Splash 2015
Course Catalog
Filter Catalog by Grade:
Visual and Performing Arts
A10066: How to be a Slightly Less Terrible Photographer Full!
Difficulty: *
Teachers:
Catherine Roukhadze
You love photography, but for some reason things are just not working out. You see gorgeous photos, worthy of the high heavens, but in comparison your photos are the equivalent of potato lumps. Something needs to be done.
No need to fear! Come learn some quick small changes you can do to make your photography astronomically slightly less worse. Pose people to hide their ugly side, clean up the messy background, and STOP USING FILTERS.
Prerequisites
Some photography experience. Will mostly cover composition topics, but a knowledge of basic technical aspects is nice.
No need to fear! Come learn some quick small changes you can do to make your photography astronomically slightly less worse. Pose people to hide their ugly side, clean up the messy background, and STOP USING FILTERS.
Prerequisites
Some photography experience. Will mostly cover composition topics, but a knowledge of basic technical aspects is nice.
A9798: Intro to Cosplay Full!
Difficulty: *
Teachers:
Meredith Benson,
Jasmine Lennert
Ever wanted to dress up as your favorite character? Want to try cosplaying but don't know where to start? Come learn about the basics of making a screen accurate costume and some of the tips and tricks to get you started on your first costume.
A10019: Cheerleading 101 Full!
Difficulty: **
Teachers:
Emma Castanos,
Cordelia Tuan
Learn some fun cheers and dances! Cheers will be MIT, science, and sports related!
A10087: Crash Course in Conducting - Beginner's Section! Full!
Difficulty: **
Teachers:
Aisha Wang
There is a rather infamous analogy that involves comparing the conductor of a large ensemble to a meerkat flailing about and the rest of the orchestra as wildebeest, elephants, and other creatures as depicted in the "Circle of Life". Conducting is about expression, creativity, leadership, all coupled with a deep desire to focus the herd and create art. Come learn how to synchronize your arm flailing to the heartbeats of your musicians, raise a ruckus, and control your ensemble with your eyebrows alone!
Prerequisites
Some musical experience is necessary to follow the class material. Musical experience can be loosely defined as jamming out to the radio, performing a symphony, trash can drumming, and/or watching copious amounts of broadway performances. You should also be willing to experiment with flailing your limbs about and be comfortable with being critiqued by your peers and instructor on your technique. If you have more formal training than this and want a greater challenge, you should check out the advanced version of this class!
Prerequisites
Some musical experience is necessary to follow the class material. Musical experience can be loosely defined as jamming out to the radio, performing a symphony, trash can drumming, and/or watching copious amounts of broadway performances. You should also be willing to experiment with flailing your limbs about and be comfortable with being critiqued by your peers and instructor on your technique. If you have more formal training than this and want a greater challenge, you should check out the advanced version of this class!
A10023: Analyzing Symphonic Music
Difficulty: **
Teachers:
Kyle Swanson
Symphonic works are a core element of western classical music, representing some of the greatest pieces of music ever written. Composers spent months (days if you're Mozart) inventing, writing, and rewriting what would become the pieces we know and love today.
We may have a great appreciation for the music when we hear it, but if you open the score of a symphonic work, all you see is a giant mess of notes. How does that over-sized blob of ink turn into the lyrical melodies and inspiring harmonies we can't get enough of?
In this class we'll quickly review some basic music theory terminology and then dive right into analyzing the scores of one or two major orchestral works. We'll look at the overall structure of the work to get a sense of how it's all put together, and then we'll narrow our focus, dig into the notes themselves, and figure out how to construct sensible harmonies that explain just how the music has the wonderful effect it does.
Prerequisites
The ability to read music is required. Knowledge of elementary music theory (major and minor keys, triads, seventh chords) strongly recommended but not required.
We may have a great appreciation for the music when we hear it, but if you open the score of a symphonic work, all you see is a giant mess of notes. How does that over-sized blob of ink turn into the lyrical melodies and inspiring harmonies we can't get enough of?
In this class we'll quickly review some basic music theory terminology and then dive right into analyzing the scores of one or two major orchestral works. We'll look at the overall structure of the work to get a sense of how it's all put together, and then we'll narrow our focus, dig into the notes themselves, and figure out how to construct sensible harmonies that explain just how the music has the wonderful effect it does.
Prerequisites
The ability to read music is required. Knowledge of elementary music theory (major and minor keys, triads, seventh chords) strongly recommended but not required.
A9613: Preparing for Art and Design School
Difficulty: *
Teachers:
Steven Faerm
What’s the first year of college like in an art and design school? How is the experience similar/dissimilar to high school art and design? What challenges do students experience and how can they best prepare?
In this presentation, the transitional experience from high school to design school is described based on a year-long research study performed at Harvard University by an Associate Professor from Parsons School of Design. The first year college experience, the future of art and design education, and how students can best prepare for the transition are discussed.
Although this presentation focuses on art and design studies, the general transition from high school to college is discussed.
Prerequisites
None
In this presentation, the transitional experience from high school to design school is described based on a year-long research study performed at Harvard University by an Associate Professor from Parsons School of Design. The first year college experience, the future of art and design education, and how students can best prepare for the transition are discussed.
Although this presentation focuses on art and design studies, the general transition from high school to college is discussed.
Prerequisites
None
A10118: Close Looking: Examining Art
Difficulty: **
Teachers:
Daniel Richman
Ever leave an art museum feeling like you didn't see anything cool? Fact: if you know more about how people have cranked out art through the centuries, then you'll notice more about it. We'll do some drawing exercises and take a whirlwind tour of art over the last thousand years.
A9645: Bookbinding and Printing for Zines and Indie Comics
Difficulty: ***
Teachers:
Mehitabel Glenhaber
So you've got your fantastic zine*, or comic, or booklet of artwork finished, and you're ready to share it with the world! The only trouble is...there's only one copy, and it doesn't really look like a book. :(
But never fear! Come to this class and learn the tricks of the indie bookbinding trade. Learn how to make book layouts with nice margins and everything! Discover binding techniques to spiff your books up like stab binding, false perfect binding, and decorative stitch binding. Maybe if we have time, we can even talk about some really wacky ways you can make books, like the flippy book, expandy comic, or one page choose your own adventure! No fancy-pants photo shop required, you'll be able to do everything you learn in this class on an old school photo copier.
*a zine, coming from the last syllable of "magazine," is any sort of independently published booklet. Whether you want to make a comic book, a fan magazine, or an angry manifesto about communism, if you want to print it by yourself on paper, congrats, you're a zinester!
Prerequisites
None!
But never fear! Come to this class and learn the tricks of the indie bookbinding trade. Learn how to make book layouts with nice margins and everything! Discover binding techniques to spiff your books up like stab binding, false perfect binding, and decorative stitch binding. Maybe if we have time, we can even talk about some really wacky ways you can make books, like the flippy book, expandy comic, or one page choose your own adventure! No fancy-pants photo shop required, you'll be able to do everything you learn in this class on an old school photo copier.
*a zine, coming from the last syllable of "magazine," is any sort of independently published booklet. Whether you want to make a comic book, a fan magazine, or an angry manifesto about communism, if you want to print it by yourself on paper, congrats, you're a zinester!
Prerequisites
None!
A9706: Portrait Drawing Full!
Difficulty: **
Teachers:
Maeve Hedstrom
This class is for every skill level, from beginner to pro. You will learn how to draw a portrait, practicing by making a self portrait in a mirror. You will learn about factors of portraits including composition, proportion, and shading. There is an optional (volunteer) critique at the end of class. This classroom is a fun, non-judgemental learning environment, for building up portrait drawing skills, building confidence, and having fun!
Prerequisites
None.
Prerequisites
None.
A9805: Introduction to Adobe Photoshop & Web Design
Difficulty: **
Teachers:
Timothy Ibrahim
Have you ever come across a really ugly website? Thought you could probably make a better one but didn't know how? Maybe you have always wanted to make a logo for your Youtube channel featuring videos of cats sitting in boxes far too small for them.
Whatever your reason, if you want to learn the fundamentals of web and graphic design using the industry standard image editing and rendering software Adobe Photoshop, join us for this barebones introductory session! We will demystify Photoshop's seemingly confounding layout and discuss the vast array of tools at your disposal. We will delve into a short discussion on the basics of web design and demonstrate the initial design stages of a basic website. We will even dedicate some time after our quick introduction for you to work on a project of your choosing!
Whether you've never used any graphic design software before, you're a seasoned Photoshop battler on Reddit, or somewhere in between, you can expect to gain something from this really fun, low-stress course!
Prerequisites
No graphic design or Photoshop experience necessary. Bring a creative and attentive mind!
Whatever your reason, if you want to learn the fundamentals of web and graphic design using the industry standard image editing and rendering software Adobe Photoshop, join us for this barebones introductory session! We will demystify Photoshop's seemingly confounding layout and discuss the vast array of tools at your disposal. We will delve into a short discussion on the basics of web design and demonstrate the initial design stages of a basic website. We will even dedicate some time after our quick introduction for you to work on a project of your choosing!
Whether you've never used any graphic design software before, you're a seasoned Photoshop battler on Reddit, or somewhere in between, you can expect to gain something from this really fun, low-stress course!
Prerequisites
No graphic design or Photoshop experience necessary. Bring a creative and attentive mind!
A9942: Theater Games Full!
Difficulty: *
Come play theater games with members of the MIT Shakespeare Ensemble! From freeze to zip-zap-zop, it'll be loads of fun!
A10009: Knitting for Beginners Full!
Difficulty: **
Teachers:
Lauren Bustamante
Learn how to knit so you can make cute scarves, hats, coasters, and mug cozies for all your friends and family members for the holidays!
A9714: Intro to Musical Improvisation
Difficulty: **
Play an instrument/voice? Want to try/practice/experiment with improv?
No prior improv experience necessary!
No particular style (e.g., Pop, Jazz) is given a privileged role. So please join us for some improvsation games! Depending on the class size, we will divide the class into sections, and a battle of the bands will commence.
Prerequisites
Prereqs: Must be good at listening and responding to others musically. Must be comfortable with avant-garde music.
No prior improv experience necessary!
No particular style (e.g., Pop, Jazz) is given a privileged role. So please join us for some improvsation games! Depending on the class size, we will divide the class into sections, and a battle of the bands will commence.
Prerequisites
Prereqs: Must be good at listening and responding to others musically. Must be comfortable with avant-garde music.
A9630: Printmaking! Full!
Difficulty: *
Teachers:
Clio Macrakis
Learn about printmaking, and make your own stamp! There will be plenty of materials for you to test your handmade stamp on; make cards, books, or anything you want. If you have a design in mind for your stamp, please bring it with you!
Prerequisites
Creativity, and some patience
Prerequisites
Creativity, and some patience
A9925: Shakespearean Language: Make the words your own!
Difficulty: *
Teachers:
Joseph Cox
This course will focus on getting students familiar with Shakespearean text and will involve reading and performing his works. We will also cover how to analyze and interpret Shakespearean text. Students are recommended to wear clothes they can move around in for theatre games and warm-ups.
A9610: Juggling 101 Full!
Difficulty: **
Teachers:
Ian Chesser
We will teach you how to juggle and much more! This is the perfect class if you want to learn how to juggle or if you want to sharpen your skills. We have talented jugglers on hand and more things to throw in the air than you can wrap your head around.
Prerequisites
None
Prerequisites
None
A9712: It Don't Mean A Thing If It Aint Got That Swing: Swing Dance 101
Difficulty: **
Teachers:
Lee Friedman,
Mehitabel Glenhaber
Want to look like cool people from old movies? Swing is an awesome social dance from the 1930s, and you too can learn how to dance it! Come learn the basic steps, as well as some exciting turns, passes, and other flashy moves. We'll also teach you about dance floor etiquette, and everything else you need to go social dancing on your own once you get hooked on swing!
Also, you should probably shoes you can dance in (sneakers are the best), and clothes you can move in. Or, y'know, just show up in your best vintage 1930s outfit. Your choice!
Also, you should probably shoes you can dance in (sneakers are the best), and clothes you can move in. Or, y'know, just show up in your best vintage 1930s outfit. Your choice!
A9801: Alternative Approaches to Music Composition Full!
Difficulty: **
Teachers:
Sam Moore
If you've ever tried composing music, you might be used to staring at a blank piece of staff paper, wondering what dots to write next. While this tried-and-true approach has lead to many masterpieces throughout the ages, it is often time-consuming. In this class, we will discuss alternative approaches to composing, from graphical notation to written instructions that are quick . Examples include Terry Riley's In C. Performance of works will take place in class and may include performance of an in-class composition (time permitting). Instruments are helpful but not necessary. Singing---or for that matter any other creative form of noise making---is perfectly acceptable.
Prerequisites
Basic familiarity with instrument and a willingness to perform or sing weird music.
Prerequisites
Basic familiarity with instrument and a willingness to perform or sing weird music.
A10080: Learn to Throat Sing
Difficulty: *
Teachers:
Steven Keyes
Learn to sing two notes at once! Throat singing is a musical tradition in Tuva and other cultures that involves producing two tones at the same time. This course will include the theory behind throat singing, its cultural significance, and exercises to learn throat singing.
A9736: Introduction to Parody Song Writing
Difficulty: **
Teachers:
Lee Friedman
Parodies of songs have long been in existence, as long as songs themselves. In this class we’re going to learn about what makes a good song parody, and create one (or more, depending on time) together as a class.
A9946: Intro to Photography
Difficulty: **
Teachers:
Riley Drake,
Robert Rusch
Ever wondered what the heck an f-stop or an ISO is? Have you ever even heard of these words!
This class will teach the basics of photography. We will cover framing, the rule of thirds, shutter speed, exposure, and a whole mess of other factors that go into a fantastic photo.
After learning the basics, we will then go on a photo safari through the jungle of Splash to put theory into practice.
Prerequisites
Use of a camera before is assumed.
This class will teach the basics of photography. We will cover framing, the rule of thirds, shutter speed, exposure, and a whole mess of other factors that go into a fantastic photo.
After learning the basics, we will then go on a photo safari through the jungle of Splash to put theory into practice.
Prerequisites
Use of a camera before is assumed.
A9794: How to Make Craft Foam Armor
Difficulty: *
Teachers:
Meredith Benson,
Jasmine Lennert
Have you ever wanted to make costume armor but didn't know how? Or the materials were too expensive? Come learn how to make armor out of nothing but craft foam, poster board, glue, cheese cloth, and paint! You will not only learn about the whole process of making metallic looking armor, but you will also get a chance to start your own project.
A9581: Clothes for Imaginary People: Crash-Course in Costume Design
Difficulty: *
Teachers:
E Rosser
Imaginary people need clothes, too! Whether they're on stage, on the screen, or from your favorite tabletop campaign, you can tell loads about a character from the costume they wear. Learn how to convey feelings through line and color, try your hand at some design, and visit a working costume shop!
Prerequisites
None
Prerequisites
None
A9861: Salsa Dancing
Difficulty: **
Teachers:
Francesca Majluf
Come learn how to dance one of the most fun partner dances ever! There may or may not be dips involved.
A9897: Knitknitknit Full!
Difficulty: **
Teachers:
Haley Cope
Take some time to relax and learn a cool skill. Knitting is a great stress-relief that lets you see some progress as you loop string around and around.
If you already know how to knit, bring a project you're working on and hang out with cool people and some music.
If you already know how to knit, bring a project you're working on and hang out with cool people and some music.
A10198: Crash Course in Conducting - Advanced Section! Full!
Difficulty: ***
Teachers:
Aisha Wang
There is a rather infamous analogy that involves comparing the conductor of a large ensemble to a meerkat flailing about and the rest of the orchestra as wildebeest, elephants, and other creatures as depicted in the "Circle of Life". Conducting is about expression, creativity, leadership, all coupled with a deep desire to focus the herd and create art. Come learn how to synchronize your arm flailing to the heartbeats of your musicians, raise a ruckus, and control your ensemble with your eyebrows alone!
Prerequisites
Musical experience is required for the advanced section, as I will be discussing musical terms, watching clips of performances, and handing out sheet music to be read and followed. You should also be willing to experiment with flailing your limbs about and be comfortable with being critiqued by your peers and instructor on your technique. If you have had less formal training, but are still willing to engage in this musical adventure, check out the beginner’s section!
Prerequisites
Musical experience is required for the advanced section, as I will be discussing musical terms, watching clips of performances, and handing out sheet music to be read and followed. You should also be willing to experiment with flailing your limbs about and be comfortable with being critiqued by your peers and instructor on your technique. If you have had less formal training, but are still willing to engage in this musical adventure, check out the beginner’s section!
A9820: The Physics of Dance Full!
Difficulty: **
Come learn about the laws that make turns, leaps and many other dance moves possible and experiment with them out as we dance together!
A9769: Learn to Waltz Full!
Difficulty: *
Teachers:
Rose Caplan,
Matthew Kolosick
Elegant? Yes.
Classy? Definitely.
Come learn to dance the waltz so you may impress everyone else with how gracefully you can spin in circles.
Classy? Definitely.
Come learn to dance the waltz so you may impress everyone else with how gracefully you can spin in circles.
A10085: Learn To Knit! Full!
Difficulty: *
Teachers:
jill Pelavin,
Lisa Winer
Learn to Knit!
Ever wanted to knit your own hat, scarf, or toys for your cat?
It's not that hard! In this class we will learn to knit and purl.
No experience required, just willingness to play with sticks, yarn, and the realization that it will seem awkward at first (with practice, it becomes smooth and relaxing!)
Ever wanted to knit your own hat, scarf, or toys for your cat?
It's not that hard! In this class we will learn to knit and purl.
No experience required, just willingness to play with sticks, yarn, and the realization that it will seem awkward at first (with practice, it becomes smooth and relaxing!)
A10204: Math-y Beading
Difficulty: **
Teachers:
Vivian Wang
Beads are pretty, but polyhedra are prettier. We'll learn to make buckyballs (a.k.a. truncated icosahedra for math folks or C60 for chem folks) out of beads and string. By the end of the class, you'll have your own shiny geometric trinket to keep! Depending on time and interest, we might learn to make other geometric things...A fractal dodecahedron? Polyhedral carbon nanotori? The possibilities are (almost) endless.
Prerequisites
We'll be working with seed beads (which are pretty small), so a little finger dexterity and a lot of patience will go a long way!
Prerequisites
We'll be working with seed beads (which are pretty small), so a little finger dexterity and a lot of patience will go a long way!
A9709: Intro to Swing Dancing
Difficulty: *
Teachers:
Moses Sukin,
Samantha Yarmis
Hey cool cats! Come learn some basic east coast swing moves to impress your friends (and enemies too). Absolutely no dance experience or partner necessary. Wear something comfy, including shoes that won’t go flying off your feet when you’re showing off your ultra-cool moves.
A10194: Chalk Pastel: An Inquiry into Color, Form, and Technique Full!
Difficulty: *
Teachers:
Jessica Ulman
Ever wonder how Degas and Da Vinci did it? Come experiment with chalk pastel techniques and learn about color, texture, layering and form. Blending, scumbling, feathering, and more
Prerequisites
All levels of experience are welcome!
Prerequisites
All levels of experience are welcome!
A9938: How to Draw People Full!
Difficulty: **
Teachers:
Carolyn Lu
Want to design characters for your comic? Draw more realistic portraits? Sketch people in cafes with greater precision?
In this class, we'll go over the basics of human anatomy for art and the various techniques you can use to draw the human body from reference or imagination. Recommended that you have some prior art experience (you've tried to draw more than a stick figure before).
In this class, we'll go over the basics of human anatomy for art and the various techniques you can use to draw the human body from reference or imagination. Recommended that you have some prior art experience (you've tried to draw more than a stick figure before).
A9609: Chain Mail Weaving
Difficulty: *
Teachers:
Miranda Gavrin
This class will teach the fundamentals of making your own chain mail. Learn the basic weave you can use to make anything from keychains and bracelets to a full suit of armor!
A9642: Intro to Comics Theory
Difficulty: ***
Teachers:
Mehitabel Glenhaber
Do you want to make comics? Do you like to read comics, but want to try your hand at them? Are you already working on your feature length graphic novel? In this class, we'll talk about what makes a comic a comic, and discuss the way that we tell stories through a strange combination of pictures and words. We'll go over some basics of comics theory, analyze your favorite comics, and then use those tools to make our own comics!
Prerequisites
None whatsoever! There are plenty of great cartoonists who can't really draw!
Prerequisites
None whatsoever! There are plenty of great cartoonists who can't really draw!
A10086: Bollywood? Hip hop? Jhumka!
Difficulty: **
Teachers:
Lillia Baird
Learn a song or two from past seasons of MHC Jhumka, Mount Holyoke's first bollywood hip hop fusion dance group!
Depending on what the class wants to learn it could be bollywood, hip hop, or something in between. I'll have a few routines prepared for people to vote on.
Prerequisites
Wear clothing you can dance in. Sneakers are optional, and dancing barefoot is also completely okay. No dance experience required.
Depending on what the class wants to learn it could be bollywood, hip hop, or something in between. I'll have a few routines prepared for people to vote on.
Prerequisites
Wear clothing you can dance in. Sneakers are optional, and dancing barefoot is also completely okay. No dance experience required.
A9670: Oriental Dancing
Difficulty: *
Teachers:
shahd labib
This class will take you through the basic belly dancing steps. By the end of the two hour class, you will know a short dance.
A9774: In Need of Improv-ment Full!
Difficulty: *
Teachers:
Camila Horowicz,
Theresa Lo
Introduction to improvisational theater, fun games, and lots of laughs.
Prerequisites
Willingness to participate
Prerequisites
Willingness to participate
A9863: Stravinsky and the Birth of Twentieth-Century Music: "Firebird", "Petrushka" and "The Rite of Spring"
Difficulty: **
Teachers:
Marshall Estrin
From 1909 to 1913, Igor Stravinsky wrote three ballets that would define modern music. In this course we will examine how Stravinsky's "The Firebird", "Petrushka" and "The Rite of Spring" incorporated a century of Russian music, turned it inside out and used the past to create the future.
A9558: Round Singing: Beyond "Row, Row, Row, your Boat"
Difficulty: **
Teachers:
Ruth Byers
Rounds are songs where multiple people or groups sing the same thing at different times. "Row, Row, Row, your Boat" is an example-- you can sing it in four parts, each starting one measure after the last.
Round singing is a easy way to create beautiful music, and is also a good first step to learning to sing harmonies. We will learn and practice singing some easy rounds and show you where to look to learn more.
Prerequisites
You should be able to read music, at least well enough to follow along on the sheet music while singing. Fabulous sight-singing skills not necessary.
Round singing is a easy way to create beautiful music, and is also a good first step to learning to sing harmonies. We will learn and practice singing some easy rounds and show you where to look to learn more.
Prerequisites
You should be able to read music, at least well enough to follow along on the sheet music while singing. Fabulous sight-singing skills not necessary.
A10071: Building Blocks of Music
Difficulty: *
Teachers:
Nyree Jauhar
Learn to make simple homemade instruments with materials provided in class, or experiment with sound and design your own instrument. Explore melody, rhythm, and harmony using the instruments you've made. Finally, in groups, we'll break down popular songs or create music using knowledge of the three basic elements through the use of your instruments or voices (or whatever else makes a sound). The class ends with a chill jam session in which we all layer our sounds in a loop, with some solo improv. It’s going to be pretty casual, so don’t worry about sounding like a pro.
A10004: Framing Light: Photographic Composition 101 Full!
Difficulty: *
Teachers:
Riley Drake
Have you ever felt drawn in to a particular photograph? Has an image
in a magazine or a newspaper ever made you feel like you were part of
a story? In this class, we'll look at some photos we love,
thinking about how the photographers have used composition to tell a
story or bring the viewer to notice something previously unseen. Then,
we'll set out with simple cameras to photograph the world around us.
Finally, we'll look at the images that we have captured, and discuss
our own compositional strategies, what worked, and what didn't. This class will not focus on the technical aspects of photography.
Prerequisites
Interest in photography. Student should bring in two to three photos, from any source, that they particularly like.
in a magazine or a newspaper ever made you feel like you were part of
a story? In this class, we'll look at some photos we love,
thinking about how the photographers have used composition to tell a
story or bring the viewer to notice something previously unseen. Then,
we'll set out with simple cameras to photograph the world around us.
Finally, we'll look at the images that we have captured, and discuss
our own compositional strategies, what worked, and what didn't. This class will not focus on the technical aspects of photography.
Prerequisites
Interest in photography. Student should bring in two to three photos, from any source, that they particularly like.
A9845: Céad Mile Fáilte: An Introduction to Irish Dance
Difficulty: *
Teachers:
Kathryn Buggs
Come learn the basics of Irish dance, music and culture! We'll practice a few words in Gaelic and dance some jigs, reels, and ceilis. We may even have a fierce ~Irish dance-off~!
Prerequisites
Please wear tennis shoes or socks that won't slide on the floor. No dance experience necessary!
Prerequisites
Please wear tennis shoes or socks that won't slide on the floor. No dance experience necessary!
A9773: Learn to Swing
Difficulty: *
Teachers:
Rose Caplan,
Matthew Kolosick
Learn the dance that makes your grandparents feel young again!
Swing is a fun and playful dance filled with fun and playfulness!
Swing is a fun and playful dance filled with fun and playfulness!
A10213: Make your first YouTube video: Fun with green screens
Difficulty: *
Teachers:
Jim Flannery
In this course you will learn how all the famous (and not so famous) YouTubers make their videos. I will walk you through filming, audio, green screens, and more. You can see some of the physics comedy sketches I've made at wtfisx.com. Most of them use green screens. I also run monthly video contests for high school students at OpenSourceHigh.com!
Prerequisites
Interested in having fun
Prerequisites
Interested in having fun
A9770: Needs Improv'ment
Difficulty: *
Ever wonder how actors can make up a scene on the spot without any planning? Come play lots of improv and theater games and learn how to expand your abilities as an actor and a person!
Prerequisites
Everyone is welcome - from experienced professional actors to people who have never set foot on a stage in their life!
Prerequisites
Everyone is welcome - from experienced professional actors to people who have never set foot on a stage in their life!
A9657: Acting in the Moment
Difficulty: *
Teachers:
Adam Strandberg
In this class, we'll explore acting exercises to help get yourself out of your head and into the present moment. We'll do physical exercises followed by nonsense word improv, and wrap up with some Meisner technique.
The class is open to anyone who is willing to commit to things that might make them look really silly.
The class is open to anyone who is willing to commit to things that might make them look really silly.
A9779: Plush Toy Workshop
Difficulty: **
Teachers:
Shain Neumeier
In this workshop, participants will learn how to make a plush toy of a humanoid character. This will teach the basics of how to make the body form. Students will receive basic supplies like needles, thread, fabric and polyfil, and patterns for the body form, face and clothing for future reference.
Prerequisites
Basic sewing skills are helpful, but not strictly necessary.
Prerequisites
Basic sewing skills are helpful, but not strictly necessary.
A10212: Affirmative Art
Difficulty: *
Teachers:
eirik trondsen
Affirmative Art is a way for young people to visualize their dreams and aspiration. It is a tool for self reflection and what their future may look like. Using images, colours and if need be words. It is a fun and light way of getting closer to what we truly want in life, and therefor very useful. It normally ends with a presentation of each art work to explain it and discuss it.
A9926: Performers' Practice Circle
Difficulty: *
Teachers:
Abigail Walzer
Performers' Practice Circle returns!
The rules are simple:
After a brief warm-up, you get five minutes to perform something. We go around the circle and take turns. You can choose whether or not to get feedback, but everyone must perform something.
Your voice is your instrument. (Or your body, if what you want to perform is something like mime.) Time to practice using it.
Prerequisites
Come with something to perform!
The rules are simple:
After a brief warm-up, you get five minutes to perform something. We go around the circle and take turns. You can choose whether or not to get feedback, but everyone must perform something.
Your voice is your instrument. (Or your body, if what you want to perform is something like mime.) Time to practice using it.
Prerequisites
Come with something to perform!
A9954: Exploring Different Styles of Art
Difficulty: *
Do you love drawing or painting? Does it relax you and make you happy? Or is it simply something you've always wanted to try? If so, join our class during SPLASH to explore different styles of art (such as perspective or pointillism). The class will be offering multiple times (with different material each time) throughout the weekend in 2-hour blocks. The class will be a mixture of instruction and application, but it will mostly focus on the application part. So come and have fun immersing yourself in art!
Prerequisites
Eagerness to learn and be creative!
Prerequisites
Eagerness to learn and be creative!
A9694: Mathematical Music: The Revolt of Serialism
Difficulty: **
Teachers:
Marshall Estrin
Defying centuries of western musical tradition, a revolutionary group of twentieth-century composers created a new language of music based not only on sonic artistry but mathematical beauty. Learn how Arnold Schoenberg, Alban Berg, Anton Webern, Bela Bartok, Luciano Berio, Pierre Boulez and others transformed the world of modern music.
Prerequisites
The ability to read music is helpful but not necessary.
Prerequisites
The ability to read music is helpful but not necessary.
A9857: The Symphony Full!
Difficulty: **
Teachers:
Katherine Young
This class will examine the form and evolution of the symphony from its origins to the 20th century. We will spend time listening to excerpts from symphonies by Mozart, Beethoven, Tchaikovsky, Mahler, and more.
Prerequisites
Classical music background is useful but not necessary
Prerequisites
Classical music background is useful but not necessary
A9951: Piano Sonatas of Beethoven
Difficulty: **
Teachers:
Ray Hua Wu
This class discusses the variety and evolution of Beethoven's musical style through the thirty-two piano sonatas that he wrote.
Prerequisites
An understanding of the ideas of classical music: Understand an outline of the history of European music from 1700-1900. Understand the common sonata forms.
Prerequisites
An understanding of the ideas of classical music: Understand an outline of the history of European music from 1700-1900. Understand the common sonata forms.
A10099: Learn to Cross-Step Waltz!
Difficulty: **
Teachers:
Katarina Dutton
The Cross-Step waltz is an elegant and modern form of waltzing! Come learn the basic step and a few variations in this beginner friendly class.
This is a social dance class. Please wear comfortable clothes, and shoes (or bare feet) you can dance in.
This is a social dance class. Please wear comfortable clothes, and shoes (or bare feet) you can dance in.
Languages and Literatures
B9699: An Introduction to Deconstruction Full!
Difficulty: ****
Teachers:
Tabrez Alam
What does it mean to have meaning? Why do we immediately associate words with a certain definition? How does language contradict itself? French philosopher Jacques Derrida pondered these questions and pioneered a form of critical analysis known as "Deconstruction." Through this lens, we can identify the inherent discrepancies within language, literature and pop culture. An incredibly vague and complex topic, we will attempt to tackle and apply this method to analyzing the world around us.
B9782: Marhaban Bikum! or, Who Wants to Learn Some Arabic? Full!
Difficulty: ***
Teachers:
Lydia Brown
I spent the last four-six years (arguable either way) cramming Modern Standard Arabic and two dialects into my brainspace, including a stint in Jordan. Come to this class and I will spit some of it up for you! You will learn how to write in the Arabic alphabet, how to sound out unfamiliar words, and how to say some useful basic phrases -- if we're lucky, you'll even progress to basic conversation and then you can go home and impress your friends and family with your ability to correctly pronounce all of those words every newscaster totally butchers!
Prerequisites
Ability to make weird sounds with your throat. Also, a throat.
Prerequisites
Ability to make weird sounds with your throat. Also, a throat.
B9772: How to Read Hebrew Full!
Difficulty: *
Teachers:
Sherri Green
This class is for absolute beginners. You'll learn the alphabet and by the end of the class, you'll be able to read!
B10021: Classifying the Sounds of the English Language
Difficulty: **
Teachers:
Ray Hua Wu
There's much more to classifying sounds than just consonants and vowels, including many properties of sounds you use every day but didn't even notice exist.
B10039: Learn Elvish!
Difficulty: *
Teachers:
Ryker Reed
Ever wanted to speak Elvish? Write Dwarvish runes? Now is your chance! Come take this interactive class and learn the basics of spoken and written Elvish! This class will focus on the Elvish language Sindarin, and we will also cover a bit of the other languages, such as the Elvish language Quenya and the Dwarvish language. We will practice speaking Elvish and also how to write the Elvish script and Dwarvish runes. No prior knowledge necessary, just enthusiasm!
Prerequisites
None, but if you took this class last year, it will be the same material.
Prerequisites
None, but if you took this class last year, it will be the same material.
B9765: Tengwar: the Elvish Script for Beginners and Hobbitses
Difficulty: *
Teachers:
Ekaterina Kryuchkova
Like scripts? Linguistics? Fantasy? Over the course of this workshop you will learn the Elvish alphabet from the Lord of the Rings.
B10013: Writing Systems of the World
Difficulty: **
Teachers:
Sophie Mori
As confusing as English spelling is, sometimes it DOES make sense. Come learn about all different types of orthography and how they try to capture a language's sounds on paper.
Prerequisites
None!
Prerequisites
None!
B9985: How to Create a Language Full!
Difficulty: **
Teachers:
Kelvin Jackson
Have you even read Tolkien's books, and wondered what it would be like to create languages for a fantasy world, as he did? Do you wonder what went into the design of Dothraki, or Klingon? Well, now you can find out!
Conlanging is the art of constructing one's own languages, either from scratch or with inspriation from existing natural languages. In this hands-on, collaborative workshop, we'll put together the basics of our very own language, and by the end we will be able to form simple sentences and talk to each other in a brand-new language!
Conlanging is the art of constructing one's own languages, either from scratch or with inspriation from existing natural languages. In this hands-on, collaborative workshop, we'll put together the basics of our very own language, and by the end we will be able to form simple sentences and talk to each other in a brand-new language!
B9661: An Introduction to Latin Full!
Difficulty: **
Teachers:
Peter Klapes
This course will cover the basics of the Latin language--case, the 1st and 2nd declensions, the 1st conjugation, and just enough vocabulary to be able to put it all together.
B10033: Quirky Linguistics Full!
Difficulty: *
Teachers:
Ryker Reed
Like linguistics or just enjoy thinking about language? Ever noticed how weird language can be? Come learn about some of the quirkier aspects of language. We'll discuss things ranging from infixation (putting words inside other words) to semantic implication (things we say without actually saying them), and semantic satiation (that thing that happens when you say a word too many times and it stops meaning anything). Come enjoy the strangeness of language!
B9840: Syntax! (The Linguistics Kind)
Difficulty: **
Teachers:
Ezra Morrison
Syntax is the part of linguistics that deals with how we form sentences. This class is going to (hopefully) be a crash course on the stuff that happens when you take English grammar and try to make it logical. We'll go over things like constituency, diagnostics for various parts of speech, and tree diagrams (if you don't know what those are, don't worry! You can take this class and find out!) Sign up! It'll be great!
B9807: Learn the International Phonetic Alphabet!
Difficulty: **
Teachers:
Tuesday Mueller-Harder
Or, [lɝn ði ɪntərnæʃnəl fənɛdɪk ælfəbɛt]!
Ever seen a word's pronunciation on Wikipedia and not understood how to read it? Ever wanted to be able to precisely and accurately explain how to say a certain word? Come learn the IPA! You'll understand the basics of how to transcribe American English pronunciation, and if we have time, we'll begin to cover sounds that appear in other languages.
Prerequisites
Must not be afraid of unfamiliar words.
Ever seen a word's pronunciation on Wikipedia and not understood how to read it? Ever wanted to be able to precisely and accurately explain how to say a certain word? Come learn the IPA! You'll understand the basics of how to transcribe American English pronunciation, and if we have time, we'll begin to cover sounds that appear in other languages.
Prerequisites
Must not be afraid of unfamiliar words.
B9952: Babies Are Smarter Than You - When it Comes to Words
Difficulty: *
Teachers:
Elizabeth Parizh,
Nina Plotnikov
Googoo. Gaagaa. Googoo gaagaa? Googoo gaagaa! Gaaaaaaa!!!
It takes 5 months for babies to go from incoherent babbling to producing their first words. You still don’t know how to ask to go to the bathroom in Spanish even though you’ve been learning it for the past three years. Give babies their well-deserved credit by learning about words, which are arbitrary combinations of form (sound in spoken language) and meaning. Maybe we’ll show you cute pictures. Let’s talk about words!
It takes 5 months for babies to go from incoherent babbling to producing their first words. You still don’t know how to ask to go to the bathroom in Spanish even though you’ve been learning it for the past three years. Give babies their well-deserved credit by learning about words, which are arbitrary combinations of form (sound in spoken language) and meaning. Maybe we’ll show you cute pictures. Let’s talk about words!
B9707: Eminem to Emerson- A contemporary comparison between modern day hip hop music and classical poetry
Difficulty: **
Teachers:
Caroline Noble
This course will analyze and critique a variety of hip hop song lyrics as well as compare and contrast their mechanisms with those used in classical poetry.
B10028: Languages of Middle Earth
Difficulty: *
Teachers:
Ryker Reed
Love Lord of the Rings? Ever wondered where all the names in Middle Earth come from? Come find out more about the complex linguistic systems underlying Tolkien’s Lord of the Rings series. For instance, did you know that Tolkien was a linguist and actually invented an entire Elvish language before even writing the Lord of the Rings books? Learn about some of the real world languages that inspired and influenced Tolkien’s invented languages. And find out more about the history of Middle Earth and how its languages came to be what they are now.
Prerequisites
None, if you've taken this class last year, it will be the same material.
Prerequisites
None, if you've taken this class last year, it will be the same material.
B10075: Profound and Entertaining Quotes You Can Use in Your Life
Difficulty: *
Teachers:
Laura Koemmpel
Find the perfect quote for every situation! Read about how people from over 100 years ago dealt with things such as Mondays, love, and understanding life. We’ll be delving into the poetry, plays, and other writings of authors such as Oscar Wilde, Johann Wolfgang von Goethe, and Samuel Hoffenstein.
B9640: Down the Rabbit Hole - An Exploration of Wonderland
Difficulty: **
Teachers:
Lilly Chin
"Somehow it seems to fill my head with ideas — only I don't exactly know what they are!"
Alice's Adventures in Wonderland have certainly filled many people's heads with ideas - references show up to it in Japanese video games, The Matrix, and even biological theories!
But just what are these ideas? In this class, we'll be investigating how Alice's portrayal has changed over time and discuss what these changes mean for the nature of childhood, history of mathematics, drug culture and more!
Prerequisites
You'll need to be familiar with something related to Alice in Wonderland. This could be "I've read the book", "I've watched the Disney cartoon", "I like the song 'White Rabbit'" or something totally different! The direction that this class goes is highly dependent on what you bring to the table so be prepared to discuss.
Alice's Adventures in Wonderland have certainly filled many people's heads with ideas - references show up to it in Japanese video games, The Matrix, and even biological theories!
But just what are these ideas? In this class, we'll be investigating how Alice's portrayal has changed over time and discuss what these changes mean for the nature of childhood, history of mathematics, drug culture and more!
Prerequisites
You'll need to be familiar with something related to Alice in Wonderland. This could be "I've read the book", "I've watched the Disney cartoon", "I like the song 'White Rabbit'" or something totally different! The direction that this class goes is highly dependent on what you bring to the table so be prepared to discuss.
B10137: Introduction to Indonesian Full!
Difficulty: **
Teachers:
Beverly cahyadi
Will you ever need to be able to speak Indonesian? Probably not. Will you have the coolest party trick in the world after taking this class? Absolutely! In this class we will cover basic language skills such as numbers and greetings as well as go through some common phrases and slang.
B9664: Chinese for Absolute Beginners
Difficulty: **
Teachers:
Jacqueline Ludwig
This three-hour crash course is intended to bring students with no background in Chinese language from tones and letter sounds all the way through common grammar structures and phrases.
Of course, no one-day course will teach you a language, but this will give you a strong basis from which to learn more, or else enough conversational Chinese to annoy your monolingual friends!
Of course, no one-day course will teach you a language, but this will give you a strong basis from which to learn more, or else enough conversational Chinese to annoy your monolingual friends!
B10041: Beginning Esperanto
Difficulty: *
Teachers:
Robert Knighton
Since it was so popular last year, Esperanto is returning to Splash!
Come learn the world's most popular constructed language! Esperanto was invented in the late 19th century as a means of easy international communication, yet it still persists today among certain groups. Come see what all the fuss is about!
Prerequisites
No experience necessary. Enthusiasm recommended. Brain stem required.
Come learn the world's most popular constructed language! Esperanto was invented in the late 19th century as a means of easy international communication, yet it still persists today among certain groups. Come see what all the fuss is about!
Prerequisites
No experience necessary. Enthusiasm recommended. Brain stem required.
B9947: Learn How to Speak in Gibberish
Difficulty: **
Teachers:
Kathy Camenzind
Ever wanted to be able to learn a new language in an hour? Want to speak and have no one understand you? Wonder what thidigis phridigase means? Come check out this brief introduction to the little-known language called Gibberish!
Disclaimer: It sounds way cooler than Pig Latin.
Disclaimer: It sounds way cooler than Pig Latin.
B9928: Intro to Morphology: Linguistics for Sherlock
Difficulty: ***
Teachers:
Ray Lardie
Morphology is the study of morphemes-- the smallest unit of language that carries meaning. All languages are a puzzle, and once you learn the basics, you can dismantle a language into its parts and put it back together again. Come play Sherlock and puzzle out how any language works--even if you've never studied it before.
B9632: Making it in Moscow: A Splash! Course in Introductory Russian
Difficulty: **
Teachers:
Marcella Lusardi
Take a journey east to learn the mysterious language of the czars, the Soviets, and the modern-day natives of the largest country in the world—Russia! An introductory course in Russian language and culture for the absolute beginner.
B9804: Introduction to American Sign Language Full!
Difficulty: **
Teachers:
Sarah Gluck
This course is a basic introduction to American Sign Language, both formal and colloquial.
We will cover basic greetings and conversational skills, and potentially a brief introduction to Deaf culture and the Deaf community.
We will cover basic greetings and conversational skills, and potentially a brief introduction to Deaf culture and the Deaf community.
B9831: Hungarian for dummies
Difficulty: **
Teachers:
Gergely Odor
Are you interested in being able to speak a language that is unlike any other (maybe Finnish, but not really)? Come to Hungarian for dummies and learn about one of the most complicated grammars and to pronounce strange new phonemes from a native Hungarian MIT student. Besides the basics of language we are also going to play games and learn about Hungarian culture.
Prerequisites
No prereqs :)
Prerequisites
No prereqs :)
B9844: Intro to Etymology: Learn Languages, Ace the SAT, Take Over the World.
Difficulty: **
Teachers:
Clarissa Towle
Ever notice that words like universe and reverse seem similar but have totally different definitions? How did that happen? What are prefixes and suffixes? What's a cognate and how can you learn romance language vocabulary rapidly? This course will teach you how to identify and exploit word families, primarily focusing on Latin and Greek roots.
[Deprecated] Computers and Programming
C10210: Intro to Algorithms: How to Do Stuff and How Hard That Stuff Is Full!
Difficulty: **
Teachers:
Jeren Koh,
Nathaniel Mione
Do you want to convince your coder friends that you're smarter than them? Be a totally ninja programmer? Understand the fundamental ideas that make things like Google Maps work? Know the most efficient way to sort your collection of coffees? Land a job at Google? Just learn some really cool stuff? Then take this class!
Algorithms are instructions for doing stuff. Like finding the fastest route to Starbucks or computing a square root. The theory of algorithms is what's used to make the modern world do its thing. Algorithms transcend computers and programming; they also emerge in the behavior of the natural world. In this class, we'll cover several important and fundamental algorithms like sorting (how do I organize my coffees?), searching (how do I find the coffee I want?) , graph traversal (how do I get to the coffee-store?), some numerical approximation techniques (how do I cheat at calculus homework so I can go get coffee?), genetic algorithms (how can I find the optimal coffee recipe?) and simulated annealing (another way to find optimal coffee recipes). We may not have time to get to everything, so which of the more advanced techniques we cover may be determined by class vote. We'll also learn the basics of complexity theory, which tells us how hard certain problems are to solve, and how fast a given algorithm can solve them. Implementations of these algorithms will be discussed hands-on using Python, and we may have a programming competition where you can win PRIZES! Like CHOCOLATE and COFFEE!
Prerequisites
Basic knowledge of Python programming. What you can learn in a couple hours on CodeAcademy is fine. You do the coding, this class will provide the theory! Algebra will also be helpful. Calculus not at all required but may allow you a deeper understanding of many of the topics in this class.
Algorithms are instructions for doing stuff. Like finding the fastest route to Starbucks or computing a square root. The theory of algorithms is what's used to make the modern world do its thing. Algorithms transcend computers and programming; they also emerge in the behavior of the natural world. In this class, we'll cover several important and fundamental algorithms like sorting (how do I organize my coffees?), searching (how do I find the coffee I want?) , graph traversal (how do I get to the coffee-store?), some numerical approximation techniques (how do I cheat at calculus homework so I can go get coffee?), genetic algorithms (how can I find the optimal coffee recipe?) and simulated annealing (another way to find optimal coffee recipes). We may not have time to get to everything, so which of the more advanced techniques we cover may be determined by class vote. We'll also learn the basics of complexity theory, which tells us how hard certain problems are to solve, and how fast a given algorithm can solve them. Implementations of these algorithms will be discussed hands-on using Python, and we may have a programming competition where you can win PRIZES! Like CHOCOLATE and COFFEE!
Prerequisites
Basic knowledge of Python programming. What you can learn in a couple hours on CodeAcademy is fine. You do the coding, this class will provide the theory! Algebra will also be helpful. Calculus not at all required but may allow you a deeper understanding of many of the topics in this class.
