Diverse electives - in-depth explorations

2009 Electives

1. Bioethics - Dr. Thomson - Advanced Philosophy “Bioethics” is a very broad topic covering a diverse set of philosophical issues, but currently the “hot” issue is access to health care. Almost 50 million people in the United States have limited or no access to health care. The most debated political topic in the country right now is how we are going to rectify this problem. In this class, we will explore the many social, political, economic, and philosophical issues that surround this topic. Particular attention will be paid to issues of social justice.

2. What shall we do with the Negro? - Prof. Jones -  African-American History in the United States  What Shall We Do with the Negro? is an elective course that seeks to engage students in an examination of the history of Africans in the Diaspora, specifically in the United States of America, from colonialism through the present. Through an historical, political, and cultural examination of the names that have been imposed on or emerged from Africans in the Diaspora, students will grapple with the significance and consequence of race. Simply put, students will understand that the treatment of Africans in the Diaspora and their descendants is reflected and refracted through the name that they are known as. These terms include Africans in the Diaspora, Nigger/Nigga, Negro, Black, African-American, Afro-American, Person of Color, and Minority. Through an examination of these labels, students will be able question the utility of these labels, the primacy of race, and the degree to which Africans in the Diaspora and their descendants have gained access to the human rights that are embedded in the Constitution of the United States.

3. Architecture Design - Prof. Martin - Studio Architecture and design concepts will be introduced through a series of studio exercises building graphic literacy both in reading and producing blueprints of various object prototypes. Additionally, the class will learn about notable designers, architects, and famous buildings through which key figures, construction methods, and famous built forms will be established. These initial explorations prepares the students for designing two culminating design projects: their dream bedroom and an urban park playground. Examining their investigations, combined with those of their fellow students, the students will assimilate the essential elements of the professional practice of architecture and its players, prototypes, and principles. On the way through these explorations students will be encouraged to analyze the art behind construction and the rationale of good design.

4. Astronomy - Prof. Russell - Astronomy will be a course that uses observations in our classroom, partnerships with local observatories and organizations, and pictures from different satellites to gain knowledge of the Sun, our solar system, and the galaxies beyond. Particular attention will be paid to light and how astronomers use the spectrum to gain even deeper knowledge about our universe.

5. War - Prof. Hubbard - This fall marks the 400th anniversary of the arrival of Henry Hudson to our area. To those arriving, this event signaled the beginning of a new era of discovery, conquest and wealth. To those already here, it marked the beginning of a period of decline culminating in ultimate defeat and near extinction. This course will explore both sides of this story. Students will seek answers to such questions as "How could settlers, who professed certain values, justify behavior which violated those values when it came to relations with native Americans?" "How did the different worldviews of settlers and native Americans lead to misunderstanding and conflict?" "Could native Americans have done anything to alter the course of history and prevent their decline and destruction?" "Was there a right side and a wrong side to this conflict?" Students will receive a condensed view of the history leading up to the age of discovery to provide context and understanding of the worldview of explorers and settlers. They will receive an overview of the Native American way of thinking as well.

 6. Environmental Science - Prof. Behe - Biodiversity of New York Course Overview: With increasing concerns over the loss of global biodiversity it is becoming progressively more important to understand what biodiversity is and what affects it; there is a direct relationship between people’s knowledge of the environment and its sustainability. To protect biodiversity people must first acquire an understanding and a connection for what they are protecting. This course will attempt to help student’s develop this connection and an appreciation for the vast amount of life in their own backyard, through an investigation of the biodiversity of the New York Metropolitan Area. Course Objective: The course explores and develops an understanding of key concepts that relate to biodiversity, through an examination of what biodiversity is, what threatens its stability, and actions that students can take to preserve it. With emphasis on learning through direct experiences, students will engage in field observations and data collection which extend beyond the classroom. Students will also gain a deeper connection of the environment around them and enhance writing skills through self reflection and analysis as they engage in those field observations.

