Have you ever gone to a museum and been completely baffled by the art? Do you like paintings but want to be able to appreciate them more? Do you just want to look at nice pictures? In this class we'll look at paintings (most of them in museums in Boston) and talk about how to go to a museum and appreciate art without knowing anything about the artist or the history. Using Wolfflin's five tensions of art as a guide, you'll learn how to appreciate art and also a few terms to impress your friends.


Prerequisites
must enjoy looking at art

Want to learn how to dj? Want to learn more about electronic music? Come learn how to become the life of the party in one short hour! You'll get the basic knowledge to figure out how to make a party a great one


Prerequisites
None

Want make a duct tape wallet, bag, bracelet, skirt, or self-portrait? Come to this class to try! Learn some basic tips and tricks, and then let you imagination run!

After the Canadian band Arcade Fire won a Grammy for Best Album, many viewers responded to the award with confusion: How could they beat out Katy Perry and Eminem? Who is Arcade Fire? This course will not only directly answer that question, but explain how the evolution of college radio, blogs, and social media have changed the music industry over the last decade.


Prerequisites
Love of music

Have you ever had a seam come undone, a rip or tear in your clothing, a button pop off, or just had something fit not exactly the way you wanted? Instead of giving it to your Grandmother to fix it, paying a tailor, or just throwing it out, you can easily learn to fix small to not-so-small problems by yourself and in very little time. Sewing is not just for housewives from the 1800's! It's a great skill for everyone to know. We will start from the basics of starting a knot, sewing on a button, doing a running stitch, closing up holes, and more.


Prerequisites
None

Design intelligence is a practice that results in the objects that populate our lives: books, iPods, desks, chairs, websites, buildings, and so on. Simply put, every man-made object in your life spent months or even years as an idea, a sketch, and a prototype long before it made it into your hands. The process by which these objects are made is at once abstract and pragmatic, yielding highly productive results, yet so far has been limited to schools of design. This course proposes to engage a larger audience and look at design intelligence as an intellectual practice for thinkers in any field, enriching and enhancing their work and opening their eyes to the thought process that goes into the objects that surround them.

This is a basic photography class that will teach the basic functions available on digital cameras. While walking around the Boston College campus, we will apply techniques and skills to taking better pictures! Students should bring a digital camera from home. (any digital camera will do!)


Prerequisites
Please bring a digital camera.

This course will introduce students to the world of hip-hop dance. Participants will learn basic choreography and technique, all while gaining confidence, getting a great workout, and having fun!


Prerequisites
There are absolutely no prerequisites for this course. Students with no dance experience are highly encouraged to participate.

If a picture says a thousand words, what will an artist say? Guayasamín, a world famous Ecuadorian painter, used his canvases to criticize, to sympathize, and to inspire. We're going to take a look at how his work intersects with historic events in Latin America. He was a champion of indigenous rights in a prejudiced society and bravely revealed government-sanctioned injustices.


Prerequisites
A curiousity in nonviolent social change

Learn the in's and out's of concerts from the beginning planning stage to day of set up. Students will learn about how to choose a venue, how to work with agents and artists as well as the general planning and execution process of a concert, whether it is big or small.


Prerequisites
Interest in Music

Come learn the dances of the Motherland!!


Prerequisites
none

From scores to soundtracks, the use of music has shaped the tone of movies from the silent film era to the modern 3-D blockbusters. See how the creative use of music to express drama has developed throughout the last century by viewing clips from films and listening to iconic original songs that have become synonymous with the stories they accompany. Musicals to melodrama, action to Art House, every form of film will be covered.


Prerequisites
An appreciation for music and movies!

Need a last minute gift idea? Bored out of your mind? Want to impress someone with your super awesome creative skills? Come and learn to make decorations, animals, or just about anything with only paper. No messy glue or cutting involved.

Never know what to wear in the morning? Come to our class and create your own look book so you'll never be out of fashionably fashionable ideas. We will look through your favorite magazines and find the styles that fits you. Fashion is the chance to be creative and express yourself. Don't miss out!


Prerequisites
None.

Do you love to wear jewelery? Do you want to make your own? Then this is the class for you!! In this class you will explore the various types of homemade jewelery. In particular we will be making a variety of friendship bracelets and earrings.


Prerequisites
No Prerequisites!

From "Family Guy" to Disney and Warner Bros. cartoons, classical music can be heard everyday throughout many different media. Commercials, movies, musicals and television shows name only some of these media. This class will overview some of the greatest composers and most popular compositions of classical music (and where you've heard them), focus on the music's relevancy today and discuss social values about why it's not part of "mainstream" culture. Composers discussed include Beethoven, Mozart, Bach, Brahms, Debussy, Tchaikovsky, Stravinsky and Chopin, among others.


Prerequisites
None (Open to All Backgrounds)

An introduction to various short-form improv games and warm-ups in the style of Who's Line Is It Anyway.


Prerequisites
No experience necessary, just an open mind and lots of energy!

