebra, calculus, etc) but not that you have to have taken any particular class.

"History is a search for light on the nature and destiny of man," historian Arnold Toynbee once wrote. In this fast-paced survey of world history, we'll begin from Mesopotamia and work our way towards the Cold War and the Nuclear Era. The focus of the class will not be geared towards memorizing dates, places, and names - but rather an ongoing discussion on change and continuity over the centuries. Emphasis will especially be placed on development of different continents and people groups and their interactions.

Taught with experience from taking all three history AP exams (with scores of 5 on all of them), this course would also prepare students for the AP World History exam to a significant extent. Vocabulary sheets and AP review material will be included in the handouts.