7. Genetics - Prof. Doubilet - How our genes MAKE us! How do you get your father’s brown eyes, your mother’s curly hair, your father’s interest in music, your mother’s ability in math? We may have HEARD of genes, but what are they, really, and how do our parents pass theirs to us? In the Genetics elective, we’ll learn how inheritance functions and how the environment plays its part. We’ll have DNA and protein models to work with, and we’ll perform sophisticated scientific experiments at the Harlem DNA lab. By the end of the semester, we’ll have a real handle on the “mystery” of Genetics, one of the newest areas of science.

8. Human Evolution (Spring) - Prof. Shushan - This elective course will discuss how humans evolved to become what we are today, based on How Humans Evolved by Robert Boyd and Joan Silk at UCLA. We will begin by discussing how evolution works as a general concept. Once we have a solid grasp on the basics of evolution we will discuss primate ecology and behavior. This will give us the foundation to transition smoothly into the history of the human lineage allowing us to fully dissect the evolution of modern humans, on which the majority of the course time will be spent. Genetic diversity, behavior, language, and evolutionary psychology will be major foci of discussions. The course grade will be based primarily on a midterm, final, project, and paper.
 

9. Imagination and Logic: A Historical View of Science as a Human Action This course exposes and investigates the historical context in which our seminal scientific thinkers emerged and developed their theories and laws. We will come to think of science as a human endeavor, a "blend of logic and imagination." We will identify and discuss the revisions that scientific ideas undergo over time-- from atomic theory's numerous incarnations to Newton's ideas being challenged by relativity.Through replication of historical experiments and the use of the city's museums and libraries, students will understand the social, political and religious influences on some of our most gifted scientists' and inventors' conclusions.

10. Journalism I: Print Media for the 21st Century  and Periodismo Prof. Bailey and De la Torre -  Throughout history society has depended on journalists to provide necessary information on important events and people. In this course, students will fulfill this essential role for our school community. Journalism I focuses on mastery of the basic skills necessary to produce a monthly paper. From investigate reports to interviews to digital photography to reviews to editorials, students will have the opportunity to explore many facets of the journalistic process, as well as strengthen their reading, writing, and critical thinking skills. This course stresses the importance of teamwork, as students will work closely with their peers to produce high quality print for a readership of hundreds. In addition, students will explore the implications of technology on journalism in the 21st century, as well as consider the moral and ethical questions journalists must face.
 

11. Neuroscience & Me: How Does My Brain Work? - Prof. Terranova. This course will focus on current findings in the field of neuroscience and what insights into ourselves we can glean from them. Students will learn about the basic structures in the brain and how they work as well as interact with eachother and the rest of the body. They will then examine certain phenomena, such as premonitions and gut reactions, and learn about the theories neuroscientists have created to explain them. They will also have opportunities to apply what they have learned about the brain to explain certain phenomena, like optical illusions, themselves. In addition, students will learn how to maximize their learning and processing power, gain insights into their current experience of life and even question the nature of reality itself.

12. Logic Puzzles and Real Logic - Dr. Maeir - Everyone’s heard about Sudoku. But there are many more kinds of Japanese logic puzzle (some of which are much more fun!). In this course we’ll begin by learning a few of them.

Logic is more than just fun and games. It's the backbone of philosophy and science. In each case we ask which conclusions follow logically from what we already know or can observe directly. So after we get good at solving the puzzles, we’ll use them to help us understand what exactly we’ve learned how to do, and why it’s so important.Naturally one of our tasks will be to crown a champion puzzle solver. In addition, however, students will learn:

– the concepts of deduction and formal abstraction
– the concepts of argument and proof, and their uses in math and science
– logical rules and techniques, such as modus ponens and proof by contradiction
– the connection between logic and rationality: why be “logical”?
– how to detect and avoid logical fallacies (mistakes in reasoning)
– and we’ll finish with an introduction to philosophical logic – including (time permitting) the strange story of how a special kind of logical puzzle (called a paradox) tormented early 20th century philosophers, and what they did about it.

Students who take this course (and work hard!) will be well prepared for a rigorous introductory course in philosophical logic which may be offered in the future.