What is actually happening when you register for your BC Splash classes? Learn how this website (and any website) works!

No computer experience necessary.

Game theory is a lot of fun and is also a big part of our everyday life. Formally, game theory is a framework which economists use to mathematically capture behavior in games, but it also has lots of real life applications. Should a goalie dive left, right, or stay in the middle. Should you rat your friend out for his cheating or keep silent. In this class, we will discuss various key game theory concepts like nash equilibrium and dominant strategies. We will also play lots of fun strategy games and practice using game theory. There will be prizes!

How many rational numbers exist between 0 and 1? How many positive integers can be listed? How many real numbers?

The answer to all of these questions is infinity. But the answers to all of these questions are not the same. This course will explore the sizes of unquantifiable sets, and the applications this has upon finite mathematics.


Prerequisites
Some familiarity with mathematical reasoning; mathematical maturity. No prior knowledge of set theory required.

Have you always wanted to learn advanced mathematics, but found yourself intimidated by fancy-looking equations? Have no fear! This class steps through some major topics in calculus, with no prior knowledge of calculus required. There will be a strong emphasis on learning calculus conceptually, not simply by memorizing equations but by working through fun word problems.


Prerequisites
A passion for learning!

Computer programming is fast becoming a fundamental skill in the information age we live in. Despite popular perception, however, it's not very difficult for anyone curious enough to learn. In this class you will learn what exactly programming is, the basics of how it works, and the benefits of this knowledge in today's world. This course is designed not just for future engineers but for anyone with an interest in science and technology, with no prior knowledge of programming required.


Prerequisites
None

Suppose there exist a series of statements. The first is true. Each statement implies the next. Are all statements necessarily true? Can you prove it?

This course will prove the mathematical theory of induction, and then use it to explore some important concepts in Number Theory.


Prerequisites
Mathematical maturity. Ability to follow a proof. Curiosity.

Probability and Statistics are two of the most important math topics out there. If you want to learn about them, and have fun doing it, join this class! We will cover the major topics in Probability and Statistics, while working through and discussing fun word problems.


Prerequisites
A passion for learning!

This course will explore the world of James Joyce, as an author strongly rooted in the city of Dublin. We will focus on the opening passages of the text of Ulysses, exploring the layers of meaning to be found in a single sentence and the devices that Joyce utilizes in the creation of such a monumental work.

Ever wonder why young children cry when their parents leave a room? Or how about why a baby won't recognize themselves in a mirror if you put a red dot of make up on their nose? Come learn about some tricks in child psychology.

This course will be in typical Spark-fashion & be survey style. No prior experience in psychology is needed.

Learn languages and dialects from the Motherland!!


Prerequisites
None

Do you care about social issues like gender, race, and poverty? Then this is the class for you! There will be short film clips followed by discussion. This will be a great opportunity to discuss your opinions with other teenagers and to expand your world view.


Prerequisites
All you need is an opinion and an ability to share it.

Do you think Severus Snape's actions are justified at the end of the Harry Potter series? Can you sympathize with Smeagol despite his evil alter-ego? Are you able to relate to Edmund Pevensie's temptation with Turkish Delight? Come explore themes of faith in ethics in three of the most popular fantasy series! Read excerpts from the books, watch movie clips, and discuss the moral lessons that can be learned from reading about Lions, Wizards, and Rings.

Can we be idealistic about our future when the phrases “new normal” and “austerity measures” are taking hold of our national psyche? Is there reason for hope after the Great Recession has substantially altered the global economic landscape? Through this course, students will work to understand the issues they will soon be called to address as future policymakers, citizens, and businesspersons.

The first part of the class will introduce students to the most basic concepts of legal, political and economic theory. During the second part of the class, students will begin to develop a framework for solving some of today's most pertinent economic and political issues.


Prerequisites
A basic understanding of current events.

This course will examine the literature and poetry of the Beat Generation, an American literary movement during the 1950s composed of writers who reacted against the excesses and staid conformity of U.S. society during that time. We will briefly survey the works of such luminaries as Jack Kerouac (of "On the Road" fame), William S. Burroughs, Gary Snyder, and Allen Ginsberg and discuss their conception of the United States as a "free" nation and their ideas about life and the pursuit of happiness. Students will also have the opportunity to participate in a poetry slam and showcase their spontaneous creative writing skills in true "Beat" fashion!


Prerequisites
None besides the desire to learn, think, and write creatively! Some knowledge of Jack Kerouac's seminal novel "On the Road" and other Beat literature is helpful but not required.

Is it possible to rank Presidents? What makes a good President? This course will take a look at recent rankings of US Presidents by historians. We will consider changes in presidential popularity over time as well as analyze those presidents that are consistently rated as the best of the best. We will conclude by discussing the George W. Bush Presidency and whether it is fair to rank the 43rd President at this time.


Prerequisites
Basic knowledge of US History and US Politics.

