Splash Spring 2012
Course Catalog

Come and get your dance on with a hip hop choreography taught by Thien Dam! Learn some cool moves, get a great workout, and unleash your inner dance potentials!


Prerequisites
No prior experience required!

Love to be crafty? In this class we will make necklaces using apothecary bottles, which are adorable and perfect for holding perfumes, beads or other tiny things. You can fill them with whatever you would like. Make a wish, seal it up, and turn them into your very own custom super cute necklace! You can even write a note and seal it up! When filled with a meaningful message or quote inside, these necklaces make for a great accessory or Birthday gift!

Come to the first Hip-Hop workshop taught by John Tesoriero, one of the co-founders of UPrising!

UPrising was founded in late September of 2011. We have performed at the World Of Dance, Boston 2011, College Ice Jam 2011, Olaa Culture Show 2011, Freshman Orientation Session 7 2011
and
will be performing at Kollaboration Boston 2012 as well as Showdown 2012!

John Tesoriero has been dancing since middle school. He is currently 20 years old.

Learn how to use a camera (new and old) while practicing and taking photos throughout the scenic Boston College campus! Please bring your own camera!

During this class we will dissect lyrics from popular rap songs using poetic devices in order to increase the respect for rap as an art form.

Capoeira combines aspects of martial arts and dance into a beautiful display of acrobatics and athleticism.


Prerequisites
Wear loose clothing. Gym clothes preferred.

Learn the basics of painting objects with oil paints. We will have a still life available for you, and supplies are provided (although you are welcome to bring your own). Everyone is welcome, from beginners to advanced - instruction will be provided, as well as time to practice your skills!

This course will focus on introducing students to the basics of hand building and sculpture. Students will be able to learn how and then create their own pieces in the ceramics studio.

Black Flag. The Fugs. Crass. The Damned. Fugazi. Operation Ivy.

Want to learn more about the music, people and culture that has made up the first fifty years of punk rock history? This is your class. We are your teachers.

1/3 Talking 2/3 Punx

*Explicit Lyrics*

Have you always wanted to draw the human figure without it looking like a stick? This class with explore the basics of figure drawing including proportions of the body and the face, the anatomy of the human figure, and the human figure throughout the art world. You will also be able to draw your classmates and other people including yourself!

Come have fun and sing with experienced choir members at BC! You will learn to sing popular songs in four part harmonies.


Prerequisites
All are welcome, no prerequisites required!

Learn to make some quick and easy recipes followed by discussion about college life (after eating what we make, of course)!

Notoriously misunderstood, rap is one of the great arts of our generation. Not only is this the genre we can dance and relate to, but rap provides some deep messages about our role in society. Listen to Lupe, Black Eyed Peas, and more to find out what they have to say about your role in society.


Prerequisites
Open mind!

The Twilight Zone is without a doubt one of the most influential television shows of the past 50 years. This class will explore several themes found in the show, ranging from Cold War paranoia, anti-intellectualism, racism, and many more. It will also try to pinpoint the show's influence on mainstream society today.


Prerequisites
A deep love for irony and twist endings.

Do you love baked goods? Do you feel stressed out at times? Look no further. Come learn about stress and how it affects you physically and mentally, how you can deal with it and overcome it, and most importantly, the art of stress-baking. A world-class seasoned stress-baker will be sharing some nutritional tips, recipes, and deliciously baked goods.

The art and architecture of the ancient Greeks and Romans have withstood the test of time not only because of their physical preservation but the creativity and ideas they represent. Why have we all seen the Parthenon in Athens or know about the Vitruvian Man of Leonardo da Vinci? This class will explore where these and others came from and why they are still important. The answers may not be what you expect.

Learn to take your singing outside of the shower and rock out to the radio with confidence! We will learn techniques for memorizing song lyrics, how the basic chord structures of many popular songs are formed, and how to identify intervals between notes so you can impress your friends with new ways to sing along to your favorite songs.

How many colors are there around us? How are all of these colors made? This class will take an artistic stance on color and will explore the source of the variety of colors. In this class you will learn about basic color theory, will be able to classify colors, to create a given color, to create your own colors, and to make a composition using color!

This fun and practical course shows how theatre can help free the body from tension while opening the mind. A basic class to explore archetypal characters and ready the mind and body for performance.

Want to rock out hard core or serenade that special someone? Well then come learn guitar! So many people have always wanted to, but never had any easy outlet for their need to shred, or make your guitar gently weep. In my class you will easily learn the basics to guitar and depending upon the class, we can cover so many varying subjects.


Prerequisites
A passion for learning guitar

Do you want to learn how to act? Or have you been acting since 3? This is a class where we all discuss our acting experiences and share advice for others if they want to give acting a try. Come and have fun learning from each other!

In the six years from 1964, when the Beatles first landed in America, to their breakup in 1970, the Beatles came out with 20 #1 hits and changed music in our country forever. This class will cover the band from formation to breakup as we discuss the creative differences between lead-men John Lennon and Paul McCartney that made the Beatles' music so special, but eventually led to their breakup. From the rumor that Paul had died to John Lennon's claim that the Beatles were more popular than Jesus, this class is your A-Z guide to the band that paved the way for Led Zeppelin, The Rolling Stones, The Who, Eric Clapton and more in America.