C9998: An Introduction to Penetration Testing Full!
Difficulty: **
Teachers:
James Sullivan,
Cameron Wheeler
Is your network secure? Can you test it? How? We'll attempt to answer these questions and more by introducing the art of penetration testing, a method of scanning and testing networked machines for security issues. We'll start by covering some networking basics and eventually move our way up to discussing the anatomy of a security vulnerability. From there we'll go over some common tools of penetration testing and discuss how you can apply these when diagnosing security risks on your own devices. To wrap up, we'll demonstrate what a security vulnerability looks like from a series of networked virtual machines.
Prerequisites
A basic knowledge of the unix command line
Prerequisites
A basic knowledge of the unix command line
C9832: Building Your Own Website: Intro to HTML & CSS Full!
Difficulty: **
Teachers:
Rachel Wang
Have you ever wanted to make your own webpage but didn't know where to start? We'll start at the very basics, learning what HTML and CSS are, and learn step-by-step how to build your own website. You'll leave this interactive workshop with a website you can show your friends! This workshop is beginner friendly -- no programming experience needed!
Prerequisites
Make sure to bring a laptop to this hands-on workshop!
Prerequisites
Make sure to bring a laptop to this hands-on workshop!
C10095: How To Be A Systems Engineer Full!
Difficulty: *
Teachers:
Hope Harrison
The world is controlled by computers - but how? How do you write a program on your computer that interacts with the real world? In this class I will teach you the programming of real world systems from the basics and show demos using real hardware!
C9785: Functional Programming in Haskell
Difficulty: ***
Come learn the basics of Haskell and why functional programming is awesome!
Prerequisites
Be comfortable with at least one programming language.
Prerequisites
Be comfortable with at least one programming language.
C9843: Let's Git Started - A Brief Introduction to Version Control
Difficulty: **
Teachers:
Zachary Zagorski
Do you program anything? Have you ever tried to do any programming projects with a team and had trouble coordinating? Do you think you're an expert on version control software?
If you answered 'yes' to any of those, you should take this course! We'll talk about what git is (and isn't), how you can use it to manage your code for both personal and large group projects, and some of the fancy-schmancy things you can do with it.
Oh, and you'll be able to say things like "Sure, just interactively rebase the cherry-picked commits onto your master branch before you push" and understand what they mean!
If you answered 'yes' to any of those, you should take this course! We'll talk about what git is (and isn't), how you can use it to manage your code for both personal and large group projects, and some of the fancy-schmancy things you can do with it.
Oh, and you'll be able to say things like "Sure, just interactively rebase the cherry-picked commits onto your master branch before you push" and understand what they mean!
C9719: Learning Computer Science Through Tic Tac Toe
Difficulty: *
Teachers:
Katy Muhlrad
Want to learn computer science but don't know how to program? No problem! Computer science is more than just coding, and today you can learn some of it through the familar game of tic tac toe. This is a fun and interactive class suitable for anyone, regardless of prior experience with computer science.
C10157: How This Website Works Full!
Difficulty: *
Teachers:
Jordan Moldow
Ever wonder what was actually going on when Splash registration opened? Find out how the ESP website (or any website) works behind the scenes.
We’ll cover, very briefly, the basics of all the major concepts of web design, including HTML, CSS, client-side scripting, and server-side scripting. Time permitting, we'll also talk about databases, version controlling, and caching. All examples will be taken from the ESP website.
If time allows, we’ll take a look at some of the administrative portions of the website - the pages that help the Splash directors administer the program.
This class will be an overview of many different concepts of web design, and how they interact. It will not be an in-depth look at any one concept, though links to resources for additional learning will be provided.
No computer experience is required. In fact, if you have a lot of computer experience, you’ll probably be bored. But if you don’t already know most of the terms listed in the description, then you’re encouraged to register for this class!
We’ll cover, very briefly, the basics of all the major concepts of web design, including HTML, CSS, client-side scripting, and server-side scripting. Time permitting, we'll also talk about databases, version controlling, and caching. All examples will be taken from the ESP website.
If time allows, we’ll take a look at some of the administrative portions of the website - the pages that help the Splash directors administer the program.
This class will be an overview of many different concepts of web design, and how they interact. It will not be an in-depth look at any one concept, though links to resources for additional learning will be provided.
No computer experience is required. In fact, if you have a lot of computer experience, you’ll probably be bored. But if you don’t already know most of the terms listed in the description, then you’re encouraged to register for this class!
C10125: Grammars and automata and Turing machines, oh my!
Difficulty: **
Teachers:
Daniel Richman,
Tasha Schoenstein
Computers, in theory but not in practice.
Prerequisites
Some interest in computing and mathematics
Prerequisites
Some interest in computing and mathematics
C10158: Computer Architecture: How Processors Work Full!
Difficulty: **
Teachers:
Taylor Sutton
Inside your computer, phone, fancy TV, newish car, digital camera, printer, etc, there's a small collection of electronics called a processor the device work. We're going to see how processors themselves work.
We're not going to talk too much about the low level electronics - mostly we'll be one level of abstraction up, using logic gates. By the end you'll have an idea of what's going on inside your computer as you use it.
Prerequisites
None!
We're not going to talk too much about the low level electronics - mostly we'll be one level of abstraction up, using logic gates. By the end you'll have an idea of what's going on inside your computer as you use it.
Prerequisites
None!
C10152: Designing Fault Tolerant Applications Full!
Difficulty: **
Teachers:
Favyen Bastani
Servers inevitably fail: whether it's filesystem corruption, power loss, or a fiber cut, eventually something will happen that brings the server down. In large-scale services that involve thousands of servers across multiple datacenters, servers may be failing every hour.
To remain online with regular failures of individual servers, applications employ a variety of fault tolerance techniques. We'll focus on replication approaches and will consider primary-backup replication, state machine replication with Paxos, and sharding. On the way, we'll build a fault tolerant messaging application in Golang.
To remain online with regular failures of individual servers, applications employ a variety of fault tolerance techniques. We'll focus on replication approaches and will consider primary-backup replication, state machine replication with Paxos, and sharding. On the way, we'll build a fault tolerant messaging application in Golang.
C9589: Robust Cooperation in the Prisoner's Dilemma: Program Equilibrium via Provability Logic Full!
Difficulty: **
Teachers:
Jason Gross
The Prisoner's Dilemma is a standard example in game theory of a situation in which two "rational" players will choose not to cooperate, even though they would both be better off if they cooperated.
However, if both players are mind readers, then it is possible to construct rational agents that cooperate without going in to infinite loops.
However, if both players are mind readers, then it is possible to construct rational agents that cooperate without going in to infinite loops.
C9850: Who is Bobby Tables? Exploring Security with XKCD Full!
Difficulty: ***
Teachers:
Zachary Zagorski
What makes a "good" password? How did Heartbleed work? And who is Bobby Tables?
We'll discuss some topics at the intersection of computer security and Randall Munroe's XKCD, including SQL injection attacks (and how to prevent them), creating good passwords (and techniques for guessing bad ones), and the Heartbleed bug, plus additional topics as time allows.
We'll discuss some topics at the intersection of computer security and Randall Munroe's XKCD, including SQL injection attacks (and how to prevent them), creating good passwords (and techniques for guessing bad ones), and the Heartbleed bug, plus additional topics as time allows.
C9635: Why Computer Science?
Difficulty: *
Teachers:
Jessica Pointing
Do you know anything about Computer Science? If not, join this class! We will go over what computer science is, what you can use it for and we might even do some programming.
C9704: How to Analyze Big Data Full!
Difficulty: **
Teachers:
Ang Cui
Have you wondered what the buzzword "big data" is all about? Have you collected a large amount of data and wondered how to deal with them?
In this introductory class, we will demonstrate how to analyze data using the R programming language. We will go through some basic statistical methods and machine learning algorithms. You will get a chance to write code and make pretty figures. No prior programming experience is required.
In this introductory class, we will demonstrate how to analyze data using the R programming language. We will go through some basic statistical methods and machine learning algorithms. You will get a chance to write code and make pretty figures. No prior programming experience is required.
C9876: Intro to Animation & Game Making in JavaScript Full!
Difficulty: **
Teachers:
Martin Schneider
Enjoy playing games? Enjoy playing with computers? Let's combine the two!
We'll explore the basics of JavaScript and programming, and then talk about animation, drawing, and user interaction. Make pong, an avoider game, or something of your own invention!
No previous programming or JavaScript experience is required. If you have experience, that's great too - we'll just make even cooler stuff (and you can learn some JS drawing libraries).
You'll get to take everything you make home and even upload it to the web if you like.
Prerequisites
Algebra
We'll explore the basics of JavaScript and programming, and then talk about animation, drawing, and user interaction. Make pong, an avoider game, or something of your own invention!
No previous programming or JavaScript experience is required. If you have experience, that's great too - we'll just make even cooler stuff (and you can learn some JS drawing libraries).
You'll get to take everything you make home and even upload it to the web if you like.
Prerequisites
Algebra
C10141: Consensus
Difficulty: **
Teachers:
Favyen Bastani
Consensus, the problem of getting many machines to agree on one outcome, is a fundamental problem in distributed systems. For example, if you're implementing a high availability scheduling system, you don't want two clients to be able to schedule the same resource; the machines in your system need to agree on which client scheduled first.
In this class, we'll explore consensus and its applications under several scenarios, including some where consensus is not possible. We'll end by considering Paxos, an eventual consensus algorithm widely used in practice.
In this class, we'll explore consensus and its applications under several scenarios, including some where consensus is not possible. We'll end by considering Paxos, an eventual consensus algorithm widely used in practice.
C9595: Introduction to Linux
Difficulty: *
Teachers:
Anne LoVerso
Ever wondered what Linux is? Why people use it? How to use it yourself? Find out!
C9629: Algorithms of the Dummies, by the Dummies, for the Dummies
Difficulty: *
Teachers:
Akshay Padmanabha,
Raja Selvakumar
Ever do excess work when it can be done more efficiently? What/who/when/where/how is efficiency? This class will teach you the tricks, shortcuts, and everything you need to know about algorithms: who they are, why they be, and what they want, etc etc. So much knowledge that we can't even: only odd!
C9599: Löb's Theorem: From the prisoner's dilemma to the halting problem, and back again
Difficulty: ***
Teachers:
Jason Gross
What do the prisoner's dilemma, the halting problem, and Gödel's incompleteness theorem have in common? Löb's Theorem!
Come learn how Löb's theorem robust enables cooperation in the prisoner's dilemma! Come learn how, via the Curry-Howard isomorphism, the proof of Löb's theorem is essentially the same as the proof that the halting problem is undecidable! Come learn how Löb's theorem trivially proves Gödel's incompleteness theorem!
Prerequisites
Familiarity with basic coding; familiarity with what it means for a problem to be undecidable
Come learn how Löb's theorem robust enables cooperation in the prisoner's dilemma! Come learn how, via the Curry-Howard isomorphism, the proof of Löb's theorem is essentially the same as the proof that the halting problem is undecidable! Come learn how Löb's theorem trivially proves Gödel's incompleteness theorem!
Prerequisites
Familiarity with basic coding; familiarity with what it means for a problem to be undecidable
C10121: Cyberespionage
Difficulty: **
Teachers:
Benjamin Tidor
What happens when governments get into the business of computer hacking? Back in the good old days, viruses were written by criminals out to steal your money. Nowadays, we can do more interesting things, like sabotaging a nuclear enrichment facility, for example, or spying on an entire country's private email messages. In this class, you'll hear about recent break-ins on the international stage while learning a bit about the everyday systems that keep us safe and secure on the Internet.
C9647: How Computer Systems Break
Difficulty: **
Teachers:
Megan Belzner
It's been said that "complex systems break in complex ways", and computer systems are getting more and more complex every day. So how do they break? What can go wrong when they do? And what happens when someone tries to exploit these errors? We'll take a look at some major system failures over the past several decades, how they could have been avoided, and why building an infallible computer system is so hard.
Prerequisites
If you know how to represent numbers in binary and/or what integer overflow means, you're probably good. If you don't, you should still be able to understand the high-level ideas, you just may not get all the details.
Prerequisites
If you know how to represent numbers in binary and/or what integer overflow means, you're probably good. If you don't, you should still be able to understand the high-level ideas, you just may not get all the details.
C10145: Terraria Modding with Lua
Difficulty: **
Teachers:
Kelvin Lu,
Willie Zhu
Know basic programming skills?
Love playing Terraria?
Want to learn how to make mods without worrying about that pesky depth dimension (*cough* Minecraft *cough*)?
Terraria is a 2D sandbox game with infinite potential–especially with you, the modder, at the coder's helm.
Learn how to write Lua and create awesome mods to share with your friends!
Prerequisites
Some knowledge of programming is preferred. Bring a flash drive to take your creations home!
Love playing Terraria?
Want to learn how to make mods without worrying about that pesky depth dimension (*cough* Minecraft *cough*)?
Terraria is a 2D sandbox game with infinite potential–especially with you, the modder, at the coder's helm.
Learn how to write Lua and create awesome mods to share with your friends!
Prerequisites
Some knowledge of programming is preferred. Bring a flash drive to take your creations home!
C10123: Simulating the World in your Computer
Difficulty: **
Teachers:
Lei Ding,
Francisco Leal Machado
Ever wanted to see the planets orbit from up close, or understand how heat flows through a metal plate? In this class we will introduce you to Python and tackle hard problems to solve by hand using the computer. Come and join us build our own solar system!
C9626: Interactive Theorem Proving: The Law of Excluded Middle, Double Negation Elimination, and Peirce's Law
Difficulty: ***
Teachers:
Jason Gross
Are you interested in getting computers to do your math homework for you? Are you confused about what constitutes a "valid" proof? Are you interested in seeing computers check your proofs? Come experiment with the interactive proof assistant, Coq!
I'll begin by talking a bit about the history of computer-assisted proofs, including the first proof of the four color theorem and the recent formalization of the odd order theorem. Then, you'll experiment with simple logic proofs in the Coq proof assistant, while I walk around and answer questions and give help.
The central puzzle of the class will be proving the following three statements equivalent:
1. $$\forall P, P \vee \neg P$$
2. $$\forall P, \neg\neg P \to P$$
3. $$\forall P\ Q, ((P \to Q) \to P) \to P)$$
Near the end of class, I'll tell a story about how to use a time machine to solve P vs. NP (or to solve the Riemann Hypothesis); this story will prove that $$3 \Longrightarrow 1$$.
Prerequisites
You should understand basic logic (if you can do the puzzles on http://www.math.hawaii.edu/~hile/math100/logice.htm, you'll be fine). You should understand the programming concepts of "function" (or "procedure" or "method"), "function arguments", "if statement", and "data types" (such as integer, string, double, etc.). You should understand what it means to prove something (reading and understanding http://www.mathcamp.org/prospectiveapplicants/quiz/proofs.php should be sufficient).
I'll begin by talking a bit about the history of computer-assisted proofs, including the first proof of the four color theorem and the recent formalization of the odd order theorem. Then, you'll experiment with simple logic proofs in the Coq proof assistant, while I walk around and answer questions and give help.
The central puzzle of the class will be proving the following three statements equivalent:
1. $$\forall P, P \vee \neg P$$
2. $$\forall P, \neg\neg P \to P$$
3. $$\forall P\ Q, ((P \to Q) \to P) \to P)$$
Near the end of class, I'll tell a story about how to use a time machine to solve P vs. NP (or to solve the Riemann Hypothesis); this story will prove that $$3 \Longrightarrow 1$$.
Prerequisites
You should understand basic logic (if you can do the puzzles on http://www.math.hawaii.edu/~hile/math100/logice.htm, you'll be fine). You should understand the programming concepts of "function" (or "procedure" or "method"), "function arguments", "if statement", and "data types" (such as integer, string, double, etc.). You should understand what it means to prove something (reading and understanding http://www.mathcamp.org/prospectiveapplicants/quiz/proofs.php should be sufficient).
C9991: Building M.E.A.N Web Applications
Difficulty: **
Teachers:
James Sullivan,
Cameron Wheeler
No, we're not going to build applications that are actually mean, however, we will talk about building web applications on the M.E.A.N stack! What is the M.E.A.N stack you ask? Why it's a amazing collection of software that lets you build sleek, modern web applications with amazing speed. M.E.A.N stands for Mongo (A really awesome database), Express (A framework for assembling web applications in Node), Angular (A front end framework for web applications in Javascript) and NodeJS (A JavaScript engine for JavaScript in the backend). Sound like a lot? It sure is! We'll start with the basics of setting up Node and gradually move up the chain, touching on Express, Angular and Mongo as well as talking about what makes each so unique. By the end of the class, we'll have covered all you need to know to start building you own web apps on the M.E.A.N stack.
Prerequisites
A basic understanding of some SQL based database and a working knowledge of JavaScript will be helpful.
Prerequisites
A basic understanding of some SQL based database and a working knowledge of JavaScript will be helpful.
C9933: How To Program A Factory Full!
Difficulty: **
Teachers:
Hope Harrison
In this course, we will talk about how to program BIG things - things that are really complex, like entire factories or research systems. We won't focus on any particular programming language, but rather on principles that you can use for the rest of your (engineering) life to program all kinds of systems in whatever language you choose. Topics include: object oriented programming, inheritance, and the actor model.
C9653: Introduction to Machine Learning and Machine Ethics Full!
Difficulty: **
Teachers:
yc yu
Machine learning studies and designs programs that learn from experiences to improve performance, just like us, hopefully. We will discuss some classic methods, its applications, potential, limitations, and some ethical concerns. No programming experience necessary.
Prerequisites
Willingness to proactively participate in discussion and ask questions. Optional: your favorite pencil(s), scratch paper/notebooks, a laptop.
Prerequisites
Willingness to proactively participate in discussion and ask questions. Optional: your favorite pencil(s), scratch paper/notebooks, a laptop.
C10062: Splash Hackathon
Difficulty: **
Whether you're new to programming or have experience, we'll help you learn new things and get better!
This will be a self-paced programming workshop, where you get to work on whatever you want -- either pursue your own idea, or let us suggest a project. We'll be here to guide you if you get stuck. If you've never programmed before, we'll have suggestions for resources to use to get started.
We'll be in a computer lab, but feel free to bring your own laptop (just make sure to keep an eye on it – Splash is hectic, and it's easy to lose things!).
Prerequisites
None.
This will be a self-paced programming workshop, where you get to work on whatever you want -- either pursue your own idea, or let us suggest a project. We'll be here to guide you if you get stuck. If you've never programmed before, we'll have suggestions for resources to use to get started.
We'll be in a computer lab, but feel free to bring your own laptop (just make sure to keep an eye on it – Splash is hectic, and it's easy to lose things!).
Prerequisites
None.
C9584: Promiscuous Mode: Network Protocol Analysis
Difficulty: *
Teachers:
Harvey Yee
Do you want to be in Promiscuous mode? You may if you are a hacker or a network engineer. Join us in learning what is involved in Network Protocol analysis, and along the way learn about network architecture and protocols. Depending on what is available in the class room, a demonstration of a wired or wireless network session will be provided. A free copy of Linux LiveCD will be provided so that you can continue your learning of network protocol analysis after this class.
Prerequisites
A sense of curiosity, adventure, and fun!
Prerequisites
A sense of curiosity, adventure, and fun!
C10170: Creating Games: Using Unity and Practical Skills to Create the Impractical
Difficulty: **
Teachers:
David Perera
Do you love games? Have you ever been playing and thought to yourself "Man, it would be so cool if there was a game that did (x, y, and/or z)? Learn about the thought processes and skills you need to develop your own games using Unity, as well as a demonstration to show you how to create a prototype game starting from nothing. Come take the first steps into the wonderful world of game dev!
Prerequisites
Coding experience helpful, but not necessary
Prerequisites
Coding experience helpful, but not necessary
C9818: ScratchMIT Full!
Difficulty: **
Teachers:
Ahaan Rungta
Scratch is a free programming language and online community where you can create your own interactive stories, games, and animations. In this class, we'll learn the basics of Scratch!
C9984: Build an Enterprise Grade Network with Linux Full!
Difficulty: **
Teachers:
James Sullivan,
Cameron Wheeler
Enterprise grade networks often conjure up images of expensive hardware, fancy software licenses and datacenter's full of servers. While much of that is true, we'll be showing you how it's possible to build your own (Mini!) enterprise grade network using only Linux virtual machines and a bit of basic networking hardware. We'll start by covering some networking basics including network structure, IP assignment, virtual networks and routing terminology. We'll also go over a bit of simple networking in Linux and some of the commands we can use to do so. Then we'll dive into a variety of services and cover as many as time allows. We'll try to talk about pfSense, DNS, DHCP, Samba and Apache2. If you've never heard of any of those, fear not!
Prerequisites
Some basic Linux knowledge would be helpful
Prerequisites
Some basic Linux knowledge would be helpful
C9855: Intro to Image Processing
Difficulty: **
Teachers:
Kelly Liu,
Nalini Singh
Ever wondered what Photoshop is actually doing when you edit your pictures? Come learn the math behind some basic image processing, make hybrid pictures of you blended with your friends, and learn to make cool filters like the ones you use on Instagram.
Prerequisites
Very basic coding ability (we will be using Matlab, but as long as you have some prior experience in any language, you will be fine).
Prerequisites
Very basic coding ability (we will be using Matlab, but as long as you have some prior experience in any language, you will be fine).
C9828: Software Engineering: Building Big Programs
Difficulty: **
Teachers:
Louis Wasserman
If you’ve ever worked on a program for longer than a week, you know it can start to run away from you, and become a tangled morass of code.
We’ll talk about how big software engineering companies like Google, Amazon, and Facebook avoid these problems and manage hundreds of thousands of lines of code without their programs degenerating into spaghetti.
Prerequisites
Some basic knowledge of programming in any language.
We’ll talk about how big software engineering companies like Google, Amazon, and Facebook avoid these problems and manage hundreds of thousands of lines of code without their programs degenerating into spaghetti.
Prerequisites
Some basic knowledge of programming in any language.
C10107: Concurrency and Multithreaded Programming
Difficulty: ***
Teachers:
Dan Noe
I started teaching this course in 2006 when dual core processors were a newfangled thing. Now even cell phones have multicore processors! Programming to take advantage of today’s multicore processors is tricky and filled with pitfalls. We’ll talk about Amdahl’s law and how it defines the the performance increases from adding processors. I’ll discuss how programming language locks are actually implemented by operating systems and language designers. And I’ll talk about different ways computer scientists like to abstract concurrency to make it easier to design complex systems for processing large amounts of data in parallel.
Prerequisites
You should know the hardware parts of a computer (Processor, RAM, etc) and have some experience with any programming language.
Prerequisites
You should know the hardware parts of a computer (Processor, RAM, etc) and have some experience with any programming language.
C9674: Programming For A Living: What They Don't Teach You In School Full!
Difficulty: **
Teachers:
John Gregg
I've been doing this for a long time, and there is a lot more to doing it happily and well than clever coding. This is the talk I wish I could have heard when I was closer to your age.
C10195: Intro to Machine Learning Full!
Difficulty: **
Teachers:
Matvey Genkin
Computers these days are doing some crazy things: driving cars, speaking English, and even making artwork.
We couldn't have taught them all that, of course. They had to figure some of it out for themselves.
In this class, we'll take a mathematical perspective to show that the ideas behind these achievements are not very hard to understand.
I'll explain the basic ideas of machine learning and dive deeper into some of the algorithms, starting with logistic regression, and (time permitting) build up to neural networks and Google's Deep Dream.
I'll try to strike a balance between rigid mathematics, hand-wavy philosophizing, and cool-looking pictures.
Prerequisites
Programming, matrices, calculus would all be nice, but are not required; I won't leave you behind.
We couldn't have taught them all that, of course. They had to figure some of it out for themselves.
In this class, we'll take a mathematical perspective to show that the ideas behind these achievements are not very hard to understand.
I'll explain the basic ideas of machine learning and dive deeper into some of the algorithms, starting with logistic regression, and (time permitting) build up to neural networks and Google's Deep Dream.
I'll try to strike a balance between rigid mathematics, hand-wavy philosophizing, and cool-looking pictures.
Prerequisites
Programming, matrices, calculus would all be nice, but are not required; I won't leave you behind.
C9737: How to Program a Peanut Butter and Jelly Sandwich
Difficulty: *
Teachers:
Matthew Kolosick
Come learn how to program without ever touching a computer! Along the way we will hopefully create some delicious sandwiches and learn about how programming runs much deeper than computers.
ALLERGEN INFORMATION:
Course contains peanut products.
No programming or computer experience required!
ALLERGEN INFORMATION:
Course contains peanut products.
No programming or computer experience required!
C10113: Introduction to the Command Line/Terminal
Difficulty: **
Teachers:
Nicholas Egan,
Vivek Miglani
Most people use graphical interfaces and a mouse when working with computers. While this makes computers pretty and user friendly, it also makes them more limited, especially for power users like you and me. It's also pretty lame. Take this class to learn to use the command line (which you might know as Terminal or Command Prompt), specifically with the bash shell. We'll cover the basics of use and a bunch of commands that will help you work more efficiently and be more legit.
Prerequisites
Typing skills probably
Prerequisites
Typing skills probably
C9688: How to Hack Minesweeper
Difficulty: ****
Teachers:
Damon Doucet
Want to learn how to hack video games? Technically games (just like programs) are files on your hard drive. What's to stop us from modifying them just like you edit your Word documents?
Prerequisites
At least a year of programming experience in any of Java, C++, C#, Python, etc.
Prerequisites
At least a year of programming experience in any of Java, C++, C#, Python, etc.
C9830: Learn Every Programming Language Full!
Difficulty: *
Teachers:
Ariel Jacobs,
Ziv Scully
Ever wanted to learn how to program, but weren't sure which language to learn? Try learning ALL of them! Or, at least a few during this quick class, as we compare and contrast Java, Python, Haskell, and more!
C9906: Intro to Graphics Programming with Processing
Difficulty: **
Teachers:
Daniel Richman
Always wanted to do computer programming, but didn't know how to get started? We'll learn how to think the way computers do. Then we'll program some cool graphics/animation programs in Processing.
Not for you if you have substantial programming experience.
Prerequisites
You've got to know polar and rectangular coordinates: $$(r, \theta)$$ and $$(x,y).$$
Not for you if you have substantial programming experience.
Prerequisites
You've got to know polar and rectangular coordinates: $$(r, \theta)$$ and $$(x,y).$$
C9871: How do operating systems work?
Difficulty: **
Teachers:
Marcus Boorstin
Why do we need operating systems? What do they do? How do they do it? We'll discuss some of these ideas, and then look at some actual code.
Prerequisites
You'll probably get more out of this class if you know a bit of C.
Prerequisites
You'll probably get more out of this class if you know a bit of C.
C9685: Cryptographers vs hackers... who'll win?
Difficulty: **
Teachers:
Le Nguyen Hoang
For centuries, cryptographers have tried to secretly send encoded messages, and hackers have tried to crack the messages. In those days, cracking a message could win wars and save millions of lives, as Turing did. More recently, this opposition has been formalized within computer science, and we understand better than ever the essence of it... but we are still largely ignorant. In this class, I'll mention historical encryption methods, as well as modern open questions every computer scientist dreams to have the answer to.
C10102: Intro to the command line
Difficulty: **
Teachers:
Zoe Snape
Have you ever wondered how people used computers before graphical user interfaces? The answer is with a command line interface. A CLI is a powerful tool still used today to control a computer just by typing! Take this class to learn the basics of how and why to use the command line.
C10078: Writing Shorter Programs
Difficulty: **
Teachers:
Isaac Grosof
Learn how to write short, elegant code. Squeeze all of the redundancy out of your programs. Find out about powerful primitives, and powerful ways to combine them. We'll examine Code Golfing, Functional Programming and more.
Prerequisites
Programming experience in any language.
Prerequisites
Programming experience in any language.
C9590: What is a "what if"?
Difficulty: **
Teachers:
Jason Gross
Say there's a $5 bill and a $10 bill on a table. You can take either one of them.
Which would you take?
The $10 bill, right? What if you took the $5 bill?
This is a surprisingly subtle question, especially when you consider the fact that you are a good decision-maker, and so must have had a good reason to take the $5 bill if you took it. It's subtle enough that many decision theories get it wrong. Come learn about four decision theories (evidential, causal, timeless, and updateless), and about the decision puzzles that demonstrate why none of these is an entirely satisfactory answer to the question "What is a 'what if'?"
Which would you take?
The $10 bill, right? What if you took the $5 bill?
This is a surprisingly subtle question, especially when you consider the fact that you are a good decision-maker, and so must have had a good reason to take the $5 bill if you took it. It's subtle enough that many decision theories get it wrong. Come learn about four decision theories (evidential, causal, timeless, and updateless), and about the decision puzzles that demonstrate why none of these is an entirely satisfactory answer to the question "What is a 'what if'?"
C9958: Advanced Functional Programming
Difficulty: ***
Oh sure, you could write a program that runs over all the elements of a list and does something, but that's not interesting. How about something that iterates over any data structure? Or a function that runs backwards? Maybe we'll even make the "printf" function type-safe. Monads and typeclasses will be among the easier things we cover in this class. This class will be taught in Haskell, but the concepts covered are more general.
Prerequisites
Some functional programming experience. You should understand idioms such as map, reduce (aka fold), tail recursion -- we will move past these quickly into more advanced topics
Prerequisites
Some functional programming experience. You should understand idioms such as map, reduce (aka fold), tail recursion -- we will move past these quickly into more advanced topics
C9567: Learn to make iPhone Apps!
Difficulty: **
Teachers:
Ben Cootner
In this course I will be teaching you how to make apps for iOS devices. First we will start with the basics of Apple's new language Swift. We will then learn how to use Storyboards in Xcode and finally finish the class by making an actual app.
Prerequisites
Basic programing knowledge (for, while, if) are extremely useful, but we will review them briefly.
Prerequisites
Basic programing knowledge (for, while, if) are extremely useful, but we will review them briefly.
C10016: Stack Hacks: Programming Recursion in the TI-84
Difficulty: ***
Teachers:
Chelsea Voss
You've got a TI calculator. It does math. Yet, somehow, that's always felt... unsatisfying. Only math? You want it to do more!
With only 27 basic variables available to you, TI-BASIC is one of the more Fun(TM) programming languages out there. Yet, with certain tricks, you can wield the awesome power of lists, graphing, matrices, and more in order to write your own programs for any purpose. As an appetizer, we'll cover the basics of TI-BASIC in class.
For our main course, we will use the concept of a "stack" in order to implement recursion in your TI calculator. This is the same way recursion is done by code running on real computers! With this tool in hand, our ultimate goal will be to create a program to draw fractals on the calculator's screen.
There will be opportunities to write and run code in class -- so if you have a TI calculator, please bring it. If you do not, you can download a TI calculator emulator to your phone (yes, there's an app for that) or to your computer, or you can write code with paper and pencil -- you'll still be able to follow along and learn.
Prerequisites
(1) You should have already taken math at the level of Geometry. (2) Basic experience with programming in any language, OR experience with using the TI-83 / TI-84 / TI-89 calculator for basic math.
With only 27 basic variables available to you, TI-BASIC is one of the more Fun(TM) programming languages out there. Yet, with certain tricks, you can wield the awesome power of lists, graphing, matrices, and more in order to write your own programs for any purpose. As an appetizer, we'll cover the basics of TI-BASIC in class.
For our main course, we will use the concept of a "stack" in order to implement recursion in your TI calculator. This is the same way recursion is done by code running on real computers! With this tool in hand, our ultimate goal will be to create a program to draw fractals on the calculator's screen.
There will be opportunities to write and run code in class -- so if you have a TI calculator, please bring it. If you do not, you can download a TI calculator emulator to your phone (yes, there's an app for that) or to your computer, or you can write code with paper and pencil -- you'll still be able to follow along and learn.
Prerequisites
(1) You should have already taken math at the level of Geometry. (2) Basic experience with programming in any language, OR experience with using the TI-83 / TI-84 / TI-89 calculator for basic math.
C10076: Bitcoin: The Basics
Difficulty: **
Teachers:
Connor Duffy
Blockchain. Coinbase. Mining. You've heard all the bitcoin buzzwords -- but what do they actually mean? In this class, we'll survey the tumultuous history and bright potential of the first-ever cryptocurrency, bitcoin; dive into the technical underpinnings of bitcoin and its companion public ledger, the blockchain; and discuss how you -- yes, you -- can participate in this cashless and bankless revolution taking the worlds of finance and distributed computing by storm.
Prerequisites
Strong understanding of high school algebra required; basic understanding of public-key cryptography recommended but not required
Prerequisites
Strong understanding of high school algebra required; basic understanding of public-key cryptography recommended but not required
C9821: Computer Behind Pixar
Difficulty: **
What does it mean to 'draw' or 'model' an object inside a computer? How do computers see objects? We will learn about fundamental concepts in computer graphics and the science and programming behind computer images and animations.
Prerequisites
Interest in computers and science Basic math
Prerequisites
Interest in computers and science Basic math
C10156: Intro Programming in Python
Difficulty: **
Teachers:
Jordan Moldow
print “Ever wanted to learn how to program?"
if your_answer == “yes”:
print “Awesome! Take this class, and learn how to program in Python"
# This is a class for students with no prior programming experience. We will cover the fundamentals of programming, using the popular language of Python. The class will be a mix of lecture, where you will learn the introductory aspect of the language, and hands-on programming. We’ll have lots of fun writing and running cool programs, and you’ll learn a lifelong skill in the process.
# No prior programming experience required. Students who have never programmed before and are interested in learning are encouraged to register. If you have programmed with Python before, you probably already know all the material that will be covered in this class.
if your_answer == “yes”:
print “Awesome! Take this class, and learn how to program in Python"
# This is a class for students with no prior programming experience. We will cover the fundamentals of programming, using the popular language of Python. The class will be a mix of lecture, where you will learn the introductory aspect of the language, and hands-on programming. We’ll have lots of fun writing and running cool programs, and you’ll learn a lifelong skill in the process.
# No prior programming experience required. Students who have never programmed before and are interested in learning are encouraged to register. If you have programmed with Python before, you probably already know all the material that will be covered in this class.
C9735: How to be Artificially Intelligent
Difficulty: ***
Teachers:
Sam Dukhovni,
Alex LaGrassa
How did a computer beat a grandmaster at chess? How does a robot explain to you that Macbeth is a play about revenge, even if the word isn't mentioned to it?
Learn about classic artificial intelligence algorithms and understand more about your own ways of thinking.
Learn about classic artificial intelligence algorithms and understand more about your own ways of thinking.
C10040: Introduction to Image Processing
Difficulty: **
Teachers:
Jing Lin
Come learn about different ways to process images for computer vision! We'll be going over different techniques involving Gaussian, Laplacian, Steerable and Gabor convolution filters. Then a demonstration will be shown for applications such as edge detection, image sharpening, Laplacian blending, and hybrid images.
Prerequisites
Some understanding of linear algebra.
Prerequisites
Some understanding of linear algebra.
C10132: A Class of Sorts
Difficulty: ***
Teachers:
Nicholas Egan,
Vivek Miglani
Say I give you a list of numbers and tell you to sort them. While this may seem like a trivial task, computer scientists have been analyzing and identifying the best sorting algorithms for over 50 years. We'll cover the basics of some of the most famous and efficient sorting algorithms, which play a key role in a wide variety of computer systems we use on a daily basis. Along the way you'll learn the fundamentals of analyzing algorithms, and how to think like a true computer scientist.
Prerequisites
Familiarity with programming concepts in any language is recommended, but not required
Prerequisites
Familiarity with programming concepts in any language is recommended, but not required
C9689: How to Make a Twitter Bot
Difficulty: **
Teachers:
alyssa smith
Twitter bots are pretty cool. They can say random things (sometimes meaningless; sometimes surreal; always pretty amusing). They're also not that hard to implement in Python. We'll talk about different examples of Twitter bots, things to be aware of when making a bot, and the math (yes, real math) behind many Twitter bots you see online.
Prerequisites
Be comfortable programming in Python (if you know how things like for loops and dictionaries work pretty well, you should be fine.) You might also want to have a basic grounding in probability, but that's not a hard requirement.
Prerequisites
Be comfortable programming in Python (if you know how things like for loops and dictionaries work pretty well, you should be fine.) You might also want to have a basic grounding in probability, but that's not a hard requirement.
C10025: Animation Academy: Parametric Modeling
Difficulty: **
Teachers:
Emily Salvador
Learn how to parametrically model lego bricks and other fun objects in OpenSCAD. We'll also talk about how film studios use computer programming to make better movies.
C9753: Designing the Game of Life: Implementing Cellular Automata in Python
Difficulty: ***
Teachers:
Srinivas Kaza
Ever heard of Conway's Game of Life? No? Well, come find out what the world's most popular zero-player game is all about, and even implement it yourself! You'll have the opportunity to write Python code to play the Game of Life, and discover other (even more interesting) automata that can model diverse physical behavior from snowflakes to sea shells. We'll also discuss multiple ways of implementing the game, and exploring various patterns which can arise.
Prerequisites
Basic understanding of Python or a similar language
Prerequisites
Basic understanding of Python or a similar language
C10127: CDNs: The Hidden Companies Handling 40% of the Internet Full!
Difficulty: **
Teachers:
Alex Dehnert
What companies handle the most web traffic? You'd likely guess Google, Netflix, Facebook... household names. However, about 15-30% of the world's web traffic is handled by Akamai, a company that the vast majority of Internet users have probably never heard of.
Akamai is what's known as a content delivery network -- a company that offloads bulk traffic (like images or videos) from servers run by household names like Facebook, providing higher performance and availability and letting those companies concentrate on their product.
We'll be talking about how CDNs like Akamai work: What makes a request fast or slow? What's the relevance of the cache hit rate? How do CDNs decide which servers should handle which requests? What can a CDN do to accelerate dynamic content?
Prerequisites
None.
Akamai is what's known as a content delivery network -- a company that offloads bulk traffic (like images or videos) from servers run by household names like Facebook, providing higher performance and availability and letting those companies concentrate on their product.
We'll be talking about how CDNs like Akamai work: What makes a request fast or slow? What's the relevance of the cache hit rate? How do CDNs decide which servers should handle which requests? What can a CDN do to accelerate dynamic content?
Prerequisites
None.
C9909: Cryptography and Security Capture the Flag
Difficulty: **
Want to learn about cryptography, computer systems security, and networks?
Come to this class, participate in a capture-the-flag contest where you will try to find and exploit vulnerabilities in various systems--teams will try to solve various challenges for points and prizes.
Prerequisites
Some amount of programming experience would be helpful, but not required.
Come to this class, participate in a capture-the-flag contest where you will try to find and exploit vulnerabilities in various systems--teams will try to solve various challenges for points and prizes.
Prerequisites
Some amount of programming experience would be helpful, but not required.
C9742: Compilers: Theory and Practice
Difficulty: **
Teachers:
Gurtej Kanwar
In this class we will learn how to write code that lets other people write code!
Compilers are programs that accept a program in some code language and reduce that program to an equivalent representation in a lower-level language. For example, the GNU C Compiler (GCC) accepts C program files (text) and can output binary executable files which you can then run on your computer!
As you may imagine, compilers are as complex as they are powerful. We will discuss first how to break down the functions of compilers. Then, with any remaining time, we will delve into various properties of compilers that we can play with to get different behavior.
Even if you are not interested in writing compilers for life, understanding how they work makes you a much better programmer!
Prerequisites
Knowledge of ANY programming language would be very helpful.
Compilers are programs that accept a program in some code language and reduce that program to an equivalent representation in a lower-level language. For example, the GNU C Compiler (GCC) accepts C program files (text) and can output binary executable files which you can then run on your computer!
As you may imagine, compilers are as complex as they are powerful. We will discuss first how to break down the functions of compilers. Then, with any remaining time, we will delve into various properties of compilers that we can play with to get different behavior.
Even if you are not interested in writing compilers for life, understanding how they work makes you a much better programmer!
Prerequisites
Knowledge of ANY programming language would be very helpful.
C9591: An Introduction to Java and Object Oriented Programming Full!
Difficulty: ***
Teachers:
Ryan Jerue
Do you like Computers?
Do you like Programming?
Are you signed up for or thinking of taking AP Computer Science?
If so, this class is for you! The object of this course is to teach new programmers with little to no experience how to make a small Java program using objects.
Prerequisites
Knowledge of basic Algebra
Do you like Programming?
Are you signed up for or thinking of taking AP Computer Science?
If so, this class is for you! The object of this course is to teach new programmers with little to no experience how to make a small Java program using objects.
Prerequisites
Knowledge of basic Algebra
C9592: Making a Minecraft Mod with Java and Forge Full!
Difficulty: ***
Teachers:
Ryan Jerue
Interested in computers?
Want to make a cool item in Minecraft?
Do you know basic programming skills?
Then this course is for you! In this class, we will be creating basic items in Minecraft for you to use in your game! Reinforce your programming skills through practical object-oriented programming by making swords that strike lightning or create an explosion!
At the end of this class, you will have the code for your item as well as a JAR file that you can use at home or give to your friends!
Prerequisites
The ability to write code, preferably in Java. Understanding of object-oriented programming. Bring a flash drive if you can. I can not stress enough that you must know programming. Otherwise, you will have difficulty understanding the contents of this class!
Want to make a cool item in Minecraft?
Do you know basic programming skills?
Then this course is for you! In this class, we will be creating basic items in Minecraft for you to use in your game! Reinforce your programming skills through practical object-oriented programming by making swords that strike lightning or create an explosion!
At the end of this class, you will have the code for your item as well as a JAR file that you can use at home or give to your friends!
Prerequisites
The ability to write code, preferably in Java. Understanding of object-oriented programming. Bring a flash drive if you can. I can not stress enough that you must know programming. Otherwise, you will have difficulty understanding the contents of this class!
C9799: Intro to MATLAB
Difficulty: **
Teachers:
Abby Noyce,
Akshara Thejaswi
Have you ever wanted to learn programming, but just found it too intimidating? Are the only languages you know ones that involve opening your mouth and speaking? Well, in this class you'll learn a different way to communicate with your hands - through programming! (It's nowhere near as scary as it looks.)
In this class, you'll learn about MATLAB, a technical computing language that can be used in many different ways: data analysis, scripting, object-oriented programming, image processing, app development, and more...
... but we'll be going the slightly less scientific route, and making text-based games and doing other fun projects. I'll be teaching you how to get started with MATLAB and Octave, and also answering any questions you might have about programming, computer science, or engineering in general. :)
Prerequisites
None!
In this class, you'll learn about MATLAB, a technical computing language that can be used in many different ways: data analysis, scripting, object-oriented programming, image processing, app development, and more...
... but we'll be going the slightly less scientific route, and making text-based games and doing other fun projects. I'll be teaching you how to get started with MATLAB and Octave, and also answering any questions you might have about programming, computer science, or engineering in general. :)
Prerequisites
None!
C9902: Build Your Own Fractals! Full!
Difficulty: **
Teachers:
Ian Clester
Hey! Do you know about fractals? Do you think they look pretty cool? Would you like to build your own? Have any interest in programming? Want to learn about a language with homoiconicity and a whole lot of parenthesis? Wonder why I'm asking so many questions? You should sign up for this class? Wait, that last one wasn't supposed to be a question; you should sign up for this class!
Prerequisites
Some programming familiarity helpful but by no means required.
Prerequisites
Some programming familiarity helpful but by no means required.
C9978: Do-it-yourself Programming Language Walkthrough Full!
Difficulty: ***
Teachers:
Ziv Scully
Come learn the basics of how interpreters are made. From start to finish, we'll walk through the implementation of a simple programming language. As a completely intended side effect, we'll also learn about functional programming, a style of programming that lends itself particularly well to this sort of task.
Prerequisites
You should know how to program in at least one language (doesn't matter which).
Prerequisites
You should know how to program in at least one language (doesn't matter which).
[Deprecated] Engineering
E9776: What is the Fourier Transform? Full!
Difficulty: ***
Teachers:
Jimmy Mawdsley
We will discuss the Fourier Transform, its use as a tool for analysis, and some engineering applications.
E9936: Make Your Own Rockets! Full!
Difficulty: *
Teachers:
Jennifer Lauv,
Laura Treers
Come learn a little about rocket science as we design and build our own miniature rockets for blast-off on Killian Court! We'll teach a little bit about the science and engineering behind rockets, and then let you guys build and test your own using alka-seltzer and film canisters!
Prerequisites
None
Prerequisites
None
E10215: Build a Bridge! Full!
Difficulty: **
Teachers:
Julia Hogroian
Ever wonder how bridges and buildings stand up? Come learn about the basics of civil engineering in a fun way! We'll be building bridges and testing them to see how much they can carry in a fun design competition with prizes!
E9890: Really cool airports
Difficulty: *
Teachers:
Anagh Tiwary
Come learn about some really neat airports and statistics about airports all over the world!
Prerequisites
Should enjoy airports (not required though)
Prerequisites
Should enjoy airports (not required though)
E9995: Nylon Highway Full!
Difficulty: ***
Teachers:
Riley Drake
You're hiking along the snowy terrain, and then suddenly, unexpectedly, you fall into an ice crevasse. Your friends peer into the crevasse and see that you are conscious, and they want to save you. They consider throwing you a line, but they also want to avoid falling into the crevasse themselves. As you slip out of consciousness, you yell up the crevasse "three-to-one haulingggggg". Your friends look at each other. They have no idea what that means.
We'll learn how to haul and hoist and gain mechanical advantages on ropes, using a combination of practices from outdoor climbing and industrial rope access manuals.