Music at it's best expresses the full strength of emotion of it's maker. For the Beatles, that meant singing love songs, but for another genre of musicians in the last half of the twentieth century, this often meant singing songs about racial discrimination, the labor movement, sexual orientation, or the US policy towards South America. In this class we will survey the music that accompanied and influenced political change in the last 50 years.

So you thought slavery was over? Think again. According to the UN, there are 27 million slaves today. Slavery didn't end with the Civil War- it still exists in the 21st Century, even in Boston, in the form of human trafficking. There are many different forms of human trafficking, but we will be focusing on sex slavery. The class will include an introduction to this social justice issue and a discussion of its human rights implications. Do you want to help free the slaves? Then sign up for this class!


Prerequisites
None

Recently, the government in Egypt was overthrown in a relatively bloodless revolution, after decades of brutal rule. Why did it happen now of all times and why was it so successful? In this discussion we are looking to answer these questions, as well as look at the impact that this particular revolution is having on the rest of the Middle East.

Glee has quickly become one of the biggest shows currently on TV and it is easy to see why. The show is filled with multidimensional characters, fantastic music, and is an all around joy to watch. Yet beyond all the quippy dialogue, Sue craziness, and catchy songs lie real issues that many teenagers must face. Join this class for an open and fun discussion on some of the big underlying issues of Glee as well as a look back on some memorable Glee scenes. All Gleeks and non Gleeks welcome.


Prerequisites
N/A

Immanuel Kant is thought by many to have brought about the most important philosophical revolution since Plato. There is not a single philosopher after Kant who does not respond to him in some way or another. But just what is it about his ideas that changed the landscape of modern thought?

What if, in hypothetical two-way races during the 2008 primaries, Clinton beats Obama, Obama beats Edwards, and Edwards beats Clinton? Is this even possible? (Yes.) What would then be a fair way to decide the "best" preferences of Democrats? Whether it's a T-shirt design contest or a presidential election, voting converts preferences of individuals into a single preference for the community. We'll discuss Arrow's Impossibility Theorem, which states that there is no "perfect" way of doing so. We'll demonstrate a few of the mind-boggling flaws that every voting method must have.


Prerequisites
Comfort with arithmetic; interest in voting, political science, decision-making, and/or economics.

Why did the Republic collapse in Episode III? What did the Sith do in order to destroy the organized and peaceful galactic system protected by the Jedis?

Was the economic model in the Republic successful? Could that have been a reason for its collapse?

Did Anakin Skywalker's decision-making process change when he became a Sith? Was that determinant for Palpatine's success?

We will try to analyze these issues and other problems that lead to the Jedi collapse and the posterior rise of the Sith as well as to figure out whether Jedis recovered power in Episode VI by fixing their mistakes or not.



Prerequisites
- Students must have watched at least Episodes I, II, III, since the class main focus will be on the collapse of the Republic. - Just kidding! If you have not watched either you will still have fun at this so just sign up!

Stephanie Meyer has sold over 100 million copies worldwide of her hit series, and three of her books have already been adapted into feature films. How does this fantasy impact her young readers' thoughts on love and relationships? Journey to Forks, a world populated by vampires, werewolves, and lovelorn girls to discuss pertinent issues of the feminine identity.


Prerequisites
Students have read atleast one book in the Twilight series, or they have seen atleast one of the feature films.

Some say Boston is the world's 'most man-made city.' The metropolis that started as a tiny island has turned into New England's biggest city, and the impressive story of how all that land got here changed the way people thought about building cities forever.


Prerequisites
You want to hear a crazy story about where Boston came from.

A riveting, interactive class based on something we all know so well: awkwardness. We are going to explore the causes of such a phenomenon, how to successfully cope with the issue, how to use the innate connectivity among humanity to develop meaningful communication skills, and ultimately how we can apply these lessons to our own lives. It is going to be an incredible mixture of amusing, meaningful, enlightening, and ludicrous concepts that will come to together for the ultimate realization: how to avoid awkwardness.


Prerequisites
Willing to participate because it will be an interactive class.

Are you funny? Do you think outside the box, making witty comments and peculiar observations? Have you ever watched a Comedy Central special and wondered "This bores me. I could run circles around this guy?" Then this is the class for you.

This course will introduce students to the fundamentals of standup comedy. We will explore how to find inspiration for jokes, dealing with hecklers, and finding your own comedic voice. The student will learn how challenging, rewarding, and frightening the world of standup comedy can be, and how, with enough practice and determination, they can one day succeed.


Prerequisites
-A sense of humor.

In Write a Story, students will get a change to see what a college fiction writing workshop is like,while learning some of the finer points of how to craft a short story.


Prerequisites
None

A brief history of ancient Sparta. This course seeks to explain the effective yet controversial philosophy of Sparta, its military history, as well as its relationship with neighbor and rival Athens.


Prerequisites
None

In this seminar, we will work on unravelling the first few pages of James Joyce's Ulysses. Joyce's work so is thoroughly suffused with puzzles and puns and references that I would be surprised to reach the third page. Nevertheless, you will receive the first chapter and be encouraged to continue on your own and provided with some resources to help you on your way.


