Splash Fall 12
Course Catalog

Ethan Goldstein, the Executive Producer of CCNews (Clark's video news show) teaches the process of planning and producing a news broadcast, using CCNews as an example.

This course will look at the history, evolution, and distinctive style of the Russian novel. We will look at the major works of Tolstoy, Dostoevsky, Bulgakov, Erofeev, and Pelevin. No prior knowledge of Russian history or novels required!

Evvolution of the horror movie.

Islamic architecture has captured our minds and eyes for generations. One of the most stunning examples is the Taj Mahal. Islamic influence spanned from Spain to India which provides for a wide array of examples. This class will explore beyond the Taj Mahal and be a survey of a few of the lesser known, but stunning, examples of Islamic architecture and the historical and cultural influences inherent in each. Some study of recurring motifs across time and space will also be included.

We will look at short clips and learn how to critically analyze at all aspects of the scene and write them down. In discussing these clips, we will look at lighting, camera work, acting, dialogue, and editing. Hopefully by the end of class you too can come away learning how to write your own short film.


Prerequisites
none.

A brief history of Origami will be given on the subject of Origami. We will work with three specific categories of Origami: Regular Origami, Fashion Origami and Geogami. Generally speaking Origami uses one piece of origami paper for each piece of artwork. Fashion Origami again uses one piece of origami paper but this origami paper has patterns on both sides. Geogami usually uses between five to twelve pieces of origami paper to make geometric artwork pieces. There are many types of origami paper including but not limited to flourescent paper, patterned paper, foil-like paper and much more. All items made by students are for them to take home after class.


Prerequisites
n/a

This course attempts to understand the nuances of the great film director and producer Christopher Nolan. We will discuss his directing style, themes and patterns of seen in his movies. Movies discussed will include Memento, Inception, The Prestige, and the Dark Knight series.


Prerequisites
Viewing of at least one of the movies mentioned.

This is a philosophy class that dives into a major topic of metaphysics: the composition of reality. What kinds of entities exist? Is the physical universe the only stuff that exists? Does the physical universe even exist? What is consciousness? What kind of thing is the United States government? How do non-physical entities interact with the physical universe? Because the composition of reality is such a large topic, this class will not cover the existence of gods and other spiritual entities, but will instead focus on the existence of consciousness, relationships, and non-physical setups such as number lines.

The problem of free will is intertwined with some of the most fundamental issues in philosophy: morality, punishment and legal theory, how the universe functions, and what it means to have a mind and be human. The problem itself is straightforward: do we have any ultimate control over our personalities and actions, or are we forced by our nature and upbringing to act in particular ways? The class will explore different responses to this problem.


Prerequisites
No prior knowledge of philosophy is expected. Only a willingness to talk about new ideas with other students. The class will feature some discussion.

A general overview of the history and culture of Armenia and the Armenian People. Not only will you learn about the 3000-year past of Armenia, but you will also learn about cultural elements such as Armenian dancing, songs, and music, and authentic Armenian food will be served.

This course will draw upon the Beat Generation and post beat authors and their writing styles as influences for student's individual poetry/creative writing. The literature reviewed will consider the roles of religion, sexuality, politics and drug culture. Additionally, discussion will consider a disregard for traditional literary styles and blatant rejection of cultural values,

This class will teach you the darker side of Thomas Edison.

History of the sectional tensions preceding and going through the Civil War.

Presidential fun facts and learn how to say all the presidents in 9 seconds.

This is a philosophy class about a popular topic in metaphysics: the existence of gods and other spiritual entities. (This area of study often goes under the label “philosophy of religion”.) Do any gods exist, and if so, which religion (if any) posits the correct god(s)? Is there an afterlife? Is there a heaven? Is there a hell? Is reincarnation real? Do people/animals have spiritual souls? Do angels exist? Do demons exist? Do devils exist? Do ghosts exist? In this class, we will discuss a wide variety of views about gods and other spiritual entities. We will discuss the work of theistic/spiritual philosophers such as William Lane Craig, Francis Collins, Ray Comfort, Kirk Cameron, Deepak Chopra, David Wolpe, and Reza Aslan. We will also discuss the work of atheistic philosophers such as Sam Harris, Richard Dawkins, Christopher Hitchens, Daniel Dennett, Bill Maher, and Matt Dillahunty. Students of all views (atheistic, theistic, Buddhist, undecided, whatever…) are welcome. This class will involve a large amount of discussion among the students. The only requirement for this class is that students are polite and respectful to one another.

The Shahnameh is widely considered the greatest work of poetry in the Persian-speaking world. The words of the Shahnameh are on the tip of every Persian speaker's tongue to this day. With over 60,000 verses about the pre-Arab mythology and history of Persia, it is a source of cultural pride in Iran and parts of Afghanistan. It took Ferdowsi over 20 years to write this masterpiece. The story behind the writing of these tales is one full of political rebellion and defiance. In this class, we will explore the content, historical and geographical context and culture behind this masterpiece. Knowledge about the Shahnameh is a step towards understanding a culture that spans across national borders and how intimately the past and present are connected.