One of the goals of Boston College's Caribbean Culture Club is to show that the Caribbean is made of people who have their roots in a variety of places. One of the best ways to study this diversity is by looking at the different music and dance celebrated today in the Caribbean, and where their inspirations have come from. Join the CCC for a lesson on the history and diversity of the Caribbean people, and followed by a chance to learn a cultural yet modern dance choreographed by the executive board!

A quick overview of some of the basic skills of photographic composition, followed by an opportunity for students to put those skills to use! Students will take a tour around BC campus with cameras in hand, to explore, create, and share their work

The course is centered around the ideas of Russian director Sergei Eisenstein. We will watch clips from films and discuss how film-makers assemble shots to form ideas in the mind of the viewer.

Welcome, crafters, to the magical world of Mod Podge, where every surface is your canvas. Transform your binders and notebooks into one-of-a-kind, collaged masterpieces and recycle scraps of magazines, newspapers, and trash into original art. We will provide all the materials you need, but if there’s anything special you’d like to decorate, bring it!

Come and learn the energetic and fun dance style of Bollywood. You will not be disappointed! JAI HO


Prerequisites
none

This course will attempt, in fifty short minutes, to upend everything you think you know about movies and the art of film.


Prerequisites
Must be seriously interested in how art can improve our lives. Or just like movies.

This class will talk about the mental illnesses of famous artists and how it affected and contributed to their works.

Want to update an old t? Come learn to cut, crop, fringe, and tie that worn out piece of cotton and turn it into a new look! If you have other pieces of clothing you'd like to experiment with, skirts, jeans, sweaters, or anything else you can imagine is welcome!

Can Alice ensure that the message she sends to Bob can be read only by Bob, even in the presence of an eavesdropper? How can Bob ensure that the message he received really came from Alice? How can a server verify a client's password without storing sensitive password information? In this course we will answer these questions and more by exploring the mathematical foundations of cryptography and computer security.


Prerequisites
Familiarity with high school algebra

Have you ever wanted to make money with Facebook? How about helping your local small businesses grow their Facebook fan base?

In this 50 minute course you will learn how to set up a Facebook business page and apply cool tips and tricks to grow fans and encourage fan engagement.

At the end of the course, you'll be ready to approach your local small businesses and offer your (paid) services as a "Facebook Fan Page Consultant"

Bring a laptop and your Facebook account info!


Prerequisites
A Facebook account

Do you have dreams to be the next Mark Zuckerberg?

Get started with basic HTML text markup in this 50 minute class!

You'll learn why HTML is used on every website in the world and leave with your very own webpage to show off to your friends at home.


Prerequisites
No pre-requisites but a love for computers and problem solving is recommended.

This course will be an introduction to single-variable calculus. We will go over some of the really cool concepts of analysis so that we can prove some way to get around thing's we're not allowed to do. We will also go into basics of complex numbers.
$$f'(x)=\lim_{h\to0}\frac{f(x+h)-f(x)}{h}\\
\int_a^\infnty \frac{1}{x},\dx=\infty$$


Prerequisites
Knowing basic math.

Can a left handed person walk around the planet and come back right handed?

Well, not on this one. But on another surface, this is quite possible. You can also walk around a knotted paths with out intersections or bridges, see yourself from behind without the help of mirrors, or be synonymously on the interior and exterior of the planet.

In this class we will study a number of surfaces in three space, including the projective plane, the klein bottle, and multi-genus oriented an non-oriented surfaces.

This discussion-based course will be focused around Apple, Inc, one of the world's most valuable companies and cherished brands. Do you own and Mac, iPod, iPhone, or iPad? Apple has released hit product after hit product, but what's next?

We will discuss the company's past, present, and especially its future in an open format. Any and all questions you may have about Apple will be answered.

Finding love can be complicated, and the path to it is often treacherous, attempted only by the bravest souls.

CHALLENGE ACCEPTED!

In this class we will attempt to simplify finding love down to a single equation. We will mathematically model a famous dating game. Consider the following scenario: you are seeking a spouse, and obviously, want to find the best match possible. How can you maximize the probability that you select your best match? How many dates should you go on? What is your best strategy?

Using this game as an example, this class will cover many exciting topics including, but not limited to discrete mathematics, probability, and game theory.


Prerequisites
Interest in math!

We will go over the basics of the major financial statements, look at how they are related, and have a discussion on the importance of accounting in the modern financial world.

100 passengers have boarding passes for a plane with 100 seats. The first x<10 passengers lose their boarding passes and just sit anywhere. The remaining passengers board the plane one at a time sitting in his assigned seat if it is unoccupied, otherwise he randomly chooses an empty seat. For passenger j>10 determine the probability that he will end up in his assigned seat.
Answer this challenge problem and learn some basics of higher level college math.


Prerequisites
algebra

This course will provide proofs for two of the most famous formulas in mathematics: 1. $e^{i\pi}+1=0$ and 2. $\sum_{n=1}^{\infty} \frac{1}{n^2} = \frac{\pi^2}{6}$.


Prerequisites
Students should feel comfortable with high school algebra and basic trigonometry.

According to economist Jodi Beggs, "It is my view that understanding basic economics is crucial to running an effective household, being a smart voter, and generally not sucking at life."