Prerequisites
Interest in literature Enthusiasm for discussion Familiarity with Joyce's earlier works (Dubliners and A Portrait of the Artist as a Young Man), while helpful, is in no way necessary.

Nobody likes the awkward "Talk" with their parents; and nobody wants to hear their old health teachers lecture them about abstinence and how Chlamydia is going to kill you. But everyone needs to hear it from someone--someone not much older than they are. Let's Talk About Sex will be an opportunity for high school students to learn about sexual health from a peer in a non-awkward environment. It'll be open, honest, real, and fun. Trust.


Prerequisites
None

In this course, we will discuss the hidden costs of poverty and how we are all affected by it, subconsciously and consciously. We will raise questions about guilt, motivation, altruism, and so much more.

In this class, we will learn how to conduct an interview for print and video. We will go over what to ask to elicit a useable answer, and practice interviewing effectively. Gain confidence, and get ready to conquer the world of media!


Prerequisites
None.

Are you an aspiring politician? Or maybe you fancy yourself as a party boss? We can give you an insider perspective from a congressional campaign ranked as one of the top 10 races in the 2010 elections by Politico and a senate office. This course will teach how to win campaigns at any level. We will also look at case studies from other successful campaigns.

This class will look at the difference between sexual orientation, gender identity and biological sex using our favorite friend, the gummy bear. In this course students will explore words like GAY, INTERSEX and BISEXUAL. The class will include a discussion on the media's portrayal of individuals like Kurt and Blaine on the popular television show, Glee and Tea Marvelli on Skins. This class is for anyone who wants to gain a better understanding of the LGBTQ community, or anyone who wants to have fun with gummy bears!


Prerequisites
None

Chinese writing is unique among the world's major languages in that it uses thousands of characters as opposed to an alphabet with a few dozen letters. We will learn some basic characters, their organization and structure, the distinction between traditional and simplified scripts, calligraphic styles and typographical fonts, how new characters are created, how Chinese characters are used in the modern Japanese and Korean languages, and how Chinese is typed electronically. I will also discuss Chinese dialects and why the Chinese language did not (and will likely never) switch to an alphabetical writing system. About one-third of class time will be devoted to practicing writing characters by hand.


Prerequisites
This class is intended for students with very little or no previous experience with written Chinese, but previous study of any other foreign language is strongly recommended.

Does racism still exist? Does it affect you in your daily life? What is affirmative action exactly? Is it useful? Why are all the black kids sitting together in the cafeteria? These questions, and others, will be raised, discussed, and answered in this evocative class on race and racism.


Prerequisites
none

After 22 seasons, Survivor is one of the few reality television shows that has stood the test of time. Not only a game of luck or brute strength, this social experience exposes human interaction at its best…and worst. Which strategy works best: loyalty, backstabbing or going it alone? It takes more than smarts and physique to outlast the competition. In this course, we will examine the underlying social relations and mental processes that have influenced the final outcomes. Discover why some contestants have the mental stamina needed to outwit and outplay while others lack the skills necessary to survive.

As a class, we will tie-dye shirts and learn about the issues of poverty and homeless children and families in the city of Boston. After tie-dying, the teachers will bring the shirts to a local orphanage to be donated. Please join us!

Learn the in's and out's of bromances through visual aids from the hit movie, "I Love You Man" as well as first hand experiences from two seasoned bros. Also, for females to learn what is so special about bromances and why do they exist. Cha brah.

Taught by Mike Kitlas & Daley Gruen


Prerequisites
none

Uncertain whether that certain someone shares a mutual attraction to you? Stressed about acing a job interview? Or how about just making a good first impression? Body language is non-verbal communication, which consists of body posture, gestures, facial expressions, and eye movement. This class will focus on how to recognize body language in our everyday lives (i.e. true intentions, hidden desires), but also how to use it to one’s advantage. The class structure is half instructional, half interactive, and ALL FUN. Participants will learn how to enhance their communication with and understanding of others.


Prerequisites
None.

Let's face it- the Greeks were the most awesome civilization on Earth. They got drunk at Symposia, sang the odes of Homer, and helped shape the Western world. In this class, we will focus on two central thinkers in Greek history, Pythagoras' and Plato, and discuss the role of music in their belief systems. This is the class for people who really want to get at the philosophical implications of Music - what does Music suggest about the world around us? We will also discuss the importance of Music in the developments of Greek Mathematics, and how the Pythagorean Theorem and Lady Gaga might actually have more in common than you think.

Have you ever noticed the little similarities that nearly all stories share? There are basic building blocks present in the narrative of every movie, novel, television show, or video game. Every Hero undergoes the same fundamental journey over the course of the story. This pattern is wired into our psychology and after this class you will begin seeing it every where; not just in Literature and Films, but in stories people tell you or dreams you have.

Why do lawyers wear fancy watches? Why should all toads croak? Economics isn't all about money and graphs. All decision making can be explained using economic principles. In this class, we will explore some basic information economics.

