Splash BC Splash 2022 Fall
Course Catalog

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Arts Humanities
Science Miscellaneous


Arts

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A2198: Intro to Film
Difficulty: **
Teachers: Olivia Hardenburg

Analyze different film clips in the context of cinematography, genre, etc.

Additionally there will be a discussion on the different roles that coexist on a film set and the current state of the film industry!

A2192: The Music of Les Miserables
Difficulty: **
Teachers: Morgan Hunt

Boublil and Schönberg’s Les Misérables is perhaps the most popular musical of all time, featuring instantly recognizable songs like “I Dreamed a Dream”, “Do You Hear the People Sing?”, and “Master of the House.” But beyond these awesome showtunes is a work of theatre worth examining for the way it tells a story through music. Each character in Les Miz is expertly crafted, not just through what they sing, but also through the music that is associated with them. Each emotion, experience, and thought they have is expressed in the orchestra. This class will take a deep dive into the melodies, themes, and the structure thereof that make Les Miserables such a thrilling music drama.

A2193: A History of the Depiction of Humans in Art
Difficulty: **
Teachers: Abraham Rinehart

What is Art? Is it something to enjoy? Something to study? Why do we make Art - and is Art bound to illustration? Art is undefinable, it’s something irrevocably tied to what it means to be human. Art is Humanity and Humanity is Art. So, with this basis, take this class to see how Human Depictions in Art has changed over the course of recorded History.


Humanities

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Q2189: Little Women
Difficulty: **
Teachers: Meena Menon

We will be analyzing the movie clips and excerpts from the classic novel, Little Women. We will be engaging in thoughtful discussion about the dynamics between the sisters and the larger implications of the book as well.


Prerequisites
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Q2183: A Brief History of 19th Century Russian Literature
Difficulty: **
Teachers: Abdullah Ibrahim

Starting from Pushkin and Lermontov up to Dostoevsky, Tolstoy and Chekhov, we'll go over the major writers of the "Golden Age" of Russian literature, the progression of writing styles and what distinguishes Russian literature from this period.

Q2191: Video Games and the Law
Difficulty: **

This class explains how the world’s newest favorite pastime has caused some shake ups in the legal world! Topics discussed include loot boxes and gambling, athlete likenesses, and more!

Q2188: How to be Happy
Difficulty: *
Teachers: Gabriel Moran

Designed to increase your own happiness and build more productive habits

Q2179: Logical Fallacies
Difficulty: **
Teachers: Nick Claudio

Do you like to argue? Do you like to win when you argue? This course is perfect for just this pursuit. In this class, you will learn how to go beyond simply telling someone in an argument that they are wrong, you will learn several ways to point out flaws in your opponent's logic. There are few things more satisfying than declaring in an argument, "Not only are you wrong, but here is the error in your reasoning..."

The second part of the class will be focused on what is perhaps the most controversial logical topic related to fallacious argument: induction. After the course, students can expect to leave feeling more confident in their ability to reason, to have an understanding of the basic syllogism, and to develop an inspiration for questioning the methods by which we practice natural philosophy and modern science.

Q2196: Fundamentals of Friendship
Difficulty: **
Teachers: Zarah Lakhani

We will talk about friendship, the different types of it and how to develop deep and complex friendships.

Q2180: What the Heck is a Blue Raspberry? : Sociology of a Color
Difficulty: **
Teachers: Matthew Vaccaro

Why did Homer claim the sea is "wine-dark" ? How are Ancient Egypt, Columbus's travels, and Isaac Newton's love of witchcraft connected? Most importantly, why are raspberry ice pops blue?

These questions and more will be explained in a crash course of the history, science, and psychology behind the most influential color on the rainbow

Q2185: Science Fiction Through the Ages
Difficulty: **
Teachers: Paxton Decker

The origins and historical developments of science fiction are a surprisingly complex series of questions that demonstrate key divides in perspectives and philosophies of what “science” is and can be. From the Epic of Gilgamesh, to Dune, to Star Wars, how has science fiction developed, and what counts as part of its tradition? When did it truly begin?