From modeling supply and demand to defining "recession," we will also discuss how money disappears into thin air (especially in 1929 and 2008) and what the heck everyone is so worried about over in Europe.

The Adam and Eve story is one of the best known stories in the Bible. But did you know that the Bible has two different creation stories? How do these stories relate to the rest of the scientific world? Is there controversy? Come explore Genesis and find answers to some of the most puzzling aspects of our culture!

Thor's not just a Marvel hero and the Greeks weren't the only ones with a complex and meaningful pantheon of Gods. The Vikings produced some of the most intricate and powerful myths known to man, all of which expressed a deep and nuanced understanding of the true meaning of life. Also, most of these Gods spent most of their time fighting giants, and who doesn't want to learn about that?

Men and women are welcome to this class as we examine the centuries long battle of the genders from a male perspective. Fun activities and interactive class will engage everyone and breakdown the walls that divide men and women.

In this high energy, discussion-fueled class, we will examine the differences in the Harry Potter books and their movies. Clips will be shown and excerpts read to compare and analyze the effectiveness of the changes made.


Prerequisites
A love of Harry Potter books (all 7) View Harry Potter movies (all 8)

This course will examine the popular culture of 1960s America as portrayed in the AMC hit drama Mad Men. A decade that led America away from its conservatism and towards liberality, the 1960s witnessed cataclysmic shifts in the American way of life, and the popular culture of the 1960s reflects these dramatic changes. Such topics as disillusionment, war, feminism, and love will be covered by looking in upon the life of the suave and intriguing Don Draper.

In the fifth century BCE a culture of readers emerged in ancient Athens. On the face of it, the emergence of a literate elite was useful to the democracy, but this class will analyze the obverse of the coin. What problems arose when more Greeks began to read? How does literacy make one susceptible to propaganda? We will further consider how fourth century intellectuals responded to and rebelled against the written culture (ironically through their writings), and consider the implications of wide spread literacy on twenty-first century democracy.

Bioethics is one of the fastest growing fields in today's professional world. When difficult decisions need to be made under pressure, we need to have a core set of values to fall back on. But what are these values and how do they play out in the real world? Come explore and learn about some of the issues that stump the worlds top doctors and ethic scholars!

Learn about the necessities one needs to backpack in the Alaska wilderness and on the Prince William Sound for weeks at a time.


Prerequisites
None

Ever wondered what it takes to successfully operate your own Guerrilla fighting force? Well come to this class, and you can find out! We'll look throughout history to see what's worked, and what hasn't. Be prepared to talk, this class involves lively discussion.


Prerequisites
Zero

Have you ever wanted to convince your parents to let you watch more TV? You might be surprised to learn how many principles of psychology are hidden, or not so hidden, in shows such as Friends, The Office, and Modern Family. Come watch and discuss clips from popular shows and see how they relate to principles of learning and social behaviors.


Prerequisites
Interest in introductory psychology

Glee is in its third season and it’s as strong as ever. The show is filled with multidimensional characters, fantastic music, and is all around gleeful to watch. Yet beyond all the breakups, Sue craziness, and addicting songs lie real issues that many teenagers face on a daily basis. 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. Fair warning: If not caught up on the latest eppy, there will be spoilers.

The Middle Ages were a time of great transformation and revolution. This course will focus on a common misconception: that the medieval period was rife with death and wanton savagery. We will explore violent relations throughout the period, and also use modern theory to explore how these violent relationships played a part in medieval society.


Prerequisites
None

At every election, local or national, only a small fraction of people ever vote.What prevents people from voting, who are the types of people who vote, and what are the implications of this on our system of government; this course will begin to answer some of these questions

We will examine the political structures of Harry Potter’s world and discuss the ramifications of their political schemes. Attention will be specifically applied to the differences between the Voldemort’s authoritarianism versus Dumbledore’s multi-party meritocracy at Hogwarts. Division of power will be discussed within the context of the Ministry of Magic and their different branches of government. The class will cover all seven books, so yes, it contains spoilers.

We have all heard of Stalingrad, Gettysburg and Waterloo. And while those are undoubtedly important, they are not the only battles that are really important. Come learn about other, lesser known battles that helped to change the course of history. It'll be fun!


Prerequisites
NONE

The bible verses on his eye black…The quotes in his post-game interviews thanking his “Lord and Savior”…The infamous “Tebowing” and pointing to the heavens after every play…

Where does it all fit in the world of sports? Does religion belong in sports, and more broadly, in our pop culture?

So your parents told you an English degree is worthless? Your friend said there's no need to study literature in today's world? Your dog thinks it's a waste of time because he's secretly jealous that he can't read books? Not so fast! Based upon my personal experience as an English major, this course will explain and argue for the benefits of studying literature in college, and why it might not be such a bad route to consider after all.


Prerequisites
A basic knowledge of what books are.

Nicki Minaj has taken the music industry by storm with her zany fashion, outrageous lyrics, and catchy songs. But one of the most intriguing aspects of this artist is her use of alter egos in her raps and songs. Heavily influenced by her childhood, the alter egos created by the Pink Friday performer serve many purposes. This class will examine Minaj's usage of alter egos in her music and life through the perspective of Carl Jung's Neo-Ananlytic approach to psychological personality theories.