13. Sustainability - The STAR elective, a continuation of the STAR (StudenT AmbassadoR) summer program, aims to engage and empower CSS students to act as environmental engineers, stewards, and community leaders. The course will further student’s knowledge of sustainability, touching upon topics such as renewable energy, carbon emissions, waste reduction, and preservation of the natural environment. Content will be imparted to the students via lectures, documentaries, and field trips. Students will be asked to relate issues of sustainability to the needs of their own community and articulate through presentations and proposals how to implement steps that will make a difference for the environment. An additional aspect of this course will be the continued maintenance and development of the engineering projects that the students have built over the summer. The elective will conclude with an independent project in which students will build models of their ideal, sustainable community which will reflect the knowledge and skills learned during the class.

14. The People Called it Ragtime - Prof. Hill - Exploring the Early American 20th Century through the Broadway Musical This course takes students on an adventure through New York City history with Broadway musical Ragtime as its guide. Students will investigate what it takes to put on a Broadway musical - directing, musical directing, composition, costume design, set design, dramaturgy, and of course, acting - while getting a view of American history at the turn of the century. A history characterized by great waves of U.S. immigration, racial and religious struggles and activism, classism, the industrial revolution, and the search for the American Dream will come alive through both the musical Ragtime and the 1975 novel upon which it is based. The course will parallel the opening of the Broadway revival of Ragtime this fall.

15. What fights are worth fighting? The rights and responsibilities of Citizens and Government Leaders - Prof Swan
Alternative title: Government and Citizenship Students will begin this course by analyzing excerpts from Spike Lee's "The Levees" about Hurricane Katrina to elucidate different kinds of citizenship, and determine the kind of citizenship we embody at CSS. The class will then evaluate the voting records of our politicians and local, state and national level, paying particular attention to their stances on the environment, immigration, gay marriage and gun control. Students in this elective will share their findings with peers in an assembly, solicit community feedback and contact these representatives to share the CSS community's support and criticisms. This class will also examine Supreme Court Cases establishing students rights (or lack thereof) in schools, including students' right to protest, their freedom of expression and freedom from warantless searches. Finally, this semester will close with an examination of citizenship in the age of globalization. How are our families, CSS, and our city connected to global sweatshop industries? The class will examine our role, responsibilities and options in a global economy. Students will debate current events issues, write and deliver speeches during the course, and help run Student Government Assemblies. While this course is required for anyone interested in running for student government in the fall of 2009 or subsequent years, this course is useful for all Columbians in its exploration of the values, controversies and rights we have in our school, city, state and nation.

16. Speak UP! Speak Out! Forensics Elective - Prof. Ligocki

The word “forensic” comes from the Latin adjective “forensis” meaning of or before the forum.  Come before the forum and improve your communication skills by improving your speech proficiency, poise and self-confidence in public speaking situations. Select speeches from a variety of categories to practice your public-speaking body language, eye contact, projection, pace, intonation, pronunciation, or interpretation.  The categories include: Oratory - Non-fiction speech given by a notable figure ; Humorous - Humorous monologue from a play, essay or stand-up comedian; Dramatic - Dramatic monologue form a play, essay, or film ; Original - Write and perform your own creative piece                                                               

Fall 2008 Electives

2. Chess - Prof. Nalley

Students, from novice to moderate players, will learn the rules and strategies of professional and recreational chess playing. The course includes videos, books, and playing. Some students may have an opportunity for participation in inter-school competition.

3. Student Government - Prof. Jones

The Student Government exists to ensure that the principles of Fairness and Justice are recognizable and enduring features of the school community. The Student Government is committed to addressing and mediating student grievances, concerns, and disputes in an impartial and objective way; organizing social events such as dances and pool parties; and ensuring that the concerns and interests of each hall is presented and heard in a democratic, Socratic manner. Through the Student Government, students at CSS are "treated by adults with tenderness and respect, as equals."  ALL students intending to run for office must enroll in this course.

4. War - Prof. Hubbard

War affects humanity in profound ways. As young men and woman you may be called upon to participate in wars not to far in your future lives. Our country is currently involved in a war that has so far costs us over 4,000 lives, over 30,000 permanently disfigured young people, and billions of dollars in costs...Why do societies get involved in war? How are ideas about war promoted through film and the media? Are there good wars? This course will explore the complex questions that surround war.