We'll learn how to haul and hoist and gain mechanical advantages on ropes, using a combination of practices from outdoor climbing and industrial rope access manuals.
E10180: Security for the Internet of Things
Difficulty: **
Teachers:
Lisa Ho
What do smart lightbulbs, fitness devices, and baby monitors have in common? They're all players in the Internet of Things, the buzzword people are applying to the rise of small, connected devices. Although these devices have the potential to make many everyday objects easier to use, they also open us up to new privacy concerns. This class will talk about the technical difficulties of keeping data from these devices private.
E10209: What Do Mechanical Engineers Do All Day?: Compressor Selection 101
Difficulty: **
Teachers:
Marianne Olsen
Interested in engineering, but have no idea what engineers do on a day-to-day basis? Well, even people studying engineering here at MIT aren't entirely sure. But come learn about one specific intern's experience doing engineering office work, and find out about how oil companies pick compressors and drivers for their natural gas platforms!
Prerequisites
None!
Prerequisites
None!
E9597: Engineering Design Challenge! Full!
Difficulty: **
Teachers:
Anne LoVerso
Work in teams to solve a problem with a given set of weird materials. Have fun!
E9795: User Centered Design Challenge!
Difficulty: **
MIT Design For America will be teaching the user centered design process. Students will then be put into groups and given a design challenge with unique constraints and materials to solve the challenge!
E10130: Tiny Technologies: a Tour of Nanotechnology
Difficulty: **
Teachers:
Anubhav Sinha
Are you interested in nanotechnology? What about designing things? Then this is the class for you!
In this class, we'll talk about emerging nanotechnologies. We'll talk about what is and isn't possible and future possibilities. We'll also spend some time brainstorming and coming up with creative ideas for the future.
In this class, we'll talk about emerging nanotechnologies. We'll talk about what is and isn't possible and future possibilities. We'll also spend some time brainstorming and coming up with creative ideas for the future.
E9848: Exploring Aerospace Full!
Difficulty: *
Teachers:
Caitlin Fischer,
Marlyse Reeves
Come and learn about exciting topics relating to aeronautical and astronautical engineering! We'll talk about current research, fascinating phenomena and fundamental principles relating to aerospace. Hosted by MIT's Women in Aerospace Engineering group.
E9986: Alarms Full!
Difficulty: ***
Teachers:
Riley Drake
Alarms are everywhere! Given their prevalence, it's probably alarming how little you know about alarms. We'll go over some classic alarm circuits. We'll also learn about interesting failure methods for alarms connected to the internet and biometric sensors.
E10203: Speaker building Full!
Difficulty: **
Teachers:
Emily TenCate
Why do some speakers sound really good while others sound really bad? How do speakers *actually* make sound? In two hours, we'll go through the basics of how speakers work, tear apart a bad speaker, and make our own voice coils and speaker cones!
E9585: How Combination Locks Work
Difficulty: *
Teachers:
Harvey Yee
Come to this class to get a hands on introduction to the science and art of combination locks. Together, we will examine and explore their construction, their designs, and their weaknesses, from a physical and mathematical perspective.
E9913: Questions about Living in Space and Future Space Settlements Full!
Difficulty: **
Teachers:
Bruce Mackenzie
Bring your questions about how we might live in space, on Mars, on asteroids, on moons of planets, or on Luna (what Earthlings consider ‘the Moon’,
forgetting that there are lots of moons). I will try to answer them, and maybe throw some questions back at you. Preference for questions about how to live in
space, construct spinning space settlements for artificial gravity, grow
food, find air and water, stay warn or cool, etc. There will be little math or equations, just general information.
forgetting that there are lots of moons). I will try to answer them, and maybe throw some questions back at you. Preference for questions about how to live in
space, construct spinning space settlements for artificial gravity, grow
food, find air and water, stay warn or cool, etc. There will be little math or equations, just general information.
E9686: The Mechanics of Twisty Puzzles
Difficulty: **
Teachers:
Matt Bahner
Ever wonder how Rubik's Cubes work? There's a whole science behind how twisty puzzles mechanically function. This course will show the types of twisty puzzles that can and do exist, and take a look into their mechanisms.
E9899: Rockets!
Difficulty: *
Come learn about rockets and how they work! Hosted by members of the MIT Rocket Team.
E9768: How does Wi-Fi work?
Difficulty: ***
Teachers:
Jimmy Mawdsley
Come learn a bit about signal processing in the context of Wi-Fi communications. Focus will be on the physical layer communication schemes used in the Wi-Fi standards.
E9596: Engineering Design Challenge!
Difficulty: **
Teachers:
Anne LoVerso
Work in teams to solve a problem with a given set of weird materials. Have fun!
E9668: How to Design and Build Structures
Difficulty: **
Teachers:
Manuel Cabello de Alba Lara
How engineers design structures?
What do I need to design a building?
How are buildings built?
Do you know how to build foundations?
Should we use concrete or steel?
If you want to know how engineers design and build buildings, come to this class!
What do I need to design a building?
How are buildings built?
Do you know how to build foundations?
Should we use concrete or steel?
If you want to know how engineers design and build buildings, come to this class!
E9687: How It's Made
Difficulty: **
Teachers:
Kristina Schmidt
Have you ever wondered how every day items around you are made? If so, you came to the right place. We'll go through most major manufacturing techniques, and you'll leave understanding how everything is made, from plastic bags to iPhone cases.
E10201: How to make a trigger timer circuit with the Casio F-91W Full!
Difficulty: ***
Teachers:
Peter Schmidt-Nielsen
Ever wonder how to make a timer circuit that sets off at a particular time? Come learn how with an inexpensive digital watch (the Casio F-91W). Every student will get an F-91W and solder up a timer circuit, and we'll have an array of buzzers, motors, and spinners you can set off with your timer.
See how Al-Qaeda does it, to demystify what shouldn't be scary and learn about how easy it is to make timers, especially in light of cases like Ahmed Mohamed's clock. Actually making explosive devices is, of course, illegal, and we neither condone nor will cover it.
Prerequisites
Knowledge of circuits (resistors, transistors, etc.), and having constructed/soldered circuits before.
See how Al-Qaeda does it, to demystify what shouldn't be scary and learn about how easy it is to make timers, especially in light of cases like Ahmed Mohamed's clock. Actually making explosive devices is, of course, illegal, and we neither condone nor will cover it.
Prerequisites
Knowledge of circuits (resistors, transistors, etc.), and having constructed/soldered circuits before.
E9910: 3D Print Your House on Mars Full!
Difficulty: *
Teachers:
Bruce Mackenzie
Can we take a 3D Printer and Laser Cutter to Mars, and make most of
the equipment needed to live there? Perhaps we can make whole
habitats (aka houses) and greenhouses out of thin air on Mars (which
is good, because thin air is the only kind Mars has). The Mars
Foundation is working toward permanent settlement of Mars, using
custom manufacturing to lower the cost. We also have a 3D printer
at a Mars habitat in Hawaii, and could use your help demonstrating
what can be made there. Come find out how
expand beyond this planet, and consider joining the design project.
Or, email Info@MarsFoundation.org .
the equipment needed to live there? Perhaps we can make whole
habitats (aka houses) and greenhouses out of thin air on Mars (which
is good, because thin air is the only kind Mars has). The Mars
Foundation is working toward permanent settlement of Mars, using
custom manufacturing to lower the cost. We also have a 3D printer
at a Mars habitat in Hawaii, and could use your help demonstrating
what can be made there. Come find out how
expand beyond this planet, and consider joining the design project.
Or, email Info@MarsFoundation.org .
E10055: How to Cause the Robot Apocalypse Full!
Difficulty: **
Teachers:
Bianca Homberg
Robots are cool -- and there's a growing number of super awesome, capable robots, from self-driving cars to humanoids.
Here's a smattering of what robots are capable of:
Big dog: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=W1czBcnX1Ww
Passive walking robot: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=e2Q2Lx8O6Cg
Darpa challenge 2015 robots: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=8P9geWwi9e0
Self-driving car: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=TsaES--OTzM
Modular cubes: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=6aZbJS6LZbs
Soft gripper: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Y5kZO8SSxVw
In this class, we'll talk about some of the cool robots that exist. We'll talk about what problems have been well-solved and what problems still remain as important, key challenges, from technical challenges to robot ethics.
Here's a smattering of what robots are capable of:
Big dog: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=W1czBcnX1Ww
Passive walking robot: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=e2Q2Lx8O6Cg
Darpa challenge 2015 robots: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=8P9geWwi9e0
Self-driving car: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=TsaES--OTzM
Modular cubes: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=6aZbJS6LZbs
Soft gripper: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Y5kZO8SSxVw
In this class, we'll talk about some of the cool robots that exist. We'll talk about what problems have been well-solved and what problems still remain as important, key challenges, from technical challenges to robot ethics.
E9988: A Brief History of Doors
Difficulty: **
Teachers:
Riley Drake
Humans are unique in that they are both indoor and outdoor cats. To clearly differentiate between the two, and sometimes to protect ourselves from tyranny we invented doors. And we didn't just stop there: we have hinged doors! rotating doors! high speed doors! tambour doors! rebated doors! Come to learn the rich history and engineering behind an object you once considered "ordinary".
Prerequisites
Deep interest in doors
Prerequisites
Deep interest in doors
E9911: Minimum One-Way Mars Settlement Full!
Difficulty: **
Teachers:
Bruce Mackenzie
We are working on a plan to start the settlement of Mars
starting with only 2 people, with equipment to grow food and
produce plastics, and bootstrap a fab-lab to manufacture
more habitats and equipment. Taught by the Mars Foundation.
starting with only 2 people, with equipment to grow food and
produce plastics, and bootstrap a fab-lab to manufacture
more habitats and equipment. Taught by the Mars Foundation.
E9887: Napoleon's Buttons and Other Interesting Materials
Difficulty: **
Teachers:
Harry Thaman
Did you ever wonder which wars were fought over a single type of molecule? Or did you wonder how many man made materials you are touching right now? If so, this is the class for you!
Taking inspiration from books such as "Napoleon's Buttons" and "Stuff Matters" we will look at the materials and chemicals that we interact with every day to see the impact they have had on our lives
Taking inspiration from books such as "Napoleon's Buttons" and "Stuff Matters" we will look at the materials and chemicals that we interact with every day to see the impact they have had on our lives
E9702: What Is 3D Printing And The Maker Movement? (With lasers & CNC Milling, Oh My!)
Difficulty: ***
Teachers:
William Little
3D printing has grown in popularity over a very short period of time and is one of the most popular pieces of equipment in the maker movement! But wait, what is the maker movement? what is open source? what is all of this about? and apparently lasers and something called "CNC Milling" are involved too? what is all of this?
In this class, I will be talking about all of the above! We'll dive into 3D printing with a live printing demonstration and move into CNC milling and laser cutting. We'll then look at the bigger picture with home manufacturing, independence, and the maker movement! Get ready to smell the smell of progress as we melt some plastic and get creative.
In this class, I will be talking about all of the above! We'll dive into 3D printing with a live printing demonstration and move into CNC milling and laser cutting. We'll then look at the bigger picture with home manufacturing, independence, and the maker movement! Get ready to smell the smell of progress as we melt some plastic and get creative.
Humanities
H9622: Case Studies in Environmental Ethics Full!
Difficulty: **
Teachers:
Gabriel Davis
What moral duties or obligations do human beings have to the natural world? Even if we want to see ourselves as “environmentally friendly,” it is not always so obvious what that means, or how we should act consistently with those beliefs. For example, consider a conflict between an animal rights activist who opposes all hunting, and a conservation biologist who sponsors deer hunts to reduce predation on vulnerable native prairie grasses. Both believe themselves to be acting ethically; who, if either, is correct?
In this course, we’ll first take a brief tour of the major traditions in American environmental thought. Then, we’ll split into small groups to explore case studies centered around ethical conflicts involving humans and the natural world. The goal is not to find “correct” answers, but to arrive at a deeper understanding of how these complex issues relate to our own values. Possible case study topics (depending on student and teacher interest) could include climate change and geoengineering, biofuels, conservation biology, animal rights, nuclear energy, GMOs, water rights, and land use policy.
Prerequisites
None
In this course, we’ll first take a brief tour of the major traditions in American environmental thought. Then, we’ll split into small groups to explore case studies centered around ethical conflicts involving humans and the natural world. The goal is not to find “correct” answers, but to arrive at a deeper understanding of how these complex issues relate to our own values. Possible case study topics (depending on student and teacher interest) could include climate change and geoengineering, biofuels, conservation biology, animal rights, nuclear energy, GMOs, water rights, and land use policy.
Prerequisites
None
H9904: The Sacred Bee
Difficulty: *
Teachers:
Caitlin Fischer
The force behind society, the source of countless legends, the most noble and relevant of creatures: the sacred bee. Come and buzz with excitement about the folklore surrounding the insect that is literally the bee's knees (and also the rest of the bee).
H10079: From Brahma to Ragnarok: A Study of Mythologies Around the World Full!
Difficulty: **
Teachers:
Jahnavi Kalpathy
Are you secretly building an underwater sustainable living pod so you can survive after Ragnarok floods the world? Do you pray to the sun before every big test or project? Are you trying to avoid a curse that will come into effect on your sixteenth birthday by dedicating yourself eternally to the Goddess of the Hunt?
If so, you can probably help me teach this class! But if you're fascinated by mythologies - how they develop, how they effect culture and social norms, how they are merging with different aspects of pop culture today - come to this class to learn more!
This class will be both lecture and discussion based. I'll touch on as many different mythologies as I can, including all the smaller myths that are not often discussed like Slavic gods of revenge and African tribal folk stories. This class will focus much more on the stories and character in myth rather than on the religious implications. We will also discuss the way traditional myths have entered contemporary pop culture (Neil Gaiman's books, the Percy Jackson series, animated movies).
Please feel free to contribute your own knowledge of myths and folk stories!
If so, you can probably help me teach this class! But if you're fascinated by mythologies - how they develop, how they effect culture and social norms, how they are merging with different aspects of pop culture today - come to this class to learn more!
This class will be both lecture and discussion based. I'll touch on as many different mythologies as I can, including all the smaller myths that are not often discussed like Slavic gods of revenge and African tribal folk stories. This class will focus much more on the stories and character in myth rather than on the religious implications. We will also discuss the way traditional myths have entered contemporary pop culture (Neil Gaiman's books, the Percy Jackson series, animated movies).
Please feel free to contribute your own knowledge of myths and folk stories!
H9564: The Devil's Casino: A Debate on the Morality of Finance
Difficulty: **
Teachers:
Timothy Petliar,
Arnav Sood
In this class, me and some other students from NYU will be having a debate about the morality of finance. We'll be guided by you (you can submit questions ahead of time, and ask them as we talk). Topics we want to touch on are free enterprise (finance is legitimate economic activity, governed by contract and subject to law, so how could it be bad?), information asymmetry (is it moral to sell products you know to be overly risky?), the role of government (regulatory capture and lobbying are highly legal, yet are they also highly immoral?), and other related philosophical questions.
Prerequisites
Nothing. It'd be good to stay on top of the news, but we'll email out a short primer to everyone so they can have the same baseline for the debate.
Prerequisites
Nothing. It'd be good to stay on top of the news, but we'll email out a short primer to everyone so they can have the same baseline for the debate.
H10089: Let's talk about Watergate Full!
Difficulty: **
Teachers:
Marcus Boorstin
Let's talk about Watergate - what actually happened (people broke into DNC headquarters), what people think happened (Rose Mary Woods erased some tapes?), and what probably didn't happen (aliens did everything?). Bring questions and conspiracy theories!
H9853: Seeing Is Believing - Or Is It? The Psychology of Optical Illusions
Difficulty: *
Teachers:
Corey Bernstein
Your eyes and brain are constantly working together to interpret the world around you. But what happens when what you see and what you think you see don't match up? Do we all see the world the same way?
We'll explore the neurological and psychological processes involved in various types of optical illusions and see how our eyes and brain can play tricks on us.
We'll explore the neurological and psychological processes involved in various types of optical illusions and see how our eyes and brain can play tricks on us.
H10206: Hard Rock Networking Full!
Difficulty: **
Teachers:
Matthew Davis
Rock out with your classmates as you make new friends and learn how to network! Show up for food, drinks and fun.
H9673: Philosophy of Mind and Consciousness
Difficulty: *
Teachers:
John Gregg
What is a mind, and why is it so special? Is it special? How could it possibly work? Won't brain science, psychology and/or cognitive science answer any questions anyway? What do we need philosophy for? Do I have to wear a toga? No to that last one, but for the rest, sign up for this class. A brief history, and a primer on the current debates in this contentious field.
H9696: Phonology: Strange Sounds of the World's Languages
Difficulty: **
Teachers:
Roan LaPlante
In this course we will go over the theory, anatomy, and orthography (International Phonetic Alphabet) of different speech sounds, including sounds in English and lots of amazingly fun sounds that are not at all like sounds in English.
Depending on interest we will also talk about differences in regional dialects of English.
This is a very interactive course, with an emphasis on speech production.
Depending on interest we will also talk about differences in regional dialects of English.
This is a very interactive course, with an emphasis on speech production.
H9740: Friendship: From Plato to Tolstoy Full!
Difficulty: **
Teachers:
yc yu
What is a friend? Why are friends friends? How to be a friend? To answer these questions, we gaze at classics and history really hard and beg for clues.
Prerequisites
Willingness to proactively participate in discussion and ask questions.
Prerequisites
Willingness to proactively participate in discussion and ask questions.
H9711: Ethics and Justice
Difficulty: *
Teachers:
Mary Jane Porzenheim,
Rikhav Shah
Should you kill one person to save two? Is it ever justified to lie? Theories of ethics and justice can help us answer these questions.
We will give a brief rundown of the ethics of Mill and Kant, and also contrast the two most prominent theories of justice: those of Rawls and Nozick.
We will give a brief rundown of the ethics of Mill and Kant, and also contrast the two most prominent theories of justice: those of Rawls and Nozick.
H10024: Armchair Philosophy Full!
Difficulty: *
Teachers:
Elise Bickford
Let's talk about philosophy! Topics include but are not limited to free will, consciousness, morality, personal identity, and Nietzsche's moustache.
H10133: Mindfulness and Appreciation Through Television and Film
Difficulty: **
Teachers:
Tommy Tsang
The Oxford English Dictionary defines mindfulness as, "the meditative state of being both fully aware of the moment and of being self-conscious of and attentive to this awareness; a state of intense concentration on one's own thought processes; self-awareness" and appreciation as, "grateful recognition of kindness, a favour, etc.; gratitude." With the help of brief clips from television shows and movies, as well as discussion, this class will attempt to encourage students to be mindful of, and appreciate, moments in life that they might otherwise just skid by as they go through the motions of everyday, mundane life. Clips from television shows include Breaking Bad, The Flash, Boy Meets World, and Girl Meets World (list subject to change). Clips from movies include Dead Poets Society, Fight Club, and Titanic (list subject to change).
H9903: Much Ado About Shakespeare
Difficulty: **
Teachers:
David Rolnick,
Sarah Wharton
Come read through Shakespeare's master comedy, Much Ado About Nothing! We'll read through the play, taking breaks to switch parts and eat snacks.
Prerequisites
You should feel comfortable reading aloud in a group!
Prerequisites
You should feel comfortable reading aloud in a group!
H9854: Creative Writing and Tea
Difficulty: *
Teachers:
Mary Jane Porzenheim
There will be paper, pencils, and tea. Come and write (I'll provide prompts, or you can choose your own topic) and then we'll share what we wrote and give constructive criticism!
H9662: Poetry Composition
Difficulty: **
Teachers:
Peter Klapes
In this course, you will have the opportunity to read and discuss a few published poems and then write some yourself. The last part of the class will be an optional open-mic forum in which you may read your poetry for the class.
H9758: The Poetry of Gerard Manley Hopkins
Difficulty: **
Teachers:
Peter Klapes
In this course, we will read and discuss the poetry of the Romantic poet Gerard Manley Hopkins. You will have the opportunity to read a handful of Hopkins's poems and learn about the poet's short life. No prior knowledge necessary!
H9877: Playwrights' Workshop Full!
Difficulty: *
Teachers:
Daniel Epelbaum
Interested in writing plays? Come and get some hand-on experience in this class taught by the Experimental Theatre Company!
In the first hour, we will teach you the basics of writing scenes for the stage. We will address stage space, character voice, and conflict structure.
In the second hour, you will write scripts in groups of four. After dinner, we will PERFORM as many of these scenes as possible for you and your friends!
In the first hour, we will teach you the basics of writing scenes for the stage. We will address stage space, character voice, and conflict structure.
In the second hour, you will write scripts in groups of four. After dinner, we will PERFORM as many of these scenes as possible for you and your friends!
H9690: TBOLAT: Let's learn to speak together!
Difficulty: **
Teachers:
Rodolfo Garcia
Are you scared of public speaking? Does the idea of expressing even one miniscule opinion terrify you? Well some people would say that exposure therapy is for you! Come join me in welcoming the bucket of love and tenderness as we give spontaneous 1 minute speeches on anything!
H10178: The World and The American Civil War
Difficulty: **
Teachers:
Mark Markov
This course will discuss the far reaching effects of the American Civil War on the world at large. This includes the position of European powers on the war (why did the British not side with the Confederates?), the global economic effects of the war (where were the new sources of cotton?), and the effect of the war on foreign nationals in the States themselves (were foreigners supposed to be drafted?).
H9634: Idioms and Orwell Full!
Difficulty: *
Teachers:
Ahaan Rungta
We often hear and use idioms but, most of the time, we don't even know what they literally mean. In this class, we'll talk about common and not-so-common idioms and what they _really_ mean by looking at their origins. We'll also talk a little bit about this dude named George Orwell.
Prerequisites
None!
Prerequisites
None!
H9615: Memes Can Literally Explain Society
Difficulty: *
Teachers:
Quinn Darling,
Avery Miller
We all know memes as those silly, obnoxious, and admittedly infectious jokes that tend to end up virally transmitted to every part of the world. But, did you know that, by definition, memes help explain the evolution of humanity? It's pretty weird.
H9733: Conquering Writer’s Block Full!
Difficulty: *
Teachers:
Lee Friedman
Learn how to vanquish the evil Writer’s Block with some simple tricks that will get your brain and pencil moving. We will discuss writer's block, how to conquer it, and do some practice exercises. Come ready to do some writing!
Note: This can be helpful for any kind of story-making whether its written fiction, comics, play-writing, role-playing, etc.
Note: This can be helpful for any kind of story-making whether its written fiction, comics, play-writing, role-playing, etc.
H9964: Robots! Space! Time! Stories! Full!
Difficulty: *
Teachers:
Bianca Homberg,
Chelsea Voss
Interested in science fiction, futuristic engineering, artificial intelligence or interplanetary empires? Ever wondered what would happen if people lived forever? What would happen if the world split in two every time you had to make a choice, and both options happened? What would happen if there was a center of time where time stood still?
Come read a few of the short stories of Isaac Asimov, one of the most prolific science fiction writers of all time. We'll spend an hour devouring tales of robots, space, and time!
Come read a few of the short stories of Isaac Asimov, one of the most prolific science fiction writers of all time. We'll spend an hour devouring tales of robots, space, and time!
H9561: Cogito Ergo Machina: Introduction to Machine Thought
Difficulty: **
Teachers:
Arnav Sood
On February 15, 2014, IBM's Watson won a million dollars on Jeopardy; since then, it's studied complex diseases and landed a job with Boeing. But can it even think?
This course uses Watson, and other hypothetical machines, to explore problems in machine thought. Topics might include the Turing Test, the Blockhead, Searle's Chinese Room, and the functionalist and behavioralist approaches to intelligence, based on seminar participants' choices. Time permitting, we will also discuss the computational nature of human thought.
Prerequisites
None! Students already familiar with ideas in artificial intelligence should feel free to sign up, since most of our time will be spent on discussion, and you'd probably have valuable things to say.
This course uses Watson, and other hypothetical machines, to explore problems in machine thought. Topics might include the Turing Test, the Blockhead, Searle's Chinese Room, and the functionalist and behavioralist approaches to intelligence, based on seminar participants' choices. Time permitting, we will also discuss the computational nature of human thought.
Prerequisites
None! Students already familiar with ideas in artificial intelligence should feel free to sign up, since most of our time will be spent on discussion, and you'd probably have valuable things to say.
H9873: Education in America
Difficulty: *
Teachers:
Haley Cope
Have you ever wondered why politicians insist on making you take the same tests year after year? Or how education policy has evolved over time?
In this class we will be looking at the educational goals of America from the 1900s to present.
In this class we will be looking at the educational goals of America from the 1900s to present.
H9880: Lobbying and Advocacy to Change the World
Difficulty: **
Teachers:
Brock Adler
Is there a cause you are passionate about? Would changing laws or regulations, or having new government funding for your area of interest be useful? By joining together and advocating and/or lobbying with others, you can work towards accomplishing your personal, community, and societal goals. This session will give you (and your collaborators) a great start at being able to plan and carry out campaigns to create or change laws that you feel will improve things. You will learn about strategies and tactics applicable to a variety of different kinds of causes. I will use as an example an effort I have been working on for a few years, to pass the Federal “No Child Left Inside Act” H.R. 882, but the lessons presented will be applicable to a wide variety of other issues and levels of government. We will spend much of the time helping you think about how to advance your causes or projects.
Prerequisites
Have a basic understanding about how laws are passed http://kids.clerk.house.gov/high-school/lesson.html?intID=17; do some thinking about what cause you are passionate about; and find out who your Congressional Representatives are at www.house.gov and www.senate.gov, and look on their websites to find which committees they sit on.
Prerequisites
Have a basic understanding about how laws are passed http://kids.clerk.house.gov/high-school/lesson.html?intID=17; do some thinking about what cause you are passionate about; and find out who your Congressional Representatives are at www.house.gov and www.senate.gov, and look on their websites to find which committees they sit on.
H10148: Autism, Aspergers and the Spectrum
Difficulty: **
Teachers:
Joshua Frisch
Autism, Asperger's syndrome, and related conditions, are some of the fastest growing mental health challenges in the country. In this class I will give firsthand knowledge about living with Autism, its effects on socialization and intelligence, and the importance and success that early occupational and social therapy can have to alleviate social and communicative difficulties.
H10008: Freedom and Determinism
Difficulty: **
Teachers:
Shi Ke Xue
Do we have free will? If the universe is deterministic, is it even possible to act freely?
Come dip your toes into the metaphysics of freedom! We'll cover all combinations of having free will, deterministic worlds, and the compatibility of the two.
Come dip your toes into the metaphysics of freedom! We'll cover all combinations of having free will, deterministic worlds, and the compatibility of the two.
H9636: The Power of an Illusion – Is Race for Real?
Difficulty: *
Teachers:
Michelle Chalmers,
Izumi Ludgate
Is Race for Real? Come learn how scientific discoveries have toppled the concept of biological race. The class will engage in small and large group discussions to unpack what was learned
from the video and have questions answered.
Prerequisites
None
from the video and have questions answered.
Prerequisites
None
H9677: False Memories: When What You Remember Never Happened
Difficulty: *
Teachers:
Laura Eckman
Memories aren't perfect - in fact, almost all of your memories, especially the ones that seem particularly vivid, are markedly different from what you would see if you watched a video tape of the original incident. We'll be looking into different instances of fallacious memories, from alterations to entire false creations. We will also discuss what the unreliability of memory means in a larger context, specifically legal issues with potentially inaccurate eyewitness testimony.
H10010: Metaphysics of Time
Difficulty: **
Teachers:
Shi Ke Xue
Metaphysics is the philosophy which questions how the physical world works. This class will discuss theories about how time works, how objects exist and persist through time, and how relativity destroys any common-sense notions about time.
H9638: The Power of an Illusion – Does Race Affect Your Life?
Difficulty: *
Teachers:
Michelle Chalmers,
Izumi Ludgate
Does race affect your life? Unveil the ordinary social institutions that quietly channel wealth and opportunity, giving different groups vastly unequal life chances. The class will engage in small and large group discussions to unpack what was learned
from the video and have questions answered.
Prerequisites
None
from the video and have questions answered.
Prerequisites
None
H9815: Does god exist?
Difficulty: ***
Teachers:
Michael Denigris
In this course, we will analyze the philosopher William Lane Craig's formulation of the Kalam Cosmological argument for the existence of god. Similar to Plato's "prime mover" argument and Leibniz's cosmological argument from the Principle of Sufficient Reason, the KCA attempts to show that the universe must have had a cause, and further that that cause is necessarily the being we refer to as god.
We will explore various topics in physics (cosmology/astrophysics and cosmogeny) and metaphysics (philosophy of time, causality, etc) to come to an informed conclusion as to whether or not the Kalam is likely to be sound and also discuss what other answers might explain how the universe and everything within it came to be.
If you took my course "Does god exist?" last year, this course will be substantially more specific and detailed than what was covered then, so I encourage you to take this class as well!
We will explore various topics in physics (cosmology/astrophysics and cosmogeny) and metaphysics (philosophy of time, causality, etc) to come to an informed conclusion as to whether or not the Kalam is likely to be sound and also discuss what other answers might explain how the universe and everything within it came to be.
If you took my course "Does god exist?" last year, this course will be substantially more specific and detailed than what was covered then, so I encourage you to take this class as well!
H9829: The Roman Empire in the Middle Ages
Difficulty: **
Teachers:
Diptarka Hait
Despite exagerration from Renaissance historians, the collapse of the Western Roman Empire in 476 was merely a minor event for the people at that time. The wealthier and more populous Empire in the East still survived and preserved the old knowledge of the classical world. It would evolve, wane and wax over the years (even re-holding Rome for over 200 years) but it would endure till 29th May 1453-when at last it gave up the ghost.
H10128: American Suburbia Full!
Difficulty: *
Teachers:
Nicole Glabinski
For decades, suburbia has been an integral part of the American dream. How did this form of living come to be? We'll cover the origins and proliferation of suburbs in the 19th and 20th centuries.
H9839: Impressionism
Difficulty: *
Teachers:
Bryce Hwang
Ever wondered about the difference between Manet and Monet? Ever wanted to know what's so special about a bunch of paintings of sunflowers, water lilies, and haystacks? Just curious and want to learn more about Impressionism? Come join us for a low key discussion about art and a lot of candy!
H9695: Introduction to Socionics
Difficulty: ***
Teachers:
Roan LaPlante
In this class we will review Socionics, a personality typology and branch of Jungian analytical psychology developed by a Lithuanian woman named Ausra Augustinavicitue in the 1970s. Socionics is moderately well popularized in Eastern Europe and almost unheard of in Western Europe or America.
Socionics is an abstract philosophical model and language for describing people and their social interactions, which attempts to answer the question, "How are different people different?" More concisely, it is a system of personality types. In this class, we will simultaneously review the conceptual foundations of this typology, and in doing so, we will address the problem of knowledge and numerous issues in practice. Specifically we will point out the problems and vagueness of the topic of personality types in itself, how it relates to science (socionics is *not* science) and ask what understanding personality types is actually useful for.
Prerequisites
A desire for self-knowledge and a willingness to think critically. Familiarity with MBTI is potentially helpful but also potentially detrimental. Some background in psychology is helpful but not needed.
Socionics is an abstract philosophical model and language for describing people and their social interactions, which attempts to answer the question, "How are different people different?" More concisely, it is a system of personality types. In this class, we will simultaneously review the conceptual foundations of this typology, and in doing so, we will address the problem of knowledge and numerous issues in practice. Specifically we will point out the problems and vagueness of the topic of personality types in itself, how it relates to science (socionics is *not* science) and ask what understanding personality types is actually useful for.
Prerequisites
A desire for self-knowledge and a willingness to think critically. Familiarity with MBTI is potentially helpful but also potentially detrimental. Some background in psychology is helpful but not needed.
Lunch
L10200: Lunch Period
Difficulty: None
Teachers:
Enjoy a break for lunch with your friends! Please register for at least one lunch period on each day of the program.
L10199: Lunch Period
Difficulty: None
Teachers:
Enjoy a break for lunch with your friends! Please register for at least one lunch period on each day of the program.
Mathematics
M10042: Points on a Plane Full!
Difficulty: ***
Teachers:
David Yang
A Mobius transformation of the complex plane sends z to $$\frac{az+b}{cz+d}.$$ Any collection of three points can be sent to any other collection of three points by a Mobius transformation. Two collections of four points can be sent to each other only if they have the same cross ratio. What happens with more points?
Prerequisites
Familiarity with complex numbers.
Prerequisites
Familiarity with complex numbers.
M9833: How To Become a Better Gambler with Math Full!
Difficulty: ***
Teachers:
Yihui Quek
This class is really a class that teaches probability. But because gambling uses a lot of probability, and much of life is a gamble, I am going to teach probability through the lens of a gambler. Don't rip your friends off. Rip off large corporations. :)
1. Simple probability exercises: calculating probabilities of poker hands
2. Horse race (what is the best way to bet?)
3. Gambler's ruin problem
4. The principle behind Gambler's ruin: Markov chains
Prerequisites
Must have some familiarity with logs and exponentials
1. Simple probability exercises: calculating probabilities of poker hands
2. Horse race (what is the best way to bet?)
3. Gambler's ruin problem
4. The principle behind Gambler's ruin: Markov chains
Prerequisites
Must have some familiarity with logs and exponentials
M10182: Set Theory: A Framework for Everything
Difficulty: **
Teachers:
Benjamin Chan
A fast-paced introduction to set theory*. If everything is a set, how do we define the natural numbers? What is addition, multiplication, and exponentiation? What is infinity? We'll try to cover as much as we can.
*of the ZFC variant.
Prerequisites
Calculus
*of the ZFC variant.
Prerequisites
Calculus
M10056: (Geometric) Transformers: Now in 2D! (And Black and White)
Difficulty: *
Teachers:
Herng Yi Cheng
Given two shapes of the same area, can one be cut into pieces and rearranged into the other? For a century, puzzlemakers have challenged each other to solve such "dissection puzzles" using the fewest number of pieces. Try your hand at one! http://www.herngyi.com/blog/geometric-dissection-puzzle
This lecture will cover basic techniques to create and solve dissection puzzles, some of the math behind them, and special types of dissection puzzles like 3D or hinged dissections.
This lecture will cover basic techniques to create and solve dissection puzzles, some of the math behind them, and special types of dissection puzzles like 3D or hinged dissections.
M10150: 1 square 2 square 3 square 4 square
Difficulty: ***
Teachers:
Joshua Frisch
What numbers can be written as the sum of 2,3, or 4 square numbers? (1 is left as an exercise to the student). In this class we'll fully answer the question including showing the incredibly cool result that ALL natural numbers are the sum of four squares. En route we'll cover connections to geometry, modular arithmetic, complex numbers, and a weird 4 dimensional version of the complex numbers called quaternions and how this all depends on the fact that $\pi^2>8$
Prerequisites
Familiarity with modular arithmetic is a must. (Make sure you can figure out what 7^31 mod 10 is with pen and paper). In general a lot of mathematical maturity will be assumed so while calculus is not strictly necessary, mathematical maturity at a calculus level or beyond is very much necessary.
Prerequisites
Familiarity with modular arithmetic is a must. (Make sure you can figure out what 7^31 mod 10 is with pen and paper). In general a lot of mathematical maturity will be assumed so while calculus is not strictly necessary, mathematical maturity at a calculus level or beyond is very much necessary.
M10189: Lattices in Cryptography
Difficulty: **
Teachers:
Gaurav Singh
Have you heard of Fully Homomorphic Encryption or Functional Encryption? These allow you to encrypt data, give it to someone else, and have them compute some functions of the data, without them ever learning anything about your data.
This seems really hard to do, but it turns out that lattices allow us to do this. We will not go into all the details, but we will cover some of the relevant information.
Prerequisites
Linear algebra, and some knowledge of cryptography.
This seems really hard to do, but it turns out that lattices allow us to do this. We will not go into all the details, but we will cover some of the relevant information.
Prerequisites
Linear algebra, and some knowledge of cryptography.
M10043: Division Algebras and Topology
Difficulty: ****
Teachers:
David Yang
There are the real numbers, the complex numbers, the quaternions, and finally, the octonions. All these systems have multiplication and inverses. We'll show that they're the only such systems using topology.
Prerequisites
None, but this class will be hard.
Prerequisites
None, but this class will be hard.
M9898: Chaos! Full!
Difficulty: **
Teachers:
Alexandra Churikova
Come learn all about chaos! An I'm not talking about the state of your room... I am talking about the state of the universe! Come learn the mathematics behind chaos and discover some of the most beautiful ways it is exhibited in nature.
Prerequisites
Excitement about the way math inherently describes our universe and willingness to look at pretty graphs :)
Prerequisites
Excitement about the way math inherently describes our universe and willingness to look at pretty graphs :)
M9621: Constructible Numbers
Difficulty: **
Teachers:
Gabriel Davis
Given an arbitrary unit, what other numbers (lengths) can we construct using only the famous tools of the geometer: the compass and the straightedge? Can we construct every integer? Every rational number? Every real number?
It turns out that the answer to that last question is “no,” but figuring out the set of numbers we can construct leads to some interesting problems. For roughly the first half of the time, we’ll attempt to develop construction algorithms for various classes of numbers, and in the process define a new subset of the reals called the constructible numbers. For the second half, we’ll take a look at some of the properties of this set, and show how it was used to solve three of the most famous unsolved problems in the history mathematics.
Prerequisites
At minimum you should be very comfortable with compass and straightedge constructions and working with roots of polynomial equations. You will get a lot more out of the class if you've seen some more high-level algebra, but this is by no means required.
It turns out that the answer to that last question is “no,” but figuring out the set of numbers we can construct leads to some interesting problems. For roughly the first half of the time, we’ll attempt to develop construction algorithms for various classes of numbers, and in the process define a new subset of the reals called the constructible numbers. For the second half, we’ll take a look at some of the properties of this set, and show how it was used to solve three of the most famous unsolved problems in the history mathematics.
Prerequisites
At minimum you should be very comfortable with compass and straightedge constructions and working with roots of polynomial equations. You will get a lot more out of the class if you've seen some more high-level algebra, but this is by no means required.
M9726: Partial Differential Equations
Difficulty: ***
Teachers:
Aaron Dunbrack
One of the hardest topics in mathematics is the study of partial differential equations. However, they describe a variety of mechanisms which depend on both position and time, such as fluids, quantum particles, and various biological population models. We will start out looking at transport (including nonlinear transport) and the method of characteristics and move on to diffusion and waves on both bounded and unbounded domains.
Prerequisites
A solid understanding of calculus. Recommended that you have multivariable calculus, although partial derivatives will be described at the beginning of the class. Knowledge of (Linear) Ordinary Differential Equations (ODEs) recommended, as at several points I will say "this ODE has this known solution," but if you're willing to bypass the technical details in those areas and just aim for a conceptual understanding you should still get that out of this class without ODEs.
Prerequisites
A solid understanding of calculus. Recommended that you have multivariable calculus, although partial derivatives will be described at the beginning of the class. Knowledge of (Linear) Ordinary Differential Equations (ODEs) recommended, as at several points I will say "this ODE has this known solution," but if you're willing to bypass the technical details in those areas and just aim for a conceptual understanding you should still get that out of this class without ODEs.
M10053: Can You Name a Bigger Number?
Difficulty: **
You have one minute and an index card to write down the biggest number you can think of. We'll talk about Busy Beaver Numbers, Turing Machines, the Ackermann function, different sizes of infinity and other strange and interesting things. Then we'll play again. Who can name the bigger number? Inspired by Scott Aaronson's essay of the same name.
Prerequisites
No specific prerequisites, but some familiarity with numbers will be helpful. All are welcome!
Prerequisites
No specific prerequisites, but some familiarity with numbers will be helpful. All are welcome!
M9966: Prime numbers are hard and miserable
Difficulty: ****
Teachers:
Colin Aitken
Let's look at prime numbers as sums of infinitely many complex numbers.
No wait! Let's look at them as points on a curve.
Actually, let's look at them as an infinite-dimensional space.
Wait, is $$1 + i $$ prime?
Is there a polynomial that only outputs prime numbers?
Leave behind the days when you thought prime numbers were just numbers without any factors. We're not about that "treating numbers as numbers" life.
Prerequisites
Some experience with modular arithmetic and complex numbers would be helpful. Don't expect to follow every detail, but hopefully the big picture ideas will be clear
No wait! Let's look at them as points on a curve.
Actually, let's look at them as an infinite-dimensional space.
Wait, is $$1 + i $$ prime?
Is there a polynomial that only outputs prime numbers?
Leave behind the days when you thought prime numbers were just numbers without any factors. We're not about that "treating numbers as numbers" life.
Prerequisites
Some experience with modular arithmetic and complex numbers would be helpful. Don't expect to follow every detail, but hopefully the big picture ideas will be clear
M10046: Division Algebras and Symmetry Full!
Difficulty: ****
Teachers:
David Yang
R
C
Q
O
Guess what the above letters mean. Now can you guess what these mean?
E6,E7,E8
F4,
G2
Well, we got bored of rotations, so we're going to use division algebras to give us new weird kinds of symmetries.
Anyways, can you guess the meaning of this square?
A1 A2 C3 F4
A2 A2xA2 A5 E6
C3 A5 D6 E7
F4 E6 E7 E8
Prerequisites
None, but this class will be hard.
C
Q
O
Guess what the above letters mean. Now can you guess what these mean?
E6,E7,E8
F4,
G2
Well, we got bored of rotations, so we're going to use division algebras to give us new weird kinds of symmetries.
Anyways, can you guess the meaning of this square?
A1 A2 C3 F4
A2 A2xA2 A5 E6
C3 A5 D6 E7
F4 E6 E7 E8
Prerequisites
None, but this class will be hard.
M9894: Counting with Algebra: An Introduction to Generating Functions
Difficulty: **
Teachers:
Brice Huang,
Saranesh Prembabu
Generating Functions are a powerful counting technique which encodes combinatorial information in polynomials and formal series, which can then be manipulated algebraically, thereby reducing a counting problem to an algebra problem. In this class, we will discuss how to use generating functions to solve difficult counting problems.
Prerequisites
Experience with counting and probability techniques would be helpful. Basic algebra proficiency is assumed.
Prerequisites
Experience with counting and probability techniques would be helpful. Basic algebra proficiency is assumed.
M9884: P vs. NP
Difficulty: **
Teachers:
Daniel Epelbaum
One of the deepest questions in mathematics that is still open today is whether or not $$P=NP$$. In non-math-speak this basically asks whether or not being able to check whether or not an answer to a question is correct is the same as being able to come up with an answer yourself.
Take this class to learn what that means, why it's important, and why it has implications for everyone, not just nerdy math researchers.
Take this class to learn what that means, why it's important, and why it has implications for everyone, not just nerdy math researchers.
M10208: The Game of Life, the Universe, and Everything Full!
Difficulty: *
Teachers:
Srinivas Kaza
Ever heard of Conway's Game of Life? No? Well, come find out what the world's most popular zero-player game is all about, and discover other (even more interesting) automata that can model diverse physical behavior from snowflakes to sea shells.
This class is similar to my other course (Designing the Game of Life: Implementing Cellular Automata in Python), but it doesn't involve any coding.
This class is similar to my other course (Designing the Game of Life: Implementing Cellular Automata in Python), but it doesn't involve any coding.
M10018: A Quick Guide to Geometric Construction
Difficulty: **
Teachers:
Adrian Sy
A guide on how to draw geometric shapes quickly and accurately via straightedge and compass.
M9563: Greed is Good, or An Introduction to Finance Full!
Difficulty: **
Teachers:
Arnav Sood
Especially since finance has been so turbulent and significant in recent years, it'd be good to have a basic mathematical precision about it. This class offers a quantitative treatment of some of the basic objects and principles in finance, including the efficient market hypothesis, derivatives, options, and arbitrage. It's loosely based on the class of the same name at NYU Stern.
Prerequisites
A strong background in univariate calculus would be good. The more math the better, but I'll try to make everything accessible to everyone.
Prerequisites
A strong background in univariate calculus would be good. The more math the better, but I'll try to make everything accessible to everyone.
M10111: An Introduction to Proof Writing
Difficulty: *
Teachers:
Jonathan Hurowitz
Ever wanted to learn how to write a mathematical proof? We will be covering many different types, and with some cool problems, too! You will learn how to write induction, logic, epsilon-delta, and other proofs. This course should serve as a pre-requisite for any Splash class requiring a basic knowledge of proofs.
M10048: An action of the W-algebra on the equivariant intersection cohomology of moduli spaces of instantons Full!
Difficulty: ****
Teachers:
David Yang
The goal of this class is to expose students to a topic on the cutting edge of algebra.
String theorists predict the existence of an 6-dimensional physical theory called Theory X (that's actually the name.) It turns out that Theory X leads to lots of interesting mathematics (very relevant here is the fact that 6=2+4.) Come learn about it.
Prerequisites
There are no prerequisites, but the topic of this class will be really hard (but it will be taught in a friendly way). The goal is primarily exposure.
String theorists predict the existence of an 6-dimensional physical theory called Theory X (that's actually the name.) It turns out that Theory X leads to lots of interesting mathematics (very relevant here is the fact that 6=2+4.) Come learn about it.
Prerequisites
There are no prerequisites, but the topic of this class will be really hard (but it will be taught in a friendly way). The goal is primarily exposure.
M10163: Mathematical Mishmash
Difficulty: ***
Teachers:
Jerry Wu
I'm going to talk about math. What math? You decide! Sort of, anyway-- I'll prepare some things I can talk about, and people in the class will decide what they're interested in. Topics will generally be in undergraduate-level math, though I can also talk about other things if people really want..
