Splash Spring 2016
Course Catalog

WWI is an excellent case study for great power politics, and a lot of the complexities of the causes of the war are not well explained in high school. Nationalism, industrialization, and the complex politics of the Balkans are not taught nearly as much as the assassination of Archduke Ferdinand and the alliance system that also triggered the war. This course would focus on trends from the late 1800s up until 1914.

What are the forms and origins of racial segregation? Using game theory and economic intuition, explore the works of economists Gary Becker and Thomas Schelling to understand racism in the workplace, affirmative action, and housing policy.


Prerequisites
Basic economic knowledge is highly suggested.

Ever wanted to know about the first comedy films, or when they were made? How about the types of sight gags used by silent-era comedians like Charlie Chaplin? Or even the history of cartoons, from Steamboat Willie to Steven Universe? Look no further! This class will provide a brief introduction to the various eras and types of film comedy, and we'll investigate together just what has made each one possible.

(This is a class which you’ll use likely daily for the rest of your life!) We all live in hierarchical structures: Work, family, school…. What patterns should you watch for and which tactics should you take to help your point win the day? Come learn some of the tactics used by bad bosses…and some history, too!


Prerequisites
None

Come learn why all hierarchical societies (and what *that* means) must be based on lies. Briefly consider historical examples. Then explore the three greatest lies of our own society and how they show up throughout our lives. See if you agree! Understand what to watch for to understand how you’re being manipulated and therefore how to avoid it. And a new way to see what goes on around you.


Prerequisites
None

Why do we have genders? Is having genders a good thing? Where do genders come from? How do we teach people to have them? And how do transgender people fit into this?

This class will be a brief overview of some different ways that gender had been thought of, and what gender means in our society.

Everyone knows (or has heard) Bach’s Toccata in D minor. But did you know that piece of music teaches about the nature of Baroque music? And why it was eventually replaced by Romantic music? The mechanism itself (pipe organs in this case) shapes what kind of music we get…and, of course, the money…. Come learn all about this.


Prerequisites
None

This course will examine how the structure of the American political system is not conducive to democratic governance of a modern state. We will examine the United States Constitution, Federalist Papers, and other information about our political institutions and trace how their nature has led the hyper-partisanship, political apathy, and demagoguery that currently characterize our government, especially in the most recent election cycle.


Prerequisites
Middle School Civics (three branches of government, etc.)

Why do people act the way do? Tired of theories which don't work in the real world? Come hear Bill Geraci's answers to these eternal questions!


Prerequisites
None

If you were a member of an alien species that had come to Earth and had only been given a bunch of languages, how much do you think you'll be able to figure out about the history of their speakers? Probably a little more than you believe.

In this class, we will look at the development of some sounds in the English language (specifically the Grimm's law) and see what they can tell us about the history of English speakers. We'll also try to figure out why these sounds developed the way they did. However you are strictly advised not to try to do this outside class because that will involve repeating funny sounds which may or may not get you weird stares from strangers.

Have you ever wanted to speak the speeches of Hamlet or wow audiences as Juliet in the balcony scene? This quick crash course will teach you all about the tiny clues Shakespeare left in the wording, meter, and punctuation of his plays. You'll learn how actors use those clues to figure out what characters are thinking and feeling, and get a chance to read some Shakespearian speeches yourself!


Prerequisites
Know what iambic pentameter means. Having read or seen a Shakespeare play is helpful but not required.

Rap music, with all of its negative connotations, continues to be one of the most misunderstood art forms. Similarly, the city of Chicago is one of the most misunderstood places to live in. In an effort to combat these misconceptions, this class will consist of comparing the lyrics of several Chicago rappers and addressing the images their lyrics portray. With this new understanding, students will be able to apply it to their own lives, making an effort to combat misconceptions for the betterment of Chicago.