Science

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S2178: Forensics 101
Difficulty: **
Teachers: Ally Nohmy

Have you ever wondered how Criminal Minds or CSI worked in real life? Me too! In this class we will identify suspects based on handwriting analysis, fingerprints, and much more.

S2194: Stellar Astronomy
Difficulty: **

A brief intro into our solar system as well as other topics under Astrophysics such as black holes, nucleosynthesis, time dilation, ect.

S2184: Ethics of Genetic Engineering
Difficulty: *
Teachers: Nathaniel Jaffe

Genetic engineering is not science fiction! With CRISPR and related technologies, we can edit the genes of human eggs or embryos. It's already been done with a variety of crops. Scientists are working on the possibility of gene editing in adults, too.

Is this wrong? Are humans not meant to mess with nature? Or are the benefits worth it? What are the limits on the use of these technologies in the US, and what should they be?

This class will give you the background knowledge to talk intelligently about genetic engineering, and we'll discuss what the arguments are on each side. You might find that your gut reaction to genetic engineering isn't the opinion you leave the class with.

Be prepared to share your thoughts! This class will be discussion based.


Prerequisites
A background knowledge of genes and DNA will be useful, but not required.

S2181: How to Save a Life
Difficulty: **
Teachers: Joan Guarda

Are you interested in medicine or would like to know how to help people in an emergency? In this class, taught by members of Boston College EMS, Boston College's student-run EMT organization, we will go over how to control bleeding, how to perform CPR and use an AED, how to help someone having an allergic reaction, and many more common medical emergencies! No medical training is required to take this course, just a desire to be able to help others in emergency situations!


Prerequisites
None

S2197: Introduction to Uranium
Difficulty: **
Teachers: Nathaniel Jaffe

Uranium is literal lightning in a bottle. It can provide nearly limitless carbon-free energy, or be used to destroy cities. In this class, you'll learn the basics of how nuclear power and nuclear weapons work. We'll discuss the social debates regarding both of these topics - come ready to talk! Students will additionally learn how to use a Geiger counter.

S2182: A Day in the Life of an EMT
Difficulty: **
Teachers: Joan Guarda

Are you interested in becoming an EMT, or even just what it is like to be an EMT? This class, taught by members of Boston College EMS, will give you a look into the life of an EMT. You'll be able to see the vehicle that we respond to emergencies with, the supplies we have inside of it, and the lights and sirens we use when we get a call! We will also go over the process of becoming an EMT, and what we do on shift.


Prerequisites
None

S2177: The Physics of Airplanes
Difficulty: **
Teachers: Ally Nohmy

Have you ever wondered how an airplane stays in the air? Well wonder no more, as this class will highlight the important parts of airplane physics in addition to making our own paper airplanes to test the physics we learn!


Miscellaneous

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X2186: Restaurant Culture 101: The Behind the Scenes of Working in a Restaurant
Difficulty: *
Teachers: Nick Petrillo

Have you ever wondered what goes on behind the scenes of working in a service restaurant? This course will explore the lingo, operations, tips and tricks, and overall dynamic of working in a full-service restaurant. A case study of the TV show "The Bear" on Hulu will be examined. This course is perfect for anyone who might want to enter the restaurant industry and will be totally relatable for those who have worked in a restaurant already.

X2187: A Psychological Approach to College Prep
Difficulty: **
Teachers: Fatou Manneh

We will analyze data and studies surrounding college and the psychological effects it has on incoming students. Understand how to prevent or understand certain social situations and navigate such a huge change, through a psychological lens.

X2195: How to be a More Confident Speaker in ANY Situation
Difficulty: **
Teachers: Peter Coquillette

In this class I will talk about strategies that have worked for myself and people I know that increase self-confidence in situations where you have to talk in front of people. Whether it is only a few people or many, it can be nerve-wracking and anxiety inducing when having to do a group project, a speech, or any type of talking in front of others. I will talk about specific mindfulness strategies and speaking tricks that I have implemented to do speeches and talk in front of many people. There will be opportunities to participate and try speaking briefly, but only if you want to!

X2190: College Essay Writing
Difficulty: **
Teachers: Meena Menon

Don't know where to start with your college essays? Not sure what to write about? Come for a session of brainstorming and for lots and lots of tips about what your college essays should convey and how to go about writing them!