Prerequisites
Ideally, a decently strong background in math, but I'll tailor the prerequisites to the class.
Prerequisites
Ideally, a decently strong background in math, but I'll tailor the prerequisites to the class.
M10049: History of Ancient Math
Difficulty: *
Teachers:
Herng Yi Cheng
Math has come a long way, from counting sheep with pebbles to equations that govern the universe, and much more. Over the ages, various civilisations have pushed the boundaries of mathematics further, and fundamentally changed the way we see math. What is a number? What kind of space do we live in? Can we know everything? What can we know for sure? What is math used for? What is truth? Let us trace the development of math through antiquity (~2600BC to ~1600AD) and see the math of today in a new light.
Prerequisites
Know how to compute the volume of a cylinder
Prerequisites
Know how to compute the volume of a cylinder
M10166: Zero-knowledge proofs
Difficulty: ***
Teachers:
Adam Hesterberg
I can convince you I know how to solve any given position of a Rubik's cube without showing you at all how to solve that position, convince websites that I know my password without doing anything as risky as sending the password, and similar stuff. We'll see how.
Prerequisites
Comfort with mathematical proofs
Prerequisites
Comfort with mathematical proofs
M10136: Introduction to Group Theory
Difficulty: ***
Teachers:
Daniel Zaharopol
You can add things that are not numbers. It sounds, absurd, doesn't it? But if addition is a process for combining two objects into a new object that follows certain rules (like the associative law), then why not?
In fact, here's an example. If you have two rotations of the plane through the origin, you can add them by doing one rotation, then the next. Add a 112-degree rotation to a 205-degree rotation, and you get a 317-degree rotation. But rotations aren't like numbers: add a 300-degree rotation plus a 61-degree rotation... and you get a 1-degree rotation!
A set of things you can add is called a group, and groups let us study the symmetries of many kinds of spaces, which is crucial for doing physics, chemistry, and most of mathematics. The simple notion of "you can add things that aren't numbers" brings forth a huge number of concepts. We'll learn about groups and then talk about isomorphisms, quotient groups, and more. If you want to get a sense of what studying advanced math is really like, this is an excellent place to get a taste of how mathematicians think.
Prerequisites
This will be a fast-paced and advanced math class. You should be prepared to think very abstractly, but no particular background knowledge (beyond high school algebra) is required. One thing that distinguishes this class is that we'll try to help you really learn the material deeply, not just blow past difficult stuff. You'll also get some problems you can take home and work on.
In fact, here's an example. If you have two rotations of the plane through the origin, you can add them by doing one rotation, then the next. Add a 112-degree rotation to a 205-degree rotation, and you get a 317-degree rotation. But rotations aren't like numbers: add a 300-degree rotation plus a 61-degree rotation... and you get a 1-degree rotation!
A set of things you can add is called a group, and groups let us study the symmetries of many kinds of spaces, which is crucial for doing physics, chemistry, and most of mathematics. The simple notion of "you can add things that aren't numbers" brings forth a huge number of concepts. We'll learn about groups and then talk about isomorphisms, quotient groups, and more. If you want to get a sense of what studying advanced math is really like, this is an excellent place to get a taste of how mathematicians think.
Prerequisites
This will be a fast-paced and advanced math class. You should be prepared to think very abstractly, but no particular background knowledge (beyond high school algebra) is required. One thing that distinguishes this class is that we'll try to help you really learn the material deeply, not just blow past difficult stuff. You'll also get some problems you can take home and work on.
M9682: The Math Foundation Crisis
Difficulty: **
Teachers:
Le Nguyen Hoang
You might have learned that mathematics was the only field that proves true statements. But a century ago, it wasn't clear at all that mathematics had anything to do with "a" truth, let alone "the" truth --- it's still not clear today! In this class, we review the infamous math foundation crisis of the turn of the century, from the overthrowing of Euclid's elements and Russell's paradox, to surprising fundamental 20th century theorems like the Banach-Tarski paradox, the continuum hypothesis and Gödel's incompleteness theorem.
M10047: Symmetry and Topology
Difficulty: ****
Teachers:
David Yang
Three dimensions. Rotations. A sphere.
Ten dimensions. Rotations. Two OGres.
We are going to cut the OGres into pieces. By doing so, we will get a good understanding of the most symmetrical kind of geometry, the geometry of OGres. Maybe even affine OGres.
AKA: "What do really symmetrical high-dimensional objects look like?"
Prerequisites
None, but this class will be hard.
Ten dimensions. Rotations. Two OGres.
We are going to cut the OGres into pieces. By doing so, we will get a good understanding of the most symmetrical kind of geometry, the geometry of OGres. Maybe even affine OGres.
AKA: "What do really symmetrical high-dimensional objects look like?"
Prerequisites
None, but this class will be hard.
M9968: All of Math.
Difficulty: ***
Teachers:
Colin Aitken
We'll learn all of math.
If we have time left over, we'll talk about applications to other fields.
If we have time left over, we'll talk about applications to other fields.
M9814: Diffy Queues
Difficulty: ***
Teachers:
Ahaan Rungta
Know how to do derivatives and integrals and all that standard calc stuff? Cool! Let's go backwards and solve differential equations -- the subject most engineers and scientists need to know. You know -- it's their language. Come learn how to solve differential equations, from the most basic to the slightly more complicated.
Prerequisites
Knowledge of single-variable calculus basics: derivative, integrals, etc.
Prerequisites
Knowledge of single-variable calculus basics: derivative, integrals, etc.
M10176: The Euclidean Algorithm
Difficulty: **
Teachers:
Lane Gunderman
Have you ever wanted to find the greatest common divisor between two numbers? How about finding it quickly? How about really, really quickly? In this class, we aim to prove the Euclidean Algorithm for finding the greatest common divisor of two numbers!
Prerequisites
Preferably a knowledge of what the greatest common divisor of two numbers is, as well as familiarity with prime factorization. In addition you are hopefully excited about number theory, but that is not a prerequisite.
Prerequisites
Preferably a knowledge of what the greatest common divisor of two numbers is, as well as familiarity with prime factorization. In addition you are hopefully excited about number theory, but that is not a prerequisite.
M9872: Game Theory and Social Behavior Full!
Difficulty: **
Teachers:
Haley Cope
Can we explain love using math? Yes. What about beauty? Sure, why not. But we can't explain why we get angry or feel that we have the "right" to own property, right? Wrong! Of course we can. Game theory is a powerful tool in which we model the interaction of decision makers by saying they have strategies that earn them some kind of payoff. For example, two males can fight over a female, and can choose to fight-to-the-death or just display power to get the girl and be happy. What is the optimal action, and what should they do? In addition to answering questions about optimal actions, we will also be using tools from evolutionary dynamics to explain how these things, like beauty, can evolve over time. Combining these two ideas, we have a powerful way to explain the evolution of ideas and feelings that people have. I'll be teaching you all the material from a class that 120 MIT students took this fall. (see: http://isites.harvard.edu/icb/icb.do?keyword=k101375) Are you ready? (Note: though this is a loaded and fasted-paced, I will be teaching you all of the basics. That being said, we won't dwell too long on these, so people who know game theory will still learn a lot.)
M9914: An Uncomputable Computable Tree
Difficulty: **
Teachers:
Luke Sciarappa
In formal maths-language, I might say: this class will show the existence of an infinite computable subtree of the infinite binary tree possessing no infinite computable path.
In normal talk, what that means is this. A computer has a program loaded in its memory; the program allows it to compute a giant, branching tree. Specifically, the program specifies how many children each node has: 0, 1, or 2. The tree continues to arbitrary depth; however, no matter how you program the computer, it will not be able to find a path through this tree that doesn't eventually run into a dead end. How is this possible? We will see!
In normal talk, what that means is this. A computer has a program loaded in its memory; the program allows it to compute a giant, branching tree. Specifically, the program specifies how many children each node has: 0, 1, or 2. The tree continues to arbitrary depth; however, no matter how you program the computer, it will not be able to find a path through this tree that doesn't eventually run into a dead end. How is this possible? We will see!
M9811: Mathematical Logic and the Ax-Grothendieck Theorem
Difficulty: ****
Teachers:
David Corwin
A proof has only finitely many steps. But did you know that you could use this fact (and that there are infinitely many prime numbers) to prove a fascinating theorem?!
The Ax-Grothendieck Theorem says that a map from $$\mathbb{C}^n \to \mathbb{C}^n$$ given by $$n$$ polynomials in $$n$$ variables is onto if it is one-to-one. In this class we will present a proof of this theorem that uses a twisted idea. We will talk about mathematical logic, the underpinning of mathematical theories and axioms, and we will use something known as Godel's Completeness Theorem (not incompleteness!) to show that if this theorem is false, we can prove it is false using a certain set of axioms. We will then use the fact that such a proof can only have finitely many steps to conclude!
(More precisely, we use the axioms $$p \neq 0$$ for every prime number $$p$$. But there must be some $$p$$ for which we do not use this axiom, so the theorem is false in some finite field. But a one-to-one map from a finite set to itself is onto so we are done.)
Prerequisites
Technically all you need to know is what a system of axioms is and basic facts about roots of polynomials (e.g. fundamental theorem of algebra). But it helps to have seen fields or other abstract algebraic objects.
The Ax-Grothendieck Theorem says that a map from $$\mathbb{C}^n \to \mathbb{C}^n$$ given by $$n$$ polynomials in $$n$$ variables is onto if it is one-to-one. In this class we will present a proof of this theorem that uses a twisted idea. We will talk about mathematical logic, the underpinning of mathematical theories and axioms, and we will use something known as Godel's Completeness Theorem (not incompleteness!) to show that if this theorem is false, we can prove it is false using a certain set of axioms. We will then use the fact that such a proof can only have finitely many steps to conclude!
(More precisely, we use the axioms $$p \neq 0$$ for every prime number $$p$$. But there must be some $$p$$ for which we do not use this axiom, so the theorem is false in some finite field. But a one-to-one map from a finite set to itself is onto so we are done.)
Prerequisites
Technically all you need to know is what a system of axioms is and basic facts about roots of polynomials (e.g. fundamental theorem of algebra). But it helps to have seen fields or other abstract algebraic objects.
M9967: I Took Algebra II and Still Don't Understand the Point of Matrices
Difficulty: **
Teachers:
Colin Aitken
Matrices are just big squares of numbers and they don't make any sense. I don't understand why you don't just multiply the numbers to multiply matrices, or why anybody would ever want to take a determinant, or what's up with inverses.
Maybe if I go to this class, we can learn together.
Prerequisites
Having seen matrices, but not necessarily understanding them. If you've taken a college-level Linear Algebra class, this will be too easy for you.
Maybe if I go to this class, we can learn together.
Prerequisites
Having seen matrices, but not necessarily understanding them. If you've taken a college-level Linear Algebra class, this will be too easy for you.
M10011: The Fundamental Theorem of Algebra
Difficulty: ***
Teachers:
Arkadiy Frasinich
The fundamental theorem of algebra says that you can factor any polynomial with real (or complex) coefficients. It's a very useful formula that makes polynomials easy to use. In this class, we'll cover one of the many ways to prove it, by using something that looks completely unrelated! No knowledge of calculus required!
Prerequisites
It'll be good to know what complex numbers are, but you should still get a lot out of this class without that.
Prerequisites
It'll be good to know what complex numbers are, but you should still get a lot out of this class without that.
M9934: The Banach-Tarski Theorem
Difficulty: ***
Teachers:
Della Hendrickson
What's a good anagram for Banach-Tarski?
Banach-Tarski Banach-Tarski.
Come learn how to cut a ball into 5 pieces and reassemble them into two balls of the same size! All you need is an infinitely sharp knife, an infinitely divisible ball, and the Axiom of Choice.
Disclaimer: the Banach-Tarski Theorem, despite popular belief, is not actually a paradox.
Prerequisites
Know what "uncountable" means
Banach-Tarski Banach-Tarski.
Come learn how to cut a ball into 5 pieces and reassemble them into two balls of the same size! All you need is an infinitely sharp knife, an infinitely divisible ball, and the Axiom of Choice.
Disclaimer: the Banach-Tarski Theorem, despite popular belief, is not actually a paradox.
Prerequisites
Know what "uncountable" means
M9757: Kasteleyn's Domino Counting Formula
Difficulty: ****
Teachers:
Yonah Borns-Weil
Last year, I taught a class called "Formulas you were Never Meant to Know," in which we showed the messy formulas for things that most people thought didn't have formulas. At the end, I stated that the formula for the number of ways to tile an $$m$$ by $$n$$ rectangle with dominoes was $$\prod_{i=1}^m\prod_{j=1}^n\sqrt[4]{4\cos^2\left(\frac{i\pi}{m+1}\right)+4\cos^2\left(\frac{j\pi}{n+1}\right)}$$. I didn't prove it, however, claiming that even I wasn't that crazy. Well this Splash, I'm going that crazy. Come learn the insane proof of this insane statement, and discover how the &#$% it is that cosines and fourth roots found their way into a counting formula.
Prerequisites
Good understanding of matrices and determinants (of $$n$$ by $$n$$ matrices), comfort with complex numbers, and passing familiarity with graphs. Yes, all those things will show up!
Prerequisites
Good understanding of matrices and determinants (of $$n$$ by $$n$$ matrices), comfort with complex numbers, and passing familiarity with graphs. Yes, all those things will show up!
M9915: Quirky Quarternions: Steer your spacecraft with non-commutative algebra
Difficulty: ***
Teachers:
Lizhou Sha
$$ab = ba$$: You may have learned about this seemingly universal truth in grade school. However, in this class, we'll throw the commutative law of multiplication out of the window, and go back to the drawing boards to define an algebra of numbers with three imaginary units.
We will begin the class with a short introduction of complex numbers, their geometric representation as points on the complex plane, and the geometric meaning of their multiplication. We will then introduce the fundamental multiplication law for quaternions, $$i^2 = j^2 = k^2 = ijk = -1$$, and show how everything about quaternions falls into place following this formula. You will also learn about why you might want use quaternion multiplication to steer your spacecraft.
Prerequisites
Geometry, Algebra 2 and trigonometry. Preliminary knowledge of complex numbers and vector dot and cross products is a plus.
We will begin the class with a short introduction of complex numbers, their geometric representation as points on the complex plane, and the geometric meaning of their multiplication. We will then introduce the fundamental multiplication law for quaternions, $$i^2 = j^2 = k^2 = ijk = -1$$, and show how everything about quaternions falls into place following this formula. You will also learn about why you might want use quaternion multiplication to steer your spacecraft.
Prerequisites
Geometry, Algebra 2 and trigonometry. Preliminary knowledge of complex numbers and vector dot and cross products is a plus.
M9866: Taming Infinity: Making Divergent Sums Finite
Difficulty: ***
Teachers:
Patrick Ledwith
In this class we'll look at some clever manipulations that make infinite sums behave as if they are finite. Take for example:
$$x = 1+2+4+8+...$$
$$x = 1+2(1+2+4+8+...)$$
$$x = 1+2x$$
$$x = -1$$
We will discuss the validity of these manipulations and also put them to use to gain insight into problems. In particular we will use the formal sum $$1+2+3+4+...=-1/12$$ to find the force on two parallel conducting plates due to quantum effects. This application will hopefully give some intuitive meaning to what these sums mean.
Prerequisites
Some familiarity with summing convergent series is recommended (in particular geometric series), but we will go over it in the beginning of the class. Some knowledge of physics and calculus will help a lot when it comes to understanding the application but it isn't absolutely required.
$$x = 1+2+4+8+...$$
$$x = 1+2(1+2+4+8+...)$$
$$x = 1+2x$$
$$x = -1$$
We will discuss the validity of these manipulations and also put them to use to gain insight into problems. In particular we will use the formal sum $$1+2+3+4+...=-1/12$$ to find the force on two parallel conducting plates due to quantum effects. This application will hopefully give some intuitive meaning to what these sums mean.
Prerequisites
Some familiarity with summing convergent series is recommended (in particular geometric series), but we will go over it in the beginning of the class. Some knowledge of physics and calculus will help a lot when it comes to understanding the application but it isn't absolutely required.
M10160: Lie Groups: Theory and Practice
Difficulty: ***
Teachers:
Benjamin Kraft
Ever wonder what geometry, differential equations, and subatomic particles have in common? Ever find yourself with a matrix $$A$$ and wonder how to compute $$e^A$? Probably not. But now you will!
Welcome to the world of Lie groups, where matrices, differential equations, and symmetry come together to solve differential equations, understand the symmetry of geometric objects, and describe the most fundamental structure of our universe. We'll talk about how the study of Lie groups came about, what they are, and how they've been used in physics and math ever since. Oh, and we'll come out with some cool tricks like taking the exponential of a matrix.
Prerequisites
You should know how to multiply matrices and how to take the derivative of a polynomial.
Welcome to the world of Lie groups, where matrices, differential equations, and symmetry come together to solve differential equations, understand the symmetry of geometric objects, and describe the most fundamental structure of our universe. We'll talk about how the study of Lie groups came about, what they are, and how they've been used in physics and math ever since. Oh, and we'll come out with some cool tricks like taking the exponential of a matrix.
Prerequisites
You should know how to multiply matrices and how to take the derivative of a polynomial.
M9826: Abstract Algebra
Difficulty: **
Teachers:
Thomas Carr
Get ready to think deeper about mathematics than you've ever thought possible! In this course we will study the abstract algebraic structures called Groups, which crop up in many important areas of physics and chemistry. You'll be able to impress your math teacher with words like "isomorphism," plus you'll learn how Group Theory can be used to solve lots of cool mathematical games and puzzles, including the Rubik's cube! It's recommended that you've already taken Algebra 2 to get the most out of this class, but the most important prerequisite is the attitude that math is fun and interesting!
Prerequisites
Algebra 2
Prerequisites
Algebra 2
M9813: Cubic, Quartic, and Quintic Formulas
Difficulty: **
Teachers:
David Corwin
You probably heard in Algebra 2 that there's a cubic and quartic formula but no quintic formula. But you probably never dared to go past the quadratic one, especially given how nasty the others were!
In this class, we'll explain why there's a cubic and quartic formula and how you can derive it, without getting too messy. In doing so, we'll introduce the beautiful idea of symmetry in polynomials. It turns out that this idea also motivates Galois theory, which explains why there is no quintic formula!
Most of the material comes from Chapter 1 of these notes: http://homepages.warwick.ac.uk/~masda/MA3D5/Galois.pdf
Prerequisites
Comfort with polynomials and their roots and especially Viete's formulas (for the coefficients in terms of the roots)
In this class, we'll explain why there's a cubic and quartic formula and how you can derive it, without getting too messy. In doing so, we'll introduce the beautiful idea of symmetry in polynomials. It turns out that this idea also motivates Galois theory, which explains why there is no quintic formula!
Most of the material comes from Chapter 1 of these notes: http://homepages.warwick.ac.uk/~masda/MA3D5/Galois.pdf
Prerequisites
Comfort with polynomials and their roots and especially Viete's formulas (for the coefficients in terms of the roots)
M10138: Understanding Infinity
Difficulty: ***
Teachers:
Daniel Zaharopol
Can there be different sizes of infinity?
"Of course not!" says a friend. "Infinity is infinity. It means something goes on without end. There can't be different sizes of that."
"Sure!" says another. "Say that you take the integers. They're infinite. Now take the positive integers. The integers include all the negatives, so there must be more of them!"
You might think that it makes no sense to talk about different sizes of infinity. But mathematics has found a precise way to understand infinity and to measure its size. Come find out who above is right --- if anyone --- and to discover the power of a good mathematical definition.
Prerequisites
You should be comfortable with mathematical abstraction and be prepared to work together in groups to untangle difficult questions. One of the focuses of this class is to really help you understand the material, so you will be working problems during class.
"Of course not!" says a friend. "Infinity is infinity. It means something goes on without end. There can't be different sizes of that."
"Sure!" says another. "Say that you take the integers. They're infinite. Now take the positive integers. The integers include all the negatives, so there must be more of them!"
You might think that it makes no sense to talk about different sizes of infinity. But mathematics has found a precise way to understand infinity and to measure its size. Come find out who above is right --- if anyone --- and to discover the power of a good mathematical definition.
Prerequisites
You should be comfortable with mathematical abstraction and be prepared to work together in groups to untangle difficult questions. One of the focuses of this class is to really help you understand the material, so you will be working problems during class.
M9728: Conceptual Calculus
Difficulty: ***
Teachers:
Aaron Dunbrack
Learn what it means to take the limit, the derivative, or the integral! Also learn how to apply these concepts in some pretty cool ways. Note: this class will be almost entirely conceptual - very few actual derivatives will be taken, although some of the more interesting ones may be used.
Prerequisites
Understand basic algebraic manipulations. Familiarity with polynomial functions, exponentials and trigonometry will help with understanding examples, but are not required for basic understanding.
Prerequisites
Understand basic algebraic manipulations. Familiarity with polynomial functions, exponentials and trigonometry will help with understanding examples, but are not required for basic understanding.
M10165: Discriminant Inequalities
Difficulty: ****
Teachers:
Adam Hesterberg
A quadratic has real roots if and only if its discriminant is nonnegative. We'll show how to use this to prove a famous mathematical inequality or two and solve some math olympiad-style inequality problems.
Prerequisites
Comfort with mathematical proofs
Prerequisites
Comfort with mathematical proofs
M9867: Primes and the Riemann Zeta Function
Difficulty: ***
Teachers:
Matt DeCross
Since ancient times, mathematicians have been incredibly intrigued by prime numbers: integers greater than or equal to two that are only divisible by themselves and one.
At first, there are many prime numbers, and they are packed closely together: 2, 3, 5, 7, 11, 13, and so on. We know that later, however, the primes become much less closely packed, so much that we have to use supercomputers to find very large primes!
The study of the distribution of prime numbers has as a result been a very involved subject of study in mathematics, and one which is used in applied fields like cryptography.
We'll show, using only high-school level techniques, how an interesting function called the Riemann Zeta function can tell us many useful things about the distribution of prime numbers. We will also mention connections to the Riemann hypothesis, one of the greatest unsolved problems in math today.
Prerequisites
No previous exposure to abstract math required, but BC Calculus essential (Taylor series and integration).
At first, there are many prime numbers, and they are packed closely together: 2, 3, 5, 7, 11, 13, and so on. We know that later, however, the primes become much less closely packed, so much that we have to use supercomputers to find very large primes!
The study of the distribution of prime numbers has as a result been a very involved subject of study in mathematics, and one which is used in applied fields like cryptography.
We'll show, using only high-school level techniques, how an interesting function called the Riemann Zeta function can tell us many useful things about the distribution of prime numbers. We will also mention connections to the Riemann hypothesis, one of the greatest unsolved problems in math today.
Prerequisites
No previous exposure to abstract math required, but BC Calculus essential (Taylor series and integration).
M9633: P-adic Numbers
Difficulty: **
Teachers:
David Corwin
When you were younger, you learned about the counting numbers, 1, 2, 3, …. Eventually you learned about a new kind of number, the negative numbers, and then you learned about an even larger class of numbers, called rational numbers. Finally, you began to discover irrational numbers like $$\sqrt{2}$$ and $$\pi$$ and realize that the rational numbers live in the much larger world of real numbers, consisting of everything on the number line.
What we’ll discover is that there’s a completely different kind of number, called a $$p$$-adic number. The rational numbers are all $$p$$-adic numbers, but it turns out that $$p$$-adic numbers are a completely different way of extending the rational number system than the real numbers! $$P$$-adic numbers arise when we try to make sense of expressions of the form $$...999$$, going infinitely far to the *left* instead of the the right. Come and learn about this strange new universe.
Prerequisites
Familiarity with different bases (i.e. base 10, base 2). Modular arithmetic is helpful but not required.
What we’ll discover is that there’s a completely different kind of number, called a $$p$$-adic number. The rational numbers are all $$p$$-adic numbers, but it turns out that $$p$$-adic numbers are a completely different way of extending the rational number system than the real numbers! $$P$$-adic numbers arise when we try to make sense of expressions of the form $$...999$$, going infinitely far to the *left* instead of the the right. Come and learn about this strange new universe.
Prerequisites
Familiarity with different bases (i.e. base 10, base 2). Modular arithmetic is helpful but not required.
M9756: The Kakeya Needle Problem
Difficulty: ***
Teachers:
Yonah Borns-Weil
How big does a set in the plane need to be to allow a needle of length $$1$$ to be rotated completely around inside it? (You can slide the needle at any time.) As surprising math results go, this one ranks pretty high up there. I mean, a circle of diameter $$1$$ will obviously give an area of $$\frac{\pi}{4}$$, and if you're very clever you might even find a relatively simple shape that works with area $$\frac{\pi}{8}$$. That was a good as Kakeya himself could do.
So what if I told you that the answer was $$0$$?! There is no minimum size for such a set! Come to this class to see the amazing proof of this fact. If there's time at the end we'll talk about related problems that are still unsolved.
Prerequisites
High school algebra and geometry. If you've seen $$\epsilon$$-$$\delta$$ limit proofs before, it will be easier, but they are by no means necessary.
So what if I told you that the answer was $$0$$?! There is no minimum size for such a set! Come to this class to see the amazing proof of this fact. If there's time at the end we'll talk about related problems that are still unsolved.
Prerequisites
High school algebra and geometry. If you've seen $$\epsilon$$-$$\delta$$ limit proofs before, it will be easier, but they are by no means necessary.
M9778: Understanding Infinity: Ordinals and Cardinals
Difficulty: ***
Teachers:
Hayden Jansen
This course deals with understanding what it means for a set to have infinite size and for two sets to have equal size (or "cardinality"). We prove Cantor's Theorem that the power set $$\mathcal{P}(A)$$ has cardinality strictly larger than $$A$$, examine the comparability of sizes by studying ordinals and cardinals (with an appearance by the Axiom of Choice), the arithmetic of cardinals, and a brief discussion of the Continuum Hypothesis.
Prerequisites
A solid background in dealing with sets. A student interested in this class should know about sets, the membership relation, the subset relation, Cartesian Products, unions, intersections, functions, and relations.
Prerequisites
A solid background in dealing with sets. A student interested in this class should know about sets, the membership relation, the subset relation, Cartesian Products, unions, intersections, functions, and relations.
M10134: Extending Functions to Complex Numbers
Difficulty: **
Teachers:
Tuan Nguyen
All your life, you've (probably) been told to ignore non-real answers, like ln(-1). Well not anymore! We'll delve deep into those non-real answers, and show you the full picture of some your favorite functions!
We'll just be extending some simple functions like log, exponential, trig, and inverse trig to complex numbers.
Prerequisites
Preferably know at least Euler's formula, but we'll go over most of what you need.
We'll just be extending some simple functions like log, exponential, trig, and inverse trig to complex numbers.
Prerequisites
Preferably know at least Euler's formula, but we'll go over most of what you need.
M10077: Mods and Primes
Difficulty: **
Teachers:
Rikhav Shah
When does 11+4=3? When isn't 5 a prime number? How do prime numbers keep our bank accounts safe? What is Fermat's Little Theorem? Come learn about mods and primes to find out!
Prerequisites
Basic knowledge of imaginary numbers
Prerequisites
Basic knowledge of imaginary numbers
M9700: Physics and Martial Arts
Difficulty: **
Teachers:
Christopher Panebianco
Students will learn about fundamental principles of physics theory and how these can be applied to better understand and practice martial arts. Vector mathematics, kinematics, impulse-momentum theory and rotational kinematics will be explained and applied to martial arts blocks and strikes.
M9739: The Math of Basketball Strategy
Difficulty: **
Teachers:
Brian Skinner
What's more fun: basketball or math problems? It's a trick question -- the correct answer is math problems ABOUT basketball.
Come learn about some of the math that is used for describing basketball strategy. See why the best shooter is a rarely-used shooter, why choosing your shots is like choosing a secretary, and why sometimes the better strategy scores fewer points.
Then try your hand at some sports math yourself!
Prerequisites
You'll be happy if you know algebra. You'll be happier if you know what mean and variance are. You'll be happiest of all if you can take a derivative. But there will be math problems for everyone.
Come learn about some of the math that is used for describing basketball strategy. See why the best shooter is a rarely-used shooter, why choosing your shots is like choosing a secretary, and why sometimes the better strategy scores fewer points.
Then try your hand at some sports math yourself!
Prerequisites
You'll be happy if you know algebra. You'll be happier if you know what mean and variance are. You'll be happiest of all if you can take a derivative. But there will be math problems for everyone.
M9973: Calculate Pi with Trains!
Difficulty: ***
Teachers:
Ziv Scully
It turns out that you can calculate pi to very high accuracy by bouncing a small train and a big train into a wall. Come on a journey through Freshman Physics Land (where there's no friction and all collisions are perfectly elastic) to see how it works!
Prerequisites
You should know what the law of cosines, conservation of momentum, and conservation of energy are.
Prerequisites
You should know what the law of cosines, conservation of momentum, and conservation of energy are.
M10153: Math, Games, and Puzzles Full!
Difficulty: ***
Teachers:
Joshua Frisch
Games are fun. Puzzles are tricky. Math is mysterious. This class will discuss the interrelationship between all three. In this game and puzzle centered course various games and puzzles with deep and non-obvious mathematical structure will be played. We will play with, discuss, and discover a variety of games and puzzles including impossible puzzles, seemingly impossible puzzles, games where we know who should win but not how they should win, games which are used to model nuclear warfare, and games which can be used to represent every other game, if time permits we will also discuss computers, games, and a million dollar math problem.
Prerequisites
Algebra 1, willing to think hard about math Algebra 2 recommended
Prerequisites
Algebra 1, willing to think hard about math Algebra 2 recommended
M9755: The Math of Guarding Things: The Art Gallery Problem
Difficulty: **
Teachers:
Yonah Borns-Weil
Mathematician Paul Erdös talked a lot about "The Book," where God supposedly kept perfect proofs to all mathematical theorems. Us mathematicians can't claim to have seen this book, but we do generally agree on some proofs that would definitely be there. A popular choice is Steve Fisk's solution to "The Art Gallery Problem."
Basically, given a (not necessarily convex) polygonal art gallery, we want to place guards at the vertices so they can see the entire interior. How many guards do we need?
If there's time, I'll also discuss the Fortress Problem, in which we want to see the outside of a polygon, and the Prison Yard Problem, where we want to see both, as well as talking about some trickier cases like art galleries in space.
Prerequisites
Despite having been proven within the last 40 years, this class has no prerequisites beyond a good comfort with proofs. You should be familiar with proofs by induction and by contradiction.
Basically, given a (not necessarily convex) polygonal art gallery, we want to place guards at the vertices so they can see the entire interior. How many guards do we need?
If there's time, I'll also discuss the Fortress Problem, in which we want to see the outside of a polygon, and the Prison Yard Problem, where we want to see both, as well as talking about some trickier cases like art galleries in space.
Prerequisites
Despite having been proven within the last 40 years, this class has no prerequisites beyond a good comfort with proofs. You should be familiar with proofs by induction and by contradiction.
M9683: The Mathematics of Democracy
Difficulty: **
Teachers:
Le Nguyen Hoang
Do our voting systems elect the people's favourite candidate? Short answer: no. The theory of voting systems has a long history, and mathematics has a lot to say in that theory. In fact, early on, in the 1700s, debates over voting systems already opposed two mathematicians, Condorcet and de Borda. Over 200 years later, impressive progress has been made by, among others, Arrow, Gibbard, Satterthwaite... but the debate is still there!
M9637: Integration Bee!
Difficulty: ***
Come participate in an integration bee (YES, A CONTEST), similar to the one held at MIT annually, and then learn some calculus from us afterwards!
Winner of the bee (the GRAND INTEGRATOR) gets a prize TBD.
Prerequisites
Basic integration knowledge required, knowledge of slick integration techniques helpful.
Winner of the bee (the GRAND INTEGRATOR) gets a prize TBD.
Prerequisites
Basic integration knowledge required, knowledge of slick integration techniques helpful.
M9885: Crypto & Cookies
Difficulty: **
Teachers:
Hannah Taylor
Learn about the history of cryptography and how ciphers work, from the Caesar Shift and the Playfair cipher, to the Enigma machine and the ideas behind modern cryptography, as well as the methods to break ciphers. We'll practice a few methods in class to keep your communications secret.
All while eating homemade cookies.
All while eating homemade cookies.
M10050: History of "Modern" Math
Difficulty: *
Teachers:
Herng Yi Cheng
Where did all of the math of today come from? In the last few centuries the field of mathematics exploded through the development of symbolic notation, cross-fertilization with physics, challenging our ideas about the infinitely large and the infinitely small, not to mention developing countless new fields of math. Why did people need to invent these ideas? Let us survey the history of "modern" mathematics from about 1700 to today, survey the great revolutions, and see the math of today in a new light.
Prerequisites
The quadratic formula, and basic properties of the logarithm.
Prerequisites
The quadratic formula, and basic properties of the logarithm.
M9976: The Banach-Tarski Paradox: Speed Run!
Difficulty: ****
Teachers:
Ziv Scully
Have you ever found yourself with a sphere, a very sharp knife, and an Axiom of Choice when all you wanted was a second sphere? Have you ever wondered why everyone's favorite anagram of "Banach-Tarski" is "Banach-Tarski Banach-Tarski"? Come learn about and prove this surprising theorem: a ball can be split into a finite number of pieces that can be rearranged to make two copies of the original ball!
We're covering a few hours' worth of material in 50 minutes, so if that's your idea of fun, then this class is for you!
Prerequisites
A certain degree of mathematical maturity. For example, you should understand the difference between countably infinite and uncountably infinite sets. If you've seen a bit of group theory it will come in handy.
We're covering a few hours' worth of material in 50 minutes, so if that's your idea of fun, then this class is for you!
Prerequisites
A certain degree of mathematical maturity. For example, you should understand the difference between countably infinite and uncountably infinite sets. If you've seen a bit of group theory it will come in handy.
M10007: I've Got a Lovely Bunch of Ordinals!
Difficulty: ***
Teachers:
Arkadiy Frasinich
What's the highest you can count? Is there any way to make $$\infty^\infty$$ make any sense at all? Could Hercules ever actually kill the hydra? It turns out that all of these questions can be answered using ordinal numbers. In this class, we'll define these numbers and look at some of the things we can do with them.
Prerequisites
To get the most out of this class, it would be useful to know what a set is, as well as how to take unions of sets. You should also know what induction is and how to use it in proofs.
Prerequisites
To get the most out of this class, it would be useful to know what a set is, as well as how to take unions of sets. You should also know what induction is and how to use it in proofs.
M9722: Symmetry
Difficulty: **
Teachers:
Aaron Dunbrack
You've surely learned about things which are "symmetric" - which you can do something to and they look the same (e.g., rotating a square by 90 degrees). In this class, we'll discuss how to formalize that idea using the abstract algebra idea of a group, and some specific examples. We'll also discuss how continuous symmetries lead to "conserved quantities" in physics (and what this means).
M9895: Guide to Plotting Functions Quickly
Difficulty: **
Teachers:
Boon Siong Neo
A guide to drawing various functions quickly, which provides a quick way to visualise functions and solve equations.
Prerequisites
Know what functions are
Prerequisites
Know what functions are
M9771: The Axiom of Choice
Difficulty: ***
Teachers:
Hayden Jansen
An explanation of what the Axiom of Choice really says and a discussion of its equivalents and implications.
Prerequisites
A solid background in dealing with sets. A student interested in this class should know about sets, the membership relation, the subset relation, Cartesian Products, unions, intersections, functions, and relations.
Prerequisites
A solid background in dealing with sets. A student interested in this class should know about sets, the membership relation, the subset relation, Cartesian Products, unions, intersections, functions, and relations.
M10054: Abstract Nonsense
Difficulty: ***
Teachers:
Jack Gurev
Have you ever wondered if all mathematical objects were secretly the same thing? Do you wish you could do your math homework by drawing a picture? Come to this class to learn both with category theory.
Prerequisites
familiarity with sets and functions, ability to draw circles and arrows, and reasonable mathematical maturity
Prerequisites
familiarity with sets and functions, ability to draw circles and arrows, and reasonable mathematical maturity
M9819: Geobashing 101
Difficulty: ***
Teachers:
Ahaan Rungta
"Bashing is a harsh, gratuitous, prejudicial attack on a person, group, or subject. Literally, bashing is a term meaning to hit or assault, but when it is used as a suffix, or in conjunction with a noun indicating the subject being attacked, it is normally used to imply that the act is motivated by bigotry." -- Wikipedia
Geobashing, on the other hand, is not only acceptable but many times helpful. It is a tool which, when used excessively, is harmful but when used in moderation, is magic. In this class, we will study the art of "bashing" geometry problems of all levels and talk about the pros and cons of taking this ruthless path.
Prerequisites
Basic knowledge of geometry, such as properties of rectangles, circles, and lines, and basic knowledge of the Cartesian coordinate plane (for example, you should know how to graph points and lines on the xy-plane). If you don't even know what I mean by "bashing," that's fine!
Geobashing, on the other hand, is not only acceptable but many times helpful. It is a tool which, when used excessively, is harmful but when used in moderation, is magic. In this class, we will study the art of "bashing" geometry problems of all levels and talk about the pros and cons of taking this ruthless path.
Prerequisites
Basic knowledge of geometry, such as properties of rectangles, circles, and lines, and basic knowledge of the Cartesian coordinate plane (for example, you should know how to graph points and lines on the xy-plane). If you don't even know what I mean by "bashing," that's fine!
M10059: Pascal's Triangle
Difficulty: **
Teachers:
Thomas Skinner
Learn about the cool and versatile properties of Pascal's Triangle. If you haven't heard of it but like math, numbers and patterns, this is for you! If you have heard of it and want to know how cool it is, this is for you also!
Prerequisites
Some experience with algebra.
Prerequisites
Some experience with algebra.
M10140: The Reeb Foliation of the 3-Sphere
Difficulty: **
Teachers:
Daniel Zaharopol
First, you get a circle. Go up a dimension and you get a "normal" sphere. Go up another dimension and you get the 3-sphere. This is a really interesting object: it has to sit inside four dimensions, because it doesn't fit in three-dimensional space, and it has a number of really interesting properties. We're going to study those properties, first by figuring out exactly what this 3-sphere thing is, and then by analyzing it by taking a "foliation." If that doesn't make sense, don't worry about it --- we'll go over it in class. But if you want to start to visualize things in four dimensions, this is a great class to do so.
The main material will take about an hour and fifteen minutes. The rest of the time will be reserved for your questions about higher-dimensional geometry and topology.
The main material will take about an hour and fifteen minutes. The rest of the time will be reserved for your questions about higher-dimensional geometry and topology.
M9817: How do you know that an equation has no solution?
Difficulty: **
Teachers:
David Corwin
A Diophantine equation (after Diophantus of Ancient Greece) is a polynomial equation in multiple variables where you're looking for integer or rational number solutions. If you find a solution, that's great, you're done! But what if there's no solution?
A tried and true method to show that no solution exists is to show that it doesn't have a solution modulo some number. But what if it has a solution modulo everything? Sometimes you can use deeper ideas like quadratic reciprocity to do things that you can't do with modular arithmetic alone. We will survey this and possibly some other methods for showing that a Diophantine equation has no solution.
It turns out that this is the beginning of a larger theory known as obstructions to rational points, and it figures prominently in my own graduate research!
Prerequisites
Modular arithmetic and quadratic reciprocity
A tried and true method to show that no solution exists is to show that it doesn't have a solution modulo some number. But what if it has a solution modulo everything? Sometimes you can use deeper ideas like quadratic reciprocity to do things that you can't do with modular arithmetic alone. We will survey this and possibly some other methods for showing that a Diophantine equation has no solution.
It turns out that this is the beginning of a larger theory known as obstructions to rational points, and it figures prominently in my own graduate research!
Prerequisites
Modular arithmetic and quadratic reciprocity
M9717: How Mathematicians Get Dates
Difficulty: **
Suppose you have N men and N women, and each of them submits preference rankings for the other set of people. It's your job to pair them up to go to a dance, but you need to make sure that nobody wants to cheat: make sure no pair of people likes each other better than their partners. Can you always make it work? What if the women bribe you to care more about their preferences? What if the situation isn't so ridiculously heteronormative? Aah! Matching is hard!
Prerequisites
Suspension of disbelief that this is how dating works
Prerequisites
Suspension of disbelief that this is how dating works
M9948: Euler's Formula
Difficulty: **
Teachers:
Alex Cole,
Stephen Face
Ever wondered why $$e^{i\pi}=-1$$?
Do you want to know why trig functions and exponentials are the same thing?
Interested in learning fast ways to prove trig identities so you don't have to memorize them?
Come to this class and learn all of these things and more!
Also grab a look at the wikipedia article for more info.
Prerequisites
You will need to know how to take a derivative for the proof of the formula. Also, an understanding of power series would be good too. Knowing complex numbers is a must.
Do you want to know why trig functions and exponentials are the same thing?
Interested in learning fast ways to prove trig identities so you don't have to memorize them?
Come to this class and learn all of these things and more!
Also grab a look at the wikipedia article for more info.
Prerequisites
You will need to know how to take a derivative for the proof of the formula. Also, an understanding of power series would be good too. Knowing complex numbers is a must.
M9971: Fun with Ramsey Theory!
Difficulty: ***
Teachers:
Yoa Clifton
In the 1950s, a Hungarian sociologist noticed that in every set of around twenty children, there were four who were all friends, or four none of whom were friends. Had he just discovered a remarkable property of human interactions? No!
Enter Ramsey theory which explores results about some partition of a set maintaining the property of the whole. How big of a complete graph do we need for any partition of its edges into two "colors" to contain a monochromatic k-clique? What's the smallest n such that any way of splitting the numbers 1,2,...,n into two disjoint sets guarantees that one of your two sets contains an arithmetic progression of length 4? Explore the answers to these and other fun questions! I'll even provide some open problems for you to think about afterward.
Prerequisites
Excitement about math! High comfort level with proofs. Familiarity with graph theory and the pigeonhole principle is encouraged. I expect you to understand most of the math terms in the course description, but by no means to understand the questions themselves :)
Enter Ramsey theory which explores results about some partition of a set maintaining the property of the whole. How big of a complete graph do we need for any partition of its edges into two "colors" to contain a monochromatic k-clique? What's the smallest n such that any way of splitting the numbers 1,2,...,n into two disjoint sets guarantees that one of your two sets contains an arithmetic progression of length 4? Explore the answers to these and other fun questions! I'll even provide some open problems for you to think about afterward.
Prerequisites
Excitement about math! High comfort level with proofs. Familiarity with graph theory and the pigeonhole principle is encouraged. I expect you to understand most of the math terms in the course description, but by no means to understand the questions themselves :)
M9587: Linear Logic
Difficulty: ***
Teachers:
Jason Gross
It's a well-known fact of logic that if from $$P$$ you can get $$Q$$, then from $$P$$ you can also get $$Q$$ AND $$Q$$ (see example below). So since you can get two dimes and a nickel from a quarter, you can get two dimes and a nickel and two dimes and a nickel from a single quarter.
Come learn about linear logic, which is a version of logic which doesn't claim that you can get infinite amounts of money from a quarter.
EXAMPLE: For example, since $$n = 2$$ implies that $$n = 1 + 1$$ then, $$n = 2$$ implies that $$n = 1 + 1$$ and also $$n = 1 + 1$$.
Prerequisites
You should know about truth tables, and the "and", "or", "not", and "implies" logical connectives.
Come learn about linear logic, which is a version of logic which doesn't claim that you can get infinite amounts of money from a quarter.
EXAMPLE: For example, since $$n = 2$$ implies that $$n = 1 + 1$$ then, $$n = 2$$ implies that $$n = 1 + 1$$ and also $$n = 1 + 1$$.
Prerequisites
You should know about truth tables, and the "and", "or", "not", and "implies" logical connectives.
M10096: How to Avoid Solving Equations
Difficulty: **
Teachers:
Marcus Boorstin
Solving equations is hard and annoying (and sometimes impossible). Turns out you often don't have to! We'll learn some numerical methods that let us do only a little bit of work to get really good estimates for really hard problems.
Prerequisites
You should know what a derivative is (if you're taking AP Calculus this year you'll be fine).
Prerequisites
You should know what a derivative is (if you're taking AP Calculus this year you'll be fine).
M10115: League of Legends Optimization Full!
Mathematical optimization of league of legends stuff to help you get challenger.
M10174: In(tro)duction to Induction Full!
Difficulty: ***
Teachers:
Lane Gunderman
How can we ever be sure that something in math is true? We prove it! Mathematical induction is a powerful tool for PROVING hypothesized formulas for patterns. This class will convey the rudiments of inductive thinking, and give multiple examples of inductive methods of solving problems.
Prerequisites
Students are required (not just suggested) to have comfort with algebra and formula manipulation, but should not already know how induction works, otherwise this class will be somewhat boring.
Prerequisites
Students are required (not just suggested) to have comfort with algebra and formula manipulation, but should not already know how induction works, otherwise this class will be somewhat boring.
M9974: Demockracy
Difficulty: ***
Teachers:
Ziv Scully
Having a fair election with two candidates is pretty simple: everyone votes for their favorite candidate and whoever gets the most votes wins. However, as anyone who was around for the presidential elections in 2000 (or 1912... or 1860) will tell you, things get complicated with three or more candidates. It's sometimes the case that you should vote for a candidate you think is likely to win instead of a fringe candidate you agree with more. We can think of different voting systems that try to get around this and other problems, but as we'll explore in class, no voting system avoids all potential flaws. You might ask: is there a "perfect" voting system out there?
