Splash Fall 2013
Course Catalog

Music videos each have a purpose behind them. Most songs reflect the sentiments of the artist, which can cause a social phenomena. This course will analyze some music videos that have had great social impact.

A workshop style creative writing poetry class. We will be reviewing one student written (that's you!) poem per person anonymously as a class so writers can receive feedback from both their peers and instructors. Students will develop a vocabulary for constructive criticism, and an eye for "what works" and "what doesn't work" with regards to writing.


Prerequisites
Students are required to send an original poem two days before class to gorgens@bc.edu.

Want to learn more about America's weirdest film director? If you can handle a healthy dose of the macabre, the surreal, coffee, and cigarettes, then this intro class to David Lynch is perfect for you! We'll be looking at the dominant ideas in Lynch's work, his influences, and how his style has evolved. No past knowledge of Lynch is required. Ability to enter into the darkest corners of the imagination and escape unscathed is recommended.

A workshop style creative writing fiction class. We will be reviewing one work of student-written (that's you!) short fiction per person anonymously as a class so writers can receive feedback from both their peers and instructors. Students will develop a vocabulary for constructive criticism, and an eye for “what works” and “what doesn’t work” with regards to writing.


Prerequisites
Students are required to send a piece of original short fiction (max 3000 words) two days before class to gorgens@bc.edu.

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.

A look into the lives and music of some of the US's earlier and most influential musicians, including Elvis, Bob Dylan, The Allman Brothers Band, Jimi Hendrix, and more.

Hollywood has become increasingly dependent on pre-existing stories to turn into films - out of the top 10 highest grossing films of 2011, 8 were sequels and 2 were adapted from books. In this class, we will explore the difference between books and films, look at some of the different ways to adapt books into screenplays, and check out some examples of both awesome and not-so-great adaptations. Texts that we will study include Harry Potter, Frankenstein, Tuck Everlasting, To Kill A Mockingbird, The Sisterhood of the Traveling Pants 2, and more!

This is a fine art that can only be perfected with the wonderful people at BC. It's all about embracing your awkward side and making friends while doing it. Learn to step outside of your comfort zone.


Prerequisites
Background of embarrassing moments. Weird habits.

For those who enjoy dancing, jazz music, and being silly!

An awards show of sorts for the best movie scenes ever put on the screen. You'll get to watch each award-winning scene and learn why it's the best of the best! Categories will include: Coolest Scene - Funniest Scene - Best Animated Scene - Most Dramatic Scene - Best Original Song - Best Original Score - Scariest Scene - Best Cinematography - Best Ending - and of course: The #1 Greatest Scene of All Time. Did your favorite get the nod? Come find out!

Everything you need to know about good music! An interactive and enjoyable introduction to a variety of music from the United Kingdom, from the first British Invasion to the second. Come relax and listen in while we explore the best music out there.

This is a very fun non-technical dance class to loosen up a little and enjoy the rhythm of funky music. We will warm up and learn a short choreography.

This course will provide you with the information and skills you need to make the college application process as painless as possible. The course will cover all aspects ranging from selecting the right college to submitting a winning college application, and hopefully will have you feel ready to hit the “submit” button before the November 30, 2013 deadline for fall 2014 admission. Topics/themes discussed will cover: Understanding Admission Factors, Early Admission Procedure, Developing a Financial Plan, Writing Personal Statement, Calculating GPA & SAT, as well as Asking Letter of Recommendations.

Are you struggling coming up with an exciting topic for your college essay? Are you having a writer's block while you are thinking of some profound experience in your life? Relax! Every student has trouble writing and feels the pressure of writing a killer college essay. With a few writing tips and a model to follow for a great essay, you will definitely be able to WOW any admissions officer!

Come learn how to make friendship bracelets out of string, while learning about the college experience and how to make the best of it!

Are you considering a career in medicine? In this class we will talk about how you as a high school student can begin working towards your goal. We will cover courses to take in high school, college selection, what medical schools look for, and more! This is a great way to learn how you can be proactive and build a great foundation for your medical career.


Prerequisites
None

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

Ever wonder what an accountant has to do every day? Thinking of majoring in accounting in college? This class will provide a quick overview of accounting and how to get involved in the field!

Learn how to use Microsoft Excel to organize your life!

Interested in complex numbers? Want to know more than you learned about them in your high school math class? Complex numbers are very intereting in themselves and also have real world implications. No extensinve math background needed to join this class!

A discussion about the experiences of World War I soldiers from different countries including the horrors of trench warfare and the destruction of nationalism.

During its 40 year history, the video game industry has innovated itself into a major source of entertainment. Its technologies allow players to compete, connect, and explore on a level not seen in any other medium. However, what is most striking about the industry is the growing push to apply the mechanics of level design and gameplay to tell compelling and emotional stories. In this class, we will look at how video games have taken traditional archetypes of storytelling and redesigned them in a new and exciting way.