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? What is your best strategy at an auction? 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!

Why are we alive? What is life all about? How do we manage struggle? How do we overcome adversity? Learn how to understand your past, present, and what you should keep in mind going into the future.


Prerequisites
None

People keep saying that the US and global economies are bad at the moment, but do you know what's going on behind the job losses and foreclosures, how we got here, or what kind of implications either of these could have for the future of the economy? If you have an interest in macroeconomics, the financial world, or simply want to understand the backstory behind the current news, this class is for you! We'll go through the precipitating factors that led to the current Great Recession and talk about why we should care.

"I celebrate myself, and sing myself."

Come learn about the writer of those words and the radical way they changed American literature. We will explore the rich variety of poetry that emerged in New England in the nineteenth century, from Emerson and Whitman to Dickinson and more.

We'll talk about Theseus and some other Greek heroes. You'll learn about their tales of slaying monsters and winning over the princess.

Spirituality can be practiced in different ways, not just by going to mass. Meditation can be a form of spirituality. We will practice a form of meditation called the Daily Examen focused on prayerful reflection.

What do fresh baked chocolate chip cookies and God have in common? Well, quite a bit, actually. For starters, both are objects of desire. If you believe Betty Crocker, we all have a natural desire for chocolate chip cookies—or, if not for cookies, for something else sweet! And if you believe Saint Augustine, all humans have a natural desire to find their truest self, to discover and follow their deepest desire—in short, to rest in God’s love. Join us for some cookies and a conversation about what, for Boston College, is part of the heart of its education: theology.

Join us to examine the parallels between the life and death of Harry Potter and Jesus Christ.

Children's books aren't always "kid tested and mother approved." Join this class for a reading of some of the most challenged picture books currently on the market. In addition, we'll discuss what topics are/are not appropriate in the classroom, the idea of censorship in general, and to what extent we, as humans, should be "protecting the youth of today".

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.

This course will discuss the few, but important, examples of hope, action, and love from one of history's darkest of time. These young individuals stood out from the mold and rescued Jews in a world that sought to destroy them. They stood up for the rights of their fellow man with great courage and bravery.


Prerequisites
General knowledge of World War II

Let's relive some of the saddest moments of Pixar movies. What about them make us cry? What audiences are these films targeting during these tearful scenes? We'll definitely watch clips from Toy Story 2 & 3, Up, and WALL-E. Don't expect clips from Cars 2.

Ever wondered where J.K. Rowling got her ideas for her characters? Curious about the Latin origins behind spells and the mythological background to characters such as Remus Lupin and Minerva McGonagall? Come find out everything you wanted to know about Harry Potter and... that other Latin stuff. Make some ice cold butterbeer while you're at it!


Prerequisites
Must have read at least 2 Harry Potter books.

Are video games the next major artistic medium? Can a medium where the audience is given control over the content be an art form? Recently, more and more games are appearing that create firestorms of interesting discussing and aspire to be labeled as true art. This class will explore these concepts and perhaps shed some light on this controversial issue. Further, it may give you the ability to explain why your games aren't a waste of time to your parents.


Prerequisites
Should be somewhat familiar with video games, their history, though not required. Must desire to seize days (or carp).

This is a class for movie lovers! The course will be discussion based and revolve around a historical analysis of film clips extracted from movies set during American wars. How can we tell if the clip is historically accurate or not?

In a wartime climate, things are not always black and white (no pun intended, but we promise not to bore you with lots of old movies). We will specifically focus on the Civil War.

We will recreate the Civil War by doing a simulation. Splitting the class into the North versus the South, we will work as teams to beat out the opposition. The winners of the simulation do not need to be historically accurate – so bring you’re A game and be ready to win some prizes!


Note: Some of the films may be bloody and portray some negative aspects of our nation’s history. We think it is important that we look at these elements and figure out the truths and falsehoods concerning the statements each film is trying to make. Although some of the films may be rated R, we will only use clips from the films that are relevant to our discussion. Such films will include:
• Glory (1989)
• Gettysburg (1993)
• Gone with the Wind (1939)
• Shenandoah (1965)
• Gods and Generals (2003)
• Birth of a Nation (1915)
• The Red Badge of Courage (1951)

Students will learn about fashion styles of America from the early colonial times to the modern age.

This course looks at the major presidential elections to be held in 2012. Countries that will be examined are the United States, France, Venezuela, and Mexico. This class will discuss how these countries elect their presidents, the major contenders in each race, the influence of social media on presidential elections, and finally the million dollar question: is the president of a nation just a figurehead position in 2012?

This will be a crash course in introducing, talking about and getting involved in the Occupy Movement. It will give you a feel for the energy that is mobilizing people all over the world.

Are you confrontational? Whether or not to confront somebody is often times a difficult decision to make. Some people are blunt and confront others immediately. Other people let the problem linger, and may never confront the person. This class will discuss situations where one should confront and where one should not confront, through amusing, real-life examples.


Prerequisites
I am confrontational, while the other two co-teachers are not.

Interested in 21st century warfare? Contemporary geopolitics? Humanitarian interventionism? Privacy Law?

Learn discuss all these topics and more through the lens of one of the most critical issues facing the global society today.