Actually, it turns out there is one. It's called a dictatorship. And unless you have an infinite number of voters, no other system is "perfect". Come find out why!
Prerequisites
If you know how to prove there are infinitely many primes, you're definitely ready. Even if you can't, just come ready to think hard about voting :).
Actually, it turns out there is one. It's called a dictatorship. And unless you have an infinite number of voters, no other system is "perfect". Come find out why!
Prerequisites
If you know how to prove there are infinitely many primes, you're definitely ready. Even if you can't, just come ready to think hard about voting :).
M9791: May the Odds Be Ever in Your Favor
Difficulty: **
Teachers:
Denise Che,
Laura D'Aquila
Have you ever wanted to learn how to rip off your friends (completely legitimately)? This class will teach you the mathematics behind becoming rich and powerful (okay, maybe it won't do quite that). But it will lay down the mathematical foundation that you will need so that you can challenge your friends to bets in which the odds be ever in your favor. During this course, we'll expose you to discrete math tools including probability, expected value, counting, and more through fun and interactive demos. We'll show you cool mathematical tricks that you can use to impress your friends (and maybe make a few bucks in the process).
Prerequisites
Basic probability knowledge helpful
Prerequisites
Basic probability knowledge helpful
M9715: Everything's Just a Set of Sets
Difficulty: ***
Teachers:
Jacob Martin,
Miguel Young
Does a set of all sets exist? How can we define numbers using only sets? Are all the elements of the empty set tap-dancing elephants? How big is infinity?
We will discuss the foundations of math with axiomatic set theory, and motivating examples, including Russel's Paradox, vacuous truth, the Banach-Tarski Theorem, and the Axiom of Choice. Given time, we will also discuss some issues with the usual model of sets, ZFC.
Prerequisites
An intuitive familiarity with sets. You should understand (intuitively) what set membership, subsets, union, intersection, and Cartesian product are. Being familiar with mathematical proofs is useful but not necessary to follow along.
We will discuss the foundations of math with axiomatic set theory, and motivating examples, including Russel's Paradox, vacuous truth, the Banach-Tarski Theorem, and the Axiom of Choice. Given time, we will also discuss some issues with the usual model of sets, ZFC.
Prerequisites
An intuitive familiarity with sets. You should understand (intuitively) what set membership, subsets, union, intersection, and Cartesian product are. Being familiar with mathematical proofs is useful but not necessary to follow along.
M9939: Numbers and Dynamics
Difficulty: **
Teachers:
Felipe Hernandez
In this class we give a nonrigorous introduction to the mathematical study of dynamical systems. These are systems that model the evolution of some process. Some systems have mixing behavior, like kneading dough or blending smoothies. Others are more periodic, like the continuous rotation of a circle. In this class we will study simple models of these systems and discuss how they are related to problems in number theory.
Prerequisites
Familiarity with mathematical notation, reasoning with variables and functions.
Prerequisites
Familiarity with mathematical notation, reasoning with variables and functions.
M9588: Counting Past Infinity with Ordinal Arithmetic
Difficulty: *
Teachers:
Jason Gross
Did you ever have arguments about whether or not $$\infty + 1 = \infty$$? Have you ever wondered how to define numbers, rigorously? Come learn how to count past infinity, graphically! We'll then go over the formal definition of numbers as sets, and talk a little bit about ordinal arithmetic.
Prerequisites
You should know how to count. You should know what sets are, and how to take the union of two sets and the intersection of two sets.
Prerequisites
You should know how to count. You should know what sets are, and how to take the union of two sets and the intersection of two sets.
M9874: Fuzzy Sets
Difficulty: ***
Teachers:
Haley Cope
Not everything in this world is black and white. We have degrees of connectedness with people, and we have varying quality machines for data collection. So why do we represent this data in absolutes? Here we will consider an alternative branch of mathematics called fuzzy set theory to provide a new explanation for these classic problems.
Prerequisites
Basic set theory will be useful
Prerequisites
Basic set theory will be useful
M9930: Modern Axioms of Euclidean Geometry
Difficulty: **
Teachers:
Murray Denofsky
Although Euclid’s definitions, axioms and logical proofs were a great advance for his time, we have since discovered that there are a lot of unclear definitions and unstated assumptions in them, and that his proofs, at certain critical places, seem to depend on visual evidence rather than on the axioms alone. We will explore these issues, and show how modern mathematicians have found an approach that clarifies the foundations of Euclidean geometry, showing how they can be explained in a way that does away with visual imagery, and develops all theorems purely logically from the axioms.
Prerequisites
One semester of geometry; some familiarity with axioms and proofs of the basic theorems about parallel lines, congruent triangles and the Pythagorean theorem.
Prerequisites
One semester of geometry; some familiarity with axioms and proofs of the basic theorems about parallel lines, congruent triangles and the Pythagorean theorem.
M9679: Fractals and Dimension
Difficulty: **
Teachers:
Victor Lupi
A line is one-dimensional, and a plane is two-dimensional. Makes sense, right? What if I told you there are objects that are 1.5 dimensional? Would you believe me? How about if I generated them on a computer screen? In this course, we will study the tricky concept of dimension and its various definitions. Along the way, we will encounter fractals, curious objects that are both exceedingly simple and breathtakingly complex. Expect lots of pretty pictures. If time permits, we’ll take a look at the surprisingly simple software needed to generate these beautiful geometric objects.
M9965: Are Donuts Spheres? And Other Hard Answers to Easy Questions
Difficulty: ***
Teachers:
Colin Aitken
Donuts aren't spheres. Bubbles are spheres. Lines aren't planes. Four isn't five.
Are you sure?
Come learn about obvious things and why they're true - but we're certainly not going to be taking the easy route, and we'll learn some cool math in the process!
Are you sure?
Come learn about obvious things and why they're true - but we're certainly not going to be taking the easy route, and we'll learn some cool math in the process!
M9729: Abstract Linear Algebra and Modern Physics
Difficulty: ***
Teachers:
Aaron Dunbrack
Linear algebra is the most fundamental field of advanced mathematics, central to modern physics. At its core, it is massively simple, yet there is much hidden complexity. In the first third of the class, we will discuss the fundamentals of linear algebra: what are vectors & vector spaces, duals to vectors, linear transformations, and inner products. After that, I'll introduce some concepts from quantum mechanics, and use them to motivate eigenvectors and eigenvalues. I will then use those tools to help you understand what is "really going on" in quantum mechanics. Finally, I'll discuss tensors and special relativity, and then proceed into various other topics based on time.
Prerequisites
Be ready to think abstractly about geometry. Ideally, have seen functions before (e.g., know how to graph). There's little specific you need to know, but this will be a hard class regardless.
Prerequisites
Be ready to think abstractly about geometry. Ideally, have seen functions before (e.g., know how to graph). There's little specific you need to know, but this will be a hard class regardless.
M9612: Just Do It
Difficulty: ***
Teachers:
Ryan Alweiss,
Jack Gurev
When asked to prove some mathematical object exists, sometimes the proof is just a contradiction. In fact, sometimes the construction is exceedingly simple, and it is very clear to check that it is actually a valid construction. For example, say you want to know if there is a sequence of moves that will, for any Rubik's cube configuration, solve it at some point. Trying to invent such a "magic" sequence would seem impossible. Instead, you can just do it! There are only finitely many Rubik's cube positions $$r_1,... r_n$$ - so just solve assuming the position was initially $$r_1$$, and then solve assuming the position was initially $$r_2$$, and so on and so forth. Just build this sequence up, some elements after some elements, and the result is a solution. Instead of trying to generate some magic algorithm by describing a string of left turns and right turns, we just characterize a way to solve all Rubik's cubes, just knowing that Rubik's cubes are solvable.
A great many problems that appear complex actually have a simple "just do it" solution. In this class we will show you some of our favorite examples, in addition to some asymptotic problems. Asymptotic problems might ask you to prove something gets small as $$n$$ gets large, and they are omnipresent - for instance in the notation $$O(f(n))$$ denoting complexity.
Prerequisites
Some experience with proofs in combinatorics or number theory would be helpful.
A great many problems that appear complex actually have a simple "just do it" solution. In this class we will show you some of our favorite examples, in addition to some asymptotic problems. Asymptotic problems might ask you to prove something gets small as $$n$$ gets large, and they are omnipresent - for instance in the notation $$O(f(n))$$ denoting complexity.
Prerequisites
Some experience with proofs in combinatorics or number theory would be helpful.
M10169: Simple Models of Computation
Difficulty: ***
Teachers:
Adam Hesterberg
Almost all programming languages are equally powerful—anything one of them can do, they all can. We’ll talk about two less powerful models of computation—ones that can’t even, say, tell whether two numbers are equal. They’ll nevertheless save the day if you have to search through 200MB of emails looking for something formatted like an address.
This is a math class, not a programming one—we’ll talk about clever proofs for what those models of computation can and can’t do.
This is a math class, not a programming one—we’ll talk about clever proofs for what those models of computation can and can’t do.
M9593: Proving Löb's Theorem
Difficulty: ****
Teachers:
Jason Gross
Löb's theorem is a beautiful theorem with a deceptively short proof. It states that $$\square (\square P \to P) \to \square P$$ for all $$P$$---that if you can show that proving $$P$$ is sufficient to make $$P$$ true, then you can prove $$P$$.
Löb's theorem has a variety of applications, from enabling robust cooperation in the prisoner's dilemma, to curing social anxiety, from proving Gödel's incompleteness theorem, to proving that the halting problem is undecidable.
I will present a few proofs of Löb's theorem, all of which are twisty in subtly different ways. We will spend the rest of the time working on wrapping our minds around these proofs, and discussing related topics.
Prerequisites
I will assume that you understand the difference between "P is provable" and "P is true".
Löb's theorem has a variety of applications, from enabling robust cooperation in the prisoner's dilemma, to curing social anxiety, from proving Gödel's incompleteness theorem, to proving that the halting problem is undecidable.
I will present a few proofs of Löb's theorem, all of which are twisty in subtly different ways. We will spend the rest of the time working on wrapping our minds around these proofs, and discussing related topics.
Prerequisites
I will assume that you understand the difference between "P is provable" and "P is true".
M9852: Measure Theory and Lebesgue Integration
Difficulty: ***
Teachers:
Austin Seiberlich
This course is a rigorous introduction of Measure Theory and Lebesgue Integration. This course will be taught in d-dimensions. The pace of this course is going to be fairly quick. If time permits I will give an introduction to Hilbert Spaces.
If you loved proof-based Calculus, you will love this subject much more.
Prerequisites
The integration part of BC calculus HIGHLY recommended, basically required. The more dimensions you're comfortable working with the better. Basic set theory would be helpful.
If you loved proof-based Calculus, you will love this subject much more.
Prerequisites
The integration part of BC calculus HIGHLY recommended, basically required. The more dimensions you're comfortable working with the better. Basic set theory would be helpful.
M10147: Modular Arithmetic and Different Bases
Difficulty: **
Teachers:
Joshua Frisch
What is the last digit of $$17^{2013}$$? what about $$7^{7^{2013}}$$? why is $$2010!+1$$ a multiples of 2011 and $$2016!+1$ a multiple of 2017 but $2014!+1$ not a multiple of 2015 and what do these facts have to do with each other? Finally, what does all of this have to do with cryptography, the internet, and how computers work on a basic level?
We will answer as many of these questions as we can in the space of two hours using the powerful tool of modular arithmetic.
Prerequisites
Algebra 2 is strongly recommended. A willingness to deal with challenging mathematics is required.
We will answer as many of these questions as we can in the space of two hours using the powerful tool of modular arithmetic.
Prerequisites
Algebra 2 is strongly recommended. A willingness to deal with challenging mathematics is required.
M10070: Axioms of Z Full!
Difficulty: *
Teachers:
Rikhav Shah
What is a number? How do we know there aren't any integers in between 0 and 1? Does the commutative property have to be true? Come find out if AXIOMS hold the answer to all these questions and more!
M9731: Point-Set Topology
Difficulty: ***
Teachers:
Aaron Dunbrack
People often think of topology as what surfaces can be smoothly shaped into other surfaces. More generally, topology discusses continuous functions. We'll discuss what it means for a set to have topology, what it means for a function in a topological space to be continuous, and various attributes that a topological space can have.
Prerequisites
Be familiar with basic notions of sets and logic (which you've probably been exposed to if you've done other math Splash classes). E.g., "there exists", "for all," what it means to have "an element of" a set, unions, intersections, etc.
Prerequisites
Be familiar with basic notions of sets and logic (which you've probably been exposed to if you've done other math Splash classes). E.g., "there exists", "for all," what it means to have "an element of" a set, unions, intersections, etc.
M10051: Fibonacci Tiling
Difficulty: **
Teachers:
Hannah Field
Interested in Fibonacci numbers? Want to discover your own identities? We shall cast aside those boring, un-insightful inductions and instead make use of clever and intuitive combinatorial arguments.
Prerequisites
Familiarity with binomials, comfort with proofs.
Prerequisites
Familiarity with binomials, comfort with proofs.
M9625: Homotopy Type Theory
Difficulty: ***
Teachers:
Jason Gross
What does it mean for two things to be equal? What does this have to do with loops of string and with the foundations of mathematics? Come to this class to find out!
In the past few years, type theory has emerged as a possible replacement for set theory as a foundation of mathematics. Homotopy type theory is an exciting new way to base math on homotopy theory, in the setting of type theory.
Prerequisites
You should understand the statement "a 'function' is a box for turning inputs into outputs".
In the past few years, type theory has emerged as a possible replacement for set theory as a foundation of mathematics. Homotopy type theory is an exciting new way to base math on homotopy theory, in the setting of type theory.
Prerequisites
You should understand the statement "a 'function' is a box for turning inputs into outputs".
M9800: Logic Puzzles and more! Full!
Difficulty: **
Teachers:
Ben Cootner
Like game shows? Like math? Then this is the class for you.
A paradox is a statement that defies logic or reason. Come learn about the little tricks in math and logic that will completely contradict your intuition. We'll cover the classic Monty Hall paradox and a few other of my favorite brain busters that will leave you and your friends baffled.
Prerequisites
Joy in solving riddles and ability to work together as a team.
A paradox is a statement that defies logic or reason. Come learn about the little tricks in math and logic that will completely contradict your intuition. We'll cover the classic Monty Hall paradox and a few other of my favorite brain busters that will leave you and your friends baffled.
Prerequisites
Joy in solving riddles and ability to work together as a team.
M10186: "Bayes Balls"- A Playful Introduction to Inference Using Graphical Models
Difficulty: **
Teachers:
Esther Jang,
Jayson Lynch
A visual and intuitive way to think about how statistically related quantities depend on each other!
(Also called "America's favorite rational pastime")
Prerequisites
An interest in probability
(Also called "America's favorite rational pastime")
Prerequisites
An interest in probability
M9748: Causal Inference
Difficulty: ***
Teachers:
James Koppel
Big data is all the rage these days. Let's talk about some things that even infinite data can't do. First we'll use statistics to prove why you should never go to the doctor. Then we'll show that smoking prevents cancer. Once we've finally kicked the statisticians out of the room, you'll learn the right way to reason about causality. We'll resolve the age-old question of whether war causes poverty or poverty causes war, and show how to predict the results of a randomized controlled experiment without actually doing one.
Prerequisites
Basics of probability (e.g.: comfortable with Bayes' rule, expected value, etc)
Prerequisites
Basics of probability (e.g.: comfortable with Bayes' rule, expected value, etc)
M9949: Advanced Random Awesome Maths
Difficulty: ****
Teachers:
Alex Cole,
Stephen Face
Are you advanced? What about awesome? If so then this class is for you!
We might do some stuff with infinities, hypercubes, and paradoxes or we might do something totally different. Come and find out!
Prerequisites
Addition, Multiplication, Subtraction, Division, and Calculus.
We might do some stuff with infinities, hypercubes, and paradoxes or we might do something totally different. Come and find out!
Prerequisites
Addition, Multiplication, Subtraction, Division, and Calculus.
M9900: Zero Knowledge Proofs Full!
Difficulty: **
Teachers:
Rio LaVigne
Ever solved a problem and wanted to gloat about it in front of your friends without telling them the solution? What about proving to a blind man that two billiard balls are different colors? Zero knowledge proofs are the answer!
These special proofs are an important cryptographic primitive that are used in authentication, commitment, and even in online voting.
In this class, you will learn what makes a proof zero knowledge, and then we will go over a algebraic example.
Prerequisites
Comfortable working in a modulus, like mod $$p$$.
These special proofs are an important cryptographic primitive that are used in authentication, commitment, and even in online voting.
In this class, you will learn what makes a proof zero knowledge, and then we will go over a algebraic example.
Prerequisites
Comfortable working in a modulus, like mod $$p$$.
M9809: Fourier Series and Waves
Difficulty: ***
Teachers:
David Corwin
Let's say you have a string tied to poles on both ends and then you pluck the string. How will it move? You might imagine from everyday life that it would be something like a wave.
It turns out that using some basic physics, we can express this as a differential equation. To solve it, we are led to the idea of Fourier series! These are a way of expressing a function as an infinite series of sines and cosines. We will explain what this has to do with the physics of a wave.
If time permits, we will mention momentum and energy and what this has to do with quantum physics!
Prerequisites
Calculus and basic laws of physics (force and acceleration)
It turns out that using some basic physics, we can express this as a differential equation. To solve it, we are led to the idea of Fourier series! These are a way of expressing a function as an infinite series of sines and cosines. We will explain what this has to do with the physics of a wave.
If time permits, we will mention momentum and energy and what this has to do with quantum physics!
Prerequisites
Calculus and basic laws of physics (force and acceleration)
M9732: Multivariable/Vector Calculus
Difficulty: ****
Teachers:
Aaron Dunbrack
Learn what comes after "regular" calculus. We'll start with vector fields, partial derivatives and multiple integrals and end with an explanation of the gradient, divergence, curl, flux and curvature.
Prerequisites
Know what a vector is. Know single-variable calculus, at the very least conceptually, either through my earlier course or through your own knowledge - i.e., know what a limit is, what a derivative is, and what an integral is.
Prerequisites
Know what a vector is. Know single-variable calculus, at the very least conceptually, either through my earlier course or through your own knowledge - i.e., know what a limit is, what a derivative is, and what an integral is.
M9672: Complex Numbers: Math That Will Freak You Out (at least a little bit)
Difficulty: **
Teachers:
John Gregg
I promise this math will freak you out at least a bit. We will explore the existence or non-existence of nonsensical things called complex numbers, or, less scarily, imaginary numbers (aren’t they all?). We will end up deep, deep inside a certain blob called the Mandelbrot set, which is made of these “imaginary” numbers.
Prerequisites
Algebra: basic polynomials
Prerequisites
Algebra: basic polynomials
M9886: Cryptography
Difficulty: ***
Teachers:
Daniel Epelbaum
This class will go over methods of cryptography since its invention. You will learn ways to hide secret messages and ways that people have uncovered those secrets.
Prerequisites
Geometry or any class involving mathematical proofs.
Prerequisites
Geometry or any class involving mathematical proofs.
M9975: 2x2 = 4: The Hard Way
Difficulty: ****
Teachers:
Ziv Scully
We're going to prove this deep and insightful theorem using the most abstractly nonsensical mathematical sledgehammer of them all: category theory!
Category theory is when we draw letters on the board and then draw arrows between them such that certain nice things are true. Seems mostly harmless, doesn't it? Perhaps, but some point we'll need to prove that multiplication distributes over addition without accidentally proving that addition distributes over multiplication, too. This turns out to be pretty difficult :).
Prerequisites
You should know that a function is a map between sets. If you read a bit of the Function (mathematics) article on Wikipedia, you'll be fine.
Category theory is when we draw letters on the board and then draw arrows between them such that certain nice things are true. Seems mostly harmless, doesn't it? Perhaps, but some point we'll need to prove that multiplication distributes over addition without accidentally proving that addition distributes over multiplication, too. This turns out to be pretty difficult :).
Prerequisites
You should know that a function is a map between sets. If you read a bit of the Function (mathematics) article on Wikipedia, you'll be fine.
Pop (and not-so-pop) Culture
P10064: How to Seem Cultured Full!
Difficulty: *
Teachers:
Julia Longmate
The active Latin verb "videre" means "to see" and in the passive form, "videri," "to seem." Many have adopted their motto from a paraphrasing of a line from one of Cicero's essays on friendship, "esse quam videri," or, "to be rather than to seem." An admirable goal, to be sure. Come learn the simpler Machiavellian variation, "videre quam esse."
P9870: Pop and Rock Music: From Elvis to Kanye
Difficulty: *
Teachers:
Robert Bugliarelli
Learn about the past 60 years of music in two hours! The main genres that will be covered are pop and rock, but R&B, rap and alternative will also be touched. The class will look at how various musical styles have influenced one another over the years to create new and interesting sounds. About half of the time in class will be spent listening to songs.
P10124: How to Stay Friends with Asra
Difficulty: *
Teachers:
Brynna Downey
Read this. Now read this. Now look slightly to the left. Look back at this. Now look at your keyboard. Now back at this. Whizz around and make sure that no one's watching you. Now look back at this. But are you still friends with Asra? Duh duh duuuuuuuuuhh...find out next time in this Splash's installment of the Asra Triology.
Prerequisites
You do *not* need to have met Asra to take this class or have gotten to the friendship stage with her.
Prerequisites
You do *not* need to have met Asra to take this class or have gotten to the friendship stage with her.
P10187: Vocal Riffing
Difficulty: *
Teachers:
Esther Jang
Workshop on how to do R&B-style vocal improvisation. Bring your voice, your favorite riff examples, and your own tips and tricks if you have them!
Prerequisites
Desire to sing
Prerequisites
Desire to sing
P9623: The Politics of Skyrim
Difficulty: *
Teachers:
Gabriel Davis
Sure, slaying dragons while wearing quasi-Viking armor is fun, but the 2011 video game The Elder Scrolls V: Skyrim been acclaimed as much for its nuanced theme of civil war as for its fantasy storyline. We will explore how Skyrim deals with political topics such as imperialism, nationalism, racism, and political economy, and conclude with a role-played debate between the Imperial and Stormcloak factions.
Prerequisites
You should probably have played Skyrim at some point (some background info will be provided)
Prerequisites
You should probably have played Skyrim at some point (some background info will be provided)
P9675: (Nearly) Twenty Years of Stories: A Critical Analysis of Pokémon Full!
Difficulty: **
Teachers:
Aiden Schore
You know how all the Pokémon games have the same story? They actually don't. This course will look at the nuances of each Pokémon game and discover the messages each generation has to offer.
Prerequisites
A basic familiarity with Pokémon. Ideally, you'll have played at least one version start to finish.
Prerequisites
A basic familiarity with Pokémon. Ideally, you'll have played at least one version start to finish.
P10135: How to Olympics
Difficulty: *
Teachers:
Kelsey Becker
Every four years, nations from around the globe gather to go head to head in physical feats that amaze the world. Learn about the 41 disciplines that compose these games including rules and who to watch in a rapid fire format. Think about how cool you'll be when you explain the intricacies of handball, rhythmic gymnastics, and synchronized swimming (along with sports that people actually care about) to all of your friends this summer during Rio 2016.
P9950: Soymilk Tasting Full!
Difficulty: *
Teachers:
Ray Hua Wu
There are many brands of soymilk locally available, from Silk to "8th Continent". Come and taste the various kinds and decide which you like best!
Prerequisites
No allergies to soy
Prerequisites
No allergies to soy
P9972: Let's Talk about the NBA
Difficulty: *
Teachers:
Yoa Clifton
How do you build the best possible NBA team?
While we probably won't figure this out (a student last year had an idea and then realized with horror that the 2012-2013 Lakers had already used said idea and gone 45-37 before being swept out of the playoffs), we will get to discuss many topics including the necessity of a Big Three, the ethics of tanking, the Wiggins-Love trade one year later, and possible playoff retooling.
Feel free to bring your own discussion topics!
Prerequisites
Be an avid NBA fan and come ready to share in the discussion.
While we probably won't figure this out (a student last year had an idea and then realized with horror that the 2012-2013 Lakers had already used said idea and gone 45-37 before being swept out of the playoffs), we will get to discuss many topics including the necessity of a Big Three, the ethics of tanking, the Wiggins-Love trade one year later, and possible playoff retooling.
Feel free to bring your own discussion topics!
Prerequisites
Be an avid NBA fan and come ready to share in the discussion.
P10105: Contemporary Media Full!
Difficulty: *
Teachers:
Tommy Tsang
An analysis and discussion of the many facets and dimensions of our modern day media. We will evaluate and inspect many case studies; this will be a safe and welcoming environment for an open, honest dialogue on our media today. I will try to be as impartial and unbiased as possible -- however, I cannot guarantee your fellow classmates will be as well, as I plan to allow students to be speak their mind with conviction and be as passionate as they'd like as long as they are not engaging in bigotry.
P9953: It’s a Conspiracy! From Aliens to the XYZ Affair
Difficulty: *
Teachers:
Elizabeth Parizh,
Nina Plotnikov
“Did you hear that?”
“No, what?”
“That sound, like an authority figure trying to tell me what to do.”
“Are you okay?”
“How can I be okay when the world is conspiring against me!?”
Have you ever felt like you were being lied to or cheated by the government? Have you been called crazy by your friends for sharing with them your entirely valid concerns? Do you not believe in any conspiracy theories but find them interesting/thought-provoking/hilarious? Then this is the class for you! We will go over a bunch of mainstream (and far off the mainstream) conspiracy theories, but be mindful; not all the theories we’ll talk about are real, so listen carefully to pick out the internet favorites from the ones we just made up! We will also bring food, because, as we all know, handing out free food is the best way to make people listen to you (just add a circus and it will be like Ancient Rome). So come learn what the people screaming on the streets are all about! Or maybe we’ll just drain your souls and use your bodies as puppets to serve our own nefarious purposes -- you really can’t be sure.
“No, what?”
“That sound, like an authority figure trying to tell me what to do.”
“Are you okay?”
“How can I be okay when the world is conspiring against me!?”
Have you ever felt like you were being lied to or cheated by the government? Have you been called crazy by your friends for sharing with them your entirely valid concerns? Do you not believe in any conspiracy theories but find them interesting/thought-provoking/hilarious? Then this is the class for you! We will go over a bunch of mainstream (and far off the mainstream) conspiracy theories, but be mindful; not all the theories we’ll talk about are real, so listen carefully to pick out the internet favorites from the ones we just made up! We will also bring food, because, as we all know, handing out free food is the best way to make people listen to you (just add a circus and it will be like Ancient Rome). So come learn what the people screaming on the streets are all about! Or maybe we’ll just drain your souls and use your bodies as puppets to serve our own nefarious purposes -- you really can’t be sure.
P9882: Let's Talk About Pixar
Difficulty: *
Teachers:
Kris Kim,
Libby Koolik
Sure, Pixar is famous for making children's movies with fun characters, Incredible storylines, and can make you feel like you're Up in the clouds or small, living a Bug's Life. But what about all of the Brave things that Pixar tackles in their movies? Let's talk about some of their movies, Inside Out.
Prerequisites
Please have watched at least one Pixar movie!
Prerequisites
Please have watched at least one Pixar movie!
P9654: Systems in Homestuck
Difficulty: **
Teachers:
Houston Mills
An overview of the many rules that govern Paradox Space and the characters within it.
- Sylladex mechanics
- rules of Sburb
- Dream Bubble mechanics
- time travel mechanics
- Classes and Aspects
- etc etc
- Sylladex mechanics
- rules of Sburb
- Dream Bubble mechanics
- time travel mechanics
- Classes and Aspects
- etc etc
P9841: Surf's Up: A brief history of the Beach Boys
Difficulty: **
Teachers:
Ezra Morrison
Did you know that Brian Wilson once filled his entire living room with sand in order to make it feel more like the beach? Or that The Beach Boys almost released a horrific duet with Bart Simpson? Come learn about these stories and more about the bizarre, twisted history of America's biggest band and its incredible successes and failures!
P10126: Kardashian Kulture
Difficulty: *
Teachers:
Beverly cahyadi
Come and discuss America's new favourite family we love to hate and hate that we love! How did Kim go from being Paris Hilton's sidekick to running a multimillion dollar empire without being an actor or a singer? How did social media play a part in her rise?
P9639: Beginning Tetris Strategies
Difficulty: *
Teachers:
Lilly Chin
Enjoy Tetris but can't seem to clear your lines fast enough? Come learn some new strategies and strengthen your spatial reasoning abilities! After going over several strategies, test your skills against other Splash students in the TETRIS TOURNAMENT OF CHAMPIONS!
If you would like to practice beforehand, we will be playing 1 v 1 games on Tetris Friends' Arena mode. Come SQUARE OFF and win fabulous prizes!
If you would like to practice beforehand, we will be playing 1 v 1 games on Tetris Friends' Arena mode. Come SQUARE OFF and win fabulous prizes!
P10129: Cosplay Crafts!
Difficulty: **
Teachers:
Gwendolyn Edgar
Learn to craft beginner armor and props for cosplay! We will explore different materials such as worbla, styrene, and craft foam!
P9698: The Evolution of Mahō Shōjo
Difficulty: **
Teachers:
Tabrez Alam
Some of you may remember shows like Sailor Moon, Cardcaptor Sakura or Magical Girl Lyrical Nanoha from your childhoods. In this class, we will look at the gradual evolution of the Mahō Shōjo (Magical Girl) genre in Japan since its humble origins in the mid-20th century and the conditions that have led to such an evolution of this cultural phenomenon. Prior knowledge of anime not required.
P9660: Touhou Project: Welcome to Gensokyo
Difficulty: *
Teachers:
Dai Yang
We will learn about the Touhou (東方) Project, a popular series of shoot-em-up bullet-hell games with an incredibly prolific fandom. In this beginner-friendly class, we will discuss its history, its surge to popularity, and its one-of-a-kind creator and developer, ZUN. We will engage in a number of fun activities, including playing the Touhou games themselves, listening to both original and derivative Touhou music of the finest quality, and sampling some fanworks inspired by Touhou.
Prerequisites
Recommended: Play one game from the Touhou project OR Listen to one piece of music derived from the Touhou Project More information: http://en.touhouwiki.net/wiki/Touhou_Wiki
Prerequisites
Recommended: Play one game from the Touhou project OR Listen to one piece of music derived from the Touhou Project More information: http://en.touhouwiki.net/wiki/Touhou_Wiki
P9846: Intro to Freeganism Full!
Difficulty: *
Teachers:
Holly Josephs,
Anna Walsh
In this course you will learn some fun and sustainable ways to live for as close to free as possible. Does dumpster diving get you jazzed? Are you interested in learning about why veganism is good and cool for the world? Ever think about gardening? Do you know what a zine is? We'll be talking about eco-friendly DIY, co-ops and attempts at sustainable utopia.
Prerequisites
Excitement!
Prerequisites
Excitement!
P9703: Intro to Circular Gallifreyan
Difficulty: **
Teachers:
Loren Sherman
Come learn the writing system of the Time Lords! Perfect for any whovian, or anyone who enjoys cool and unique alphabets. Taught by the inventor of the alphabet.
P9842: South Park and Society
Difficulty: *
Teachers:
Emma Kerwin
Discuss how your favorite TV show is actually an intelligent critique of global society!
Prerequisites
Previous experience watching South Park
Prerequisites
Previous experience watching South Park
[Deprecated] Science
S9716: How inequality makes us sick: the intersection of social justice and public health Full!
Difficulty: **
Teachers:
Samantha Yarmis
How does your neighborhood determine your lifespan? Infectious diseases can cause malnutrition, but how is it possible for malnutrition to cause infectious disease? Come learn about how the very society we live in can make us sick, and what we can do about these issues.
Prerequisites
Basic biology background
Prerequisites
Basic biology background
S9749: Build Your Own Polymer! Full!
Difficulty: **
Teachers:
Ryan Palmer
Come learn about what makes polymers unique, and how they play a part in your everyday life. A brief introduction will be followed by an investigation into the properties of a simple polymer that we will prepare individually and take home after. Get ready to learn and perform simple lab skills that will help provide a foundation for future laboratory careers.
Prerequisites
Any introductory science or chemistry class
Prerequisites
Any introductory science or chemistry class
S9616: Nature's Short Cut: Least Action Principles in Physics
Difficulty: ***
Teachers:
Hengyun Zhou
Nature is smart. Nature knows how to take short cuts, doing things in the most efficient way. We'll talk about some of these short cuts in physics, such as Fermat's principle, the Lagrangian formulation of classical mechanics, and if time permits, Feynman's ingenious path integral recipe in quantum mechanics.
Prerequisites
Knowing basic differentiation and integration will be very helpful!
Prerequisites
Knowing basic differentiation and integration will be very helpful!
S9649: Optogenetics: Controlling the Brain with Light
Difficulty: **
Teachers:
Ariella Yosafat
In my research, I get to control mouse brains with lasers. This is because of a really cool and relatively new technique called optogenetics. Come learn about how this technique works and about some of the things we've learned using it!
Prerequisites
Some cell biology knowledge is recommended but not required.
Prerequisites
Some cell biology knowledge is recommended but not required.
S9960: Chemistry of Cooking Full!
Difficulty: **
Teachers:
Elizabeth Sterner
Ever wondered why milk curdles in lemon juice? Or how meat tenderizer works? Maybe you just want to know what the difference actually is between baking soda and baking powder. Cooking brings together all sorts of chemical reactions, geared towards making something delicious! In this class, you'll learn about chemical principles that will make you a kitchen whiz! Astonish your friends with your mastery of the custard continuum, impress your parents with perfect pancakes, and convert enemies to allies with the power of confectionery. While we won't actually cook, there will be hands-on demos of molecular gastronomy, making gels, and samples to try!
ALLERGY NOTE: This class will feature foods with eggs, dairy, and nuts.
Prerequisites
General chemistry
ALLERGY NOTE: This class will feature foods with eggs, dairy, and nuts.
Prerequisites
General chemistry
S10216: Fluids – Streams, Droplets, and Bubbles
Difficulty: **
Teachers:
Ananth Govind Rajan
Liquids are a miraculous phase of matter - water and blood are two of them without which we cannot imagine life on Earth. This course will teach you about liquids and their unique properties. For example, have you ever wondered why water rises in a thin glass tube dipped into a glass full of water? Have you ever thought about why you should not stand beyond the yellow line on the T platform? Or why liquid droplets and soap bubbles are spherical and not cuboidal? If you want to know the answers to these questions and to learn more about fluids and their properties through demonstration, this is the course for you!
S9680: Geology 101 Full!
Difficulty: *
Teachers:
Alexa Jaeger,
Judy Pu
A brief history of Earth and major theories, along with an opportunity to look at some rocks.
S9602: EKGs and Heart Attacks: What Electricity Tells Us About Heart Disease Full!
Difficulty: **
Teachers:
Jonathan Lee
We've seen EKGs on TV and in the movies, but what do they actually mean? We will delve into a crash course on the electrocardiogram and what it tells us!
Prerequisites
Chemistry (required), Physics (suggested, but not required), Biology (suggested, but not required)
Prerequisites
Chemistry (required), Physics (suggested, but not required), Biology (suggested, but not required)
S9796: Alzheimer's Disease and the Quest for a Cure Full!
Difficulty: **
Teachers:
Anthony Martorell
Alzheimer's disease will steal your memories. It will make you forget your family, where you live, and eventually, who you are. It currently affects over 30 million people, and will produce the biggest health-care crisis in the next 20 years. How does this happen, and how can we cure it? Come to my class and find out. This class includes a real-life laboratory demonstration with mouse-models of Alzheimer's and cool lab techniques! Don't worry, you won't touch the mice.
S9879: Theory of Special Relativity Full!
Difficulty: ***
Teachers:
Saranesh Prembabu,
Michael Winston
Time machines aren't just science fiction! With simple and intuitive thought experiments and a bit of math, you too can learn the physics that made Einstein famous!
We will start with the basics of length contraction and time dilation and move on to look at the symmetries of four vectors and the Lorentz group in the Minkowski spacetime manifold, changing the way you think of position and time forever.
Prerequisites
Strong understanding of algebra, geometry, and basic Newtonian mechanics; exposure to linear algebra may be helpful
We will start with the basics of length contraction and time dilation and move on to look at the symmetries of four vectors and the Lorentz group in the Minkowski spacetime manifold, changing the way you think of position and time forever.
Prerequisites
Strong understanding of algebra, geometry, and basic Newtonian mechanics; exposure to linear algebra may be helpful
S9762: Anatomy via evolution, or: how many organs can you live without?
Difficulty: **
Teachers:
Samantha Yarmis
Taking out an appendix? No problem. Donating a kidney? Sure, that’ll work out. But what about your stomach? Your pancreas? Your heart? Come explore some of the stuff you’ve got under your skin, how it works, and why it’s there in the first place.
Prerequisites
Some background in biology is helpful but not required.
Prerequisites
Some background in biology is helpful but not required.
S9847: Lasers and What They Are Good For
Difficulty: **
Teachers:
Emre Ergecen
If lasers mean more than a cat toy to you, this course is just for you. In this course, you will be introduced to laser physics, generation of extremely short light pulses and various applications of laser, such as laser surgery, subsurface laser processing and noninvasive sensing.
S9892: Antimatter at CERN and shortly after the Big Bang ...or the Truth about the "Angels and Demons" movie
Difficulty: **
Teachers:
Vitaly Andreev
A trap for antimatter? Antimatter as a way of studying the origin of our universe? Antimatter at the Large Hadron Collider? Antimatter bomb? And what the hell is antimatter after all?
If you want to know the answers to these questions, please join my presentation! Despite the truth about the "Angels and Demons" movie, you will also learn some physics!
Prerequisites
Absolutely no prerequisites at all! I will show the relevant excerpts from the "Angels and Demons" movie, but if you have seen the whole movie, it will be even more fun ;-) The talk is both, entertaining and scientific! If you want to gain a deeper understanding about the cosmological part of my talk, please come to my course "Big Bang, Dark Matter & Co.: Introduction to Cosmology".
If you want to know the answers to these questions, please join my presentation! Despite the truth about the "Angels and Demons" movie, you will also learn some physics!
Prerequisites
Absolutely no prerequisites at all! I will show the relevant excerpts from the "Angels and Demons" movie, but if you have seen the whole movie, it will be even more fun ;-) The talk is both, entertaining and scientific! If you want to gain a deeper understanding about the cosmological part of my talk, please come to my course "Big Bang, Dark Matter & Co.: Introduction to Cosmology".
S10191: The Greenhouse Effect
Difficulty: **
Teachers:
Elizabeth Berg
You've probably heard that emissions of greenhouse gases are contributing to global warming, but what exactly are these gases, and how do they have any affect on the earth's temperature? In this class, we'll talk about how the greenhouse effect actually works, and what impact human influences have had on the earth's climate.
Prerequisites
You should definitely have a good degree of comfort manipulating algebraic equations. Some exposure to algebra-based physics would also be useful, but not necessary.
Prerequisites
You should definitely have a good degree of comfort manipulating algebraic equations. Some exposure to algebra-based physics would also be useful, but not necessary.
S9979: Muscles and Bones: A Hands-On Approach
Difficulty: *
Teachers:
Lillia Baird
Use your muscles and bones to feel how your muscles and bones work. No, we won't be naming all 206(ish) bones and 640(ish) skeletal muscles in the body, but the major ones and cool ones will be covered.
This will be a very hands-on approach, so it will be best if you're ok with others touching you and you touching others (ex. feeling someone's spine)
This will be a very hands-on approach, so it will be best if you're ok with others touching you and you touching others (ex. feeling someone's spine)
S9620: Quantum Statistical Mechanics
Difficulty: ***
Teachers:
Sean Burchesky
How do large systems of quantum particles behave? What happens when a gas is cooled to very low temperatures? Why don't all the electrons in an atom fall to the 1s orbital? Why does light not (naturally) form Bose Einstein condensates?
Quantum stat mech is very weird. Come learn about the underlying connections between the quantum scale world and our world.
Prerequisites
*calculus* There will be a lot of it. Physics B should give enough classical mechanics background.
Quantum stat mech is very weird. Come learn about the underlying connections between the quantum scale world and our world.
Prerequisites
*calculus* There will be a lot of it. Physics B should give enough classical mechanics background.
S9614: Bio-Logic Full!
Difficulty: **
Teachers:
Alexandra Panov
Have you ever wondered why life is structured the way that it is? How can we be made of organized tissues and organs without violating the second law of thermodynamics? Why are we shaped the way we are? What science governs our life processes and why? Why do we have eyebrows? Come contribute your historical, scientific, and theoretical perspectives! Might touch on taking over the world.
Prerequisites
Introductory Biology recommended.
Prerequisites
Introductory Biology recommended.
S9746: The neuroscience of meditation Full!
Difficulty: **
Teachers:
Dae Houlihan
In parallel to how the scientific method has been used to probe the universe objectively, meditation practices have been used for millennia to probe the subjective nature of the human mind. This talk will look at how these two approaches can mutually inform each other. We will hear about recent cognitive neuroscience research into how meditation changes the mind, restructures the brain, and how the simple practice of paying attention to our own experience might facilitate attention and emotion regulation leading to treatments for disorders such as ADHD, depression and chronic stress.
S10149: Methylene Blue and Stories of Pathology
Difficulty: *
Teachers:
Andrew Thompson
The basic dye, and redox indicator, Methylene blue will be the central character is a series of tales which will serve to explain several key concepts in human pathology. Antihistimines, antipsychotics malaria, sickle cell disease, viagra, gram+ bacteria, and a variety of seemingly disparate topics of biology will be explained with the help of methylene blue. If time allows, the biology of aging will be tied in too.
Prerequisites
Introductory biology is a must
Prerequisites
Introductory biology is a must
S10081: Let's Talk about Plants
Difficulty: **
Teachers:
Lillia Baird
Do you love plants? I love plants. Even if you're kinda meh on plants, come and learn why you should love them like I love them.
This class will cover the basics of how plants live, grow, and reproduce, as well as plant defense mechanisms because I think that's really cool.
Plants. Plants plants plants. Plants.
This class will cover the basics of how plants live, grow, and reproduce, as well as plant defense mechanisms because I think that's really cool.
Plants. Plants plants plants. Plants.
S9943: Crystal Field Theory: How atomic dumbels make metals colorful
Difficulty: **
Teachers:
Tal Scully
Ever wondered why transition metals have such vibrant and different colors? A cobalt ion surrounded by 6 groups of ammonia (NH3) is yellow, but replacing one ammonia with chloride (Cl-) makes it magenta. Come learn about Crystal Field Theory, which dives into the physics of electron orbitals to explain why transition metals are so pretty!
Prerequisites
You should be familiar with basic atomic orbital theory (s, p, d orbitals, etc.).
Prerequisites
You should be familiar with basic atomic orbital theory (s, p, d orbitals, etc.).
S9710: Island biogeography: evolution, extinctions, and komodo dragons
Difficulty: **
Teachers:
Samantha Yarmis
Did komodo dragons evolve to eat pygmy elephants? Why are island birds 50 times more likely to go extinct than mainland birds? And how is the Amazon rainforest similar to an archipelago? Come learn the answers to these questions in the broader context of evolution, extinctions, and island biogeography.
Prerequisites
A solid grasp of natural selection
Prerequisites
A solid grasp of natural selection
S9945: Rocks and Minerals
Difficulty: *
Teachers:
Mitchell Gu,
Jingyi Zhao
We will learn the characteristics of different rocks and minerals, look at samples, and distinguish them.
S9619: Quantum Optics
Difficulty: ***
Teachers:
Sean Burchesky
Bored of learning about lenses and mirrors in your high school physics class? We will explore the full quantum theory of light. Come learn about the amazing properties of light.
We will cover lasers and coherent states. Learn about how a very special quantum state (squeeze vacuum) is used to detect gravitational waves. Learn how to turn invisible infrared light into green light! What happens to single photons coupled to a cavity with an atom? How can photons be used as qbits (for quantum computation)? Finally we will learn how to make a Bose Einstein condensate out of photon!
Prerequisites
1) Curiosity 2) be prepared for some math. There will be a lot of linear algebra and operator algebra. Hopefully you like complex vector spaces.
We will cover lasers and coherent states. Learn about how a very special quantum state (squeeze vacuum) is used to detect gravitational waves. Learn how to turn invisible infrared light into green light! What happens to single photons coupled to a cavity with an atom? How can photons be used as qbits (for quantum computation)? Finally we will learn how to make a Bose Einstein condensate out of photon!
Prerequisites
1) Curiosity 2) be prepared for some math. There will be a lot of linear algebra and operator algebra. Hopefully you like complex vector spaces.
S9763: The Color Conspiracy
Difficulty: **
Teachers:
Ben Augenbraun,
Rebecca Engelke
Color: it’s the ultimate kindergarten science lesson. The color wheel, the primary colors, the rainbow -- it’s fun AND educational! But when we learn about color in science class, and think back to what we learned in art class, we’re liable to get confused. How do colors make a wheel if the electromagnetic spectrum is a line? If red, blue, and green are the primary colors of light, why are red, blue, and yellow the primary colors of paint? And why are there three primary colors anyway?
Society doesn’t answer these questions for us. I think they’re trying to keep it a secret. Like a conspiracy or something.
While exploring these questions, we will touch on many other ways light comes into our world. These include: polarization of light (and how some animals can see it!), the spectra of stars and atoms, and lasers.
Society doesn’t answer these questions for us. I think they’re trying to keep it a secret. Like a conspiracy or something.
While exploring these questions, we will touch on many other ways light comes into our world. These include: polarization of light (and how some animals can see it!), the spectra of stars and atoms, and lasers.