In this class we will be looking at how high school culture--classes, fashion, clubs, student values, and more--have changed over the last 30 years. We will do this through the lens of popular movies such as The Breakfast Club and Clueless!


Prerequisites
None

Crash course on the basics of creative writing. What does every good story need? Why are your favorite books/stories your favorite? How do you beat writer's block? Where do you even start?

Come to class with an open mind, ready to write and to discuss!

While you may know that humans are a product of their nature and nurture, have you ever wondered why people act the way they do? Why some people can be disciplined and clean while others are messy and disorganized? Why some people are warm and welcoming while others are cold and blunt? This class will answer these questions through a comprehensive examination of the Myers-Briggs Personality Test. The test identifies patterns of behavior across 4 different spectrums: level of stimulation (introverted/extroverted), perception of information (intuition/sensing), the values we use to make decisions (thinking/feeling), and our approaches to life and time (judging/perceiving). The test identifies strengths and weaknesses, points towards certain career paths, and even picks out suitable partners. You will learn about the mechanisms of action. Why you, your friends, your family, your lovers, and your acquaintances behave the way they do.

With the expansion of recorded music over the 20th century, pop musicians have become modern day poets. As the 16th and 17th centuries had Shakespeare, the 20th and 21st centuries have had Dylan and Springsteen, Lennon and McCartney, Chris Martin and Taylor Swift. This course will focus on Bruce Springsteen's epic "Thunder Road" in order to learn how to analyze and understand music in a poetic sense and how to apply the lessons learned to a larger context, both literarily and philosophically.

So you've read all of the Hunger Games books, watched the movie, and have the release date of Catching Fire marked on your calendar. Have you ever wondered why The Hunger Games is so popular with our generation? Why do we love this story of violence, murder, and political oppression? This class will explore the cultural context of The Hunger Games and why it seems to speak to American teens and young adults of today. We will discuss what the popularity of The Hunger Games says about American culture and politics and how people our age see the world.


Prerequisites
Students should be familiar with the general plot of The Hunger Games.

Is Batman's work all in "bane" (Vain)? Can someone murder superman? are super hero's and super villain's actions/punishment protected under The Constitution or Constitutional?

Why are so many people afraid to call themselves a feminist? Didn't that movement end in the 1970s? This class will be a discussion based seminar about the issues of feminism today, and why it's crucial now more than ever to fight for feminist issues. Open to men and women alike!

This is a sociology course that deconstructs the patriarchal system in which our pop culture functions. Fun!!! We will look directly at Beyonce Knowles and decide together whether she functions inside or outside of this patriarchal system.


Prerequisites
Bring your thinking caps....kidding...but really.

"You've never read philosophy before? You know, the Introduction to Heidegger's Being in Time is a great starting point"... said no one, ever.

Step into a chaotic world of self-references and words without definitions that will unquestionably leave you more confused than when you started. Kick back and enjoy as I try to turn one of the densest philosophical works of all time into something that can maybe be talked about on an extremely basic level. No prior knowledge necessary; just bring your thinking caps and an openness towards discussing the abstract thought processes of a weird German guy.

Think you don't like Shakespeare? Think again! Many of our favorite movies are based off of Shakespeare plays and show these similarities through themes, plot lines, and character names. In this class, we'll study the parallels between Hamlet and The Lion King, The Twelfth Night and She's the Man, and The Taming of the Shrew and 10 Things I Hate About You. We'll look at excerpts from the texts, watch movie clips, and have some great conversations!


Prerequisites
This class is suitable for all high school students or any middle school students who have an interest in Shakespeare. While it would be nice to have seen some of the movies or read some of the plays, it is not necessary because I will summarize them all thoroughly.

Through the lens of Christopher Nolan's "The Dark Knight," this course will introduce some of the fundamental ideas of existentialist philosophy and the struggle to live a life of meaning. By discussing the characters of Batman, the Joker and Two-Face, we'll gain a basic understanding of the fundamental ideas of Kierkegaard, Nietzsche, Camus and Sartre. No prior knowledge necessary.

(Note: Some of the clips we watch will contain psychologically disturbing or suspenseful content.)


Prerequisites
It will help if you have seen "The Dark Knight," but it is not necessary.

Calling all runners!!! Interested in hearing a first-hand account of what happened last April at the Boston Marathon? In this class, a story will be told about a personal experience with the marathon. Through the tears and tragedies that occurred, the city of Boston has come together. We are BOSTON STRONG!

You probably think you exist, don't you? Don't worry, you're right (although you're probably thinking of a different "you" than the "you" you really are), but don't go thinking the world exists, because it might not. Oh, but God totally does. Also, motion is impossible, and being good is for suckers. Students who don't believe me can come learn how these crazy ideas have been argued over 3000 years of philosophy and why they are still relevant today. No prior knowledge necessary.