Want to be a human lie detector? This course is focused on the work of Dr. Paul Eckamn, who is just that. In the course we will focus on the subtle, often subconscious body language clues that give us away when we are trying to lie or be deceptive. If you enjoy TV shows like "The Mentalist", "Psych", or "Lie to Me" than this course is for you!

Does God Exist?


Prerequisites
None

Learn about the human psychology of how to become a better conversationalist, debator, and leader. The class will be based off of the book and class taught by Dale Carnegie. This is not a traditional psychology or sociology class, but just as important in understanding people and the way we interact.

There are believed to be five Love Languages that people use to express and interpret love. This does not only apply to romantic love, but to all types, and knowing your's can be a big help. Come to this class to learn more about the five different languages, discover what your language is, and find out how you can use this information in all of your relationships.

Come learn about how the heart works - what science can tell you, and what it can't! The human heart is an amazing machine; it keeps us alive and well, yet most of the time we don't even realize it's there!


Prerequisites
A heart.

"Global warming" and "climate change" - you've heard scientists, politicians, and the media use both terms to refer to the melting glaciers and rising temperatures, but which one is really to blame? Does global warming even exist? We'll explore the facts and myths of global warming and discuss why "climate change" is a better name for this phenomenon.


Prerequisites
None

Do you want to get involved in research but don't know where to start? Take this class! Learn about the basics of a journal article, and find out what topics you can study and how you can get involved in research during your time in college and high school. The focus will be on psychology, neuroscience, biology, and/or chemistry.

The class will consist of two parts: First I will introduce basic circuit elements including Resistors, Diodes, Capacitors, Voltage sources, and explain some circuits basics. The second part will be the majority of the class in which we will building an actual circuit. You will get to build your own circuit that blinks, or "dances" LEDs to the beat of your iPod.


Prerequisites
Algebra and physics may help understanding, but definitely not required. I wont be going into too much detail on the math.

This is a class purely for those interested in the field of hematology & bleeding disorders. Blood is a very interesting part of the body - the part that keeps the rest of the body working! Without normal functioning of blood, we wouldn't be healthy. Come learn about the most prevalent conditions that cause things to go wrong in the blood (bleeding disorders!). I'll talk about bleeding disorders, they're origin, treatments, the history of bleeding disorders - including the largest medical outbreak of AIDS/HIV - and why camp is important!

Do you think Biology is awesome? Do you want to learn more about the subject but are unsure where it might lead you in the long term?

In this class we can cover the basics about:

Undergraduate programs
PhD programs
Medical school
Research
Industry Jobs
Consulting

among other things…

Ask your questions to a panel of college students in the biosciences. We will answer to the best of our abilities!

Come with questions!

Almost all of us are touched by cancer in some way. So, what does it take to cure it? One tactic is to kill ONLY the cancerous cells.
But cancer is an incredibly complex disease where a few of your own cells accumulate genetic mutations that allow them to grow out of control, creating tumors. So, how do we target the cells we want?

Find out how understanding protein-protein interactions allows us to answer that question and has lead to the advent of personalized treatments for cancer patients.


Prerequisites
Middle school or high school biology. If you have taken AP biology, this might be repeating some things you already know.

Newsflash:
In the war against bacteria and sickness, we are losing.
This class will go over the bacteria (the enemy), the diagnosis and treatment (battle strategy), and the antibiotics (the ammunition)that have produced the biological war going on within and around us. We will go over different classes of antibiotics, different kinds of bacteria, and how bacteria are developing resistance to everything we throw at it.
Recently, the spread of MRSA (Methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus) and VRE (vancomycin-resistant enterococcus) have highlighted bacteria's mutation and resistance patterns in the national media. We will talk about them and their spreading, what treatments are, and how in the future, if antibiotics aren't used properly, we could be in very big trouble.


Prerequisites
Interest in: biology, chemistry, medicine, antibiotics, staying healthy, knowing what to do when you get sick, and/or/but not limited to combating the growing threat of antibiotic resistant bacteria. If you think its cool, sign up.

In this course we will make liquid nitrogen from scratch in minutes, shrink balloons, and even send a ping pong ball whizzing across a table. Many scientific properties can be observed at low temperatures and liquid nitrogen is a great way to see these properties in action.

EXTREMITY GUARANTEED! We’ll demonstrate the most extreme science experiments. We’ll tell you how and why they work, but most importantly, if and how you can do it at home.


Prerequisites
Must have taken general high school science course and must enjoy extreme science

Most aspects of the modern American lifestyle rely heavily on abundant energy extracted at low cost. If our flow of cheap, abundant energy were to stop altogether for any length of time, our lifestyle would be catapulted at least a century back in time. Yet somehow, the sources of this most pervasive force in our lives, the thing that allows us to thrive and prosper, is often forgotten about or taken for granted. In this class we will explore everything from the everyday uses of to the geopolitical implications of modern energy use in a quick but informative survey course with lots of pretty pictures, graphs and diagrams.

