HSSP Summer 2018
Course Catalog


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Arts Computer Science
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Arts

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A12303: Storytelling & Expression: A Maker's Workshop
Difficulty: **

This course consists of several workshop-style classes, each with a different theme, wherein students will develop storytelling skills through exploratory assignments and open discussion. The instructors would like to explicitly welcome and encourage QUILTBAG/queer/gender non-conforming students to attend. Themes will include short-form memoir, writing for artists/drawing for writers, reading and writing copy, and more! Activities will include zine/chatbook-making, short story creation, and group storytelling, among others. Love of narrative, writing and/or visual art recommended. All classes will be taught in order to include both visual and text-based responses to assignments/questions. There will be an element of speaking to and with the class, so please be interested in discussion.

A12261: MYOP : Make Your Own Playground!! Full!
Difficulty: *

A12268: Ukulele Jam Sessions! Full!
Difficulty: **

A12278: Origami Full!
Difficulty: *

A12311: Vector Art for Crafts, Science, and Profit!
Difficulty: **

Learn how to use a vector graphics editor to draw your own logo, create diagrams for scientific publications, and even design things to be laser-cut. This class will demonstrate that you can do a lot when you're skilled with Adobe Illustrator!

A12262: MYOP : Make Your Own Playground!!
Difficulty: *

During this class, we will explore history and types of playground from the time before you and me were born. We will learn how + why people play and what kind of space created to accommodate that. Through brainstorming and design charrette, we will sketch out our dreamed play space and make small models. At the same time, we will explore different material qualities then see how we can use this materials to make our own play space!!

This is a design-built class so we will be working half-time on paper, half-time on model.


Prerequisites
no

A12289: Fancy Crafts and Knicknacks
Difficulty: **

Do you want to spice up your crafting repertoire? Are your cards too bland? Are you tired of buying ridiculously priced home decorations, and want to make them yourself? Join us for seven weeks of learning crafts that you might never have done (or even heard of) before! We’ll have classes on techniques such as paper quilling, paper cutting, paper mache, embroidery, and sewing. Let’s make all the things!

A12306: The Art of Amigurumi Full!
Difficulty: *

A12313: Designing a Robotic Arm in 3D Full!
Difficulty: **
Teachers: Philip Foley


Computer Science

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C12263: From Binary to Symbolic Machine Language: How Computers Understand Code Full!
Difficulty: ***

C12280: Introductory Python Programming through Games Full!
Difficulty: *

C12297: Fun with Arduinos
Difficulty: **

Learn about interfacing an Arduino with multiple inputs and outputs, including motors, LEDs, push buttons, Bluetooth, and more! Class will be split between lecture and lab, where students work on a final project with instructor guidance.


Prerequisites
Programming--most or all programming will be written in Arduino C++. Students should know how to program. We will review C++ syntax at the beginning of class.


Humanities

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H12305: Bodies and Genders in Gothic/Horror Literature
Difficulty: ***
Teachers: Gabriel Horvath

Gothic/Horror fiction taps powerfully into the most intense anxieties of the culture(s) from which it springs. In this class, we'll read horror classics like Frankenstein, Dracula, and Lovecraft, among others, focusing especially on how bodies and gender are discussed: what bodies are emphasized? what bodies are distorted? what bodies are made to disappear?
This fast-moving course will draw from queer theory, feminist literary criticism, and critical race theory in particular.

H12273: The Making and Unmaking of the Middle East
Difficulty: **
Teachers: Shubhan Nagendra

Do you want to know what it means for Trump to reject the Iran deal? Do you want to understand the Syrian crisis? Do you want to know where the Middle East could go next? Then join this class, as we understand the Middle East through the history and politics of two regional powers, Iran and Saudi Arabia.

H12274: Introduction to Comparative Media Studies
Difficulty: **
Teachers: Lilly Chin

Memes. Video games. Snapchat. You probably think that all of these are just things that you enjoy in your free time. But what if I told you that all of these - and more! - are objects of serious academic study?

Come learn more about comparative media studies and learn how to really analyze your favorite medium. Learn how to do a close reading of a text and understand what "media" even really means. The course will culminate in each person giving a final presentation or paper about a media object of your choosing - anything from classical music to pro wrestling!


Prerequisites
I'll expect you to do some amount of reading every week. All readings will be provided / can be found online. We will also be having frank discussions of comments on the internet, so some vulgar language may be discussed.