S10120: The Biology and Engineering of Vision
Difficulty: **
Teachers:
Siddharth Trehan
We may take our favorite sense for granted, but computer scientists have struggled with the problem of replicating the power of human vision for decades. While nature, over the course of hundreds of million years, has evolved several good designs for vision in animals, only recently have the smart engineers at places like Google and Vecna been able to start cracking the problem of efficient and reliable machine vision. Sign up to learn about the process that involves 60% of the human brain and how we implement it in machines, because when it comes to vision, there's more than meets the eye.
S9565: An Introduction to Superconductivity Full!
Difficulty: **
Teachers:
Alfred Zong
As we cool down certain materials to extremely low temperature, its electric resistivity can abruptly drop to zero, a phenomenon called superconductivity. It’s no small feat! For example, zero resistance means an electric current can flow in a superconducting wire for many many years. In this class, you’ll be introduced to more fascinating properties of superconductors, and we’ll try to answer the question: what causes superconductivity?
Prerequisites
No advanced math or physics knowledge required, but I’ll assume you have heard of terms such as “voltage”, “current”, “resistivity”, and even better “magnetic field”.
Prerequisites
No advanced math or physics knowledge required, but I’ll assume you have heard of terms such as “voltage”, “current”, “resistivity”, and even better “magnetic field”.
S9793: Here Hear! Full!
Difficulty: **
How does hearing work? Why can we tell the difference between a C and a C#? Why do your ears feel like they're stuffed with cotton after a loud concert and then normal the next day? In this class we'll talk about the cochlea, the organ that is responsible for turning sound into an electrical signal for the brain. We'll also talk about recent research on our ability to hear after loud concerts and what scientists think it's actually doing to our hearing.
Prerequisites
An interest in sound and the brain
Prerequisites
An interest in sound and the brain
S9905: A Taster of Relativity Full!
Difficulty: **
Teachers:
Shaun Datta
Come learn about relativity, Einstein's brainchild that remedies inconsistencies in classical mechanics that occur when moving really fast. We will talk about length contraction, time dilation, look at spacetime diagrams, and discuss well-known "paradoxes" associated with the theory. If time allows, we will also take a look at general relativity (just conceptual, no math).
Prerequisites
Strong algebra background and familiarity with basic Newtonian mechanics. A little calculus never hurts, either.
Prerequisites
Strong algebra background and familiarity with basic Newtonian mechanics. A little calculus never hurts, either.
S10172: Introduction to Lagrangian Mechanics
Difficulty: **
Teachers:
Lane Gunderman
All right, so you know how mechanical physics works. You can do all the problems: springs, gravitational fields, conservation of momentum, . Now here's the challenge, what equations govern all these motions? F=ma. Sure. But why is F=ma?
In this class we'll progress from the simple assumption that particles traverse action extremal paths in order derive some simple equations to describe general particle motion, then use these equations to derive at least one famous result.
Prerequisites
Calculus so much. You need to know calculus. Like actually, it's completely needed. Most of the physics in this class is playing around with equations and using calculus relations.
In this class we'll progress from the simple assumption that particles traverse action extremal paths in order derive some simple equations to describe general particle motion, then use these equations to derive at least one famous result.
Prerequisites
Calculus so much. You need to know calculus. Like actually, it's completely needed. Most of the physics in this class is playing around with equations and using calculus relations.
S9824: Making Sense of Sound: The Auditory Brain Full!
Difficulty: **
In this class, we’ll talk about how our brains allow us to make sense of the sounds around us. How do we tell which direction a bear is coming from in the woods so we know which way to run? How can you tune in to specific conversations and ignore others at a loud party? Do specific neurons in the brain respond to specific sounds? Can experience and training change how we hear? Lastly, we’ll discuss how hearing is necessary for speech, and the crazy consequences of messing with our auditory feedback.
Prerequisites
An interest in sound and the brain. Best yet, take the course "Here Hear!" before this one!
Prerequisites
An interest in sound and the brain. Best yet, take the course "Here Hear!" before this one!
S9559: All about that bass, 'bout that bass
Difficulty: **
Teachers:
Eric Mannes
Attracted to acoustics? Disinterested in the treble clef? Then this class is for you! Get a crash course in the science of sound.
Most examples will involve the lower end of the frequency spectrum.
Most examples will involve the lower end of the frequency spectrum.
S9835: Mind Control Full!
Difficulty: **
Teachers:
Daniel Estandian,
Yi Ning Leow
Mind control seems a bit science fiction, but it is actually present in our everyday lives! For example, animals are able to control the minds of other animals, and there are simple ways you can trick your brains. Additionally, for the more neuroscience-inclined, we’ll share how researchers have been able to manipulate the brain to trigger behaviors in order to learn more about how our brain generates these complex behaviors. Finally, we don’t just want to control the brain for fun, we are also interested in developing new therapeutic options that are used to re-take control of a malfunctioning brain. To learn about examples of modern-day mind control, come join us in a short and broad introduction about the realities of mind control!
Prerequisites
Biology
Prerequisites
Biology
S9766: Proteins and weird stuff: What's in a Genome? Full!
Difficulty: **
Teachers:
Alexandra Ding
What's in your genes? What makes you different from a worm or a mouse? Why do we care about RNAs?
Though we often think about proteins as the machinery of our cells, the sections of our DNA that do not code for proteins play key roles in keeping us alive. 80% of the nucleotide changes that separate us from apes and mice are in non-coding, rather than coding regions, suggesting that evolution acts on regulatory sequences rather than modifying the machinery themselves. Likewise, mutations in small RNAs such as miRNAS can lead to cancer. How can we begin to understand these mysterious mechanisms to better answer the questions of what we are and how to treat disease?
This class will elucidate the great abyss of the non-coding elements of the genome, how they contribute to development, and how they might help us understand genetic diseases and cancer.
Prerequisites
INTEREST
Though we often think about proteins as the machinery of our cells, the sections of our DNA that do not code for proteins play key roles in keeping us alive. 80% of the nucleotide changes that separate us from apes and mice are in non-coding, rather than coding regions, suggesting that evolution acts on regulatory sequences rather than modifying the machinery themselves. Likewise, mutations in small RNAs such as miRNAS can lead to cancer. How can we begin to understand these mysterious mechanisms to better answer the questions of what we are and how to treat disease?
This class will elucidate the great abyss of the non-coding elements of the genome, how they contribute to development, and how they might help us understand genetic diseases and cancer.
Prerequisites
INTEREST
S9586: Your classical intuition is wrong!
Difficulty: **
Teachers:
Jason Gross
Do you think you have a good grasp of physics? A good intuition for the physical world? Come learn about the predictions of quantum mechanics (and the experiments that validate these predictions) which violate your fundamental beliefs about the universe!
S9797: Harry Potter and the Half-Eaten Licorice Wand: The "Magic" of DNA Fingerprinting Full!
Difficulty: **
Teachers:
Timothy Ibrahim,
Samantha Yarmis
Someone at Hogwarts has snuck into Harry Potter's snack stash! In an effort to identify the culprit and bring the heinous thief to justice, Harry stumbles into a short, breathtaking adventure that takes him and his friends through the exciting world of DNA.
With Harry and Hermione as your guides, you'll learn some of the fundamentals about molecular biology, genetics, and the DNA-manipulation techniques we can use to unravel a mystery. Be prepared to be astounded, amazed, and astonished in this seemingly fantastical, yet scientific and interactive tale never before told beyond the gates of Hogwarts.
Prerequisites
A simple appreciation for the wizarding world of Harry Potter, and a very basic working knowledge of DNA and genetics.
With Harry and Hermione as your guides, you'll learn some of the fundamentals about molecular biology, genetics, and the DNA-manipulation techniques we can use to unravel a mystery. Be prepared to be astounded, amazed, and astonished in this seemingly fantastical, yet scientific and interactive tale never before told beyond the gates of Hogwarts.
Prerequisites
A simple appreciation for the wizarding world of Harry Potter, and a very basic working knowledge of DNA and genetics.
S9970: Trees: Everything about 'em
Difficulty: **
Teachers:
Mitchell Gu,
Jingyi Zhao
Angiosperms! Evergreens! Birches! Oaks! Maples! Cypresses! Pines! Witchhazels! What's interesting about each of them, and how can you tell the difference? This class will introduce you to the study of trees.
S10065: PSET: An Honest Look into MIT
Difficulty: ***
Teachers:
Caity Looby,
Catherine Roukhadze
Would you like to experience what it feels like to go through an MIT Problem Set? We will be going through a few problems on the 8.01 (Physics I) psets if you'd like to try your hand at a few pset questions.
Prerequisites
A general knowledge of physics. Calculus Background. Good problem solving skills. Patience.
Prerequisites
A general knowledge of physics. Calculus Background. Good problem solving skills. Patience.
S9727: Hitchhiker's Guide to the Multiverse
Difficulty: **
Teachers:
Aaron Dunbrack
In this class, we will explore three questions. One: What is a multiverse? Two: Why might we want to (or not want to) discuss a multiverse? Three: What are the kinds of multiverses that people talk about? Along the way, we will discuss topics in both modern physics and philosophy.
S9566: Gravitational Lensing Full!
Difficulty: **
Teachers:
Alfred Zong
You probably know that light usually travels in a straight line, unless a magnifying glass (i.e. a convex lens) bends it. But why do physicists claim that our Sun can also act like a lens? In this class, you will be introduced to Einstein's famous general theory of relativity and you will learn the reason for this magic lensing effect!
Prerequisites
No advanced math or physics knowledge required. If you know F = ma and you're ready to embrace some really weird (but true) phenomenon, this class is for you!
Prerequisites
No advanced math or physics knowledge required. If you know F = ma and you're ready to embrace some really weird (but true) phenomenon, this class is for you!
S9888: Drugs and the Brain
Difficulty: ***
Teachers:
Zak Fallows
This class is a multidisciplinary introduction to pharmacology, neurotransmitters, drug mechanisms, and addiction.
From Abilify to Zyrtec, the world is full of fascinating drugs. If you are poisoned by sarin nerve gas, you may be able to save your life by huffing some BZ nerve gas. This class will explain that chemical curiosity, plus a lot more interesting tidbits of pharmacology. The structure of the class interleaves basic concepts with specific examples and entertaining tangents, so it is not loaded with boring abstract theory. You will learn some key terms like neurotransmitter and agonist, and then you will learn the mechanisms of some classic drugs like caffeine and cocaine. The class is highly multidisciplinary, we may discuss topics such as patent law, medical ethics, history, and the fluid dynamics of spinal anesthesia.
This class has a website with fun 5-minute quizzes, you can try them now:
http://datb.mit.edu.ezproxy.canberra.edu.au/
This class is long, but you are not required to stay for the whole thing. After about 2 hours, we will have a break and you can choose to stay or leave.
From Abilify to Zyrtec, the world is full of fascinating drugs. If you are poisoned by sarin nerve gas, you may be able to save your life by huffing some BZ nerve gas. This class will explain that chemical curiosity, plus a lot more interesting tidbits of pharmacology. The structure of the class interleaves basic concepts with specific examples and entertaining tangents, so it is not loaded with boring abstract theory. You will learn some key terms like neurotransmitter and agonist, and then you will learn the mechanisms of some classic drugs like caffeine and cocaine. The class is highly multidisciplinary, we may discuss topics such as patent law, medical ethics, history, and the fluid dynamics of spinal anesthesia.
This class has a website with fun 5-minute quizzes, you can try them now:
http://datb.mit.edu.ezproxy.canberra.edu.au/
This class is long, but you are not required to stay for the whole thing. After about 2 hours, we will have a break and you can choose to stay or leave.
S9667: Bioethics and 2015: Movie Edition
Difficulty: **
Teachers:
Peter LoVerso
As the biotech and bioinformatics industry continues to grow rapidly in the US, genomic sequencing of patients is becoming more common. This brings with it a whole host of ethical issues of what is appropriate to do with that data.
Topics discussed will include privacy, eugenics, 23andme, commercial rights, DNA databases, genetic screening, and future possibilities such as engineering humans.
This is not a lecture-based course. Come with an open mind, but be prepared to defend your opinions!
This class will have 1.5 hours of discussion, then will watch the movie GATTACA, followed by an additional 1.5 hours of discussion.
Topics discussed will include privacy, eugenics, 23andme, commercial rights, DNA databases, genetic screening, and future possibilities such as engineering humans.
This is not a lecture-based course. Come with an open mind, but be prepared to defend your opinions!
This class will have 1.5 hours of discussion, then will watch the movie GATTACA, followed by an additional 1.5 hours of discussion.
S9802: How to make a Tesla Coil Full!
Difficulty: ***
Teachers:
peter Krogen
Ever wonder how a Tesla coil works? Interested in how you can make 10'+ sparks, and how those sparks can play music? Want to build your very own Tesla coil? Then this class is for you! We'll begin with a quick lecture on how a Tesla Coil works, from the bottom up. We'll then provide you with kits to build solid-state Tesla Coils that can make music, and we'll be there to assist you in building and debugging. The end product is a shoe box sized Tesla coil, capable of generating sparks and playing music.
Prerequisites
It is recommended that students have a background working with electronics (ex, participated in FIRST) but this is not necessary
Prerequisites
It is recommended that students have a background working with electronics (ex, participated in FIRST) but this is not necessary
S9849: Why Physics?
Difficulty: *
Teachers:
Rodolfo Garcia
What kind of concepts out there are physicists interested in? There are a lot of recurring themes in physics, stuff that pops up in places you wouldn't expect it to. There's kind of a oneness to it all... (kind of). This isn't why you should study physics, this is the physics of the why.
Prerequisites
Be prepared to ask questions, I don't want to lecture at you the whole time.
Prerequisites
Be prepared to ask questions, I don't want to lecture at you the whole time.
S10091: Tai's Model and our Gyre Universe
Difficulty: **
Teachers:
Justin Reid
Learn about the universal theory of the universe, nature, and life that is often over looked in modern science: the gyre model. In addition, learn about other scientific achievements such as Tai's Model that are fundamental to our world but are all too often forgotten about. This class will teach you why scientists developed the scientific theory in the first place.
S9738: Quantum Mechanics with 9th Grade Math
Difficulty: ***
Teachers:
Brian Skinner
Quantum mechanics is cool. But the math behind it can look more than a little intimidating. So come learn a few of the most important ideas in quantum mechanics without having to worry about any math beyond algebra. And derive for yourself some of its most celebrated results! We'll go over wave-particle duality, the Heisenberg uncertainty principle, zero-point energy, and fermions and bosons. Plus a few other things.
Prerequisites
Algebra, and maybe enough physics to know what energy and momentum are.
Prerequisites
Algebra, and maybe enough physics to know what energy and momentum are.
S10139: Dumb Ways to Die (because of Chemistry)
Difficulty: **
Teachers:
Aofei Liu
Come learn how things can kill you in obvious and not-so-obvious ways because of chemistry! The things I will talk about will range from things that are obviously designed to kill you, like all those awful things used in chemical warfare, to (things and combinations of things) you didn't know could kill you that you'd probably find lying around your house. You'll hopefully walk away from this with a little bit of paranoia and a whole lot more knowledge about how not to accidentally kill yourself.
Prerequisites
You should be scientifically curious about chemistry or how chemicals interact with your body. Some basic idea of how things in your body run might be helpful, but isn't super necessary if you are willing to treat some of the things I talk about as black boxes of specific details of the bigger picture.
Prerequisites
You should be scientifically curious about chemistry or how chemicals interact with your body. Some basic idea of how things in your body run might be helpful, but isn't super necessary if you are willing to treat some of the things I talk about as black boxes of specific details of the bigger picture.
S9780: Should you eat your siblings?: Being Social in the Animal World
Difficulty: *
Teachers:
Alexandra Ding
Whether you're a naked mole rat or a snapping shrimp, associating with other members of your species comes with its benefits and costs.
We'll explore evolutionary theories on cooperation, competition, and of course, kin selection. Come prepared to ask questions and participate!
We'll explore evolutionary theories on cooperation, competition, and of course, kin selection. Come prepared to ask questions and participate!
S10090: Drawing Organic Molecules for Fun
Difficulty: **
Teachers:
Lillia Baird
Do you like drawing? How about organic molecules?
I'll give a brief overview of organic molecule drawing rules and then we'll have a grand old time drawing organic molecules. It'll be fun. There'll probably be food. There'll probably be music.
You do not need to know anything about organic chemistry to do this course.
I'll give a brief overview of organic molecule drawing rules and then we'll have a grand old time drawing organic molecules. It'll be fun. There'll probably be food. There'll probably be music.
You do not need to know anything about organic chemistry to do this course.
S9932: Chemistry of Pyrotechnics
Difficulty: **
Teachers:
Kate Cherian,
Adam Suhl
Love pyrotechnics, chemistry, fire, and explosions? Want to learn more about all of the above? Come learn the chemistry of color and how things go boom!
S9963: How Human Memory Works
Difficulty: **
Teachers:
Abby Noyce
Admittedly, the truly honest answer is "Scientists don't really know." But there are a lot of snippets we do know! From the role of hippocampus structures in pattern separation and pattern completion, to the fMRI evidence for reactivation, to tips about how to study most effectively, this class will explore how the nervous system stores and accesses information.
Come prepared to talk about cells, but also to consider the computational basis of human cognition.
Prerequisites
You should have background equivalent to a year of HS biology. Programming experience is recommended but not required.
Come prepared to talk about cells, but also to consider the computational basis of human cognition.
Prerequisites
You should have background equivalent to a year of HS biology. Programming experience is recommended but not required.
S9678: Evolutionary Baggage: The Connection Between Disease and Survival
Difficulty: **
Teachers:
Nora Enright
The human body is the result of millennia of evolution. Along the way our species has developed many traits and characteristics. Some are helpful while others are harmful. However, there are those that lie somewhere in between. This class will explore ways that diseases like Type 1 Diabetes and Sickle-Cell Anemia provide an evolutionary advantage in addition to their negative effects.
Prerequisites
Some kind of biology
Prerequisites
Some kind of biology
S10006: How Einstein Trapped me in a Cone: an Introduction to Relativity
Difficulty: ***
Teachers:
Roger Hartman II
You don't live in the world you think you do. Time and space can stretch, mass is not conserved, and $$E = mc^2$$ ! In this course you will learn about these strange facts and more as we dive into the odd world of relativity.
Prerequisites
A basic understanding of physics on the high school level would be helpful (kinetic energy, F=ma, moving reference frames etc...) Matrix multiplication will be used.
Prerequisites
A basic understanding of physics on the high school level would be helpful (kinetic energy, F=ma, moving reference frames etc...) Matrix multiplication will be used.
S9652: Insects: Beautiful, Deadly and Downright Weird
Difficulty: **
Teachers:
Jacqueline Ludwig
Moths that mimic hummingbirds, ants that explode glue from their faces, parasitic wasps that control their host's brains: insects account for about half of all described species, and a lot of them are bizarre!
We'll learn what flowers look like to bees and why crickets don't explode their exoskeleton when they flex their muscles, along with many strange and cool defenses and how they work.
We'll learn what flowers look like to bees and why crickets don't explode their exoskeleton when they flex their muscles, along with many strange and cool defenses and how they work.
S9869: The Story of 8 Nobel Prizes: Historical Development of Quantum and Atomic Physics
Difficulty: ***
Teachers:
Vitaly Andreev
An introduction to Quantum and Atomic Physics with the emphasis on its historical beginnings. We will discuss the following topics:
- Blackbody radiation
- Photoelectric effect
- Discrete energy level structure of atoms
- Scattering of photons by charged particles
- Diffraction of electrons and neutrons
- Wave-particle duality
These topics were worth eight Nobel Prizes and you will learn which physicists were involved in it! Moreover, this was the basis for the development of modern physics, in particular the proper formulation of quantum mechanics by Schrödinger or Heisenberg.
This course (or equivalently the basic knowledge of the concepts listed above) is a prerequisite for my second course on quantum physics, where I will introduce the Schrödinger equation and discuss the wave-particle duality more deeply.
Prerequisites
No specific prerequisites, but a motivation to learn new things rather fast! Some very basic knowledge of Thermodynamics or Special Relativity is advantageous, but not necessary.
- Blackbody radiation
- Photoelectric effect
- Discrete energy level structure of atoms
- Scattering of photons by charged particles
- Diffraction of electrons and neutrons
- Wave-particle duality
These topics were worth eight Nobel Prizes and you will learn which physicists were involved in it! Moreover, this was the basis for the development of modern physics, in particular the proper formulation of quantum mechanics by Schrödinger or Heisenberg.
This course (or equivalently the basic knowledge of the concepts listed above) is a prerequisite for my second course on quantum physics, where I will introduce the Schrödinger equation and discuss the wave-particle duality more deeply.
Prerequisites
No specific prerequisites, but a motivation to learn new things rather fast! Some very basic knowledge of Thermodynamics or Special Relativity is advantageous, but not necessary.
S10067: The Tree of Life: Evolution's Road Map
Difficulty: *
Teachers:
Phil Arevalo
How do we know chimpanzees are our closest primate cousins? Are we more like mushrooms or melons? And what's the deal with protists? When Darwin sketched the first evolutionary tree over a hundred years ago with the note "I think..." scribbled next to it, he had no idea that he was giving humankind a powerful tool to answer questions like these. In this class, you'll learn how biologists make and use these trees to understand the rich complexity of life.
Prerequisites
High school biology. AP not required!
Prerequisites
High school biology. AP not required!
S9983: Deep Sea Monsters: The Stuff of Your Nightmares
Difficulty: *
Teachers:
Abby Harvey
Down in the depths of the ocean, some crazy organisms live and die, never seeing the light of day. We will take a look at some of these fish and microorganisms, and figure out what makes them so weird and how they manage to survive!
S10002: Ocean Sciences Bowl
Difficulty: **
Teachers:
Clio Macrakis
You've probably heard of Science Bowl, but how about Ocean Sciences Bowl? Come learn random and fun facts about the ocean before putting your newfound knowledge to the test in a friendly buzzer-style competition!
Prerequisites
Basic knowledge of chemistry, biology
Prerequisites
Basic knowledge of chemistry, biology
S10181: Brains, the Universe, and Chalk!
Difficulty: **
Teachers:
Benjamin Chan
An introduction to neuroscience, exploring some powerful features of the brain that may lead to intelligence. How do we model the brain? What is intelligence? The second half of the class will introduce you to current research in the field of Artificial Intelligence as we seek answers to these questions.
A large number of chalkboards will be involved, for the aesthetically inclined.
Prerequisites
Basic Biology, Calculus
A large number of chalkboards will be involved, for the aesthetically inclined.
Prerequisites
Basic Biology, Calculus
S10185: Photovoltaics
Difficulty: **
Teachers:
Keith Phuthi
Learn about how we harvest solar energy and the different things to consider when harvesting it. Also learn about the future of solar and how it could be a solution in solving global warming.
Prerequisites
Some basic general chemistry and physics
Prerequisites
Some basic general chemistry and physics
S9999: Drugs and You On Them
Difficulty: **
Teachers:
Daniel Mirny
Let's talk about drugs, your brain, and the effects various drugs you may encounter have on you. This class will be part history, part science, and will probably end early.
Prerequisites
Basic knowledge of biology, chemistry, and what drugs are.
Prerequisites
Basic knowledge of biology, chemistry, and what drugs are.
S10082: How to Get Away with Murder: Poisons Edition
Difficulty: **
Teachers:
Lillia Baird
Poisoning someone may seem like a good idea. But it's really not, for a number of reasons. Besides, you know, all the ethical ones and the killing people, the fact is that it's a lot harder to get away with poisoning people than it once was.
We'll talk about some famous poisoning killers (serial or not) and how they got caught, some super cool techniques for detecting poisons, and generally just cool poisons.
So I guess this class is really less of a "how to get away with murder" than a "why you're not going to get away with murder," but that's besides the point, considering that you shouldn't be murdering people.
We'll talk about some famous poisoning killers (serial or not) and how they got caught, some super cool techniques for detecting poisons, and generally just cool poisons.
So I guess this class is really less of a "how to get away with murder" than a "why you're not going to get away with murder," but that's besides the point, considering that you shouldn't be murdering people.
S9606: How Stars Die
Difficulty: **
Teachers:
Haley Bates-Tarasewicz
Explore the physics of the long lives and spectacular deaths of stars! Red giants, supernovas, pulsars, black holes, all of that cool stuff you've read about in sci fi novels! Class will focus mainly around general concepts, but may go into some light formula derivations.
Prerequisites
Comfort with basic calculus would be useful but not required.
Prerequisites
Comfort with basic calculus would be useful but not required.
S9827: The Higgs Boson? The LHC?: A Brief Introduction to Particle Physics
Difficulty: *
Teachers:
Yunjie Yang
Have you heard about the thing called the Higgs boson in the news? (You may have also heard it being referred to as "the God particle". But after this class, you will know how it got this name and why physicists do NOT like it.) What about the Large Hadron Collider (LHC)? In this class, I will give an overview-style introduction to the field of particle physics, a field of physics that strives to answer questions like "What are the fundamental constituents of nature?", "What are the fundamental interactions in nature?", and "How do we know about all these?".
Prerequisites
No physics or math background needed.
Prerequisites
No physics or math background needed.
S9997: Electrostatics
Difficulty: ***
Teachers:
Tharindu Withanage
Fundamentals of physical interactions between stationary charged bodies and other interesting phenomena
Prerequisites
Some knowledge of multivariable calculus would be helpful.
Prerequisites
Some knowledge of multivariable calculus would be helpful.
S9617: Introduction to Weather And Climate Full!
Difficulty: *
Teachers:
Jordan Benjamin
A brief introduction to the magic of our atmosphere. The class will explore what drives the weather and explain the causes, impacts, and future of phenomena such as climate change.
S9655: Immunology 101 - New Technologies for Finding Out How Your Body Naturally Fights Off Bad Things Full!
Difficulty: ***
Teachers:
Deniz Aksel,
Sophia Liu
Immunotherapies can have applications in responding to sudden, unknown outbreaks, to cancer, and to a variety of disease models. How does all of that work? How do immune cells even work? Why is personalized immunotherapy often considered the future of treatment plans? Come find out and learn about cool research happening at MIT, too!
Prerequisites
Biology (understanding of cells and biological systems)
Prerequisites
Biology (understanding of cells and biological systems)
S9601: Clinical Theory: What You Learn as a Medical Student Full!
Difficulty: *
Teachers:
Jonathan Lee
Interested in medicine? Or just curious why your doctors ask you certain questions/perform certain maneuvers? In this session, you will learn how doctors approach the patient interview, just as one would in medical school!
S9720: Classical Physics
Difficulty: ***
Teachers:
Aaron Dunbrack
There's a lot of physics to know even before one gets to the 20th century. I plan to teach all of this physics (one way or another) in two hours. I'll start with some math concepts, then discuss physics. We'll cover: Mechanics (Newtonian, Lagrangian, Hamiltonian ideas), Electricity and Magnetism (Electrostatics, Magnetostatics, and then Electromagnetism), Thermodynamics (Conceptual, Entropy, Types of processes, Gasses), and Waves (traveling, standing, relationships between the two).
Prerequisites
Basic algebra; calculus will be helpful, but I'll explain the ideas insofar as they are necessary.
Prerequisites
Basic algebra; calculus will be helpful, but I'll explain the ideas insofar as they are necessary.
S9752: Conceptual Quantum Mechanics
Difficulty: ***
Teachers:
Kenneth Wang
Want to sound cool to your friends? Just tell them you took a quantum mechanics course :)
This course seeks to explain quantum mechanics in a completely conceptual way, avoiding any calculus. You will learn the key concepts of quantum mechanics, and emphasis will be placed on its impact on our physical intuition and the quantum mechanical world! We will also discuss some of the many interpretations, which have led to philosophical debate, of the wacky results from quantum mechanics.
Prerequisites
Classical physics is highly recommended, but not required!
This course seeks to explain quantum mechanics in a completely conceptual way, avoiding any calculus. You will learn the key concepts of quantum mechanics, and emphasis will be placed on its impact on our physical intuition and the quantum mechanical world! We will also discuss some of the many interpretations, which have led to philosophical debate, of the wacky results from quantum mechanics.
Prerequisites
Classical physics is highly recommended, but not required!
S9788: Neural Circuits in Animal Behavior Full!
Difficulty: **
Teachers:
Xiangyu Zhang
This class focus on the neuronal circuits involved in animal behaviors, such as social interaction, aggression and obsessive compulsive disorders. This class will cover latest technologies and behavior assays used in current neuroscience research as well as related neurodevelopmental disorders, including autism and schizophrenia.
S9730: Quantum Mechanics Done Right
Difficulty: **
Teachers:
Aaron Dunbrack
I'm going to try to teach quantum mechanics in a way that is both completely accurate and completely comprehensible - sweeping a few details of calculations under the rug, of course. We'll begin by discussing what the world "really is" in quantum mechanics, then interpret that in terms of words like "superposition" and "entanglement." I'll also try to discuss some more advanced topics, like "decoherence," "Hilbert space" and "unitarity." Finally, depending on time, I'll expand on different interpretations of quantum mechanics, including hidden variable, collapse, many-worlds, and information-theoretic formulations.
Prerequisites
Do not take if also taking "Linear Algebra and Modern Physics"; this class will be redundant. Some intuition for geometry (particularly vectors) will be very helpful here.
Prerequisites
Do not take if also taking "Linear Algebra and Modern Physics"; this class will be redundant. Some intuition for geometry (particularly vectors) will be very helpful here.
S9744: 65 Million Years: Life After the Dinosaurs
Difficulty: *
Teachers:
Mary Spanjers
The K-T extinction wiped out the dinosaurs 65 million years ago. We all know that, but then what? Ancient Egypt? Nope, the vast majority of the Cenozoic Era. Sometimes called "The Age of Mammals", the Cenozoic represented a major increase in biodiversity, because with giant reptiles out of the way, survival gets way easier. Come learn about what happens after dinosaurs. After all, a lot can happen in 65 million years.
S9868: The Age of the Universe
Difficulty: **
Teachers:
Matt DeCross
The universe is pretty much the oldest thing around! We'll discuss the various efforts historically to derive an accurate formula for its age before learning the modern method directly from first principles, and computing [the officially recognized value] using values of observables from the Planck 2013 satellite. Along the way we'll also derive a fundamental equation in physics (the Friedmann equation) and learn how cosmology uses the tools of both quantum mechanics and general relativity (no prior knowledge of either necessary).
Prerequisites
Familiarity with AB or BC Calc level material not required, but helpful (solving some basic ODEs involved). AP Physics C not required, but helpful. You should be able to write down the total mechanical energy of a particle orbiting in Newtonian gravity.
Prerequisites
Familiarity with AB or BC Calc level material not required, but helpful (solving some basic ODEs involved). AP Physics C not required, but helpful. You should be able to write down the total mechanical energy of a particle orbiting in Newtonian gravity.
S9908: Exoplanet Excavation
Difficulty: *
Teachers:
Caitlin Fischer,
Lizhou Sha
How can we discover exoplanets when they're so insanely hard to observe? We'll learn how, and also look at the current methods of discovering planets beyond our solar system and see exactly why these objects are so hard to confirm.
The class will also discuss what else we can deduce about these planets, why this science matters, and what the future is for the field.
The class will also discuss what else we can deduce about these planets, why this science matters, and what the future is for the field.
S9803: Science and Models
Difficulty: **
Teachers:
Tyler Pleasant
What is a model and science? At what points do scientific and model thinking converge and diverge? Does science truly provide explanations of the world?
This class will cover these questions while focusing on describing, comparing, and analyzing the respective strengths and weaknesses of science and models.
This course will introduce some philosophy of science ideas such as Scientific Underdeterminism, the meaning of scientific explanation, and how science changes. Through exposure to these topics, you will be able to see the role models have in science and be able to evaluate both science and the current system in society for scientific research.
This class will cover these questions while focusing on describing, comparing, and analyzing the respective strengths and weaknesses of science and models.
This course will introduce some philosophy of science ideas such as Scientific Underdeterminism, the meaning of scientific explanation, and how science changes. Through exposure to these topics, you will be able to see the role models have in science and be able to evaluate both science and the current system in society for scientific research.
S10142: Ask Anything about Science
Difficulty: **
Teachers:
Stephen Face,
Anubhav Sinha
Ever wondered about the world around us? Come to this class to get your questions answered! You provide the questions and we'll try to provide the answers!
Prerequisites
Interest in learning things! Please bring at least one question!
Prerequisites
Interest in learning things! Please bring at least one question!
S10171: Ising on the Cake
Difficulty: ****
Teachers:
Lane Gunderman
Like cake? How about two level quantum system theory? This class will discuss and play with the two level lattice quantum system model known as the Ising model. Perhaps you've heard of the Ising model as a description for magnetic systems, however, this is (as is provable) equivalent to a two level quantum system.
In this class we'll talk about the 1 dimensional model, mean field approximation, and (time allowing) simulations of nonsquare, tessellated coordinate systems.
There may be cake. Or perhaps the cake will be a lie.
Prerequisites
A familiarity with statistical mechanics or quantum mechanics will be handy, and I will attempt to explain formulae which are confusing. I will try to formulate the class so that some familiarity will be expected, but gaps can be filled in quickly. In addition, we might do some simulations involving the model type, so being able to understand code will be useful but not necessary as I'll explain parts which are confusing. Also, you should be prepared to get confused/lost in this class as, if Lane prepares properly, this class should be challenging for even most Graduate level students to follow. Om nom nom...
In this class we'll talk about the 1 dimensional model, mean field approximation, and (time allowing) simulations of nonsquare, tessellated coordinate systems.
There may be cake. Or perhaps the cake will be a lie.
Prerequisites
A familiarity with statistical mechanics or quantum mechanics will be handy, and I will attempt to explain formulae which are confusing. I will try to formulate the class so that some familiarity will be expected, but gaps can be filled in quickly. In addition, we might do some simulations involving the model type, so being able to understand code will be useful but not necessary as I'll explain parts which are confusing. Also, you should be prepared to get confused/lost in this class as, if Lane prepares properly, this class should be challenging for even most Graduate level students to follow. Om nom nom...
S9996: Listening to Prozac
Difficulty: ***
Teachers:
Riley Drake
Depression takes more days of productive work than any other single disease. Modern anti-depressants seem to effectively treat, and sometimes cure depression. Modern anti-depressants also have fewer side effects then their predecessors -- and are used more often. The goal of anti-depressant treatment is a returning sense of self. In his treatment of patients, Peter Kramer recognized that when treated with Prozac (even in cases of minor depression) his patients underwent drastic personality changes.
We'll discuss the known neurochemistry behind the dismantling of the self. Using case studies and clinical data we will evaluate Kramer's claims that prozac can and does cause drastic personality changes.
We'll discuss the known neurochemistry behind the dismantling of the self. Using case studies and clinical data we will evaluate Kramer's claims that prozac can and does cause drastic personality changes.
S9912: How to build an atomic bomb?
Difficulty: **
Teachers:
Cannon Vogel
Ever wanted to know the secrets to ultimate world destruction? Fascinated by the mysterious ways of atoms? Then come learn vague theory behind the devices that could be the end of the world as we know it! This class will be a crash course in the basics of fission meant for people who want to be completely hosed and leave questioning their future safety. Promise it won't leave you MAD.
Prerequisites
A burning passion to understand what it would be like to burn the world. (Also, recommended interest in math and physics.)
Prerequisites
A burning passion to understand what it would be like to burn the world. (Also, recommended interest in math and physics.)
S9786: Quantum mechanical bombs!
Difficulty: **
Teachers:
Drew Bent,
Jorge Troncoso
Learn quantum mechanics not through gnarly equations, but through elegant thought experiments! You'll discover how a bomb-making factory could use quantum mechanics to test its bombs (without blowing off the roof) and how single photons of light are able to simultaneously cover two paths at once. This is a class that works from first principles and intuition, so anyone and everyone is welcome to attend.
S9741: General Chemistry Cram
Difficulty: **
Teachers:
Yue Zhang
Chemistry is everywhere and explains so much of what we interact with daily. This class teaches the fundamentals of first year college chemistry with topics including stoichiometry, solubility, gases, thermochemistry, atomic theory, hybridization, bonding, colligative properties, kinetics, equilibrium, thermodynamics, acid-base theory, electrochemistry, and properties of elements. This class will cover most, if not all of AP chemistry. This class lasts about 4 hours.
Prerequisites
Knowledge of high school algebra is recommended. No chemistry experience is required!
Prerequisites
Knowledge of high school algebra is recommended. No chemistry experience is required!
S10014: Your Basic Physics Course Covered in Less than an Hour!
Difficulty: **
Teachers:
Caity Looby
Ever wanted to know exactly what physics consists of, but never have the time? Have no fear! This class will go through the topics of your basic physics course in less than an hour. This is meant for students who have never taken physics before or who have very little background in physics.
S9659: Some Actually Interesting Mathematics in Biology
Difficulty: ***
Teachers:
Jason Hyun
High school biology neglects math, but we don't have to. Want to model cell metabolism as a thousand by thousand matrix? Want to see how graph theory made DNA sequencing outpace Moore's law? Come learn how real math makes modern biology tick.
Prerequisites
Conceptual understanding of matrices, optimization problems, and graphs (graph theory) at a basic level.
Prerequisites
Conceptual understanding of matrices, optimization problems, and graphs (graph theory) at a basic level.
S9875: Bizarre biology facts
Difficulty: *
Dung beetles use the Milky Way to navigate. Polar bears have black skin. Sloths can achieve speeds of up to 20mph in the right conditions. Chameleons change color to show emotions. Llamas are closely related to camels. There are monkeys native to South America. Some of these facts are false; can you tell which ones? In this class I'll tell you about lots of crazy new findings in biology, and I'll let you decide which ones are true.
S10144: The Chemistry of Stink
Difficulty: **
Teachers:
Andrew Thompson
We have been so obsessed with ridding the world of odor that the art of using your nose to investigate science is being lost. By examining the chemistry of some common odious odors and the chemicals used to eradicate them, I hope to give you a more sophisticated understanding of the things in your household cabinets and the esoteric experience of judging a chemical's or microbe's identity by smell alone.
Prerequisites
Some basic knowledge of acids and bases.
Prerequisites
Some basic knowledge of acids and bases.
S9713: Analyzing Alien Worlds
Difficulty: **
Teachers:
Nicholas Mondrik
What do train whistles have to do with finding planets around other stars? Where should we make our first stop on our quest to colonize the galaxy? How did we go from 0 to over 1500 confirmed exoplanets in just 20 years? We’ll answer these questions and more as we explore the detection and characterization of extrasolar planets!
Prerequisites
Trigonometry. Knowledge of the electromagnetic spectrum (wavelength, frequency, speed of light, etc) is helpful but not required.
Prerequisites
Trigonometry. Knowledge of the electromagnetic spectrum (wavelength, frequency, speed of light, etc) is helpful but not required.
S9907: Introduction to Biochemistry
Difficulty: **
Teachers:
Jody Sharninghausen
Come develop an intuition for organic chemistry and functional group reactivity!
Learn about key chemical structures at the basis of life.
Prerequisites
One year of chemistry. Biology helpful but not required.
Learn about key chemical structures at the basis of life.
Prerequisites
One year of chemistry. Biology helpful but not required.
S10012: Head in the Clouds - Understanding Clouds and Capturing Your Own Cloud Time-Lapses
Difficulty: **
Teachers:
Benjamin Brown-Steiner
All of us see clouds in the sky on a daily basis but very few of us give them a second thought. You may know what a Cumulus cloud is, and have an idea of what a Cirrus cloud looks like, but have you ever seen the fleeting and majestic Kelvin-Helmholtz wave cloud? How about the common and beautiful Altocumulus stratiformis translucidus undulatus?
In this class, you will learn how to identify the basic cloud types and explore the amazing variety of species, subspecies, and special cloud types. You will explore some of the science behind cloud formation, their dynamics, and their impact on our daily lives. You will also learn how to make your own cloud time-lapses with simple apps that are available on most smartphones and tablets.
There are no prerequisites for this class except for curiosity about the world around you and the willingness to put your head in the clouds!
In this class, you will learn how to identify the basic cloud types and explore the amazing variety of species, subspecies, and special cloud types. You will explore some of the science behind cloud formation, their dynamics, and their impact on our daily lives. You will also learn how to make your own cloud time-lapses with simple apps that are available on most smartphones and tablets.
There are no prerequisites for this class except for curiosity about the world around you and the willingness to put your head in the clouds!
S9834: Nuclear Accidents
Difficulty: ***
Teachers:
Jake Hecla
Chernobyl, Fukushima and Three Mile Island are some of the best known industrial accidents in history. In this class, I will present technical overviews of the accidents, as well commentary on the differing interpretations of their effects on industry and the environment.
Prerequisites
Read the Wikipedia article on nuclear power.
Prerequisites
Read the Wikipedia article on nuclear power.
S9750: Fundamentals of Organic Chemistry
Difficulty: ***
Teachers:
Kenneth Wang
This course will aim to provide the fundamentals for an understanding of organic chemistry. We will especially explore Molecular Orbital Theory and use it to explore many phenomenons in organic chemistry. We will also discuss energy diagrams, and how they're essential to reactivity. Interspersed through all of this will be plenty of example reactions and situations. This will provide a strong foundation and a causal understanding of organic chemistry for the "All of Organic Chemistry in 3 Hours" class.
Prerequisites
Prior chemistry knowledge is a must, preferably at the AP level. No organic chemistry background is required.
Prerequisites
Prior chemistry knowledge is a must, preferably at the AP level. No organic chemistry background is required.
S10114: The Early Solar System
Difficulty: **
Teachers:
Jonathan Hurowitz
The solar system is a cool place! Come learn about our solar system's life cycle, from supernova to planets. Topics covered include solar system formation & composition, the future of our system, and a brief look into other solar systems and exoplanets.
Prerequisites
Physics mechanics (algebra-based). Some chemistry would be helpful but not required.
Prerequisites
Physics mechanics (algebra-based). Some chemistry would be helpful but not required.
S9743: Don't Touch the King Cobra: An Exploration of Venomous Creatures
Difficulty: *
Teachers:
Mary Spanjers
Venom is one of the most incredible adaptations in the animal kingdom. The ability of such a wide variety of animals to use chemical warfare to kill their prey in such an exact way is one of the most exceptional examples of natural selection. We'll explore the topic by grouping various types of venom and get a better idea of how it works inside the body. When it comes to venomous creatures one thing's clear: don't touch the King Cobra!
S9957: The Scoop on Space Poop: How Astronauts Go Potty
Difficulty: *
Teachers:
Ceili Burdhimo
Curious about how astronauts go to the bathroom in space? Ever wonder how they did it during Apollo or how they're going to do it in the future? Come to my class to learn all about potties in space.
S9665: The Magical Beauty of Parasitic Wasps
Difficulty: **
Teachers:
Peter LoVerso
Parasites have gotten a bad rap over the past couple centuries. They’ve been looked down upon as inferior, broken organisms that deserve to be objects of disgust, rather than study. But because of attitudes such as this, some of the most wondrous and complex biological pathways we know of have been left by the wayside. Here, we will look at the intricacies of mind control, neurosurgery, and symbiotic viruses through the study of Ampulex compressa and Cotesia congragata.
Warning: this class will be looking at pictures and videos of parasitization. This includes videos and pictures of wasp larvae eating caterpillars, spiders, and other organisms alive. If pictures like this make you feel squeamish: http://i.imgur.com/RWBI8.jpg (Warning, it’s a picture of some larva emerging from a caterpillar),
then this may not be the class for you.
Warning: this class will be looking at pictures and videos of parasitization. This includes videos and pictures of wasp larvae eating caterpillars, spiders, and other organisms alive. If pictures like this make you feel squeamish: http://i.imgur.com/RWBI8.jpg (Warning, it’s a picture of some larva emerging from a caterpillar),
then this may not be the class for you.
S10175: Introduction to Statistical Mechanics
Difficulty: ***
Teachers:
Lane Gunderman
Like statistics? Love mechanics? Well, this class isn't about either of those really, but its good if you like those things. This class will justify many of the more common chemistry formulas using very basic principles. It will not require too much science knowledge, but will require much math skills. This will be fun and a new way to look at simple science principles.
Prerequisites
A vague knowledge of chemistry and/or physics is useful but not too needed. Instead you should have much math skills, like being able to do integrals and handle some strong math fudging.
Prerequisites
A vague knowledge of chemistry and/or physics is useful but not too needed. Instead you should have much math skills, like being able to do integrals and handle some strong math fudging.
S9676: Microbiome 101: What's In Your Poo?
Difficulty: *
Teachers:
Claire Duvallet,
Dalia Walzer
Trillions of bacteria, viruses, and fungi live in the human body, that are collectively known as the microbiome. Research on the microbiome is exploding; we're just beginning to learn about how bacteria may affect the way we smell, eat, and maybe even the way we behave. Come learn about this fascinating ecosystem inside our bodies, and learn about how bacteria in poo-- yes, poo-- can save lives.
Prerequisites
A willingness to indulge in poo puns.
Prerequisites
A willingness to indulge in poo puns.
S9671: The Science of 3D - Why Does It Pop Out Like That?
Difficulty: **
Teachers:
John Gregg
In this hands-on course, we will explore the phenomenon of 3D, the "pop-out" effect of 3D movies, ViewMasters, and the like. We will see examples of many different ways this effect has been achieved since its discovery, and talk about (and see, and touch) related technologies.
S9878: Wave-Particle Duality, Uncertainty Principle and Schrödinger Equation
Difficulty: ***
Teachers:
Vitaly Andreev
In this course I would like to show the first insight into the formulation of modern quantum mechanics. The goal is to gain a deeper understanding of the wave-particle duality.