What is special relativity? Using just basic math, Einstein's theory of relativity can be derived and used. We will explore both why relativity is necessary, how to use it, and some applications.

This course will try to explain some of the basic mechanisms of toxicology, including inactivation, overloading, protein inhibition, and the pathophysiology behind each toxin. I'll show you some of the most common environmental killers, and how they work. And of course, for each one, I'll give you the specific antidote and the mechanism of action behind it. For example, we can go over cyanide poisoning, how it kills you, then what drugs we use to fix it and why. I'll talk about heavy metals, chemical warfare, carbon monoxide, benzodiazepines (like Valium/Ativan) and opiates.
I'll also incorporate historical poisonings, if they would have survived today. We will also go over what acids and bases do to the human body in terms of damage.
If you have any ideas for stuff you want me to talk about, feel free to get in touch with me.


Prerequisites
Interest in biology, chemistry, medicine, not being poisoned or learning what to do if you are. Basically, if you think this looks cool, sign up.

The class will examine the impact germs have in our everyday lives, from the kitchen top to the hospital.
Questions like: will I get sick if someone coughs near me? How can I protect myself from getting sick? How effective is hand sanitizer against germs? What are vaccines and are they actually bad for you? will all be addressed.


Prerequisites
One year of biology (middle or high school) is highly recommended before taking this class.

What is evolution? Did humans really come from monkeys? Is my little sister a monkey? Why should I care about the theory of evolution? Why do I have a tailbone? Will I grow a tail? Why do guys have nipples? Why do we walk on two feet and not on four like other animals? All of these questions and more will be answered in this class. The theory of evolution has been called, "The greatest idea ever thought", and if you take this class, you will have the opportunity to think that very same thought.


Prerequisites
Being human, curiosity, a want to become intellectually curious, having a common ancestor with every living thing on this planet

This class offers students a look at the famed March Madness and coveted bracket including a brief history. We will look at the bracket for 2011 and discuss the teams that made it through to the Final Four as well as make predictions about the Championship.

Are you prepared to know how to defend yourself and your homeland against a superior fighting force? Didn't think so...
Well then you should take Guerrilla Warfare 101, an introductory Course that will introduce you to the techniques, essentials and know-how associated with forming and successfully operating your very own Guerrilla unit.



Prerequisites
n/a

On average in Mexico, a person makes less than $5 a day. With that, they need to pay for housing, food, and education for their children. Come learn about the daily struggles many Mexicans face because of unemployment, exploitation and school fees. This past summer, a group of students went to Cuernavaca, Mexico to see what is happening south of the U.S. border for themselves. We will share what we saw through our own words and pictures, and we will pass on the stories of the people we met. Finally, there will be a hands-on simulation of what it feels like to work in an unjust workplace.

On a daily basis, college students encounter social situations that present unexpected obstacles. Armed with the right tools though, those obstacles can become opportunities to exercise leadership. This course will help develop each student's innate leadership abilities, refining their talents in an academic setting, so that they can stand up and step out in everyday situations.

Ever wonder how the Immacualte Reception came to be known as the Immaculate Reception? Are Ben Roethlisberger and Santonio Holmes really just lucky to have won SB 43? What was the deal with the Miracle in the Meadowlands?

I'll go through some brief football fundamentals. Then we can both admire and break down some of the best football moments.


Prerequisites
A working knowledge of the the sport of football

Somehow at the 2009 VMA's someone let Kanye West on the stage as Taylor Swift was accepting her award for Video of the Year. The entire world watched as West denounced Swift's video saying that Beyonce should have won instead. The next day, Kanye West was considered music's biggest villain. What should Kanye have done in the aftermath to save his image? This class will look at celebrity cases like Kanye's, and analyze them from a public relations perspective to see who in the public eye is making the best and worst decisions.


Prerequisites
Interest in pop culture Interest in public relations

In this course we will examine the beautiful game as we know it today, analyzing the trends in players, managers, countries, and tactics. We will begin with the development of the modern game,highlighting the major innovations and players that shaped Football into what is played today.


Prerequisites
A very basic knowledge of the rules and leagues would help better understand the material.

"I'm selfish, impatient and a little insecure. I make mistakes, I am out of control and at times hard to handle. But if you can't handle me at my worst, then you sure as hell don't deserve me at my best." – Marilyn Monroe

This class will be a guide to how to live as a leading lady of your own life. The class will feature examples from strong female role models in everything from romantic comedy movies to Jane Austen novels. **This class is restricted to female students only.**


Prerequisites
Females only.

Wanna rule the world? Too bad. In this class the world rules you. We will be discussing the greatest things on earth. Come join us for two hours of excitement, mind-blowing special effects and wooly antics. Some of the topics that we will cover include the impact of humor on societal values, video games and the relationship they have with politics, your family and friends, and the impact that certain auditory soundwaves have on the development of the brain and the perception of the world around us. Those are just a few of the things we will be talking about - if we told you anymore it would ruin the surprise! So come on down and join us in SOMETHING GREAT!