H12271: Intro to Conversational French!
Difficulty: **
Teachers: Shruthi Sudhakar

Bonjour!
Come learn some French! This course will cover the very basics of the French language, and by the end, you should be able to introduce yourself and hold a short conversation! We’ll cover basic grammar (not too boring, I promise), some good to know vocab, and practice using the language! We’ll also learn a little bit about some famous French people, and look at some of the key features of French culture and politics!


Prerequisites
No prerequisites! Just come prepared to start learning a new language!

H12270: Language Revitalization Full!
Difficulty: **

H12292: Alohomora: Unlocking the Secrets of Harry Potter
Difficulty: *
Teachers: Nelson Niu

Ever wondered why you couldn't just read Harry Potter in your English classes? So have I!

Let's change that.

We'll read and discuss excerpts from the books, unearthing what it is they teach us about love and life, bravery and sacrifice, politics and death. For any aspiring creative writers out there, we'll also investigate the techniques Rowling employs, like humor and plot twists, that make the series so boundlessly captivating.


Prerequisites
You should have read and be familiar with all seven books in the Harry Potter series.

H12259: How to Build Your Empire Full!
Difficulty: ***

H12298: Dreams, Dreaming and the Subconscious
Difficulty: **
Teachers: Carol Hardick

Hello Everyone!
With an the interdisciplinary approach of dream science, cognitive psychology, art and humanities, Dreams, Dreaming and the Subconscious will introduce you to the huge topic of the subconscious with an emphasis on the sleeping brain.

With lots of discussion, we’ll use different perspectives and the principles of critical thinking to study the mystery, the nature of the mind and learn different theories about dreams and the subconscious.

As we discuss the breadth and depth of the mind, the sheer ingenuity of an individual’s ability to think and create in so many ways, (and even do it while we’re sleeping,) we open the door to understanding that vast universe we call a mind.


Lunch

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L12316: 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

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M12296: Complex Numbers Full!
Difficulty: **

M12290: Quantum Computation
Difficulty: ***

Ever wondered why people are so excited about quantum computers?
In this class, we'll learn how to use quantum mechanics to perform computational tasks. We'll see examples of algorithms that solve problems faster than any known classical algorithm, such as Shor's factoring algorithm. We'll also see provably-secure quantum cryptography.


Prerequisites
High school algebra, complex numbers, matrix multiplication

M12302: Advanced Topics in Combinatorics
Difficulty: ***
Teachers: Kavish Gandhi, Yuan Lee

This class will cover a diverse array of subjects in enumerative combinatorics, at its core the art of counting carefully, from generating functions to partitions to Young tableaux to perhaps a taste of game theory, among other advanced topics. After presenting some classic topics in combinatorics as well as some results with delightful proofs, we will also address areas of current research in combinatorics, and describe how combinatorics is applied ubiquitously to solve important problems in computer science and physics, among many other scientific fields.

Each class period will have a handout with all of the results presented in lecture, which will usually be derived completely with proof. Challenge problems will be given out at the end of class.


Prerequisites
A strong background in mathematics will be helpful, but is not necessary; I will start from first principles, and will present all of the necessary background in class. This class will not be easy, but will hopefully be very fun and will blow your mind with some of the wonders of combinatorics!

M12308: Advanced Math for Middle School Students! Full!
Difficulty: **

M12287: Computational Complexity Theory: Proving Puzzles Hard
Difficulty: ***

Have you ever wondered exactly how hard puzzles like Sudoku or Rush Hour are? In a certain sense, most puzzles like these are "as hard as they can possibly be": Sudoku is "NP-complete" and Rush Hour is "PSPACE-complete." In this class, we'll talk about what it means for something to be hard (including defining the terms above), and build a toolkit that lets us prove problems hard. At the end of the class you should know how to look at a new kind of puzzle and determine how hard it is.

This is related to the P vs NP problem, which you might have heard of, but we won't talk a lot about that in this class.


Prerequisites
You should be excited to think about hard math problems


Science

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S12283: High seas adventuring!

Ever wanted to know more about the ocean, why it's important and how we study it? Want to build an underwater robot?

This class will be primarily focused on ocean engineering (not so much the science aspect, sorry) -- we'll be building small ROVs over the course of the summer, and ending with testing them out in the Charles.