This course will explore why today's society holds celebrities to such high regard. What is it that makes people like Kim Kardashian and Tom Brady so interesting? It will also explore what fame meant before the wake of mass media and social networking.

This class will examine the idea of heroes in literature. Various protagonists, from Odysseus and Hercules to Hamlet, Robin Hood, Harry Potter and Katniss Everdeen (etc.) will be discussed. The idea of a composite hero within mythology and literature will be explored. Finally, we will discuss the implications that this has on our own views of heroes and their existence in real life.

People often disregard the importance of words spoken and written. This class will explore the vast power of the pen and the tongue, and the ways that one's choice of words can be deeply influential.

This class will begin to cover the basics of Mandarin Chinese including speaking and writing characters. Next time you order Chinese takeout, the person on the phone will think that you're Asian. When your food arrives, you will be able to master chopsticks like a professional, and sign the bill in characters.

This course explores the potential that science has to supplement what we know about history. Focussing on archaeology of Viking Age burial remains, we will look at the power of scientific research to tell us about migration patterns and the exchange of goods and ideas from the years c. 850-1000.

With centuries of history going back to the earliest alchemists, chemistry has long held an important role in civilization. Join us while we explore the science behind some most exciting and powerful displays allowable for the class room. Reactions of acids, pressure, color, and even flame will all be unraveled through our demonstrations.

This course will present 10 drugs commonly used in medicine today. Each will be presented in the context of their appropriate bodily system. In doing so, the blend of biology, chemistry, biochemistry, and pharmacology that make each drug so awesome will be shown for your viewing pleasure.
This class will be really laid back, and even if you aren't a science person, it should be pretty interesting. My aim is to show you why we use drugs the way we do, their impact on people and society, and why each one of them is an efficient treatment for a certain pathology.


Prerequisites
None

Let's get ready for summer by making our favorite treat - ice cream! If you love ice cream and are interested in learning how to make it, this class is for you. Just think- you'll never again have to go all the way to the grocery store or wait until the ice cream truck arrives on your block. After learning some basic chemistry principles on our "experimental" treat, we'll mix some milk, sugar, and ice, and then sit back, relax, and enjoy our ice cream!
Basic toppings will be provided.

EKG’s, or electro-cardio-grams, are pictures of the heart
taken from the outside of the human body using electrodes.
Sounds complicated right? Wrong. In this short class, I will
go over the basics of the anatomy of the heart, how the elec-
trical system works.
Then we can look at what an EKG is, how it works, what it
looks at, and how it is used in medicine.
I’ll throw in a few case studies and different rhythms so that
we can all get some practice.
This is also a cool trick to use at parties. Because lets be
honest, who doesn’t read EKG’s at parties?


Prerequisites
None

We are going to explore cooking in a new way, through chemistry! This course is going to teach you the fun and interesting ways in which chemistry can be applied to food! And, you get to eat!

Want to learn how to make a lava lamp? Want to learn how to make foam? Learn the chemistry behind these two reactions as we have fun with everyday items like oil and water!

This course will teach you all about the theory of relativity. After this course you will view the world in a whole new way!

This course will try to explain some of the basic mechanisms
of toxicology, including inactivation, overloading, protein in-
hibition, 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 spe-
cific 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
None

Ever wonder how the human body works? Using some videos and demonstrations, we'll go through some of the body's most important organ systems: heart, lungs, liver, etc. and see how they let us do all the things we are able to do.

From the central dogma to chimeric mice and cancer, this course will be an introduction into the higher level thought that goes into college-level biology. While the topics being covered are upper-level, they will be taught in such a way as anyone with even a basic understanding of DNA and some cellular processes should be able to grasp and learn many new and amazing techniques and topics from the world of biology.

The little planet we call home wasn't always so peaceful - in it's 4.6 billion years, the earth has experienced 1000 foot tides, a complete freeze-over, a total meltdown and an epic collision with a Mars-sized planetoid! This course will explore all of the extreme events that have taken place since the accretion of the Earth and a few that may occur in its future.


Prerequisites
Biology, Chemistry or Earth Science

Baseball fans of all kinds will love this course! From the perspectives of two Cubs fans, you'll learn about the curse that has plagued the Cubs for over 100 years, in addition to learning about the similar curse the Red Sox faced and were lucky to overcome.

Every girl dreams of her big day: the day she gets to wear the fancy dress and look like a princess - Every girl dreams of being a bridesmaid. We'll take a look at the do's and don't's of being in the wedding party by examining the 2011 hit film Bridesmaids.

Sloth appreciation class! We will look into the evolution of sloths, and discuss a few of the species that have already become extinct. We will cover the environment, the diet, and the physiology of sloths, as well as their sleeping patterns. We will watch short videos to see their behavioral patterns in action. A lot of fun facts will be shared, and some arts and crafts will be completed!

Every girl dreams about her big day. We've been imagining it from the time we were little kids marrying off our barbie dolls up until now watching shows like Say Yes to the Dress and wondering what our dress will look like. But there's a lot to consider when it comes down to actually planning your wedding. From the dress to the venue, music to the cake, there are tons of decisions to make. We'll be exploring just what parts of the wedding are most important, how to manage a budget, and how to make your wedding especially yours!