5. Genetics - Prof. Doubilet

Do you know why you resemble your parents? Why you are different from your brothers and sisters? Why are you a certain height while others are shorter or taller, your eyes brown while others are blue? Why is your hair a certain color? What determines who you are and what you look like? At least some of this has to do with your genes - instructions in your cells that provide the blueprint for you and all other animals and plants in this planet. This course will explore the genetic blueprint.

6. Current Events - Prof. Martin

Today - The Week - The World & You.  Students are presented public issues & current events to discuss and reflect on with the outcome of becoming informed,fact-filled, and thoughtful.  Public issues (persistent value dilemmas in which a choice or decision affects the community) and current events (news stories of the moment) will be selected and analyzed for their factual information, historical/cultural significance, and sentiment. In the course of uncovering the topics students gain a more thorough and ongoing grasp of the dynamic nature of their world.

7. Science Fiction Film  - Prof. Thomson

The course will focus on classic and contemporary science fiction. We will read a few short stories (and write a few as well), but for the most part we will be looking at videos. There will be two general themes running through the course: artistic and philosophical. First, we will compare classic works with contemporary remakes, assessing the merits and flaws in each. Second, since science fiction is often a good example of thinking about philosophical topics, our discussions will focus on these as well.

8. Advanced Spanish Literature and Writing- Prof. Figueroa

This is an advanced Spanish literature and writing course for students who are already proficient in Spanish. By invitation only. This course will be held in Spanish.

9. Advanced Math - Prof. Paunovska

This course is for advanced students interested in  participating in math competitions and math bowl teams. By invitation only.
 

10. Anthropology - Prof. Cota

Evolution is the unifying theme by which all of biology makes sense. It informs our understanding of every biological discipline, in this class we will focus on the hominid fossil record of the last 5 million years and its interpretation. A paleoanthropologic view will be studied in which labs, current investigation that involve specialists from a variety  of disciplines within anthropology, archeology, the biological and medical science, chemistry, physics and earth science are explored.

11. Rock Your Words: Voicing Change through Spoken Word - Prof. Gonzalez-Block

“I woke up this morning and forgot I was poet…forgot that I got dreams to spin, battles to win, where do I begin?...” Ever want to shake the world with your words? In this course, students will write and perform different spoken word pieces that call for social change. Students will practice writing and public speaking strategies to learn how to convey their messages more effectively. Students will work individually and in groups and have many opportunities to perform their works and improve upon them. Get ready to rock the world with your words!

12. Emotional Intelligence – Prof. Jennifer Mata

Emotions play a huge role in your life. In this course students will learn to understand emotions, recognize emotional states and how they affect social interactions (friendships, familial relationships), learn to identify other’s emotional feelings, and learn to better regulate and manage their emotions.
 

13. Introduction to Latin American History - Prof. Marin

This course explores through literature, newspapers and primary sources the history of Latin America. For Spanish speaking students only and by invitation. This course will be held in Spanish.

SPRING 2008 Electives

1) Introduction to Marine Biology by Dr. Jose G. Maldonado

2) Introduction to Environmental Science (Green Science) by Prof. Cota

3) Orienteering and Outdoor Survival by Prof. Jones

4) Sabor - Hispanic Culture by Prof. Dominguez

5) So You Think You Can Dance by Prof. Hill

6) Science Fiction Film and Literature by Dr. Thomson

FALL 2007 ELECTIVES

1) SO YOU THINK YOU CAN DANCE? by Prof. Hill

In this course, students will explore the limitless possibilities of dance through three mini-courses focusing on dance technique, improvisation, and choreography.   In the first mini-course, we will focus on getting our bodies moving through technique classes using an interdisciplinary approach to dance style.  Students will be introduced to dance warm-ups and exercises designed to stretch and strengthen.  This first mini-course will incorporate learning pieces of choreography, which we will add onto each week.   Our class will be grounded in a Modern and Jazz dance approach, but will incorporate moves and styles of hip hop, musical theatre dance, African Dance, Indian Dance, aerobic dance, and more!