S12291: Design / Build / Fly Full!
Difficulty: **
Teachers: Amira Malik

S12272: Networks everywhere! Full!
Difficulty: **
Teachers: Sam Allon, Brian Trippe

S12260: The Physics of Life
Difficulty: **
Teachers: Amir Bitran

In this course, we will learn about the physical principles that explain how life works. As an analogy, the infrastructure in a city-buildings, bridges, roads, etc-is stably held together by forces including tension and support forces. In much the same way, the "structures" and "machines" in our cells (often made up of proteins) adopt their structures and perform their life-sustaining tasks as a result of forces between atoms. But while physics enables the engineering of a city, it also sets constrains on what's possible-for instance, a bridge carrying too heavy of a load will collapse. As we will see, life is similarly constrained by physics, and when living things do not abide by these constraints, diseases such as cancer result. This course will introduce the basic physics governing diverse and crucial biological processes -including evolution, protein folding/assembly, molecular machines, and genetic regulatory networks -and how "catastrophic failure" of these processes leads to disease. Regular interactive activities will ensure that students attain a physical intuition of how and why biology works, rather than simply memorizing facts.


Prerequisites
Math at the level of algebra II, basic knowledge of biology (formal experience not necessary)

S12265: Intro to Organic Chemistry
Difficulty: ***
Teachers: Miles Dai

Did you ever wonder how medicines are made? Want to learn what those squiggly lines mean in chemistry class? Do you want to understand Breaking Bad on a whole new level? If so, organic chemistry might just be right for you!

Organic chemistry, the study of the properties and reactions of carbon-containing compounds, forms the basis for biochemistry and the modern pharmaceutical industry. Despite its reputation as a challenging course, organic chemistry is, at its core, a creative science that uses very fundamental concepts to build up a toolkit for making very complicated compounds.

This course will give you a primer to the most important material covered in the first half of a first-semester o-chem course. We will be moving quickly, beginning by looking at the properties of molecules that affect their reactivity. Following that, we will delve into reactions with different types of molecules such as hydrocarbons, alcohols, and haloalkanes. Finally, we will use this arsenal of tools to devise some simple synthesis pathways.


Prerequisites
A strong understanding of high school chemistry concepts including periodic trends, electronegativity, formal charge, Lewis structures, acid/base concepts, and redox chemistry is a must since many reaction mechanisms will be grounded in these concepts. Also, a willingness to review class material and attempt homework problems is important to successfully learning organic chemistry and getting the most out of this class.

S12282: The Extremes of Life Full!
Difficulty: **

S12294: Biolabyrinth: Navigating Academic Literature
Difficulty: **

The goals of this course are to teach students about the inner working of the cell, biological concepts, real life molecular laboratory techniques, and how to read and understand academic papers. We will do this through a series of lectures consisting of general biology concepts accompanied by a discussion and walk through of an academic paper of the week. This will allow the students to not only explore a variety of concepts ranging from virology to evolution, and everything in between, but also to see where the field is currently going. We will then use these to understand how inferences are made and further research and studies are inferred. This course should provide students with the ability to understand basic figures and grasp the general concept of an academic paper while also being able to apply it in a greater context. In the end I hope that you learn how to read an analyze an academic paper, connect it to general concepts learnt in class, and understand how the field as a whole progresses.


Prerequisites
Freshman High School Biology! Basic laboratory techniques!

S12275: The Foundations of Intelligence: An Introduction to Neuroscience Full!

S12285: How Language Works
Difficulty: **

This course is an introduction to the field of linguistics, the scientific study of human language. From the analysis of spoken sound to the ways in which we put together words and map meanings to those words, this course gives an overview of the complex mechanisms at work each time you talk.

S12288: Plants: Biology, Behavior, and Growing Your Own Full!
Difficulty: **
Teachers: Chelsea Ajunwa

S12299: Topics in Modern Physics Full!
Difficulty: **

S12284: Pandemics, Epidemics and Genomics
Difficulty: **

How can the world’s worst microbes and viruses be defeated using cutting edge advances in genomics and gene editing? We will use case studies to learn how genomic technologies can be developed to address challenges in infectious disease control and treatment.


Prerequisites
None

S12281: Intro to Synthetic Biology! Full!
Difficulty: **

S12264: Introduction to Biochemistry: How does your body carry out chemical reactions?
Difficulty: **

How does your blood carry oxygen? How does your stomach digest food? How do your cells sense their environment? If you want to take a sneak peek at the chemical processes in your body, this class is perfect for you!


Prerequisites
Introductory chemistry

S12312: Regenerative Biology: A History, Techniques, and Recent Breakthroughs
Difficulty: **

From birth, we are defined by the cells and their functions in our body. Stem cells, in particular, have become a hot topic in contemporary medicine research as we realize their potential and important roles in our body. This course will introduce a brief history of what a stem cell is, the techniques researchers used (and in what context), and the relating & resulting therapeutics.