What is wrong with the world today? We'll tell you. Some people just don't know how to tell a good story...and they are ruining it for the rest of us. If no one will teach you, we will! One minute you're entertaining party guests, the next, bringing about an inspiring, tear-jerking slow clap -your stories are that awesome. So if you ever find yourself resorting to icebreakers (eww,) or desperately needing to declare your superior status at the Thanksgiving "kids table," then join us, poor souls, in our "Becoming A Boss" lecture series. We will divulge the secrets of mastering this ancient art, so that perhaps maybe one day, you too, can tell it like a boss.


Prerequisites
Good stories on hand

Before college, many of our best friends were in our lives since we were little. Making all new friends may seem daunting, but don't worry, we are here to help!!! In this class, we will explore some of the ways to make lasting, positive friendships in college, as well as in life in general. To remember how important friendship is, we will also teach you how to make an awesome, unique friendship bracelet to give to your best friend (or keep for yourself).

“Be the change you want to see in the world” – Ghandi. College life offers many opportunities for students to get involved, participate, and especially to give back. This class is for students who are interested in learning about social justice and how Boston College uses the idea of service-learning to go beyond volunteering in order to evoke change. Come hear from fifteen BC students share their service-learning experience traveling to the heart of Mexico. We will actively engage students in a fun and interesting Market Basket activity that will aim to shed light on the economic disparities in both Mexico and back here in Boston. Students will also hear monologues of two migrant workers’ experience in the US and have the opportunity to be apart of an outreach project. The hope is that you will leave this class inspired with a new perspective on social justice and an idea about what to do with good intentions.

If you love to cook, love to eat, and love France, then come learn how to make crepes! We'll be using master chef Julia Child's recipe to make the classic French dessert and get a taste of the delicious Parisian street food.

This is a discussion based course designed for students to gain some practical knowledge of everything that is 90's music.


Prerequisites
An open mind and fun-loving attitude

Learn the thinking behind baseball's new statistical form of analysis made popular through the Brad Pitt movie Moneyball. See why everything you know about batting average, RBI's, and ERA may not tell you who the real superstars of baseball are.

In our society, girls are often victimized and attacked by other girls. This often appears in the form of "slut shaming," or demonizing a woman based on her supposed sexual activity, lack thereof, decision regarding her style of dress, or her interaction with males. Slut shaming contributes to breaking down the confidence and security of young women. It upholds the double standard for sexuality and openness that culturally accepted. Perhaps the most dangerous form of "slut shaming" occurs with women attack other women, instead of bonding together to raise each other up. Additionally, slut shaming contributes to the larger problem of rape culture, through suggesting that a rape victim was "asking for it." We will discuss the systematic disempowerment of women through the rhetoric of slut-shaming mean girls.


Prerequisites
Must have an open mind! Course open to both males and females.

Class will instruct students on the most effective means to avoid doing homework. We will explore various websites, games and activities that can be used as procrastination tools such as sporcle, pintrest, etc.

This will be a discussion based class so the direction we take is entirely up to you! Bring any and all questions you have about love, sex, or what makes a healthy relationship work. The atmosphere will be relaxed (and confidential!) with tea and cookies provided. We can discuss expectations for college dating culture, how to handle long distance relationships, and anything else you've got on your mind!

This class will provide students with a overview of proper life-saving CPR techniques. In this class students will learn about the chain of survival, compressions, AED usage, and choking. Whether a student is interested in emergency medicine or just interested in learning techniques that could someday help them save a life, this class is great for anyone!


Prerequisites
None

Want to learn some of the skills to become a champion table tennis player? This class is taught by two high school state champion table tennis players who would love to share their skills with you. Whether you're a beginner, intermediate, or expert player, we'd love to have you sign up.

Come learn about the minimalist movement! We will explore the mechanics of the foot and the "natural" stride of the human being. We will discuss the benefits from losing those clunky shoes and going barefoot. Then, with the help of a slow-mo camera, we will be able to capture the steps of every student as they stride out.


Prerequisites
Gym class.

Want to learn the secrets to fashion and makeup appropriate for school? We'll teach you how to look your best for any high school occasion - from class to a formal dance to football games - that will surely impress all your friends!

Bored of sporting your basic ponytail to school everyday? Come and learn the basics of braiding, from French to fishtail, and everything in between!

Do you know what to do in an emergency situation? If a friend is bleeding or has problems breathing, do you know what to do? In this class, students will become familiar with first aid response for breathing problems, bleeding treatment, allergic reactions, and alcohol poisoning. Students will get hands-on practice with epipen trainers and other first aid techniques.


Prerequisites
None

Tired of getting beat by all your friends at FIFA? This class will give some helpful hints on how to improve your game and show up your friends at the next tournament. Played on Xbox. I will give a short tutorial on skills, and small improvements that make a world of difference. Then there will be small tournament where students play each other while I coach them. At the end, the top student will have ability to test their new skills against me.


Prerequisites
Knowledge of how to play xbox. Desire to be a champion.

Want to learn how to get jacked? I will give you the inside scoop on weight lifting, with a focus on each muscle group.

Learn how to fence with members of Boston College's varsity fencing team!

Have you ever wondered what it takes to become popular and maintain success on YouTube? This course will introduce some basic marketing concepts and how they are used in social media. At the end of the class, students will help create a video concept and a promotional strategy to accompany it.