Sometimes the only thing more "out there" than a revolution is the person leading it. This is certainly true of the French Revolution and Maximilien Robespierre, who rose to power in its bloodiest stage. How did the Revolution, which began as a struggle for "Liberty, Equality, and Fraternity", devolve into a "Reign of Terror"? And how did Robespierre, a soft-spoken lawyer fond of feeding pigeons during strolls in the park, come to be remembered as a tyrant and political terrorist? In this class, listen to the story of a man who devoted his life to a movement, only to have the movement destroy him.


Prerequisites
An introductory world or European history course will be helpful, but not necessary.

Have you ever thought about all the parallels between Harry Potter and World War II? This class will delve into the historical relevance of Hitler's reign in comparison to reoccurring themes in the Harry Potter series. Topics of discussion include Anti-Semitism/Mudblood discrimination, "ethnic cleansing" by Voldemort/Hitler, Nazis compared to Death Eaters, propaganda and how that affected the relative communities, and more. Also we'll be doing a surprise magical activity while we discuss!


Prerequisites
Some knowledge of Harry Potter

This course will consider what the good life is and in what way it is possible to attain it. The principal question the class will try to answer is what the good life is and how it is possible to attain the good life.


Prerequisites
None.

Why are some people unhappy when they seem to have it all? I’ll argue that happiness is based much more on opinion than facts. I’ll also try to pull out some of the main points consistently made by history’s most prominent philosophers and religions. However, more of the emphasis will be placed on how to think about your life individualistically.


Prerequisites
Must be existent.

Bill Watterson's beloved 90s comic strip about the wild adventures of a 1st Grader, Calvin, and his "imaginary" (?) tiger buddy, Hobbes, explores some of life's biggest questions. What is art? How is one "moral"? Are humans inherently good, or evil? What if God is just a big chicken?! What then??

Join me in taking a second look at this hilarious and thought-provoking strip, as well as the philosophy it references so well. If you read Calvin and Hobbes as a kid, or even if you just think seeing a 6-year-old and a stuffed tiger postulate the meaning of life, this is the class for you! Yukon ho!

In this class we will discuss what "normal" is and how "normal" can differ for every person through topics such as self, ego, and death. On the other hand though normal can take on a unanimous meaning for a society as well and cause people to think and behave in a certain way.

Ever found Greek Mythology to be interesting? Love Percy Jackson and The Olympians? Get a crash course in Greek Mythology Percy Jackson style, starting with the rise of the gods and going from there. Explore the myths mentioned in the books and how Percy stacks against the heroes of old.


Prerequisites
If you have never read any of the Percy Jackson books, I would highly recommend reading them because they are great books, but it is definitely not required that you do.

Do you want to know more about how to maintain a healthy lifestyle - including what foods to eat and which to avoid and what sort of exercise you should be getting? We discuss the latest insights into what a diet that results in health and longevity really looks like.

What is space? is it empty? What's a black hole? what is a star? What keeps you on the ground?

Learn how to manipulate freezing points and boiling points and see it in action on a popular cold dessert.

Remember learning about the planets of our solar system when you were in elementary school?

Prepare to dive into a class that looks at the raw physics and interesting characteristics of our solar system as a whole and for each unique planet it carries.

How did Apple transform the mobile industry with the iPhone?

How did Mark Zuckerberg turn Facemash, a fun college project, into the multibillion-dollar company that is Facebook?

How did DropBox redefine file storage?

Learn the science and history behind today's technology giants!

If you're interested in the technology industry, this is the course for you.


Prerequisites
A basic understanding of internet & computer lingo [social network, hardware, software, operating system, file system, etc] and a familiarity with popular online services [DropBox, Amazon, Google Drive, etc] are necessary for course comprehension.

Do you live for hands-on science demos? Want to explore the realm of the tiny, the elemental? Ever wanted to see FIRE BREATHING, among other cool experiments? Maybe even participate too??

Then Crank up the Heat: It's Chemistry Time! is the class for you! Register now to reserve your spot in this one-of-a-kind Splash experience.


Prerequisites
Excitement for science. And our cool demos.

Want to become someone? Got great ideas and want to move on them? Well, I got news for you: life isn't (usually) handed to you on a silver platter! You have to work hard and be the best to get what you want! This course will apply various Economic principles to everyday life choices in an effort to inspire you all to be the absolute BEST you can be and prove to you that amazing feats can be accomplished through hard work!

Learn how to perform hands only CPR and some basic first aid from members of Boston College's Eagle EMS.

Everyone has seen the Disney classics, but have you ever wondered what Disney is actually saying about women? This class will discuss the gender stereotypes that Disney has embedded into their stories, and the impact that has had on our society.