Prerequisites
High School biology, AP biology preferred

S12286: Engineering Inventions
Difficulty: *
Teachers: Rebecca McCabe

Ever wanted to invent something? Now's your chance! I'll guide you through the invention process to brainstorm and design your own product.

Learn about patents, 3D printing, and mechanical engineering. On the last day, you'll present your invention to the class.

Note: you will be expected to work on your invention outside of class time. Expect 1-3 hours a week of "homework," but it will be fun!

S12277: Exoplanet Explorer
Difficulty: **
Teachers: Lizhou Sha

Twenty-five years ago, we weren't even sure planets existed outside our solar system. Yet, today we know from the Kepler survey that on average, every star in our galaxy has at least one planet. Even in light of this amazing progress, exoplanet research remains a vibrant, dynamic field. New discoveries are probably happening as we speak!

In this course, we will take a technical dive into exoplanet detection methods, atmospheres, and interiors. We will develop the theoretical understanding necessary to interpret the observable properties of exoplanets. We will also explore the feasibility of finding earth-like planets, habitable planets, and biosignature gases (aka "possible alien life").


Prerequisites
You should know basic algebra, geometry and trigonometry. We will develop all necessary science background in class, but knowing some basic physics is a plus.

S12301: Quantum Physics and Astrophysics: The Universe at its Two Extremes
Difficulty: ***
Teachers: Kavish Gandhi, Yuan Lee

This course will present a survey of some of the most exciting topics in the two subfields of physics most different in the length scales they study: quantum physics and astrophysics. Each class will present a single idea or physical fact with reasonable mathematical depth, as well as discuss some current research surrounding the topic. Get ready to learn about black holes, Bell's theorem, the Chandrasekhar limit, and much, much more!

Each class will have a handout containing all of the results presented in lecture, occasionally accompanied by presentation slides. Challenge problems and links to additional reading will be given out at the end of class.


Prerequisites
An introductory background in mechanics is helpful, but not required. What is required is an unbridled passion for physics, and a desire to learn the underlying physical explanation (as much as we know it)) behind some of the most exciting physics of this day and age.

S12309: The Science of Food Full!
Difficulty: **

S12293: Introduction to Biochemistry
Difficulty: ***
Teachers: Miguel Aguilar

Why do we need oxygen to survive? Why are fats not that bad, after all? Why does your cereal contain so many vitamins? Why should you drink water? This course will overview the main aspects of biochemistry, by studying the main classes of molecules that form our bodies and how they interact with themselves and as a whole, in different organisms. The main processes that give rise to building blocks and life as we know it will also be studied at the molecular level.


Prerequisites
General chemistry and biology knowledge is required. Some familiarity with organic chemistry (reading organic structures, pKa, stereochemistry) is useful but not required.

S12253: Intro to Synthetic Biology!
Difficulty: *
Teachers: Philip Tran, Lucy Yang

Come learn about how gene editing works!


Prerequisites
No prior knowledge about biology needed!

S12276: The Foundations of Intelligence: An Introduction to Neuroscience Full!

S12307: An introduction to Jet Engines and Rockets
Difficulty: **
Teachers: Prakash Prashanth

Ever been on an airplane, looking out the window as the engines roar to life, gently pushing you into your seat as you accelerate and takeoff? Ever wondered how these engines work? Have you been following the latest rocket launches by SpaceX? Come find out more about how jet engines and rockets work in this introductory class! #rocketscience


Prerequisites
Basic physics knowledge such as conservation principles - mass, momentum, energy. Basic chemistry. Proficient in algebra. Introductory calculus will be ideal (though not required)


Miscellaneous

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X12304: Conspiracy Theories Full!
Difficulty: *
Teachers: Lia Tian

X12295: Utopia Dystopia
Difficulty: *

In this course students will work together with their fellow classmates to turn a Dystopian setting into a Utopian setting. Students will do so by discussing topics such as international ethics, history, and modern day politics to infer the creation of their Utopia. This class will allow students to develop their arguments based on modern day events, historical events, and opinions and sentiment. The goal is to help students become aware of the world around them, political climates, and to gain a more global perspective.


Prerequisites
Understand basic politics

X12279: Improv Class: Think on Your Feet Full!
Difficulty: **

X12314: Lecture Series
Difficulty: **
Teachers: Philip Tran

Every week, a different teacher will teach a random topic of their choice.