Students will learn the basics of how to manipulate images using the Photoshop CS5
program.

Ever wonder why there are some things that boys can talk about but girls must hide? We do. This class will focus on gender inequalities and the constraints that our society imposes on girls’ ability to speak up. Topics may include language, mannerisms, and socially accepted behaviors.

Ever wonder whats 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 insiders scoop.

Ever wonder how you can manage your physical, mental and emotional health while in college? We'll teach you how to have a smooth transition to college life and maintain a healthy outlook. Come enjoy some munchies while discussing body image and social issues that many freshmen girls face.

Are you a self-proclaimed lover of the Beatles? Or were you wondering who Paul McCartney was after watching this year's Grammys? Come spend an hour learning about the most influential group in music history - their songs, their movies, the cultural phenomenon they created. All are welcome, Beatlemaniacs and otherwise.

Are you freaking out about college interviews? Did you suddenly realize you will inevitably say something stupid and be denied from your dream school? Not to worry! This class will teach you to bring out the best of yourself in order to impress any interviewer.

A look into Aristotle's definition of friendship through the Pixar movie, Toy Story.

Do you like hummus?
How about shish kabob?
Ever heard Arabic music or belly danced?
This class will be jam (or hummus!) packed with everything you want to know about Middle Eastern culture. Focusing more on Lebanese culture, we will sample delicious dishes and desserts, listen to popular arabic songs, and dance with our hips and hearts!
We'll even learn some basic conversational phrases you can teach all your friends!
Yallah!

This course will be presented as a college seminar on the vampire craze of modern society. Learn how vampires have taken over the media and discuss their prevalence in today's culture. Come watch clips of the Salvatore and Cullen families, and enjoy a light hearted discussion on vampires.

Have you ever wished you could create your own cinematic masterpiece? Well here's your chance! By analyzing past critically acclaimed films, we will explore the factors that go into making an Oscar-worthy motion picture, and create and promote our own original movies. From screenplay to casting to marketing, we will delve into the intricacies behind each step in the film-making process. Who will become the next Scorsese?

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, informed, and FUN environment.

These companies are three of the biggest companies in the United States. They greatly impact the way of life in the United States today. Learn about how they work inside and out and what the future holds for these great forces.

This class will look at various aspects of Parisian life, from architecture to culinary traditions, art, style, and history.

Want to learn how understanding the basic concepts behind running a profitable lemonade stand can put you on the path
to financial independence and success? This class will provide you with the introductory knowledge you need to take what you’ve got and turn it into big bucks. Personal finance and investing have never been this easy!

Sin City can kick your butt if you don't watch it. Poker sharks line the streets and hide at casino tables, waiting for innocent and inexperienced poker players. Don't let yourself be swindled due to poor poker skills. This class will teach you all about Texas Hold'Em, from terminology to strategies to apparel. We'll be going ALL IN. NOTE: There will be no gambling taking place in this class; it will be purely theoretical.

For anyone who has wanted to or even thought about doing a road trip to anywhere, here is a class that will teach you everything you need to know before you set off on the open road.

Aviici while you study? Maybe not. John Mayer at a rager? Not too popular. Learn how to categorize music to your daily life!

We all know that the pasta tastes so much better in the Little Italy of Boston. Do you want to be let in on a few of the secrets that the Italians use in their recipes? In this course, learn how to make a simple appetizer, pasta dish, and dessert true to the cooking styles of Parma, Italy.

A look into the history of diversity in Disney Princess movies.

Interested in jokes, pranks, and shenanigans? Well, learn about the history of April Fool's Day and how it has progressed over the centuries. In addition, we will discuss how the day is celebrated differently in countries all over the world! Please join for amusing conversation about how April Fool's Day plays a role in today's youthful generation. Who knows what tricks we've got up our sleeves?!

Both pint-sized and sweet, cupcakes are the hottest trend right now in desserts! While shows like DC Cupcakes, Cupcake Wars, Cake Boss, and The Cupcake Girls highlight the popularity of these treats, there's a lot to learn about the craft behind these goodies! Come hear all about this hot craze while we learn several easy and cool decorating techniques and designs!

Learn how to make cake pops dipped in chocolate and oreo balls while we get to know each other through a hot ball game!

Love color? Love t-shirts? Love a little tiny bit of history? This is the class for you! In this class you will learn some of the basic tie-dying techniques as well as make a tie-dye t-shirt. We will also explore the history of the art of tie-dye through the ages from its conception in Ancient China, to the protests in the 70s, to today!

Do the words : follow, like, poke, and tweet sound familiar? Are you a big twitter or facebook fan? Do you spend hours on your facebook profile? This class will discuss the social implications of the two networking services and how they affect our life everyday! Are you ready to admit that you are addicted?!!

Since we were young, we have been asked what we want to be "when we grow up." In high school, college is not that far away and that question becomes a little more pressing. What do you REALLY want to do with your life? Come and explore this process and start to find your passions!

Whether you’re applying to your dream school or just that part-time job you really want, your interview can make it or break it. Know what kind of questions to expect, how to handle those really tough/awkward questions, and best of all, leave this class actually looking forward to your next interview!