We should all be conscious consumers! Learn more about where the things you buy come from and whom your purchases affect

In this class, we will give you the tools to define yourself. First, we will explain how you are a product of culture as well as unique and individual life experiences. We will then shed light on the complexities of ethnic and racial identity and how they play a role in making who you, who you are. Finally, we will conclude by showing you how you can begin to define yourselves in high school and beyond!

Service doesn't just have to be a section on your resume, it can become part of your life and one of the most rewarding activities you do! We will teach you how to incorporate service and volunteering into your life, no matter how busy you are.

We'll discuss the role service plays in your lives and how you can bring what you learned back to your schools and communities while working on a mini-service project.

School means something different to every student but there's no doubt that everyone has the right to an A+ education. If you want to talk about some of the problems in schools, hear why they (and you!) matter, and learn some of the things you can do, this is the class for you!

Learn the basics of First Aid and what to do in an emergency from members of Boston College's Eagle EMS.

Explore the various diets that exist and learn about their advantage and disadvantages. Diet isn't just for loosing weight, but maintaing a healthy lifestyle. Come learn about what makes aspects of these diets are beneficial to your health.


Prerequisites
none

Learn all about the worldwide leader in sports. From the history of ESPN, to how the network operates, this is the class to take if you eat, live and breath sports.

Learn how to satisfy your sweet tooth without feeling too guilty about what you ate! Learn recipes and the how-to of healthy desserts.

Are you wanting to learn the tricks to staying fit? Get ready for a high intensity cardio, strength, and abs workout! Based on Jillian Micheals's 3-2-1 workout, this class will be a challenge.

Ever wondered how to make a waterfall braid? A Dutch braid? A lace braid? A combination of all three?! Or what you're actually doing to your hair every time you curl or straighten it? Come learn about how to create different braids and hair styles- in a way that's healthy for your hair! We'll teach you about how to best protect and treat your hair so that you can feel and look your best while giving your hair some loving!

This course will cover how one can achieve success in personal and professional endeavors, as well as outperform peers in the area of one's choice.


Prerequisites
None

Learn about the skills and supplies needed to survive in the Alaskan Wilderness with NOLS (National Outdoor Leadership School).

In this course, we will explore the various uses of sarcasm throughout our lives and the lives of important characters of major aspects of our culture. If you enjoy thinking on your feet, interacting with others, and learning in an interesting way, this is the class for you!

Learn the terrifying, yet necessary skill of public speaking!

Single Ladies and Gentlemen: come ready to find your alter egos, and get your Sasha Fierce on in this interactive course that will get you up and moving! Not only will you get an overview of Beyoncé's successful career, but we will also bring the inner Mrs. Carter out of you! Prepare to leave feeling like you can run the world!


Prerequisites
N/A

Who doesn't want to be happier? Based around Gretchen Rubin's Best Selling Novel, The Happiness Project, this class will discuss what it means to be happy, what detracts from happiness, and simple things you can do to make your life more happy! Start your happiness project now!

What do you and Justin Timberlake's song Mirrors have in common? In this fun class, you will learn about how to be the best version of YOU. We will set goals, learn leadership and mentoring skills and talk about how to empower others. Much of this class will be devoted to reflection, both individually and with others.


Prerequisites
Desire to learn, lead and have fun!

Ever wonder how to get the perfect salon-quality manicure without having to leave your house? Come check out Manicures 101! I will help you to learn the latest techniques and show you cool designs. You will even get to choose from about 20 nail colors and paint your nails during the class!


Prerequisites
None

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

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 take you into the Stock Market and give you some practice at learning how it works, and what exactly people are doing when you see them screaming and holding papers. It will involve some real practice of stock market exchange and if you are interested in investing or learning a little Supply and Demand, this class is for you.

A fun, interactive course all about the ups and downs of international travel. We'll tell you how to get there, what to bring, what to do, and most importantly what not to do. We'll give you first hand experience on everything from how to survive your first time at Chinese customs to the hidden gems of South America and every other continent in between.

Real Food is a national movement promoting local, organic, and equitably produced food. Included among the promoted ideas are sustainable agriculture, worker's human rights, and increasing access to nutritious food. There is a chapter of Real Food at BC and four or five members including me are interested in discussing some of the concepts with the Splash audience. These are relevant concepts to anyone, but particularly to those who are unlucky in having insubstantial access to high quality nutrition and/or are interested in combining the wellness aspect of Real Food and similar concepts with the growing employment opportunities.


Prerequisites
None except maybe a history and future of eating food.

You might love eating cupcakes, but have you ever wondered how to decorate them? Come learn techniques for decorating, including how to use frosting tips and make designs. We will even show you some extra fun ways to make awesome looking desserts for the upcoming holiday season! Bring your creativity and get ready for a fun and delicious time!