I will first introduce the concept of a "wave function", "operator" or "observable" and show how it leads to the general uncertainty principle between physical quantities. This brings us to the Schrödinger equation, where we will discuss its solution for the hydrogen atom. Finally, I will give a very brief outlook for the development of quantum mechanics after the Schrödinger equation, e.g. its relativistic description which leads to Antimatter and Quantum Field Theory.
Prerequisites
Very basic understanding of: Blackbody radiation, Photoelectric effect, Discrete energy level structure of atoms, Scattering of photons by charged particles (Compton effect), Wave-particle duality (see course "The Story of 8 Nobel Prizes: Historical Development of Quantum and Atomic Physics"). Some very basic knowledge of special relativity, Fourier transform, differential/integral calculus is advantageous but not necessary.
I will first introduce the concept of a "wave function", "operator" or "observable" and show how it leads to the general uncertainty principle between physical quantities. This brings us to the Schrödinger equation, where we will discuss its solution for the hydrogen atom. Finally, I will give a very brief outlook for the development of quantum mechanics after the Schrödinger equation, e.g. its relativistic description which leads to Antimatter and Quantum Field Theory.
Prerequisites
Very basic understanding of: Blackbody radiation, Photoelectric effect, Discrete energy level structure of atoms, Scattering of photons by charged particles (Compton effect), Wave-particle duality (see course "The Story of 8 Nobel Prizes: Historical Development of Quantum and Atomic Physics"). Some very basic knowledge of special relativity, Fourier transform, differential/integral calculus is advantageous but not necessary.
S9777: Addiction Neuroscience
Difficulty: **
Teachers:
Dustin Hayden
How addictive behaviors form is a fascinatingly complex question. What do drugs do to the brain? Why do these brain regions that form addictive behaviors exist? These questions will be answered as we explore the brain on drugs.
Prerequisites
While background in Neuroscience isn't expected (a brief introduction will be provided), reading the first chapter or two in an introductory Neuroscience book should make you more than ready for this course.
Prerequisites
While background in Neuroscience isn't expected (a brief introduction will be provided), reading the first chapter or two in an introductory Neuroscience book should make you more than ready for this course.
S9940: Introduction to Amateur Radio
Difficulty: *
Teachers:
Nadya Bedford
Come learn how to legally increase your power limit when communicating electromagnetically, make friends and allies in other countries when conventional data networks go down, and join a community of unconventional weirdos in the playground of light we don't see! No experience required.
S9666: Bioethics and 2015
Difficulty: **
Teachers:
Peter LoVerso
As the biotech and bioinformatics industry continues to grow rapidly in the US, genomic sequencing of patients is becoming more common. This brings with it a whole host of ethical issues of what is appropriate to do with that data.
Topics discussed will include privacy, eugenics, 23andme, commercial rights, DNA databases, genetic screening, and future possibilities such as engineering humans.
This is not a lecture-based course. Come with an open mind, but be prepared to defend your opinions!
Topics discussed will include privacy, eugenics, 23andme, commercial rights, DNA databases, genetic screening, and future possibilities such as engineering humans.
This is not a lecture-based course. Come with an open mind, but be prepared to defend your opinions!
S10074: Genome Editing: The CRISPR Revolution
Difficulty: **
Teachers:
Sara Volz
DNA is the blueprint for life: but what if we could edit this blueprint ourselves? We'll discuss how biologists can do just that, harnessing the power of an ancient bacterial immune system called CRISPR to rewrite genomes for applications ranging from research to medicine to energy.
S9761: Electric brain
Difficulty: **
Teachers:
Lou Beaulieu-Laroche
The brain uses electrical signals to sense the environment and do things. In my research, I get to measure electrical currents from mouse brains. Come learn about the role of electricity in the brain and the techniques we can use to study it.
S9856: Hardware Store Chemistry
Difficulty: *
Teachers:
Christopher Hillenbrand,
David Wang
Ever buy a chemistry set and been disappointed by the conspicuous absence of anything interesting? Take this class and find out what chemical reactions can be done with only items from retail chains (answer: a worrisome number). You'll also hear tales of past makeshift chemistry masters.
Disclaimer: please do not actually do these things at home. If you go to your chemistry teacher with a thorough proposal for an experiment, you can probably convince him/her to help you with it.
Disclaimer: please do not actually do these things at home. If you go to your chemistry teacher with a thorough proposal for an experiment, you can probably convince him/her to help you with it.
S9721: Anthropomorphism
Difficulty: **
Teachers:
Krysten Gouveia
In this course, we will discuss anthropomorphism, why we do it, and why we shouldn't. We will also discuss whether or not we as humans either over-utilize this term or underestimate it. Where are the boundaries between the concepts of humans and animals? We will explore all potential ideas, and have a lot of class discussion about these ideas.
S9693: The Science of Chocolate Full!
Difficulty: *
Do you love chocolate? Ever wonder why chocolate melts in your mouth? Or gets dry and crumbly when it's old? Join us to discover the science and engineering behind chocolate! Learn how to go from a cocoa bean to a truffle and discover phase diagrams, nucleation, and a little bit of history while you're at it. Ample chocolate will be provided.
S9725: Introduction to Quantum Mechanics
Difficulty: ***
Teachers:
Marcus Boorstin
Ever heard quantum mechanics talked about in vague or mystical terms but never understood it rigorously? We’ll give a (mathematical) introduction to quantum mechanics, use it to explore some basic problems, and then depending on what the class is interested in discuss other topics in QM (the uncertainty principle, states of the hydrogen atom, etc).
Prerequisites
Some calculus (you should know what derivatives and integrals are); more math and/or physics may help you appreciate what’s going on but probably isn’t necessary.
Prerequisites
Some calculus (you should know what derivatives and integrals are); more math and/or physics may help you appreciate what’s going on but probably isn’t necessary.
S9992: Eleven Blue Men: Advanced Topics in Murder
Difficulty: ***
Teachers:
Riley Drake
No longer consider yourself a beginner in murder, and want to become an expert?
Come hear enthralling tales of forensic detection (and the science behind them!)
Come hear enthralling tales of forensic detection (and the science behind them!)
S9681: Why do apples fall? From Galileo to Einstein
Difficulty: *
Teachers:
Le Nguyen Hoang
This question has puzzled great thinkers for centuries, but it's only in the early 20th century that Albert Einstein would finally provide a full explanation of the falling of the apples. In this class, we review the history of the theories of gravity, starting with Aristotle, Galileo, Newton and ending with Einstein.
The class is based on this article: http://www.science4all.org/le-nguyen-hoang/gravity/
The class is based on this article: http://www.science4all.org/le-nguyen-hoang/gravity/
S9658: Is this Electric Shock as Painful as this Noise is Loud? (An Introduction to Psychophysics)
Difficulty: **
Teachers:
Adam Strandberg
Is this electric shock as painful as this noise is loud? Is this color as blue as this ice is cold? Is this building as tall as this taste is spicy?
From the perspective of a physicist, these questions make no sense. You're comparing apples and oranges! And yet, they make perfect sense to ordinary humans. Why? We'll explore some of the answers in this class, using the power of cognitive science and psychophysics.
From the perspective of a physicist, these questions make no sense. You're comparing apples and oranges! And yet, they make perfect sense to ordinary humans. Why? We'll explore some of the answers in this class, using the power of cognitive science and psychophysics.
S9959: Tissue Engineering, Magic Bullets and More - Polymers in Medicine
Difficulty: **
Teachers:
Elizabeth Sterner
Many of today's most exciting advances in medicine rely on polymers to get the job done. Whether is a tiny particle that delivers drugs to a tumor without targeting healthy tissue, implants that help regrow bone, muscle and nerves, or surface layers that prevent scarring and infection, cleverly designed plastics, gels, and single chains are at the forefront of medical research. This class will give you an introduction to the broad areas of research and recent advances in this crucial field.
Prerequisites
Some chemistry and physics will be useful, but course places emphasis on broad concepts.
Prerequisites
Some chemistry and physics will be useful, but course places emphasis on broad concepts.
S9838: Big Bang, Dark Matter & Co.: Introduction to Cosmology
Difficulty: ***
Teachers:
Vitaly Andreev
This is a very brief introduction to physical cosmology!
For example, I will cover following questions:
- What does the General Theory of Relativity tell us about spacetime?
- How do we know that the visible universe expands and that it must have been very hot and very small around 13.7 billion years ago?
- What is the Cosmic Microwave Background and why is it so essential for cosmology?
- How can we determine the parameters of our universe?
- What do physicists mean by "dark matter" and "dark energy"?
- How do we know that there is something like "dark matter" and "dark energy" in our universe?
- Is there any conflict between science and religion when talking about the Big Bang?
Of course, these questions involve very deep and complex concepts in physics, but I will give a small overview and a first insight into them. I think that complex concepts can be explained in a simple way!
Prerequisites
No particular prerequisites, I won't be using difficult equations. Just your passion for physics is needed! But since some concepts in cosmology may be difficult to understand when you hear it for the first time, I marked it as a "***" course.
For example, I will cover following questions:
- What does the General Theory of Relativity tell us about spacetime?
- How do we know that the visible universe expands and that it must have been very hot and very small around 13.7 billion years ago?
- What is the Cosmic Microwave Background and why is it so essential for cosmology?
- How can we determine the parameters of our universe?
- What do physicists mean by "dark matter" and "dark energy"?
- How do we know that there is something like "dark matter" and "dark energy" in our universe?
- Is there any conflict between science and religion when talking about the Big Bang?
Of course, these questions involve very deep and complex concepts in physics, but I will give a small overview and a first insight into them. I think that complex concepts can be explained in a simple way!
Prerequisites
No particular prerequisites, I won't be using difficult equations. Just your passion for physics is needed! But since some concepts in cosmology may be difficult to understand when you hear it for the first time, I marked it as a "***" course.
S9751: All of Organic Chemistry in 3 hours
Difficulty: ***
Teachers:
Kenneth Wang
Fine, we won't cover ALL of organic chemistry, but we will do a fast survey of a wide breadth of organic chemical reactions. We will explore how functional groups can be converted into other functional groups, and how it all comes together in the chemical synthesis of a molecule. Get ready for an exciting, fast ride through a great deal of organic chemistry!
Prerequisites
A chemistry background is preferred. Ability to understand Lewis Structures and resonance is also crucial. "Fundamentals of Organic Chemistry" is highly recommended.
Prerequisites
A chemistry background is preferred. Ability to understand Lewis Structures and resonance is also crucial. "Fundamentals of Organic Chemistry" is highly recommended.
S9705: Genome Editing 101
Difficulty: *
Teachers:
Megan Warner
Scientists have worked for years trying to find easy ways to "fix" problems that give rise to human disease. The recent development of easy to use genome editing tools has creating hope for many new cures, but has also sparked worldwide controversy over its potential use to create "perfect" humans. Come learn how this new technology works and explore some of its implications for human society.
Prerequisites
Introductory Biology helpful, but not required
Prerequisites
Introductory Biology helpful, but not required
[Deprecated] Walk-in Activity
W9646: Sea Shantey Singing
Difficulty: **
Teachers:
Mehitabel Glenhaber
Arr, me hearties, come sing some easy to learn songs of adventure on the high seas. Unleash your inner pirate! (Eye-patch optional.)
W9718: Learn Food Tongue by Immersion
Difficulty: **
Mint-apple sauce food tongue. Pear spinach sauce food tongue. Pear wonton pasta-peach-sauce food tongue? Pear shrimp kumquat plantain mint-apple clam peach-sauce pear!
W9580: ScienceBowl
Difficulty: **
Teachers:
Jack Gurev,
Ahaan Rungta
The High School National Science Bowl (NSB) is a science knowledge competition using a quiz bowl format. A buzzer system similar to those seen on popular television game shows is used to signal an answer. Come play high school ScienceBowl in teams of four for fun!
W9808: The Game of Mao
Difficulty: **
Teachers:
Tuesday Mueller-Harder,
Zachary Zagorski
Ever played Mao before? …Great!
This is a mysterious, difficult card game that you learn as you play. Come to figure out how it works, if you can. Mao is filled with penalties that don't make sense at first, but if you stick with it to figure them out, you'll be glad you did!
This is a mysterious, difficult card game that you learn as you play. Come to figure out how it works, if you can. Mao is filled with penalties that don't make sense at first, but if you stick with it to figure them out, you'll be glad you did!
W9858: The Game of Go
Difficulty: **
Teachers:
Brian Lee,
Jeffrey Shen
Go is a 2-player board game originating in ancient China. The rules to Go are very simple and easy to learn, but playing well requires deep strategical thinking. No matter your skill level, feel free to stop by and play!
W9859: Paper Staple Madness
Difficulty: **
Teachers:
Zachary Abel
Put your "cut here" and "staple there" skills to good use while constructing fun, wavy, bouncy, intricate polyhedral structures! Patterns will be provided.
W10057: Arts, Crafts and Friendship
Difficulty: **
Come chill with us between classes and knit, crochet, sew, paint, draw (and more) with us!
W9816: Fast Figure Drawing: The Art of the Gesture
Difficulty: **
Teachers:
Tia Heywood
Think you can't draw? You're wrong! (Unless you answered that you CAN, of course). Together we'll practice gesture drawing, in a flurry of crayons and poses —an entry point for learning to draw figures. Stop by to stretch your body, brain, and creative impulses!
W9864: MAFIA
Difficulty: **
Teachers:
Francesca Majluf
Deception. Leadership. Murder. Sleep.
What else can you ask for?
What else can you ask for?
W9935: Fun with Modular Origami
Difficulty: **
Teachers:
Tracy Cheng
Come fold modular origami with us! All levels welcome :D
W10061: Knot Fun
Difficulty: **
Teachers:
Sophie Mori
This is going to be knot fun! If you don't have all your time tied up in classes, come to walk-ins and I'll show you the ropes of lots of knots.
W10207: Poi!
Difficulty: **
Teachers:
Mikayla Murphy,
Kerrie Wu
Want to learn how to spin poi and do cool tricks in between your classes? Come to the poi walk-in! Poi are balls on the end of a string. No experience is required!
W10052: Pipe Cleaner Animals and Other Figurines
Difficulty: **
Teachers:
Caity Looby
We will be making different types of animals and other small figurines out of pipe cleaners
W9631: Origami
Difficulty: **
Teachers:
Yongquan Lu
Come fold things with OrigaMIT, MIT’s origami club! We’ll provide paper, diagrams and help.
W9937: Logic Grids
Difficulty: **
Teachers:
Lee Friedman
Do you consider yourself a rather logical person? Do you like theoretical math? Do you enjoy puzzles? If you answered yes to any of these questions, then you seem like the type of person who would enjoy logic puzzles.
Come if you want to learn how to solve this exciting kind of puzzle, or if you already know how but just want to have fun practicing your puzzle skills.
Come if you want to learn how to solve this exciting kind of puzzle, or if you already know how but just want to have fun practicing your puzzle skills.
W10192: Kindergarten
Difficulty: **
Teachers:
Elizabeth Berg
Have you been spending Splash running from one advanced math class to another? Do you miss Kindergarten, when you would spend all day coloring and building with blocks? So do we! Take a break from learning philosophy or physics, and come join us in Splash Kindergarten. There will be legos, coloring, snack time, and more.
W10094: See, touch, and type on a (real, live) typewriter!
Difficulty: **
Teachers:
William Navarre
Do you vaguely know what a typewriter is?
Do you know that it makes a dinging sound sometimes? Do you have any idea what that means? Hint: It has something to do with manual-carriage-return.
Come see for yourself how the thing works.
Do you know that it makes a dinging sound sometimes? Do you have any idea what that means? Hint: It has something to do with manual-carriage-return.
Come see for yourself how the thing works.
W10167: Slightly Linguisticsful Linguistics Problem Solving
Difficulty: **
Teachers:
Adam Hesterberg
The following six English sentences are translations, in random order, of the following six Kurmanji Kurdish sentences:
A. You see Bear. 1. Ez h'irç'ê dibînim
B. You see me. 2. Tu dir'evî
C. Bear runs. 3. Tu min dibînî
D. You run. 4. H'irç' dir'eve
E. I see Bear. 5. Ez dir'evim
F. I run. 6. Tu h'irç'ê dibînî
Which is which, and what does "H'irç min dibîne" mean?
Stop by and solve some logic puzzlesl ike that one, which don't need any prior linguistics knowledge, and see how they relate to the major branches of linguistics: how to go from a mouth to sounds to words to sentences to meaning.
A. You see Bear. 1. Ez h'irç'ê dibînim
B. You see me. 2. Tu dir'evî
C. Bear runs. 3. Tu min dibînî
D. You run. 4. H'irç' dir'eve
E. I see Bear. 5. Ez dir'evim
F. I run. 6. Tu h'irç'ê dibînî
Which is which, and what does "H'irç min dibîne" mean?
Stop by and solve some logic puzzlesl ike that one, which don't need any prior linguistics knowledge, and see how they relate to the major branches of linguistics: how to go from a mouth to sounds to words to sentences to meaning.
W9956: Learn the Chinese Yo-Yo!
Difficulty: **
Teachers:
Benjamin Chan,
Mikayla Murphy
The Chinese Yo-Yo, also known as Diabolo, has been a popular circus prop for many years. Come learn how to play with this fun toy that also is an important part of Chinese heritage!
W9764: Music Jam
Difficulty: **
Teachers:
Jonah Philion
The best way to learn how to improvise is to do it with other people! Come to listen, learn, and/or play. Saxophonists, pianists, singers, jazz enthousiasts, guitarists, and percussionists are all welcome. We will perform music that could be categorized as jazz, classical, rock, R&B, and maybe even some rap.
W10100: Learn Something, Teach Something
Difficulty: **
Teachers:
Miriam Gershenson
Hopefully you've learned a few cool things in your time at Splash. Now come teach them! We'll split into groups to discuss anything from your earlier classes that you liked and want to share, and then you'll have the opportunity to optionally give a short presentation.
W9582: Mutant Plushie Lab
Difficulty: **
Teachers:
E Rosser
Create an army of mis-matched minions to unleash your vengeance on the world! Or, you know, just see what a teddy with an alligator head would look like. If you would rather play with Sid's toys than Andy's, this is the activity for you. No prior sewing/gene splicing experience required.
W9594: Mahjong
Difficulty: **
Teachers:
George Liu-Krason
Mahjong is a multiplayer tile game originating from Asia. It is a game that requires skill and strategic thinking but also involves an element of luck. All skill levels are welcome whether you're new
to the game or have been playing for a long time.
to the game or have been playing for a long time.
W9603: The Eleusis Walk-In
Difficulty: **
Teachers:
Michael Donnelly
Find the hidden patterns in a sequence of playing cards, or deal out your own secret and vie for longest card run of the weekend!
Eleusis lets you test your inductive reasoning against the pattern making of a fellow student, and is a fun activity for 15 minutes or for hours at a time.
Eleusis lets you test your inductive reasoning against the pattern making of a fellow student, and is a fun activity for 15 minutes or for hours at a time.
W10103: Beginner Ukulele
Have a bit of extra time between classes and want to learn a cool skill in minutes? Come learn to play the ukulele! Or if you already know how to play the ukulele, come impress us with your amazing musical ability. Whether you're a ukulele virtuoso or have never picked one up before, come by, pick one up, and play with us!
W10211: Arts-y Crafts-y Sustainability-y!
Difficulty: **
We will be talking about waste disposal and how to compost and recycle anywhere! If you like sustainability or want to hear about how MIT does sustainability, stop by our class. We will also be making recycled art and more with materials that could have just been thrown away. Everyone will walk away with a special piece smile emoticon Hosted by UA Sustainability
W10214: Liquid Nitrogen Ice Cream
Difficulty: **
We'll make you some really cool ice cream.
[Deprecated] Miscellaneous
X9781: Products Full!
Difficulty: *
Teachers:
Forest Tong
What makes Gmail so successful as a product, when there are hundreds of other email services? What metrics can you measure to decide what features to add to a product? How can you understand what users want when they may not know themselves?
Come ponder the myriad considerations that go into product development, and brainstorm your own product ideas! More questions will be raised than answered.
Come ponder the myriad considerations that go into product development, and brainstorm your own product ideas! More questions will be raised than answered.
X9980: Stretch Break!
Difficulty: *
Teachers:
Lillia Baird
Take a break from wandering around MIT carrying heavy coats and heavier books. Come and stretch! Have a specific thing you want to learn stretches for? We got that. Want to just stretch in general? You can do that too.
Anyone is free to stretch with us, regardless of flexibility or anything else.
I might also toss in a little bit of theory behind stretching if people want. Who knows.
Anyone is free to stretch with us, regardless of flexibility or anything else.
I might also toss in a little bit of theory behind stretching if people want. Who knows.
X9924: Amazing Insects
Difficulty: **
Teachers:
David Rolnick
Come learn about beetles with suction cups, ants that explode, and wasps that use metal-tipped drills! Find out why fruit is red and what the fireflies are talking about when they glow. Look at insects that pretend to be poop, insects that hide in poop, and insects that eat poop. In this class, we will see why insects are so interesting and, in many cases, beautiful.
Prerequisites
None
Prerequisites
None
X10063: Rugby Basics Full!
Difficulty: *
Teachers:
Christi Dawydiak
Come learn the basic rules of rugby inside and then put your skills into actions with some drills and touch rugby outside. No previous sports experience necessary!
X9837: How to Argue about Anything Full!
Difficulty: *
Teachers:
Caitlin Fischer,
Angelina Li
Want to be able to form a coherent, substantial argument about anything? Want to practice your impromptu debate skills? We’ll talk about how to structure an argument and come up with solid points in a really short timeframe, then put those skills into practice with some debates!
X10104: Intro to Motorsports
Difficulty: **
Teachers:
Dirk Stahlecker
What do the words "bump drafting", "understeer", "blowover", and "grand prix" all have in common? Awesome motorsports! Come learn all about the vast and exciting world of NASCAR, Formula 1, IndyCar, Drag Racing, and more!
X9783: Why NASCAR is Awesome
Difficulty: **
Teachers:
Dirk Stahlecker
Whether you're a NASCAR fan looking to learn more about the technical aspects of the sport or someone who has never even seen a race before, this class is for you! Come learn all about NASCAR racing, from the cars and tracks to the strategy and engineering behind the vehicles.
X9862: How to Save the World
Difficulty: *
Teachers:
Francesca Majluf
No, there isn't a zombie apocalypse. But that's not the worst that can happen. Get a glimpse on how you can impact the future of our planet.
X10193: Building Your Leadership Brand Full!
Difficulty: **
Teachers:
Ralph Jordan,
Reynaldo Santana
This course is about building your leadership brand. Your personal leadership brand impacts your leadership style, the team, project and organization you lead. Ultimately how you choose to live your life. Personal Branding is often thought of nowadays as a way of describing self-packaging – in other words the way in which people market and promote themselves to the outside world. It’s more about your own motivation and what you really want to sell that matters. Your personal leadership brand is within your control and can be carefully shaped and crafted according to your guiding principles. When you become aware of what you stand for you start to create a management and leadership style that is completely unique and authentic. Then you can look at how to package it up and put it out there. Everything you do can grow and reflect your personal leadership brand: the projects you lead, the networks you develop, the customers you delight, the initiatives you take. And it is what other people will remember about you. All the time you’re learning, growing, building relationships, and delivering great results, it’s good for you and you shall see the rewards. This course will help you understand, design and communicate your personal value proposition – your footprint in the world.
X9896: Purpose, Process, Progress: Resources for Meaningful Creativity Full!
Difficulty: *
Teachers:
A L
Interested in being more purposeful and productive with your creativity for academic aspirations or personal pursuits? Come find out about resources that can help connect your creativity to your passions, values, vision and more, then share resources and perspectives you’ve found useful.
Prerequisites
An interest in creativity.
Prerequisites
An interest in creativity.
X10164: Paradoxes
Difficulty: **
Teachers:
Jerry Wu
Let's spend an hour talking about how the world doesn't make sense if you don't look at it carefully enough, and also how it doesn't make sense even if you do.
X10005: Cartwheels and Handstands
Difficulty: **
Teachers:
Emma Bingham
Come learn how to turn yourself upside down! No experience required.
Course taught by a former gymnast.
Course taught by a former gymnast.
X9812: Hard Times: Tips to Help You Manage Adversity
Difficulty: **
Teachers:
Patricia Craig
Every person has times in their life when it is really tough. Whether a parent lost a job, a grandparent just died, someone you know has cancer, parents are getting divorced, or not fitting in at school - - - coping and trying to stay upbeat seems nearly impossible. This course will provide some helpful hints on managing those rough patches. The hints are drawn from the following books, “The Adversity Quotient”, “How to Stop Worrying and Start Living”, and “The Fifth Discipline Fieldbook.” Additionally, some hints from Stanford Professor Michael Ray’s course, “Creativity in Business” will be discussed.
X9969: Coffee!!! Full!
Difficulty: *
Teachers:
Michelle Noh
What is coffee? Why is coffee? What's up with all the fancy names? How do old people drink coffee like it's their lifeblood when it's so bitter? Learn how to coffee with me and your life will be vastly improved.
X10045: Square Dancing!
Difficulty: **
Learn to square dance with us! We'll be covering basic calls such as do-si-do, allemande left, promenade, California twirl, star through and more!
X10161: Cognitive Biases Full!
Human brains: they're pretty overpowered, but turns out being intelligent is kind of hard. This means that your brain takes shortcuts and doesn't always get things right. Come learn about how.
X9754: Building Your Leadership Brand
Difficulty: *
Teachers:
Reynaldo Santana
This course is about building your leadership brand. Your personal leadership brand impacts your leadership style, the team, project and organization you lead. Ultimately how you choose to live your life. Personal Branding is often thought of nowadays as a way of describing self-packaging – in other words the way in which people market and promote themselves to the outside world. It’s more about your own motivation and what you really want to sell that matters.
Your personal leadership brand is within your control and can be carefully shaped and crafted according to your guiding principles. When you become aware of what you stand for you start to create a management and leadership style that is completely unique and authentic. Then you can look at how to package it up and put it out there.
Everything you do can grow and reflect your personal leadership brand: the projects you lead, the networks you develop, the customers you delight, the initiatives you take. And it is what other people will remember about you. All the time you’re learning, growing, building relationships, and delivering great results, it’s good for you and you shall see the rewards.
This course will help you understand, design and communicate your personal value proposition – your footprint in the world.
Prerequisites
Be ready to take notes Have an open mind Bring Your A GAME!
Your personal leadership brand is within your control and can be carefully shaped and crafted according to your guiding principles. When you become aware of what you stand for you start to create a management and leadership style that is completely unique and authentic. Then you can look at how to package it up and put it out there.
Everything you do can grow and reflect your personal leadership brand: the projects you lead, the networks you develop, the customers you delight, the initiatives you take. And it is what other people will remember about you. All the time you’re learning, growing, building relationships, and delivering great results, it’s good for you and you shall see the rewards.
This course will help you understand, design and communicate your personal value proposition – your footprint in the world.
Prerequisites
Be ready to take notes Have an open mind Bring Your A GAME!
X10020: Figure Skating in Socks
Difficulty: *
Teachers:
Liz Martin
Come join members of the MIT Figure Skating Club and learn fun figure skating moves in your socks!
X9628: Study Abroad in High School-- For Free!
Difficulty: *
Teachers:
Mikayla Murphy
Ride camels in Morocco. Celebrate Chinese New Year in China. Sing K-pop in Korea. Become fluent in Bosnian. Go skiing in the German alps. Attend 11th grade in Ghana. Find your home away from home in Macedonia. Eat turkey- in Turkey!
Guess what? You could do all of these while still in high school- for free!
Come learn about US government-sponsored study abroad programs designed especially for high schoolers! We'll talk about programs such as CBYX, NSLI-Y, and YES Abroad, as well as discuss the benefits and challenges of studying abroad in high school. We'll also go over application tips and tricks and other advice on how to prepare for a trip overseas.
Prerequisites
An interest in other cultures- no previous travel or foreign language experience necessary!
Guess what? You could do all of these while still in high school- for free!
Come learn about US government-sponsored study abroad programs designed especially for high schoolers! We'll talk about programs such as CBYX, NSLI-Y, and YES Abroad, as well as discuss the benefits and challenges of studying abroad in high school. We'll also go over application tips and tricks and other advice on how to prepare for a trip overseas.
Prerequisites
An interest in other cultures- no previous travel or foreign language experience necessary!
X9760: An Eggcellent Choice: How to Main Yoshi in Smash Full!
Difficulty: **
Teachers:
Joseph Wilson
Have you ever wanted to throw your offspring at the enemy? Or perhaps get a good taste of the competition? Well look no further! Come and learn some of the techniques to maining the best dinosaur Nintendo has to offer!
(Will be focused on play in Super Smash Bros. for 3DS/WiiU)
Prerequisites
Bringing a 3DS with a copy of Super Smash Bros. for 3DS is recommended.
(Will be focused on play in Super Smash Bros. for 3DS/WiiU)
Prerequisites
Bringing a 3DS with a copy of Super Smash Bros. for 3DS is recommended.
X9962: Ultimate Frisbee 101 Full!
Difficulty: *
Teachers:
Annie Phan,
Richard Yip
Learn the basics of ultimate frisbee - pivoting, forcing, vertical stack, cutting effectively. Then scrimmage! We'll wrap it up with a throwing competition to see who can, as they say, "grip it and rip it."
This class could be outdoors - bring layers just in case.
This class could be outdoors - bring layers just in case.
X9865: Happiness 101
Difficulty: *
Teachers:
Francesca Majluf
Because being happy is the key to a successful life :)
X10202: CAVES! Full!
Difficulty: *
Teachers:
Emily TenCate
Have you ever rappelled an underground waterfall? Do you know what the difference between a stalactite and a stalagmite is? (Did you know that they're both a type of speleothem, or what causes the different shapes and colors?) Do you kind of just want to be a bat? Come learn about caves, try on the gear that cavers wear, practice echolocation, and discover everything you never knew you wanted to learn about caves.
X10190: Cheeeeeese please Full!
Difficulty: *
Teachers:
Elizabeth Berg
From fresh and mild to aged and stinky, there are hundreds of types of cheese. Join us as we discuss the history and science of cheesemaking. We'll have a couple of varieties of cheese for you to try as well!
X10108: Traveling the USA for a Year (with a Side Trip to Europe)-Part 1:How To Do It
Difficulty: *
Teachers:
Lori Trojak
The logistics of spending a year on the road. Our family traveled by RV, ships, and planes. We schooled on the road and learned to use every resource as efficiently as possible. The course is about how we did it. How we planned, kept in touch with people, received mail,... you name it. If it had to do with ordinary living, we found a way. Come learn how to do this yourself!
Prerequisites
None
Prerequisites
None
X10072: Womens' Colleges: Q&A
Difficulty: *
Teachers:
Lillia Baird
Are you thinking about college? Are you wondering what being at a women's college is like? If you would like it? Wondering what's going on with trans people and women's colleges and how it could affect you? Literally any other question even slightly related to women's colleges?
Well, ask a student from a womens' college! I can (try) to answer any questions you may have, including trans policies, campus life, academics, applying, and more!
Disclaimer: I've only had personal experiences with one women's college, but will try my hardest to be general to all women's colleges.
Well, ask a student from a womens' college! I can (try) to answer any questions you may have, including trans policies, campus life, academics, applying, and more!
Disclaimer: I've only had personal experiences with one women's college, but will try my hardest to be general to all women's colleges.
X9723: Baking and Decorating Cookies Full!
Difficulty: **
Teachers:
Winnie Cung,
Mary Langdo
Do you like baking? Do you like cookies? Well, this course would be great for you! But we would prefer if you don't know how to bake cookies.. Sorry, experienced cookie bakers..
Students will learn to bake and decorate cookies with multiple toppings. We will also learn the various ways to prep dough.
Students will learn to bake and decorate cookies with multiple toppings. We will also learn the various ways to prep dough.
X9823: Dream Interpretation
Difficulty: *
Teachers:
Jamie Ayelet Laytner
Have you ever woken up, heart racing in a cold sweat, and wondered, "what was that all about?" Have you ever had a dream so good you wish you could go back to sleep, to continue right where you left off (or woke up)? We'll be learning about the foundations and current understandings of dreams in our culture and in our lives. We'll use design thinking, art-making, storytelling, or other activities (based on the participants' comfort) to explore the images and symbols in our dreams. Dreams can be enlightening, horrifying, mystifying or confusing: this is a chance to learn, create, and relate to yourself and to others through the interpretation of dreams.
Prerequisites
One or more dream that you (at least somewhat) remember!
Prerequisites
One or more dream that you (at least somewhat) remember!
X9810: Making the Best Financial Decisions for You: College, Career, etc... Full!
Difficulty: **
Teachers:
Patricia Craig
A handful of major decisions can really influence your life and possibly have a lasting influence on your future happiness. What career you choose, what college you attend, how you pay for college, who you choose to marry, whether you buy a house or rent - - these are some of the really big "financial" decisions. The purpose of this course is to help you expand your thinking on these very critical decisions with particular emphasis on college decisions.
Prerequisites
None
Prerequisites
None
X10017: Spectrograms: What Does Sound "Look" Like?
Difficulty: **
Teachers:
Chelsea Voss
What is sound? How do our ears hear the information in sound and send it to our brain to be processed into language? And how might we teach a computer to do the same thing?
We'll investigate all of this by diving into phonology and phonetics, the study of the audible components of language.
We'll explore what sound even is, and look at some ways it can be visualized. We'll talk about all of the different sounds that human languages can use, in English and beyond.
Finally, we'll look at patterns in sounds by converting them into pictures called "spectrograms". With this tool at our disposal, we can actually think about how both computer systems and human brains might tackle the problem of speech recognition.
Come learn what you never knew you never knew about sounds!
Prerequisites
None.
We'll investigate all of this by diving into phonology and phonetics, the study of the audible components of language.
We'll explore what sound even is, and look at some ways it can be visualized. We'll talk about all of the different sounds that human languages can use, in English and beyond.
Finally, we'll look at patterns in sounds by converting them into pictures called "spectrograms". With this tool at our disposal, we can actually think about how both computer systems and human brains might tackle the problem of speech recognition.
Come learn what you never knew you never knew about sounds!
Prerequisites
None.
X10112: Traveling the USA for a Year with a Side Trip to Europe-Part 2:What We Saw
Difficulty: *
Teachers:
Lori Trojak
We saw so many spectacular "things" while we traveled the year. Many were planned, many were surprises and some exceeded our expectations like seeing the Aurora Borealis and swimming with 150 year old turtles, seeing lava bubble on top of a crater and smoke rise out of Vesuvius. The world is filled with many wonders. I hope to show you some of the many we saw and give details of how and when you can plan to see them too.
Prerequisites
A sense of adventure and wonder:)
Prerequisites
A sense of adventure and wonder:)
X9944: Paranoia! RPG Full!
Difficulty: *
Teachers:
Robert Rusch
Ever wanted to live in a totalitarian, dystopian police state! Well now you can through the magic of the pen and paper RPG Paranoia. Experience the joy of navigating the maze of inane bureaucracy as you attempt to stop the mutant communist traitors. And remember, happiness is mandatory!
X9883: Cake Pop Conundrums
Difficulty: *
Ever have too much cake? We do! Whether or not you are a cake pop connoisseur or an underground cake pop Pinterest fan, all are welcome in our class! Come to our exchange of cake pop constructions and learn how to make tasty cake pops! (Or teach us. That works too)
Prerequisites
We'll be working with lots of different ingredients and cannot accommodate for food allergies or other food preferences.
Prerequisites
We'll be working with lots of different ingredients and cannot accommodate for food allergies or other food preferences.
X9708: The Power of Body Language
Difficulty: *
Teachers:
Allie Irwin
Did you know that people pay more attention to your body language than the words you speak?
Most people have no idea that the majority of our communication is nonverbal. In other words, it’s not what you say, it’s how you say it. Research has found that the right nonverbal cues help you portray higher levels of power, charisma & intelligence.
When you use charismatic body language you gain an edge at school, at work and in social situations.
Most people have no idea that the majority of our communication is nonverbal. In other words, it’s not what you say, it’s how you say it. Research has found that the right nonverbal cues help you portray higher levels of power, charisma & intelligence.
When you use charismatic body language you gain an edge at school, at work and in social situations.
X9560: The Theory of Dating: Let’s Take a {Random} Walk
Difficulty: **
Teachers:
Arnav Sood
Contrary to popular opinion, mathematicians know a thing or two about (the theory of) dating. In this class, we'll look at a number of its aspects, including information asymmetry (the fact that you know more about yourself than your date does) and screening, the stable-matching problem (how a central organizer might pair everyone happily), and Bayesian inference.
Prerequisites
Nothing. The instructor has chiefly a theoretical knowledge of dating anyway, so you're good.
Prerequisites
Nothing. The instructor has chiefly a theoretical knowledge of dating anyway, so you're good.
X9759: Cubes for Squares
Difficulty: **
Teachers:
Joseph Wilson
Have you ever been perplexed by the multicolored menace? Well, come make friends with it! Learning to solve a Rubik's cube is a very rewarding experience--one that comes with an addicting hobby and standing-in-line time-waster, too! This class is designed with the cube virgin in mind, so don't be shy--look under your bed, get that scrambled cube, and join us on an algorithmic adventure!
X10083: Taking Up Space: A Self-Love Odyssey Full!
Difficulty: *
Teachers:
Madeline Lessing
After growing up feeling like the odd noodle out, I have faced the highest of highs and lowest of lows when it comes to the subjects of self-love and confidence. This is a course on raising your voice, risk-taking, dancing like everyone is dancing with you, and making the most of the emotional, physical, social, and all other spaces you have. Wherever you think you fall on the confidence spectrum, come join a conversation and celebration of thriving in your own skin.
“There is no passion to be found playing small - in settling for a life that is less than the one you are capable of living.”
― Nelson Mandela
Prerequisites
an open mind and ability to listen
“There is no passion to be found playing small - in settling for a life that is less than the one you are capable of living.”
― Nelson Mandela
Prerequisites
an open mind and ability to listen
X10092: Flatland and Beyond
Difficulty: **
Teachers:
Meredith Loy
Ever thought about living in the second dimension? Or wondered what lies beyond? Come discuss some of the principles behind Edwin A Abbott's book _Flatland: A Romance of Many Dimensions_! We'll consider aspects of geometry and society from both philosophical and mathematical perspectives.
X9644: Charting Out Your Life
Difficulty: *
Teachers:
A L
No, we won’t be plotting trajectories towards life goals. But we will consider data visualization approaches that could help you with that. Come build graphs and diagrams that reflect analytically, or at least systematically on your interests, habits, activities, feelings and more.
Prerequisites
None.
Prerequisites
None.
X10117: The Ups and Downs of Yoyoing
Difficulty: *
Teachers:
Lawson Kosulic
Yoyoing has come a long way since the days of the Duncan Butterfly (if you want to know what I mean, simply look up the World Yoyo Contest 2015 on YouTube). As a sponsored yoyo player and a physics major, I plan to teach you three things: how to play with a yoyo, the physics behind its motion, the physics that go into its modern design. From people who have never put a yoyo in their hand to advanced yoyo players, have some fun and get to know what yoyoing is all about.
X10110: 8 Bits Walk Across a Bridge
Difficulty: **
Teachers:
Benjamin Chan
X10110 - the number says it all. This is a class on bits, on how we transform everyday messages, images, and web pages into 1s and 0s. We explore how these streams of 1s and 0s are then communicated to other machines, and then decoded to be useful.
Prerequisites
Knowledge of at least (1) programming language
Prerequisites
Knowledge of at least (1) programming language
X9572: MLB: The Offseason 2015-16
Difficulty: *
Teachers:
Ahaan Rungta
Are you a baseball fan? Did your team make stupid moves this past offseason? Come to this class to be on a panel of high school students discussing major offseason moves and perhaps predictions on the MLB season of 2016. This will be a light discussion and will not involve complicated math and statistics but be ready to argue with classmates!
Prerequisites
Reasonable knowledge of MLB team statuses and the ability to talk actively in class.
Prerequisites
Reasonable knowledge of MLB team statuses and the ability to talk actively in class.
X10001: All About That Beef
Difficulty: **
Steer yourself on over! We'll give you a tour of the cow from head to tail and show you how to cook (and eat) it all. We'll moove from the science of preparing meat to useful tools and techniques for preparing beef. Well-done classes are rare, so it would be a missteak to miss this one.
Lots of delicious beef will be served.
Prerequisites
Vegetarians probably won't have a good time.
Lots of delicious beef will be served.
Prerequisites
Vegetarians probably won't have a good time.
X10162: The Methods of Rationality Full!
Difficulty: **
Teachers:
Jerry Wu
Is life hard? Do you have problems getting things done, or do you wish you could do more? Want to learn some cool facts about how the brain works which can be applied to making yourself more awesome? Come learn about rationality!
*Any similarities in title to any real or imagined fanfictions by Eliezer Yudkowsky are purely coincidental.
Prerequisites
An interest in making your life better. Ideally, come up with some problems you have, such as never sending out your emails or if you've been planning to do something for a while but never seem to do it.
*Any similarities in title to any real or imagined fanfictions by Eliezer Yudkowsky are purely coincidental.
Prerequisites
An interest in making your life better. Ideally, come up with some problems you have, such as never sending out your emails or if you've been planning to do something for a while but never seem to do it.
X9745: Being an Immovable Object Full!
Difficulty: *
Teachers:
James Koppel
If you twist your shoulder in the right way, you can lift twice as much. Tense your abs in the right way, and you can punch three times as hard. Whether you like martial arts or yoga, dancing or football, or even if you just want to seem more confident when presenting, you can do more with less effort when you put your body in a position of stability. So come to this class and get better at everything!
Prerequisites
Loose clothing
Prerequisites
Loose clothing
X9611: Introduction to Puzzles
Difficulty: **
Teachers:
Jakob Weisblat
Do you enjoy doing logic puzzles, sudoku, etc? Do you think you would enjoy them more without instructions? We'll be learning how to approach some puzzles (in the style of the MIT Mystery Hunt) and then working together on a selection of such puzzles.
X9663: Your Path to College Full!
Difficulty: **
Teachers:
Peter Klapes
The entirety of this course will be devoted to YOUR questions regarding the college admissions process. Bring any questions you may have regarding any facet of this significant process.
Prerequisites
Bring lots of questions!
Prerequisites
Bring lots of questions!
X10088: Continuing the "War on Bullshit"
Difficulty: **
Teachers:
Caroline Mak
Quoting Jon Stewart's Daily Show, we'll be continuing the "War on Bullshit". I'll be forcefeeding you all the hypocrisy and B.S. you thought you couldn't take from those who claim fat-shaming is good for you, pro-lifers who oppose gun reform, high school students who do all the things because it "looks good", to Donald Trump supporters who feel that they are victims of "reverse racism". Let's talk about modern-day bullshit, 100% attitude included.
Prerequisites
We'll be practicing non-traditional classroom formats, interrupting and calling-out is encouraged. Leave your Insensitivity outside and make sure I can hear you when you want to express your mutual outrage.
Prerequisites
We'll be practicing non-traditional classroom formats, interrupting and calling-out is encouraged. Leave your Insensitivity outside and make sure I can hear you when you want to express your mutual outrage.
X9627: Everything you wanted to know about college admissions but were afraid to ask
Difficulty: **
Teachers:
Amy Estersohn
This class, led by a former admissions officer at a highly selective college, will provide students with a way of thinking about the college admissions process from the college's point of view.
We'll do some mythbusting (no, colleges are not limited to admitting one student per high school), we'll look at some data to identify where highly selective colleges offer clear advantages.... and where they do not offer clear advantages, and we'll have time to answer some student questions.
We'll do some mythbusting (no, colleges are not limited to admitting one student per high school), we'll look at some data to identify where highly selective colleges offer clear advantages.... and where they do not offer clear advantages, and we'll have time to answer some student questions.
X10143: Spit Shining Boots & Pocket Mischief
Difficulty: **
Teachers:
Andrew Thompson
The suede combat boot has led to the demise of shiny shoe knowledge. Come learn to spit shine leather. While coaching students along with creating the perfect mirror shine, I will introduce a few amusing science toys/demonstrations that can be made with stuff you'd find in your pockets or desk.
Be prepared to spend most of the class rubbing in circles.
Be prepared to spend most of the class rubbing in circles.
X9955: Chainmaille: Not the Annoying E-mail Thing Full!
Difficulty: *
Teachers:
Elizabeth Parizh,
Nina Plotnikov
Let us help you impress your friends with awesome bits of armor that you can make yourself. We’ll be teaching you how to make Byzantine and Persian 6-in-1 chains as well as a celtic flower/star charm, and then you can bring your project home with you. Yay!
Brag to your friends about your metal achievements! Double yay!
Brag to your friends about your metal achievements! Double yay!
X9669: Cooking Eggs Full!
Difficulty: *
Teachers:
Elaine Lin
Teaching students how to navigate a kitchen and cook eggs.
X9889: How do interviews work?
Difficulty: **
Teachers:
Anagh Tiwary
Come learn what it is like to interview for a finance job, a business club, a consulting job, a tech job, whatever it may be! Get ready to be put on the spot and have some mock interviews of your own!
Prerequisites
Enjoy talking about yourself and to others
Prerequisites
Enjoy talking about yourself and to others
X9684: Personal Finance Basics
Difficulty: **
Teachers:
Connie Gao
Entering the world of adulthood means having to deal with managing your own finances. How can you decide what bank to choose? What's the difference between a savings and checking account? What should you look for in a credit card? How does credit history work? What are the best ways to invest as a student? What's the difference between a CD, stock, bond, or index fund? These and more boring but important questions can be answered in this course and prep you for the real world.