Prerequisites
common knowledge of existence and an all-around good moral character

Ever wonder what’s going on in the Middle East? Or why a popular entertainer chose to rap about it? A group of BC students felt the same. Not satisfied with what they learned on the news, they decided to travel to Israel/Palestine and learn for themselves. In this class, you’ll get to hear the perspective of college students who met with Israelis and Palestinians who experience the conflict firsthand. Come to expand your knowledge of the issue and get an insider’s scoop.

What is the secret to collegiate excellence? Many will cite time management, hard work, sleep, etc. But these all pale in comparison with the most fundamental and essential skill: understanding your professor.

At the university level, many pretentious academics adopt an exotic, incomprehensible accent in an attempt to bolster their value and reputation. This is great for History Channel documentaries, but a plague for college students across the nation.

Through a careful examination of audio samples and guest speakers (maybe) students will develop a cursory understanding of accents including "the Irish literature professor," "the British history professor," and even the fabled "Chinese statistics teacher" (these characters are entirely fictional, any resemblance to actual BC professors is purely coincidental).

Borrowing a line from Ben Affleck's "The Town", this course will explore "The Cathedral of Boston", Fenway Park. First opened in 1912, Fenway has become an iconic part of both Baseball and Boston. With Fenway's centennial approaching in 2012, it is an appropriate time take a look back at the history of one of baseball's most hallowed landmarks. The lecture's organization will mimic Ken Burns' "Baseball" documentaries and be divided up into sections called "innings". Topics of discussion will include the architectural history of the park, the park's significant baseball moments, profiles of baseball greats with legacies connected to Fenway, profiles of people relevant to the park's history such as former P.A. announcer Sherm Feller, Fenway in popular culture and U.S. History, and Fenway's non-baseball usage, from Boston Patriots AFL games to the 2010 NHL Classic.


Prerequisites
Just a keen desire to learn about one of the most historical landmarks in Boston will do.

The average person reads at 150-200 wpm with 60% comprehension. The average speed reader reads at 500-1000 wpm with 85% comprehension. Learn how to become one of them.


Prerequisites
Literacy

Are you worried about the inevitable zombie apocalypse? Do you want to be prepared when cemeteries worldwide erupt with reanimated corpses from Hell? Of course you do.

This course will introduce students to basic zombie survival skills. Topics to be covered include: group strategies, logical weapons use, and maintaining order and civility. The films of legends such as Romero and Fulci, along with the literature of Max Brooks and Robert Kirkman, will serve as a vital guide in our learning.

This class will save your life.


Prerequisites
A desire to have fun. Non-queasy stomachs.

Can products created for "cleaning" be detrimental to the environment and human health?
Many of us use harmful chemicals every day--sometimes we are aware of it, but that's not always the case.

What health risks do they pose?
Are there alternatives?
What happens if someone accidentally drinks some?
What about the trees?
WHAT ABOUT THE ANIMALS?

These questions and more will be answered in this class--find out what the manufacturers don't want you to know.

Every wondered what meditation was all about? Well in this class you'll get to experience it firsthand! Two different forms of meditation will be guided including a typical breathing meditation and another focused on developing loving-kindness through a visualization practice. In addition to the meditations we'll go over some philosophical tenets of Buddhism and engage in group discussion.
People of all faith and backgrounds are welcome! There will be no proselytizing involved. The course is simply a way to learn about meditation and see how it can be a benefit in your life.


Prerequisites
A willingness to engage in discussion.

Community service work is highly regarded as noble due to the sacrifice involved by those participate in it. On the other hand, profiting (the mere act of making money) is sometimes associated with greed and selfishness. While these two things appear to be distinct, with no middle ground, a new idea makes it possible to synthesize making profit and doing social good. The solution is in the model of a social enterprise: a for-profit business that addresses a social need. In this course, we will learn about the concept of a social enterprise, as well as explore two examples of businesses that are saving the world, and making nice profits while doing it.


Prerequisites
An open mind!

A non-partisan look at campaign ads, keying in on advantages and problems in each spot and overall themes.


Prerequisites
An interest in politics or campaigns preferred, not required

This course will teach students an array of poker games in an interactive setting. Students will have the opportunity to ask questions and make decisions without real money at risk. The course will include a brief history of the game and at least four different varieties of poker. Aces Up!


Prerequisites
None

Ever wondered what to get at restaurants or at the grocery store? This class will reveal the best and most healthy options at places such as McDonalds and Panera. We will also reveal the secret powers of certain "super foods."


Prerequisites
none

Have you ever watched the Amazing Race where people travel around the world in a giant scavenger hunt? Have you ever wanted to be on the Amazing Race? Well your dream can come true as you compete in the Amazing Race around Boston College. The class will begin by learning about Boston College then move onto the race around campus. The first one to complete the course will win a prize while learning more BC.