This fun and interesting course offers students with or without any knowledge of Arabic the challenge of learning as much Arabic as possible in 50 minutes. Students!
Guys and gals! Impress your friends, become familiar with 1% of one of the most difficult languages ever taught, and be inspired to explore more in the art of learning a new language!

A man walks into a restaurant and orders a glass of water. The waiter pulls a gun out and points it at the man. The man thanks the waiter and walks out of the restaurant. Why?

Want to look like a million bucks without paying for it? Come
to The Art of Thrifting and Recycling Clothes! In this class
you will learn ways to save money on fashion as well as how
to reduce waste by recycling items of clothing.

To do list: organizing your hour, your day, your week, your year, your life.

The Constitution provides private citizens the right against public scrutiny. Most choose to waive these rights when creating a facebook or twitter. Yet, this assault on privacy is larger than social media. Every time you turn on your smart phone, check your e-mail, or go shopping, your consumer habits are analyzed. Come to this class to learn about this history of privacy laws in America, recent developments, how the court system is trying to keep up and how Target knows you're pregnant before you do.

Former TRL lover? Avid you-tube junkie? If you generally love or follow music trends in the US, come learn about how the art of the music video has evolved from generation to generation. From Elvis Presley to Nicki Minaj and everything in between!

In this class we will learn about notorious murders, famous serial killers, and the fascinating psychology behind it!

Have you ever read a Japanese comic book and wondered what those little symbols in the background meant? Have you ever wanted to learn them?
This course will provide a basic introduction to the Japanese alphabet and explain the pronunciations and meanings of sound effects commonly used in Japanese comic books, or manga.

Over the last 150 years, ballparks have taken on a variety of shapes, sizes and roles. Together, we will look at the evolution of the ballpark, from early models to modern day layouts. Along the way, we will learn more about the designs, structures, and uses of notable ballparks and examine the cultural significance that the ballpark has played in American society.


Prerequisites
None whatsoever. If you are interested in baseball, sports, history, or if you want to learn about a new topic, then this course is for you!

Wanna show off your awesome sports knowledge? Have you been waiting for a forum to dazzle people with your useful sports facts? Wanna learn some cool new sports facts to tell girls?

Well, this probably won't help the talking to girls part, but I know some killer trivia questions that you can attempt to answer.

Come with your own trivia questions too because if you somehow manage to stump me, there may just be a prize for you!

Learn how to protect your privacy and constitutional rights during police encounters.

Bro, is the bro spirit inside of you ready to come out? Well, then come over to this class to explore the life of of a real bro. Both guys and girls of all types of sexual orientation are welcome and encouraged to attend this fifty minutes course to discuss the present-day culture of bros. We will use the website brotips.com to talk about what is socially acceptable and unacceptable for how adolescents should behave. Be ready to converse about the following questions: What defines a bro? Can anyone become a bro? What is a bromance? Bring your favorite brotips to class!

This class will break down a successful business to its fundamental components, emphasizing simplicity.The course will also, with the students assigned as "shareholders" build a business. The business will face a series of obstacles that will be resolved by the class. These obstacles will attempt to complicate the business and test the students' understanding of the fundamentals of a successful business and the obstacles they face.

THE CHEERLEADERS. THE CHOIR KIDS. THE TRANSFER STUDENT. THE POPULAR GROUP. THE ATHLETES. Stereotypes of high school students are everywhere in society. In this class we will look at the stereotypes of high school students in the movie Mean Girls and the television show Glee in terms of how they relate to your own high school experiences. Are they spot on? Are they completely ridiculous interpretations of high school? Is there an element of truth to them? Come join the discussion on this hot topic!

Want to amaze your friends and confuse your enemies? Learn how to solve the amazing Rubik's cube! Students in the class will be taught the beginner's method of how to solve the cube increasing their capabilities for problem solving and spatial reasoning.

Anxious for what freshman year will be like? We know that we were! In this class we will talk about practical ways to prepare for college and life beyond high school. Some things that we will cover include: how to manage your money, how to manage your time, and how to manage to stay sane and happy! Come learn the ins and outs to stay on top during one of the biggest transitions of your life.

How would it feel to have more than 24 hours in a day? Although this would be impossible physically, it is certainly possible mentally. We will explore numerous techniques to help you hack life and get more than 24 hours out of your normal day. Topics addressed will include basic to advanced life management, time optimization, speed reading, sleeping tactics, and more.

Immaculate reception, Miracle in the Meadowlands, The Catch. Let's take a look at some of the most awkward, unbelievable, astounding plays in football history. With admiration and a wonder for how the hell they worked we'll are a brief tour through highlights of the NFL.


Prerequisites
None

Have you ever gone through your entire closet and couldn't decide what to wear to a job interview? Or spent 2.5 hours rummaging through your drawers looking for the perfect outfit "to go out"? Well, this is the class for you! We will be discussing the do's and don'ts of what to wear to a job interview, how to make a day outfit work for an evening out on the town and much much more! If you are into fashion, the latest trends and how to always look your best, this is the class for you!

It's your girl, Snooki. Not really, but come join us as we take over Miami, join the Abby Lee Dance Studio, and model for Tyra Banks. We will teach you everything you ever wanted to know about Reality TV, and some things you probably didn't. Plus, who doesn't love mindless crap? We know we do!