In this class, we will learn to read as writers, examining text to discover how it works. But this class moves beyond typical analysis to ask: what makes a story good? How can we write the kind of story we want to? What's the point of writing? This course will explore how authors use language through close reading of a short story and discuss how we might use language in our own stories.

In this course, you'll learn about great poetry by learning to make fun of it. We'll read famous poems, and learn about the various ways they've been parodied, imitated, or (lovingly) mocked. We'll discuss what makes these poems great, and what makes them so...mockable. You'll also have some time to write parody poems of your own, and to share them.


Prerequisites
Know about simile, metaphor, sonnet, and free verse.

Interested in the science behind language? Come learn about the branch of linguistics that deals with sound production and organization and how sound encodes meaning.


Prerequisites
None

Come learn a new language, where you can converse after only a few lessons! ASL is a gestural language spoken mainly by the Deaf in the United States. We will review basic grammar, vocabulary, finger spelling, numbers, and cultural lessons on the Deaf community. You will have the opportunity to practice your signing skills, learn any words you might be curious about, and watch the art forms of ASL poetry, song and dance. American Sign Language is easy, fun and exciting to learn, but most importantly of all- it allows you access to the complex and rich world of the Deaf. No previous knowledge necessary, just come with ready hands.

Ever wondered how messed up Greek mythology is? Or seen some parallels between Greek myths and modern day stories? Or you just happen to really like Greek myths in general? Introducing Greek myths with tropes, rated G to M depending on the audience.

Where do birds go during the winter? The ancient Greeks explained the disappearance of certain kinds of birds during the winter by suggesting that they magically transformed into other kinds of birds. Today we know that’s not true–the strategies animals have evolved for escaping the changing of the seasons are, in some ways, far more unbelievable. From shorebirds that can fly nonstop for over 6,000 miles; to monarch butterflies and their yearly trips to the few, relatively tiny patches of fir trees in Mexico where they spend the winter months; to swarms of near-microscopic ocean-dwelling animals called zooplankton that swim a vertical distance of 3,000 feet each day to find food, animals are willing to go the distance against all odds in order to survive and pass on their genes. In this class we’ll learn all about amazing animal migrations, the risks and rewards of these long journeys, and how animals’ migrations are an important part of our global ecosystem.


Prerequisites
A general interest in weird and unique animals! Also, some familiarity with geography and high-school biology is recommended.

An introduction to climate change from multiple angles. We'll talk about what people mean when they say the planet is warming, and then discuss both scientific and policy ways to address it. Bring your questions and opinions!

The oceans hold an amazing diversity of organisms! We will cover a range of marine biology topics including the biology, chemistry, and physics behind different ecosystems. Marine biology is fun! Unfortunately, climate change is not. Learn about how climate change is affecting the oceans and what people are doing about it.

This course will cover recent advances in neuroimaging, addressing the applications of research tools such as resting-state functional magnetic resonance imaging (R-fMRI), dense-array electroencephalograph (EEG), and Diffusion Tensor Imaging (DTI). We will also focus on how connectivity analyses can be applied to each of these research methodologies. Finally, we will discuss potential state-of-the-art techniques of the future, which are currently under development, including Diffuse Optical Tomography/Imaging (DOT) and nanoparticles for biomedical imaging.


Prerequisites
Some minor background in mathematics, biology, and physics is suggested but not required.

Oh no! Someone you know is having an allergic reaction. Bu wait- good thing you went to the First Aid class! You know how to use your friend's epi pen to save them!

To learn how to respond in emergency situations like this one and more (from bleeding to losing consciousness) come to this class!


Prerequisites
None

Our universe came into existence 13.7 billion years ago. We now call it "The Big Bang". But it was not just "big", it was "everywhere". Moreover, it was not just a "bang", it was a "stretch". Although "The Everywhere Stretch" is not a catchy name for it.
In this class, we will read the biography for our universe. We will start from its birth, then tell the story of how it evolved into the universe in which we live and love. (The whole universe was orange at some point in its evolution!)
Then we will cover how our universe will look like in the distant future (not thousands, not millions, but billions of years later). Eventually we will learn about how it will die, this time not with a bang but with a whimper.