This course will look at the history of American punk and alternative rock in the 80's in early 90's leading up to Nirvana.

This class is explores how human geographers today think about the world. We will do so by examining the many different connections between people, the natural world and society around us to develop our ability to think geographically. Students are encouraged to participate actively and imaginatively in class discussion to meet this goal.

Know a little bit of Spanish but not a lot? Thats okay! Take this beginners level spanish to improve your spanish speaking skills. Emphasis will be placed on common and useful phrases and verb conjugations that one can use for conversation or questioning. This is a great opportunity to practice and learn some Spanish!

Enjoy a break for lunch with your friends! Please register for at least one lunch period on each day of the program.

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, databases, client-side and server-side scripting, servers, 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.


Prerequisites
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!

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, databases, client-side and server-side scripting, servers, 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.


Prerequisites
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!

This course will introduce the functions through many different notions involving lines in the plane and will then formalize a little more the notion of a function and cover the essential notions that relate to it, namely limits, differentiation and maybe integration, depending on how well the students may follow up.

There usually isn't enough time in high school math classes for your teachers to give you the (oftentimes interesting) stories behind the math. If you like your math doused in a little bit of history, this class is for you!


Prerequisites
High school geometry

Diseases have affected the course of human history for thousands of years. We will discuss how several major civilizations, throughout world history, have dealt with and responded to disease. Our case studies will likely include the role of the Mongols in spreading bubonic plague throughout Eurasia, the effects of smallpox on the indigenous peoples of the Americans, and the Spanish flu of 1918. We will also discuss modern pandemics like SARS.


Prerequisites
Basic knowledge of biology and world history.

Have you ever wondered how you can image the atomic structure of materials? In this class you will learn how one basic concept of quantum mechanics allowed for the development of a state-of-the-art experimental technique, scanning tunneling microscopy, to do just this. This class will include a demonstration of Clark’s newly acquired scanning tunneling microscope.

If the heroes from your favorite comic books sprang to life, how would their powers work? How can the Flash move so fast? How can Superman lift planes without damaging them? Can you deflect bullets with bracelets like Wonder Woman? The answers and more through this colorful physics based class!

What is DNA and how does it define who we are? In this course, you will first learn about the role of DNA in living things (lecture) followed by a lab experiment where you will learn how to extract DNA from an organism.


Prerequisites
High school biology

The student will learn how to cross male human genes with female human genes to predict the probable genetic makeup of their future children. The student will learn terms of genetic jargon. Students will be placed in small groups to answer real-life examples of genetic parental crosses. Each group will present their findings as a group. Each group should assign every member a task such as a scribe (writer), reader, presenter of material, etc. The class will be then divided into two large groups to play Genetics Jeopardy. There will different categories with increasing difficulty as points increase. The winning team will be asked to volunteer as individuals to present to the class some of the learning techniques they used to retain this material.


Prerequisites
n/a

An introduction to Quidditch for Muggles! Rules, play, and a chance to play Quidditch with the Clark Quidditch team!

An introduction to Quidditch for Muggles! Rules, play, and a chance to play Quidditch with the Clark Quidditch team!

This course will consist of a discussion about the messages we absorb from society, the media, and our peers about sex and sexuality. In the class we will talk about what healthy sexuality might look and feel like, and about how to respect ourselves and our partners in any situation.


*This course will include some discussion of topics such as sexual assault that might be difficult or triggering to some people. Please consider that when registering.


Prerequisites
None!

Students from the LGBTQIA+ (lesbian, gay, bisexual, trans*, queer, questioning, intersex, ally, asexual etc) group at Clark University OPEN (our people exclude no one) are going to talk about gender identity, expression, role and many other aspects of gender as well as the intersections of other identities.

Come learn what being on the Relay for Life planning committee is all about! Learn the mission of Relay for Life, advocacy for cancer, various ceremonies, running fundraisers and how to run a Relay for Life itself. We'll end the day with a mini-Relay for Life right in the classroom!

This course is a history of the sport of gaga and a lesson on how to play it. We will briefly go over the sport's background then give a quick demonstration on how to play it. We will then actively participate in one of the most entertaining games you will ever play. If you've never played I highly recommend you come to my class!

Anyone can learn how to juggle! If you've ever wanted to be the show off at the party, here's your chance! Also, if you know how to juggle three balls already, or even four or five balls, I can teach you some tricks.

No previous experience required. The student will learn about numbers, colors, the alphabet, definite articles, vocabulary about family & school and practice using this learned knowledge in oral exercises. Also, we will be playing Spanish Bingo using Spanish words rather than numbers. The students will work in small groups to present a written piece orally to the class. We will also be completing written exercises that require you to use your creativity even before using your new knowledge of Spanish.


Prerequisites
n/a