In the second mini-course, students will continue to develop the choreography, exercises, and warm-ups learned in the first section, but will expand their dance practice to incorporate an introduction to improvisational dance.  Students will explore how to create dance "on the spot," as they focus on different ideas in improvisation, such as rhythm, space, and movement.

In the third mini-course, students will try their hand at creating their own structured choreography incorporating the movement ideas and skills learned in the first two sections.  We will continue with regular group choreography and exercises, while weaving in students' own ideas for creating choreography.  Students will come away from the course with a repertoire of dance steps and routines to keep them moving!

2) “What am I looking at and what is it trying to tell me?” by Prof. Hubbard, Parent Teaching Fellow

A fascinating look at buildings, paintings, sculpture, jewelry,book covers and other artworks including: Egyptian Art, Mythic Creatures, Roman and Greek Art, Religious Art in order to discover the historical background of each example as well as how it relates to contemporary life. The students will develop the ability to identify and discuss simple (perspective) devices used to suggest space and depth (foreshortening), diminishing size, overlapping, high and low placement, linear and aerial perspective in artworks,  identify and describe the possible meaning of imagery used in our culture, recognize or describe “art” as a visual record of humankind and develop an appreciation that art can be a primary source of information about past civilization and non-Western cultures. The students will create artwork relating to each of the sections.

3) Advanced Spanish Language and Literature - Prof. Dominguez

Textbook: ¡Vía libre! Manual para ESCRIBIR, PENSAR Y APRENDER.

Libros de lectura: Esperanza renace.

La Redacción is the perfect choice for students who speak and hear Spanish at home and want to improve their reading and writing skills. It is designed specifically to help Spanish-speaking students expand their knowledge of the Spanish language and Hispanic culture with this perfect blend of grammar, conversation and writing activities. The students will build their knowledge of the structure of Spanish through exercises that reinforce and expand grammar comprehension. Communicative activities will give the students a chance to practice their Spanish as they interact with others.

4) SCIENCE FICTION IN LITERATURE AND FILM by Dr. Thomson, Philosopher in Residence

Why study science fiction? There are a lot of reasons. Sometimes it stimulates scientific discoveries. For example, when Einstein was formulating the Special Theory of Relativity, he tried to imagine what it would be like to ride on a beam of light. Sometimes science fiction is a window into the future. For example, Jules Verne envisioned submarines and underwater breathing devices many years before these were made practical. Sometimes science fiction helps us think about current science. For example, the Chairperson of the physics department at Case-Western Reserve University has written a book called The Physics of Star Trek, and we will look at some of that book during the course. And sometimes science fiction poses interesting philosophical problems. For example, suppose you could travel back in time just a few years. Could you prevent your parents from ever meeting? That seems easy enough, but if you succeed then you would not have been born! Puzzles like this can make your head spin. Why study science fiction? Perhaps most of all because it is fun.

In this class we will start by discussing the latest (and last) Harry Potter book. Then we will travel back in time to what is probably the first version of "the invisible man" (also the title of another book by H. G. Wells) by the Ancient Greek philosopher Plato. We will discuss short novels and stories by 19 th century French writer Jules Verne, and 20th century American writers Robert Heinlein and Ray Bradbury. While we are reading the novels, we will use the class time to look at some TV science fiction series, and where possible we will view film versions of the books we are reading. Finally, there will be class time set aside for us to read or view and discuss student favorites.

5) Student Government by Prof. Jones and Prof. Stillman

Students will learn about representative democracy and draft the new CSS-MSE student government's constitution, campaign for elected office, and learn the parliamentary procedures necessary to hold effective meetings and make democratic decisions for the student body.   Students will also participate in the school's Fairness and Justice Committee proceedings, where the concept of restorative justice will be used to bring about change and to redress wrongs done against members of the school community.

6) Orienteering by Prof. Nalley

Students will learn intermediate level map and compass skills, participate in orienteering courses (using compass skills to compete against other teams find a sequential set of locations), and learn camping, leave-no-trace, and some basic wilderness first aid skills.  This course includes a weekend outdoor expedition.