Do you want to learn how to forecast the weather? This is a class for you to be able to impress your friends with. Challenge the TV meteorologists with your own forecasts, and bet your friends on whether or not you'll have a snow day!

Few beverages can be said to have inspired wars, espionage, and war. Even fewer drinks have played a central role in both world history and modern culture. Come learn about the world's most consumed beverage - tea!

In this class, we'll be answering pressing questions, such as: How do I brew the perfect cup of tea? And what exactly is oolong, anyways?

Besides covering the science, history, and culture of tea, we'll be tasting varieties from around the world. Come experience different ways of drinking tea, from the traditional Chinese tea ceremony to British high tea (with scones, of course!).


Prerequisites
No previous tea experience required.

What if your life depended on your ability to navigate with a map and compass? Would you find yourself more alone than you’d hoped?
The ability to navigate terrain with a map and compass is a skill-set that’s become lost in recent years due to technological advances like GPS and its integration into our phones.

Learn how to read a map including using a compass, computing distance, identifying terrain features and getting a pace count. Then put your expertise to practice with a land navigation challenge!

Introduction to what economics is
Concept of scarcity
Free rider problem
Moral hazard
Different types of goods: public, luxury, normal, inferior
Price and cross price elasticity of demand
Cover positive and negative externalities
Implications for Government policies

Chicago is a city of many stories--some of them spookier than others. We will examine some of the city's most famous ghost stories and use them as a jumping off point for a larger discussion of how we evaluate stories about the paranormal and what it means to have "proof."

The meme ecosystem, or memecosystem, controls the internet at the highest level. Come explore it! We'll discuss what memes are, where they come from, and what makes a good meme, with plenty of examples along the way.


Prerequisites
None, but knowing about some existing memes will make discussion more interesting.

Compton's Cafeteria Riot. The Vanguard. Stonewall. STAR. Sylvia Rivera. Marsha P Johnson. ACT UP. Queer Nation. The Combahee River Collective. BYP100. And many more!

Queer people in the United States have been pushing the boundaries to fight for liberation and justice throughout the 20th and 21st centuries. This class will highlight some key radical LGBTQ-centered organizations, people, and actions; with an emphasis on people and groups who are often ignored or erased in mainstream histories.


Prerequisites
A basic knowledge of LGBTQ identities and terminology would be helpful, but you certainly don't need to be an expert!

Interested in knowing how the US Army trains its soldiers on battle tactics? Want to know what maneuvers are happening in Band of Brothers, Black Hawk Down, and more? This course will give you a basic introduction into the structure of Army squad and platoon maneuvers.

Learn about ambushes, raids, reacting to contact, and more!

Learn tips and tricks to ace your SATs! We will focus specifically on the Critical Reading and Writing sections and will work through sample papers and questions. The goal is to teach you how to pick answers and use the test format to your advantage. Some topics that will be covered are:
1. How to answer vocabulary questions without memorizing the dictionary?
2. How to prep for the essay writing part of the test?
3. How to answer the Critical Reading questions?

Come learn the fundamentals of emergency medicine with the University of Chicago Emergency Medical Services! In a crash course designed to pass on some of our most essential skills, we will be teaching you how to 1) recognize when someone is seriously hurt, 2)s tart providing them emergency care while you wait for the ambulance to arrive 3) how to perform citizen CPR. These crucial skills may not only help you save a life - they could get you started down a career path as well! Don't let yourself be a helpless bystander - learn what it takes to make a difference today!

This course will offer an overview of the form and philosophy of the American government from a primarily historical and legal perspective. We will cover the branches of government and the powers they hold, the Constitution, and the shifts in the practice of government that have occurred in new laws, presidencies, court cases, etc. At the end, the class may discuss their opinions of the American system of government and broader theories of government.