Prerequisites
None

In 1989, what has come to be acclaimed as one of the greatest TV shows of all time aired it first episode. Over its nine season run, Seinfeld changed how we view TV and humor. This class takes a hands-on look at the series, what exactly made it so funny, and how it changed America's sense of humor.


Prerequisites
None

Lonely? Wanna be popular? Let us teach you some ballin recipes that will help you make friends in college. We’ve got some great ideas for easy college cooking. Sign up for our class, make and get free food, and just hang out with some incredibly popular college students. We’ll even give you the recipes at the end.


Prerequisites
N/A

A detailed look at the pros and cons of the system designed to select the champions of the highest classification of college football. We will also cover some proposed alternate playoff proposals.


Prerequisites
Basic knowledge of the football bowl subdivision is preferred but not necessarily required.

There is no social class for classy. Learn how any sophisticated and intelligent young woman embody class and still liberate her inner rebel. Based on Classy by Derek Blasberg, this course will explore the history of class in the 20th century and give advice to the modern lady about topics such as: fashion, parties, facebook, dating, frenemies, books, cell phones, and higher education.

Monty Python is perhaps one of the best comedy troops in the whole history of the world. Although their witty, British humor may make you laugh, there are several lessons to be learned. For example, "Just because it is cute and fluffy, doesn't mean you should touch it." This piece of guidance and more will be covered and explained within the class. The majority of these wise words of wisdom will come from "Monty Python and the Holy Grail" and "Life of Brian". (A brief summary of the plots of each will be included within the lecture.)


Prerequisites
A Sense of Humor

You are entering the mysterious and fascinating world of dreams, where the rules of reality do not apply. This class will help you make sense of your dreams and achieve a better understanding of them. We are eager to help you find the key to unlocking and interpreting the meanings to your dreams.

A short workshop based on the experiences of four young women at Boston College. We will be sharing our own stories as well as encouraging others to share theirs. There will be ice-breakers, activities, video-clips, etc. geared at taking a deeper look at female self-esteem in relationships, insecurities, and life in general. It will be a real class based on real women and their real experiences giving an honest look at the pressures and obstacles of being a young woman in today’s society. There will also be a panel at the end of the class to answer any and all questions posed by our students.

Conflicts arise everywhere and frequently in our day-to-day lives. It forms from a breakdown in communication, differences in opinion, or assumptions we make, because we sometimes fail to recognize “the range of possibilities and the consequences of actions.” A true leader must be aware of his/her own tendencies to make presumptions and then find a way to combat them with effective techniques. This class will ask students to consider sources of conflict within themselves and then give them an opportunity to mediate a series of conflicts in a competitive setting.

Ping Pong. Long thought of as a casual basement sport, a game you play with your friends. But not anymore. Welcome to Ping Pong for Champions! We will teach you all the basics and complexities of the sport. But not only that. We will teach you how to become a great person in general, and the role that ping pong can play in your life, from showing off to your friends, getting the lady(or boy) friends, and achieving success in all endeavors of life. My name is Eric Phung, and my partner's name is Chris Olmanson. We used ping pong successfully in our lives. And so can you!


Prerequisites
Enthusiasm

Fencing is a combat sport using bladed weapons. Zorro, Captain Jack Sparrow, and James Bond are pretty awesome AND they fence. We'll teach you how to move and fight! Come learn the basics of an ancient sport that appears everywhere from Hollywood movies to modern-day Olympics!!


Prerequisites
Wear gym shoes and sweat pants/yoga pants! Bring a water bottle!

Ever wonder what the crazy world of love, sex, dating, and relationships is like in college? Worried about maintaining a long-distance relationship after high school graduation? Interested in discussing sexual identity issues? Just intrigued by the fact that we have the word "sex" in our title? In this class, we'll discuss all of the above and more, allowing students to explore issues relating to sexual and relationship health in a safe, open, and informed environment.

You will learn about various types of meditation and its benefits.
There will also be a 15-20min relaxed meditation session with ambient music and guidance.



Prerequisites
No experience necessary.

This class is for any student who is interested in politics, social justice, human rights, or environmental issues and wants to do something to advocate for one of these issue. We will be giving a crash course in community organizing, educating students on the basic skills they need to mobilize there peers to support a cause. While this class will be taught through the lens of environmental justice, the skill acquired can be used for any campaign.


Prerequisites
N/A

How does the magazine industry define you? Magazines are replete with images, messages, articles, and advertisements which feed into gender stereotypes. The "ideal" man is this and the "ideal" woman that. Relationships, clothing, beauty, and behavior are all examined and held to an unrealistic light. Where do these misconceptions come from? Why do so many people believe and subscribe to them? We will take a look at the messages both hidden and too obvious to recognize that magazines present to their readers.

The art of wedding crashing is a precise but delicate one. In this course, we will be exploring the consequences, benefits, motivations, and techniques required to master the skill. Using the critically acclaimed film Wedding Crashers as our Bible and Vince Vaughn and Owen Wilson as our prophets, we will provide a deeper and more intimate understanding of the talent of Wedding Crashing.