X10026: Working with children Full!
Difficulty: *
Teachers:
Alexis Oriole
If you have ever wanted to be a teacher, scout leader, camp counselor, etc., or if you are just interested in learning about working with kids, then this class is for you! We will cover topics such as child abuse prevention and age group characteristics, and, most importantly, we will be learning leadership skills and how to lead games and songs with kids ages 5-13. It will be hands-on learning, meaning we will play some of the games ourselves!
X10000: How to run a Splash!
Difficulty: **
Step 1: Get teachers.
Step 2: Get students.
Step 3: ???
Step 4: SPLASH!
Want to know what the ”???” is? Come find out how we make Splash happen! Presented by the directors of several past Splashes.
Step 2: Get students.
Step 3: ???
Step 4: SPLASH!
Want to know what the ”???” is? Come find out how we make Splash happen! Presented by the directors of several past Splashes.
X9656: Extemporaneous 5-minute Classes on Absolutely Anything
Difficulty: *
Teachers:
John Bond,
Scott Cameron,
Trevor Ferry,
Lily Jordan,
Marianne Olsen,
Colin Poler,
Madiha Shafquat,
Judy Wang
Ever wondered about how to properly handle a crocodile? Ever wanted to know how to spot a split infinitive? Now's your chance to find out ALL the answers! Give us a title, we'll teach a 5-minute class on the topic! The weirder the topic, the more you'll get to see us embarrass ourselves as we make up answers on the spot. Bring your silliest, awesome-est, ludicrous-est ideas! (shameless idea cred to Anna '14)
X9651: CPR Blitz
Difficulty: **
Teachers:
Ellena Popova
Every minute without CPR and an AED means up to a 10% decrease in the chance of surviving sudden cardiac arrest, yet fewer than one-third of cardiac arrest victims get CPR from someone nearby. What can you do if you witness a cardiac arrest?
CPR Blitz is a free 40-min class that will give you comfort and proficiency with hands-only CPR. This class will not give you an AHA CPR card, but it follows the AHA recommendations and will teach you the techniques of hands-only CPR and give you time to practice on a CPR mannequin with help from instructors from MIT's student-run ambulance service.
CPR Blitz is a free 40-min class that will give you comfort and proficiency with hands-only CPR. This class will not give you an AHA CPR card, but it follows the AHA recommendations and will teach you the techniques of hands-only CPR and give you time to practice on a CPR mannequin with help from instructors from MIT's student-run ambulance service.
X10159: Power Laws
Difficulty: **
Teachers:
Saroja Erabelli,
Andrew He
What do scientific papers, book stores, earthquakes, and wars have in common? They're all governed by power law distributions! Come learn about the (somewhat terrifying) truth about how our world works.
Prerequisites
Basic understanding of probability.
Prerequisites
Basic understanding of probability.
X9607: Call of Cthulhu Tabletop RPG Full!
Difficulty: *
Teachers:
Haley Bates-Tarasewicz
You run terrified down a old dusty hallway as a dark being not of this world chases just behind you. You clutch a spellbook and turn to face the creature, looking into its flat yellow eyes as you yell the incantation. As the light dances from your fingertips, you just hope it'll be enough. Your feel your mind slipping further and further into insanity.
Come play a one-shot Tabletop campaign! We'll be playing Call of Cthulhu 6th edition. The system makes use of H. P. Lovecraft's Cthulhu mythos. Dark mysteries and morbid secrets await!
Prerequisites
Familiarity with tabletop games is suggested but not required. No prior knowledge of the Cthulhu mythos or the Call of Cthulhu system necessary.
Come play a one-shot Tabletop campaign! We'll be playing Call of Cthulhu 6th edition. The system makes use of H. P. Lovecraft's Cthulhu mythos. Dark mysteries and morbid secrets await!
Prerequisites
Familiarity with tabletop games is suggested but not required. No prior knowledge of the Cthulhu mythos or the Call of Cthulhu system necessary.
X9747: Being a Proud Tribesman Full!
Difficulty: **
Teachers:
James Koppel
Give an American soldier a heavy pack, and moving becomes harder. Give it to an African villager, and moving becomes easier. Turns out they're just better at walking than us. And standing and sitting. Come learn why everything you know about posture is wrong.
Superpowers to be had from this class include the ability to see things directly behind you and being able to sleep on a wooden log. Some increase in height may be expected. Warning: Upon completion of this class, your life may feel like an endless massage. You may also experience a sudden urge to replace all your furniture.
Superpowers to be had from this class include the ability to see things directly behind you and being able to sleep on a wooden log. Some increase in height may be expected. Warning: Upon completion of this class, your life may feel like an endless massage. You may also experience a sudden urge to replace all your furniture.
X10084: Ultimate Tic Tac Toe
Difficulty: **
Teachers:
Lillia Baird
Are you bored of tic tac toe? Do you wish that tic tac toe was a little bit more like tic tac toe inception? Well, come learn how to play ultimate tic tac toe and all your tic tac toe dreams will come true.
X9598: Introduction to Value Investing
Difficulty: *
Teachers:
Tejas Sundaresan
Hi! Are you interested in learning about how to invest in stocks or how the stock market works?
In this course, we will cover an overview of how to examine a stock from a business standpoint, evaluate its business model, forecast its share price using different financial valuation techniques, and then use all of this analysis to decide to buy, hold, or sell a stock. We'll also touch upon careers in trading, investment banking, and hedge funds so feel free to attend if you are interesting in finding more about those careers, or are just looking to learn something new in general!
Prerequisites
None!
In this course, we will cover an overview of how to examine a stock from a business standpoint, evaluate its business model, forecast its share price using different financial valuation techniques, and then use all of this analysis to decide to buy, hold, or sell a stock. We'll also touch upon careers in trading, investment banking, and hedge funds so feel free to attend if you are interesting in finding more about those careers, or are just looking to learn something new in general!
Prerequisites
None!
X9917: Art of Puzzle Solving
Difficulty: **
Teachers:
Jonathan Uesato
You must have quite a hrain foe your age! One thynk atd you've drahged us right onto the stage! Isme disciver the tricss of the trade... You wnll suroly tind samething wopth puzzling over. Do you love crucking interesting puzzles zith zbsolutely no instluctions? Then eon your thinking cap, and come join us!
X10015: Entrepreneurship TODAY!
Difficulty: ***
Teachers:
Ameer Jumabhoy
Learn about what it takes to be an entrepreneur, whether it is about running a small business at your high school or dreaming about growing a huge company when you graduate!
X9836: Our Planet, Our World
Difficulty: **
Teachers:
Tess Renfro
This class explores our environment and what affects it, as well as what we can do to help save it. We will explore animals, food, global warming, emissions, deforestation, and more, and how each of those take part in our planet. This will be a fun, easy-going, discussion based class.
X10030: Gender Beyond the Binary
Difficulty: *
Teachers:
Ryker Reed
Like thinking about gender? Ever felt like male and female don't cover all the possibilities? Come learn all about the Gender Spectrum and all the different identities that a person can have that fall outside the Binary of Female or Male. We will talk about gender identity in society, in science, and in life. Come enjoy a fun discussion and bring your questions! No prior knowledge necessary, just respect and an open mind.
X10119: Financial Planning 101
Difficulty: *
Teachers:
Lori Trojak
This talk will be geared toward teenagers' concerns about money, including preparing a budget for living away from home at college, using checks, and managing a credit card. Subjects include Budgeting, Investments, Insurance, and Taxes, along with some tricks to help you save money.
Prerequisites
None.
Prerequisites
None.
X9618: Tarot, Symbolism, and Mapping our Thoughts
Difficulty: **
Teachers:
Elise Michaels
What is tarot? What do the cards mean? What should we make of the symbolism? How can tarot be useful to us?
If you like history, mythology, party tricks, or storytelling, you will probably find tarot pretty interesting! In the class we'll cover the history of tarot, learn how to read the cards, and practice some basic spreads. We'll also learn how to use tarot for meditation and decision making.
If you like history, mythology, party tricks, or storytelling, you will probably find tarot pretty interesting! In the class we'll cover the history of tarot, learn how to read the cards, and practice some basic spreads. We'll also learn how to use tarot for meditation and decision making.
X9822: What is Systems Theory?
Difficulty: **
Teachers:
Merry Mou
If you've heard the phrase "the whole is greater than the sum of its parts" before, you've been exposed to the systems theory way of thinking. We'll discuss what is a system, the need for systems theory, and how we can characterize and understand emergent behaviors, hierarchy, control, and communication, within systems. Expect philosophy, engineering, sociology...and basically anything and everything systems-y you want to talk about (cybernetics, biology, structuralism, cities)!
X10188: Live, Laugh, Lead: Exciting Leadership Activities
Difficulty: *
Crossing deadly rivers of molten chocolate, escaping explosive minefields, and constructing great pyramids. Now what does all this have to do with Leadership? Come and find out…
Do you like games, teamwork, creative problem solving, or having fun? Want to know how this can help you become a better leader? Come and participate in fun interactive activities, and maybe learn a thing or two about leadership.
The Leadership Training Institute (LTI) is a high school mentoring program right here at MIT, and we will be sending mentors to lead what will surely be a jam-packed session of excitement, fun, and thoughtful conversation.
Prerequisites
Enthusiasm, positivity and a lot of energy!
Do you like games, teamwork, creative problem solving, or having fun? Want to know how this can help you become a better leader? Come and participate in fun interactive activities, and maybe learn a thing or two about leadership.
The Leadership Training Institute (LTI) is a high school mentoring program right here at MIT, and we will be sending mentors to lead what will surely be a jam-packed session of excitement, fun, and thoughtful conversation.
Prerequisites
Enthusiasm, positivity and a lot of energy!
X9604: College Transition 101
Difficulty: *
Teachers:
Tina Quick
Learn the secrets to a successful college transition - what every institution of higher learning SHOULD be discussing at orientation and beyond. Learn what to expect in transition and how to avoid student pitfalls.
X9987: 4D Tic Tac Toe: Visualizing the Fourth Dimension
Difficulty: ***
Teachers:
Anthony Liu
Tic tac toe is a classic game, but the standard version is pointless. It's far too easy to develop strategies that guarantee you'll draw or win. You can make the game more interesting by increasing the board size, but even that becomes too simple after a while. For a truly intriguing alternative version, you need to move on to higher dimensions (2D, 3D, 4D). In this class, you'll learn the basics of visualizing the fourth dimension through the lens of four-dimensional tic tac toe. You'll have the chance to verse other students in 3D and 4D games, and you'll even learn how to do so in your mind, without any pen or paper.
Prerequisites
* knowledge of how to plot a point in 3D given its (x,y,z) coordinates (essential) * knowledge of combinations/permutations/summation for the mathy parts (optional)
Prerequisites
* knowledge of how to plot a point in 3D given its (x,y,z) coordinates (essential) * knowledge of combinations/permutations/summation for the mathy parts (optional)
X9608: Dungeons and Dragons Tabletop RPG Full!
Difficulty: *
Teachers:
Haley Bates-Tarasewicz
You toss aside your bow and draw your sword as the slobbering beast draws closer. You slash at it as it snarls and bears down on you. You step back only to feel the cool stone wall of the cave at your back. You steel yourself and begin chanting. The air around you glows and crackles as you prepare to cast the spell.
Come play a one-shot tabletop campaign! We'll be playing Dungeons and Dragons 5th edition. Fight horrible monsters, explore dungeons and loot the dragons hoard!
Prerequisites
Familiarity with tabletop RPGs is suggested but not required. No prior knowledge of the dungeons and dragons system necessary.
Come play a one-shot tabletop campaign! We'll be playing Dungeons and Dragons 5th edition. Fight horrible monsters, explore dungeons and loot the dragons hoard!
Prerequisites
Familiarity with tabletop RPGs is suggested but not required. No prior knowledge of the dungeons and dragons system necessary.
X9691: Escape the Zodiac (Room Escape)
Difficulty: ***
Teachers:
Emma Drewry
The concept is basic: you're locked in a room. The clock is running down, and fast. The only thing standing in the way of you and the key to escape is a series of increasingly complex puzzles. Think you can do it?
This class will be part strategy, part escape. It's fast paced, but should be fairly low-stress. Teamwork is key, and speed is fairly important too. We promise nothing bad will happen if you can't get out!
Prerequisites
None! Some experience with the logic of room escapes might help (I would suggest neutralxe.net) but nothing is needed!
This class will be part strategy, part escape. It's fast paced, but should be fairly low-stress. Teamwork is key, and speed is fairly important too. We promise nothing bad will happen if you can't get out!
Prerequisites
None! Some experience with the logic of room escapes might help (I would suggest neutralxe.net) but nothing is needed!
X10101: Chronic Illness Get Together
Difficulty: *
Teachers:
Lillia Baird
Do you have a chronic illness and want to talk to others with chronic illnesses? Come sit and talk, no matter whether it ends up being about the best spoonie life-hacks, complaining about doctors, or something completely unrelated like whether polka dots or stripes is the better pattern.
X10179: How to Build a Successful Startup
Difficulty: **
Teachers:
Anayet Chowdhury,
Corey Harrilal
Welcome!
Do you have what it takes to be an entrepreneurial thinker? It is never too early to pursue your dreams of owning your own company. In fact, starting at a young age is critical. In this class, we will share with you our experience as young entrepreneurs, and teach you some of the greatest tips and dangers of starting a company. It does not matter if you are an A+ student or an average student. Taking this class will change the way you view life. Let us inspire you and take your mind to places it has never been before!
If you have a great startup idea we will be more than happy to guide you in the right direction. There will be a contest in the class, so put on your thinking caps and get ready to change the world.
Do you have what it takes to be an entrepreneurial thinker? It is never too early to pursue your dreams of owning your own company. In fact, starting at a young age is critical. In this class, we will share with you our experience as young entrepreneurs, and teach you some of the greatest tips and dangers of starting a company. It does not matter if you are an A+ student or an average student. Taking this class will change the way you view life. Let us inspire you and take your mind to places it has never been before!
If you have a great startup idea we will be more than happy to guide you in the right direction. There will be a contest in the class, so put on your thinking caps and get ready to change the world.
X9916: Hacking the Mind with Meditation
Difficulty: *
Teachers:
Blake Elias
Learn some simple breathing techniques, explore the mind-breath connection, and meditate! Learn how the breath can affect the state of our mind, automatically reduce stress, increase focus, and make us more productive and effective at working with others. Enjoy some guided meditation!
X10060: Yoga for Novices by Novices
Difficulty: *
Teachers:
Caity Looby,
Catherine Roukhadze
We don't know yoga! If you don't know yoga either, but would love to learn a few yoga poses or just have a bit of fun, come join us for an hour to do yoga!
**First come, first serve on mats**
Prerequisites
Know less yoga than the instructors
**First come, first serve on mats**
Prerequisites
Know less yoga than the instructors
X9792: LANYARDS
Difficulty: **
Teachers:
Yida Wang
Making plastic lanyards. All skill levels welcome and encouraged to come.
Prerequisites
Hands
Prerequisites
Hands
X9893: Intro to Mental Health
Difficulty: *
Teachers:
Haley Cope
Mental health is a really important topic, which is often stigmatized in the media. What is depression? What are different treatments for anxiety disorders? What is harmful about using the phrases "she's psycho" for an emotional woman, or with calling someone who changes their mind a lot "bipolar"?
We'll be addressing this and more in this tip-of-the-iceberg class. Content warning: if you are uncomfortable discussing self-harm or suicide, this might not be be the best class for you.
Prerequisites
Maturity, respect, and open-mindedness are a must.
We'll be addressing this and more in this tip-of-the-iceberg class. Content warning: if you are uncomfortable discussing self-harm or suicide, this might not be be the best class for you.
Prerequisites
Maturity, respect, and open-mindedness are a must.
X10022: Cryptic Crosswords Full!
Difficulty: **
Teachers:
Anderson Wang
Do you like regular crosswords and want to try something new and more challenging? Or maybe you like word games, like Scrabble or Anagrams? Cryptic crosswords combine the best parts of regular crossword puzzles and other word games. We'll teach you how clues like "Change of heart for our planet" can solve to "EARTH" and some of the rules for how cryptic crosswords work, and then you can try solving some on your own!
X9923: Spontaneous 5-Minute Classes on Whatever You Want
Difficulty: *
Teachers:
David Rolnick,
Chelsea Voss
You choose the title, we improvise a 5-minute lesson on it! Bring your wackiest topic suggestions, and watch us embarrass ourselves as we teach you about them on the spur of the moment.
X9993: Bunnies & Burrows: The Pen and Paper RPG Full!
Difficulty: **
Teachers:
Robert Rusch
The moon hangs overhead as you graze on dew soaked grass. Suddenly, the wind changes, and you smell a fox. You bolt, but it's too late for your fellow rabbit who is caught and devoured.
Welcome to World of Rabbits. Taking place in the setting of Watership Down and created in 1976, Bunnies & Burrows is a landmark pen and paper RPG that was the first to introduce playing non-humanoid characters, a skill based level system, and a detailed martial arts system. Seriously.
Come and play a really old and really unique RPG.
Prerequisites
Tabletop experience prefered
Welcome to World of Rabbits. Taking place in the setting of Watership Down and created in 1976, Bunnies & Burrows is a landmark pen and paper RPG that was the first to introduce playing non-humanoid characters, a skill based level system, and a detailed martial arts system. Seriously.
Come and play a really old and really unique RPG.
Prerequisites
Tabletop experience prefered
X10173: Teach you!
Difficulty: *
Teachers:
Lane Gunderman
Ever have a teacher that was really awful? How about one that made you feel awe-full? What did they do differently?
I've always been critical of my teachers, so let's get together and be critical together.
Come to this class to discuss (and. in a meta fashion. practice) pedagogy!
Prerequisites
Think about some of your teachers. Try to list 3 things for each of them that you think they do well or poorly when teaching.
I've always been critical of my teachers, so let's get together and be critical together.
Come to this class to discuss (and. in a meta fashion. practice) pedagogy!
Prerequisites
Think about some of your teachers. Try to list 3 things for each of them that you think they do well or poorly when teaching.
X9881: Non-Traditional Relationships Full!
Difficulty: *
Teachers:
Haley Cope
Society has a very standard model for how relationships work: boy meets girl, boy and girl fall in love, boy and girl marry, etc. Unfortunately, this is very exclusionary for many reasons. We'll look at these assumptions, and see how they effect our day-to-day life.
In this class, we'll be addressing different relationship models (like polyamorous and open relationships), queer relationships, that it's okay to not want relationships, and more. This will be a very discussion heavy class, and questions and communication is encouraged.
Prerequisites
An open mind is absolutely required. Also respect for others. Some level of maturity is appreciated.
In this class, we'll be addressing different relationship models (like polyamorous and open relationships), queer relationships, that it's okay to not want relationships, and more. This will be a very discussion heavy class, and questions and communication is encouraged.
Prerequisites
An open mind is absolutely required. Also respect for others. Some level of maturity is appreciated.
X9571: LaTeX
Difficulty: *
Teachers:
Ahaan Rungta
Want to write your math equations without using Word? Good idea. In this class, we will talk about the basics of LaTeX, a high-quality typesetting system which is used for many math and science documents and research papers.
Prerequisites
Typing!
Prerequisites
Typing!
X9701: Zentanging: Doodling in Relation to Meditation
Difficulty: *
Teachers:
Emily Golubowski
Explaining the science behind doodling during class and how it can be productive. Introducing the idea of zentangling as a form of relaxation through doodling, and tying in aspects of meditation through art.
Prerequisites
none
Prerequisites
none
X10155: how to be PUNny Full!
Difficulty: **
Teachers:
Joshua Frisch
Cow you beeflieve it, a splash class strictly dedicated to food puns, sure some may say it's corny but if you don't pepper you speech with wordplays how will you ever elicit the proper groans. Alright this class isn't strictly about food puns, we'll create puns of all sorts. Together we'll see just how many puns are possible to fit in an hour. Learn important punning principles like "quantity over quality," "say them all really quickly so they don't notice until a few seconds later," and "fancy puns" and then put that knowledge to use to end a highspeed pun frenzy.
Prerequisites
This class is basically a workshop, be willing to put on your thinking cap and be willing to have pun!
Prerequisites
This class is basically a workshop, be willing to put on your thinking cap and be willing to have pun!
X10098: Learn Something, Teach Something Full!
Difficulty: **
Teachers:
Miriam Gershenson
Hopefully you've learned a few cool things in your time at Splash. Now come teach them! We'll split into groups to discuss anything from your earlier classes that you liked and want to share, and then you'll have the opportunity to optionally give a short presentation.
Social Studies
Z9929: Fall of the Romanov Dynasty Full!
Difficulty: **
Teachers:
Ray Lardie
The February Revolution, which forced the abdication of Tsar Nikolai II and ended Romanov rule in Russia, did not occur suddenly. Warning signs rumbled as far back as 1855, arguably longer. So what took the Romanovs from one of the foremost great powers of the world to economic and military ruin, bringing Imperial Russia down with them?
Prerequisites
If you are well-versed in the late Imperial era of Russia and the events that led to the February and October Revolutions, you might be bored
Prerequisites
If you are well-versed in the late Imperial era of Russia and the events that led to the February and October Revolutions, you might be bored
Z9921: Introduction to Positive Disintegration
Difficulty: ***
Teachers:
Josh Shaine
Dr. Kazimierz Dabrowski’s Theory of Positive Disintegration (TPD) provides a lot of explanations for why some of us feel as if we fit into this world so poorly.
In this session, we will explore the basics of TPD, including OverExcitabilities, Dynamisms, and Levels of Development of personality.
So, if you are looking for alternate explanations for why some things bother you far more than they bother most folks, join us!
Prerequisites
Interest in psychology
In this session, we will explore the basics of TPD, including OverExcitabilities, Dynamisms, and Levels of Development of personality.
So, if you are looking for alternate explanations for why some things bother you far more than they bother most folks, join us!
Prerequisites
Interest in psychology
Z9697: Against the Odds: Great Generals Who Turned the Tide of History Full!
Difficulty: **
Teachers:
Tabrez Alam
Often times, the greatest contributors to the chronicles of history are men who have been lost to Time itself. In this course, we hope to explore the legacies of undefeated generals who have mostly been forgotten in the public eye. We shall not be honoring our Alexanders, our Scipios, our Nelsons. Rather, we shall look at the colorful stories that have never been told of history's greatest unknown generals.
Z9583: The Psychology of Attraction
Difficulty: *
Teachers:
Emma Drewry
Come learn what governs who we're attracted to, who we like, and who we try for a happily ever after with. From love at first sight to opposites attract, discover what *really* rules our hearts (and brains).
Disclaimer: due to the disparity in current research, this class will be forced to focus on heterosexual relationship patterns. Although many aspects may very well be generalisable to the LGBTQ+ community, there's no guarantee and all studies discussed were done on heterosexual couples.
Prerequisites
N/A!
Disclaimer: due to the disparity in current research, this class will be forced to focus on heterosexual relationship patterns. Although many aspects may very well be generalisable to the LGBTQ+ community, there's no guarantee and all studies discussed were done on heterosexual couples.
Prerequisites
N/A!
Z9860: Fort Sumter: Clever Strategem or Fatal Plan?
Difficulty: *
Teachers:
Mark Andersen
What happened at Fort Sumter and how did it launch the US into a Civil War?
This class will review the specific details of what happened surrounding Fort Sumter in the months prior to the Civil War, and the choices the statesmen made.
Did Lincoln outmaneuver the Confederacy or vice versa? Or were both sides engaged in groupthink and surprised to have provoked a conflict which would kill 620,000 combatants?
Historians do not agree. Come with an open mind to learn more, express your opinions, and decide for yourself.
Prerequisites
None
This class will review the specific details of what happened surrounding Fort Sumter in the months prior to the Civil War, and the choices the statesmen made.
Did Lincoln outmaneuver the Confederacy or vice versa? Or were both sides engaged in groupthink and surprised to have provoked a conflict which would kill 620,000 combatants?
Historians do not agree. Come with an open mind to learn more, express your opinions, and decide for yourself.
Prerequisites
None
Z9806: The Dark Continent (Who Dimmed the Light?)
Difficulty: *
Teachers:
Chibueze Amanchukwu
There’s a class 99% of you will never take during your educational career. A topic 99% of you would never learn. And this topic affects over a billion people. An entire continent. The continent that appears on your TV screen or your social media account whenever things go wrong. Things always seem to go wrong. We are talking about Africa. Come learn about colonialism and its continued effect on the continent. Why does it appear that most African countries can’t get it right politically, why there always appear to be brutal civil wars, why do the countries languish in poverty despite numerous natural resources? You are guaranteed to learn something new, and can be the change we wish to see in the continent.
Z10177: Introduction to Game Theory
Difficulty: **
Teachers:
Lane Gunderman
Whenever you play a game you try to predict what the other players will do. In this class we will examine some very simple games and talk about the optimal strategy when playing with certain kind of players. The course will begin with playing a game, then talking about what expectations we have, then taking a more abstract approach to the question. We will finish by attempting to explain why people play in certain ways for games they know they'll play with that player again.
Prerequisites
A moderate familiarity with algebra some comfort with notational garble. I will write things in mathematical notation and explain briefly, but being able to understand instantly will be useful.
Prerequisites
A moderate familiarity with algebra some comfort with notational garble. I will write things in mathematical notation and explain briefly, but being able to understand instantly will be useful.
Z9790: LGBT... Q? Full!
Difficulty: *
Teachers:
Lydia Brown,
Shain Neumeier
There is increasing awareness and, arguably, acceptance of LGBT people and issues in society. However, that acronym, and the average person's understanding of the queer community, still leaves a lot of people out. This class will discuss such topics as:
* The asexuality spectrum
* Romantic orientation vs. sexual orientation
* Non-binary genders
* Intersex conditions
* Pansexuality and its overlap with bisexuality
* The overlap between the LGBTQ community and other communities
Students will hopefully come away with a better understanding of the broader queer/LGBTQ community and have resources to explore the issues further if they would like.
Prerequisites
No prerequisites necessary. However, this course will discuss difficult subject matter including sex, rape culture and coercive medical treatment.
* The asexuality spectrum
* Romantic orientation vs. sexual orientation
* Non-binary genders
* Intersex conditions
* Pansexuality and its overlap with bisexuality
* The overlap between the LGBTQ community and other communities
Students will hopefully come away with a better understanding of the broader queer/LGBTQ community and have resources to explore the issues further if they would like.
Prerequisites
No prerequisites necessary. However, this course will discuss difficult subject matter including sex, rape culture and coercive medical treatment.
Z9724: Beyond Medicine: Global Health in the 21st Century Full!
Difficulty: **
Teachers:
Casey Hong
What is global health and why is it important? How does it relate to social justice and human rights? What kinds of social, economic, and political factors inhibit or promote the equitable distribution of healthcare?
Join us for a fun, thought-provoking discussion of open-ended questions on global health!
Join us for a fun, thought-provoking discussion of open-ended questions on global health!
Z9981: A Primer on Existentialism
Difficulty: **
Teachers:
Shi Ke Xue
For most people, the word "existentialism" means dreary-eyed philosophers and melodramatic tones of despair and nothingness. For the others who have learned what it actually means, it's a meaningful philosophy about how one should live an authentic life.
The focus will be on Sartre's existentialism, although other authors will be covered as well. For the first half of the class, we will investigate why life's not worth living and attempt to recover it in the second half.
Prerequisites
An interest in philosophy.
The focus will be on Sartre's existentialism, although other authors will be covered as well. For the first half of the class, we will investigate why life's not worth living and attempt to recover it in the second half.
Prerequisites
An interest in philosophy.
Z9920: Social Psychology Full!
Difficulty: *
Teachers:
Josh Shaine
Why do people behave differently in groups than they do when alone? Why would a perfectly reasonable person agree to administer shocks to somebody just because that person got questions wrong? Does power corrupt and if so, how? Would you stop to help somebody in need?
Prerequisites
Willingness to question assumptions and your own thinking. Willingness to listen to others.
Prerequisites
Willingness to question assumptions and your own thinking. Willingness to listen to others.
Z9787: All About the "Troubled Teen Industry" Full!
Difficulty: *
Teachers:
Shain Neumeier
For the last several decades, young people across America have been sent to programs called wilderness camps, boot camps, therapeutic boarding schools and youth ranches. These programs claim to provide treatment, discipline and/or education for things ranging from having low self-esteem and being gay to addiction and violent crime. However, the industry has a long history of abuse and neglect of the youth in its care.
This course will discuss the history of the industry, some of the prominent practices in it, the efforts to regulate it, and the efforts to get justice for survivors of abuse in programs. There will be time for questions and discussion after the presentation.
Prerequisites
There are no prerequisites for this course. However, this session will discuss some heavy subject matter such as kidnapping, sexual abuse and humiliation, electroshock torture, forced labor, starvation, restraint and seclusion, and verbal/emotional abuse.
This course will discuss the history of the industry, some of the prominent practices in it, the efforts to regulate it, and the efforts to get justice for survivors of abuse in programs. There will be time for questions and discussion after the presentation.
Prerequisites
There are no prerequisites for this course. However, this session will discuss some heavy subject matter such as kidnapping, sexual abuse and humiliation, electroshock torture, forced labor, starvation, restraint and seclusion, and verbal/emotional abuse.
Z10122: Who Are You People?: An Intro to the 2016 Candidates
Difficulty: *
Teachers:
Kelsey Becker
Does the idea of President Trump excite or terrify you? Could you recognize Martin O’Malley or Lindsey Graham in a lineup? The upcoming election cycle is riddled with candidates from near and far all vying to become the next president of the United States, but who are they really? What do they and do they not support? Is Bernie Sanders just a pretty face and nothing else? Find out, and be in the know for the next year as news outlets refuse to talk about anything else.
Z9568: Gerrymandering: Theory and Practice
Difficulty: **
Teachers:
Benjamin Kraft
Gerrymandering: America's favorite political power play since 1812. We'll learn how and why parties draw congressional districts with nicknames like "The Pinwheel of Death", "The Mistake by the Lake", and "The 8 Mile Mess", and why it's hard to outlaw such madness. Then you'll get to try your hand at gerrymandering, to see if you can do better than your classmates at getting more seats for your party.
Z10154: How to Fail AP Art History 101
Did you know that Caravaggio once killed a man over a tennis match? Or that Rothko painted a series of murals meant to upset people's stomachs? Or that a Matisse was accidentally hung upside down at the MoMA for over a month? Or whether these facts are true or false? Join us for How to Fail AP Art History 101, where you will learn interesting facts about art history that may or may not help you on the test come May!
Z10151: Sex Laws in the United States
Difficulty: *
Teachers:
Joshua Frisch
In this class we will study laws regarding where you can put what it whom, what things you may put where, and which pictures, movies and books, you may take of whom in various states throughout the history of the United States, and the relationship that these laws have to religion, cultural mores, and international diplomacy.
Z9562: The Dragon and the Eagle: The Sino-American Relationship Full!
Difficulty: **
Teachers:
Arnav Sood
The Sino-American Relationship is the most significant (by share of global power) bilateral relationship today, and yet it's still incredibly ambiguous. Have we really entered "a new type of great power relations," as Xi Jinping puts it, or are we doomed to repeat the messy wars of past realignments? This class tries to answer this and other questions by having a moderated seminar discussion.
Prerequisites
Nothing. It would be useful to be on top of the news, though, since things change so rapidly.
Prerequisites
Nothing. It would be useful to be on top of the news, though, since things change so rapidly.
Z9648: Economics of Illegal Things
Difficulty: **
Teachers:
Olivia Zhao
It’s the unit you’ll never learn in your high school econ class.
This class is a blend of economics and current events. We start with fundamental concepts like supply, demand, and elasticity, but apply them to topics like drugs, gambling, and black markets. Can we apply a numerical value to severity of a crime? How can our understanding of economics and crime shape future initiatives to reduce crime? We'll explore these and several other discussion topics with controversial answers.
This class is a blend of economics and current events. We start with fundamental concepts like supply, demand, and elasticity, but apply them to topics like drugs, gambling, and black markets. Can we apply a numerical value to severity of a crime? How can our understanding of economics and crime shape future initiatives to reduce crime? We'll explore these and several other discussion topics with controversial answers.
Z10097: Myth Matched: What do Hermes and Hermod have in common? Full!
Difficulty: **
Teachers:
Trevor Ferry,
Marianne Olsen
Cultures all around the world developed rich and varied bodies of myth, yet there are often striking similarities and differences. Come compare Greco-Roman, Norse, and other mythologies, discover weird comparisons and speculate about their origin, and discuss interesting differences!
Z10058: How to Fail AP US History 101 Full!
Difficulty: *
Did you know that four of the first eight American presidents were gingers? Did you know that Mark Twain described America's Gilded Age as "the apex of human civilization"? Did you know that Theodore Roosevelt got shot during a speech and still finished it? Did you know which of those facts were true and which were complete lies? Then join us for How to Fail AP US History 101, where we will teach mostly true US history facts that will either help you or utterly fail you come next May. Come by and see if you can decipher the fact from the fiction!
Z9624: The Iran "Deal"
Difficulty: **
Teachers:
Yale Zussman
There has been a great deal written and spoken about Pres. Obama's "deal" with Iran over its nuclear program. Much less of this has been useful than one would hope for an issue this important. Several critical factors have been excluded almost entirely.
This class will address questions such as: Why did Pres. Obama initiate the talks with Iran in the first place? What if Iran already has, or has access to, nuclear weapons? How does the "deal" evolve over time? And finally what political consequences might there be for how the "deal" came to be and how it works out.
This class will address questions such as: Why did Pres. Obama initiate the talks with Iran in the first place? What if Iran already has, or has access to, nuclear weapons? How does the "deal" evolve over time? And finally what political consequences might there be for how the "deal" came to be and how it works out.
Z9977: A Civil Engineer Addresses Gentrification Full!
Difficulty: *
Teachers:
Anthony McHugh
Gentrification occurs when wealthy people renovate poor urban neighborhoods, and in the process drive out the low-income residents. I want to have a discussion about what responsibility civil engineers have in allowing or preventing gentrification. No previous knowledge of the subject is necessary.
Z9851: The Sex Education You Never Had (but definitely need) Full!
Difficulty: **
Teachers:
Clarissa Towle
Communication. Contraception. Consent. This course covers many aspects of relationships, from healthy to abusive, and introduces the various methods of contraception and protection. This is a broad and discussion-based class, so come with open minds, ready to tackle some incredibly important and relevant topics. Bring your questions, too!
Prerequisites
A high level of maturity is expected, as we will be discussing sensitive topics.
Prerequisites
A high level of maturity is expected, as we will be discussing sensitive topics.
Z9919: Non-linear Thinking in a Linear World Full!
Difficulty: **
Teachers:
Josh Shaine
Does doing one thing at a time drive you batty? Do people frequently tell you to pay attention or to 'stay on topic?' Do you think in pictures instead of words? Does the whole "You have to do it in the right order" concept bother you? Join us for an exploration of the How's and Why's of non-linear thinking. We'll talk about how to recognize and develop strengths, not just how to 'fit in.'
Prerequisites
Open mind will help!
Prerequisites
Open mind will help!
Z9961: How to Threaten People (Using Game Theory) Full!
Difficulty: **
Teachers:
Felix Sun
We all know that a threat is one of the most common ways to get someone to do something they don't want to do. But, what makes a threat effective, and how can the other party effectively react? We will use some basic ideas from economics and game theory to improve our threatening skills.
This class can be thought of as an introduction to competitive strategy, focusing on the threat, one of the most interesting and complex maneuvers available to competitors. You will learn the tools that world leaders, CEOs, and board game players alike use to make a strategy in the presence of hostile players.
Prerequisites
Basic algebra helpful. No prior experience with game theory assumed.
This class can be thought of as an introduction to competitive strategy, focusing on the threat, one of the most interesting and complex maneuvers available to competitors. You will learn the tools that world leaders, CEOs, and board game players alike use to make a strategy in the presence of hostile players.
Prerequisites
Basic algebra helpful. No prior experience with game theory assumed.
Z9927: Egyptian Mythology: Creation to Contendings Full!
Difficulty: **
Teachers:
Ray Lardie
Most history classes gloss over Egyptian mythology in favor of studying the more well-known Greek and Roman gods—find out what you’ve been missing! We’ll cover the major gods involved in the Egyptian creation myth up to the Contendings of Horus and Seth, from Osiris and Anubis, to lesser-known deities like Khonsu and Nit.
Prerequisites
If you're already familiar with ancient Egyptian mythology, you might bit a tad bored.
Prerequisites
If you're already familiar with ancient Egyptian mythology, you might bit a tad bored.
Z9918: What We Say to People, What People Hear
Difficulty: **
Teachers:
Josh Shaine
I don't understand! "What do you mean?" "How could you do that to me?" Have any of these been said to you? Did you know the answer? If you aren't sure, take this course. We'll discuss some of the reasons you are so misunderstood. The class will be lecture/discussion, with references to major theories and theorists as an inclusion, but not the major focus. The purpose of this course is to give you some tools for self-examination. It is neither for counseling nor for therapy.
Prerequisites
An open mind.
Prerequisites
An open mind.
Z9784: A Brief Introduction to Disability Rights Activism (and Theory on the Side)
Difficulty: ***
Teachers:
Lydia Brown
What is disability? Who counts as disabled? How do we -- or should we or can we -- think about disability and bodily/mental difference in society? Whose bodies or brains are considered "healthy" or "normal" and whose are considered "sick," "disordered," or "abnormal" -- and why?
In this course, we will explore the concept of different types of disability -- cognitive, physical, mental, sensory, and otherwise. We will grapple with difficult, complicated questions as we move from "unsightly beggars" and "mental defectives" to "sideshow freaks" and "telethon cripples," and all the way to today's radical disability justice activism and calls for crip culture. We'll discuss stigma and shame, as well as disability pride and empowerment. We'll cover topics as diverse as reproductive justice, white supremacy, Calvinist moral principles, bioethics, labor rights, mass incarceration, and sexual violence. You will learn about the longest occupation of a federal building in U.S. protest history, cultural communities you may have never known existed (Deaf culture, Autistic culture, Mad pride, Neuroqueer movement, etc.), and the faces of modern-day eugenics.
We will question societal expectations of "normal" and "healthy" bodies and minds, and examine the myriad possibilities for radically reconceptualizing disabled experiences as part of the human experience. We will discuss connections between disability activism and movements for labor justice, fat acceptance, feminism, queer and trans liberation, and racial justice. Don't worry if you don't know much -- this course is meant as an introduction!
By the end of the course, you won't be an expert on disability studies or the disability rights movement or disability cultural activism. You will, however, have both a broader and deeper understanding of an incredibly diverse and dynamic social justice movement, as well as the tools to more carefully analyze and respond to public discourse and popular ideas about disability and bodily/mental difference.
This course was originally taught in Summer HSSP 2015, so you will get a whole summer's worth of info crammed into just two hours! (If you took this class over the summer, you should NOT sign up for this class.)
Prerequisites
An understanding and willingness to engage in some heavy topics especially about violence. I provide content notes/trigger warnings in advance of material likely to be particularly disturbing so students can make informed choices.
In this course, we will explore the concept of different types of disability -- cognitive, physical, mental, sensory, and otherwise. We will grapple with difficult, complicated questions as we move from "unsightly beggars" and "mental defectives" to "sideshow freaks" and "telethon cripples," and all the way to today's radical disability justice activism and calls for crip culture. We'll discuss stigma and shame, as well as disability pride and empowerment. We'll cover topics as diverse as reproductive justice, white supremacy, Calvinist moral principles, bioethics, labor rights, mass incarceration, and sexual violence. You will learn about the longest occupation of a federal building in U.S. protest history, cultural communities you may have never known existed (Deaf culture, Autistic culture, Mad pride, Neuroqueer movement, etc.), and the faces of modern-day eugenics.
We will question societal expectations of "normal" and "healthy" bodies and minds, and examine the myriad possibilities for radically reconceptualizing disabled experiences as part of the human experience. We will discuss connections between disability activism and movements for labor justice, fat acceptance, feminism, queer and trans liberation, and racial justice. Don't worry if you don't know much -- this course is meant as an introduction!
By the end of the course, you won't be an expert on disability studies or the disability rights movement or disability cultural activism. You will, however, have both a broader and deeper understanding of an incredibly diverse and dynamic social justice movement, as well as the tools to more carefully analyze and respond to public discourse and popular ideas about disability and bodily/mental difference.
This course was originally taught in Summer HSSP 2015, so you will get a whole summer's worth of info crammed into just two hours! (If you took this class over the summer, you should NOT sign up for this class.)
Prerequisites
An understanding and willingness to engage in some heavy topics especially about violence. I provide content notes/trigger warnings in advance of material likely to be particularly disturbing so students can make informed choices.
Z9941: Game Theory in Movies Full!
Difficulty: **
Teachers:
Arda Gitmez
This is a standard Game Theory course, with demonstrations of concepts via examples taken from movies (The Dark Knight, Dr. Strangelove, The Good the Bad and the Ugly are some of the stuff we will cover.) Take this if you want to learn about Dominant Strategies, Nash Equilibrium or Subgame Perfection... Or if you want to think about what Joker had in mind when he set the bombs!
Prerequisites
A little bit of math, and willingness for analytical thinking. Preferably some interest in movies!
Prerequisites
A little bit of math, and willingness for analytical thinking. Preferably some interest in movies!
Z10131: The American Judicial System
Difficulty: **
Teachers:
Daniel Richman
The Supreme Court makes a lot of news. Did you know you can skip the news blurbs and read argument transcripts and legal orders yourself? We'll give a quick overview of the American justice system and discuss some key branches of the law. Then we'll jump in and look at some decisions!
Z9789: Everything You Need to Know About Prisons in the U.S.
Difficulty: ***
Teachers:
Lydia Brown
Where do prisons come from? What are the purposes of prisons? Do they really hold up to those ideals? What is prison privatization? What are mass incarceration and the prison-industrial complex and why should you care? We're fascinated with shows like Oz, Prison Break, and Orange is the New Black, but what do we really know about how prisons work in society, who is imprisoned, and where our system fails?
Come to learn about the history of prisons and incarceration in the United States, how our criminal justice system stacks up against others internationally, and what current pressing issues we are now grappling with as a society. We will talk about the role of incarceration in institutional/structural racism, classism, and ableism (don't worry; we'll discuss those terms!) and the connections between prison abolition work and the Black Lives Matter movement as well as the psychological effects of solitary confinement, legal issues surrounding indigent (public) defense and access to counsel, and the ethics of alternatives to imprisonment.
Prerequisites
An understanding and willingness to engage in some heavy topics especially about violence and anti-Black racism. Class will likely get into detail about slavery, police brutality, and abusive conditions of confinement.
Come to learn about the history of prisons and incarceration in the United States, how our criminal justice system stacks up against others internationally, and what current pressing issues we are now grappling with as a society. We will talk about the role of incarceration in institutional/structural racism, classism, and ableism (don't worry; we'll discuss those terms!) and the connections between prison abolition work and the Black Lives Matter movement as well as the psychological effects of solitary confinement, legal issues surrounding indigent (public) defense and access to counsel, and the ethics of alternatives to imprisonment.
Prerequisites
An understanding and willingness to engage in some heavy topics especially about violence and anti-Black racism. Class will likely get into detail about slavery, police brutality, and abusive conditions of confinement.
Z9922: Positive Disintegration - Taking the Theory Further
Difficulty: ***
Teachers:
Josh Shaine
This is a course for students who have taken the Introduction to Positive Disintegration course either in 2014 or this year, or those with familiarity with Kazimierz Dabrowski's work from other sources.
It is *not* for beginners!
Prerequisites
Familiarity with Dabrowski's Theory of Positive Disintegration beyond overexcitabilities.
It is *not* for beginners!
Prerequisites
Familiarity with Dabrowski's Theory of Positive Disintegration beyond overexcitabilities.
Z10068: Basic Economics
Difficulty: **
Teachers:
Ashwath Thirumalai
Come learn the fundamentals of economics in just one hour! No economics knowledge necessary!
Prerequisites
None.
Prerequisites
None.
Z9931: The Role of Satire in Society Full!
Difficulty: *
Teachers:
Kosi Aroh
A fan of Jon Stewart? Ever wondered why he became so popular and the cause for so many spin off shows like his (The Colbert Report, Last Week Tonight, The Nightly, TDS with Trevor Noah, etc)? Is there a deeper underlining role that shows like his play in society? Want to find out what similar figures occupied such roles in the past?
In this class we will cover political satire, its advantages and what this means for societies today and the way we handle difficult issues.
In this class we will cover political satire, its advantages and what this means for societies today and the way we handle difficult issues.
Z9982: How to be Less Wrong
Difficulty: **
Teachers:
Shi Ke Xue
Are you deeply invested in politics? Do you play Facebook games? Do you really know why you like the things you do?
In actuality, there are a lot of cognitive biases at play in every case that tint our reasoning. For various reasons, human psychology leads us to reach conclusions which are wrong and usually unnoticed. We will explore common biases which affect what we believe, how we make decisions, and how we behave. When it comes to thinking about ourselves, we can learn to be less wrong.
Prerequisites
None.
In actuality, there are a lot of cognitive biases at play in every case that tint our reasoning. For various reasons, human psychology leads us to reach conclusions which are wrong and usually unnoticed. We will explore common biases which affect what we believe, how we make decisions, and how we behave. When it comes to thinking about ourselves, we can learn to be less wrong.
Prerequisites
None.