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Criminal Justice: Is Justice Blind?
This course will lay the ground work for the study of criminal justice by analyzing and describing the agencies of justice and the procedures they use to identify and treat criminal offenders. The course will also cover issues such as race, gender, economics and mental health and how these issues may play a part in the delivery of justice. Scholars will have the opportunity to experience firsthand different criminal justice agencies such local district and civil courts, local law enforcement agencies and juvenile justice correctional facilities, and will hear from experts who work in the field. ou will read, write response papers, and lead discussions on relevant issues and diverse views that shape the criminal justice field.
Herpetology in the Piedmont
Reptiles and amphibians are often a severely misunderstood and frequently feared group of organisms! In this course, we will do some ‘myth busting’ about the local reptiles and amphibians found in our community. You will have the opportunity to learn how to identify common frogs, salamanders, lizards, turtles and snakes and also to engage in some science investigations that are currently being conducted by high school students such as yourselves. Who knows? Maybe you will come to love amphibians and reptiles! WARNING: This class isn’t for people who are afraid of a little (or a lot) mud ?! We will be spending time in the forest, in the stream, in the vernal pool, and in the lake! No swimming involved, however!
The Brain: A User’s Guide
This course serves as an introduction to the functions of the brain. Scholars will learn about the workings of their brain through a multi-disciplinary approach that includes insights from the fields of biology, chemistry, physics, psychology, clinical medicine, sociology, computer science and philosophy. You will develop an understanding that individual uniqueness is the result of a complex mix of biological, social and environmental factors. This course is designed to promote the notion that science is fun and cool and is intended to encourage scholar interest in, and excitement about, science and medicine.
How Does Your Pizza Grow?
Join in the food revolution! Learn how to grow your own! Travel through the life of a pizza. Uncover how ingredients are made and the impact they have on the world’s carbon footprint. Travel to farms; unearth the history of grains and breads; discover various careers in agriculture; eat local foods….eat lots of local foods; and learn how to grow your own vegetables. Do you love tomatoes? Help investigate, taste and choose heirloom varieties, used to make homemade PIZZAS! And celebrate the end of the summer program with a delicious pizza party! This class spans lunch on several days and includes opportunities to eat at a variety of local restaurants.
Fundamentals of Financial Management
Discover how to avoid going over the fiscal cliff by learning basic financial management fundamentals. We will explore your personality to determine which careers are the best fit for you. Along the way we will delve into the banking industry and learn how to manage a checking account. No matter how much money you make, you must have the knowledge of how to establish and operate a budget. We will explore how to set up your own personal budget. And the world of finance gets exciting and risky as we figure out how the stock market functions, and some basic understanding of different investment options for your future. Field trips to a local bank, the Federal Reserve Bank of Charlotte, and to Glen Raven Fabrics are included in our mission to learn about the world of financial management.
Trigonometry: A University Language
The trigonometric branch of mathematics encompasses a variety of real world phenomena including surveying, astronomy, and modern architecture. In this course, we will work collaboratively to answer one essential question: How is trigonometry applicable in the real world? To do so, we will investigate a moderate range of mathematical topics, from the unit circle to the six trigonometric functions, and will work together to reach common goals in understanding trigonometry's application to life. Successful completion of Algebra I and Geometry in high school is recommended before taking this course.
Creative Writing: Graphic Novel and Poetry
Have you ever wondered how graphic novels (affectionately called comic books) could have deeper meaning? Do you want to know how to find your voice through poetry (without being depressed to find it)? Well, this course is for you! This summer, we will read and unlock deeper meaning from a graphic novel and then create one. Then, with the help of a professional poet, we will tap into our inner poet to compose expressive words that will affirm, amaze, enlighten, and inspire!
Ancient Philosophy
Although we live in a society with different myths, values, and political systems than those of the ancient world, Plato (427-347 BC) has continued to inspire philosophy for over 2000 years. In this class, we will study some of Plato's most influential dialogues. Through our study, we will attempt to understand what philosophy is and what role it might play in a well-lived life. In particular, we will question what kind of 'knowledge' philosophy is after, how we attain this 'knowledge,' and what importance it has in our lives.
Engineering 101
The laws of physics govern all movement and collisions. They affect most aspects of our everyday lives - from sports we play to buildings where we live and work to the way we move through the world. Engineering allows us to apply those laws of physics to our advantage. In this course, we will build bridges, protect precious cargo, and float boats (among other things), all by applying the laws of physics to the discipline of engineering.
Critical Thinking
That’s right . . . If you take this class, you will learn how to think better. Using the Step-By-Step method developed by the Elon Philosophy Department, you will learn how to construct and evaluate arguments, how to read and write more clearly and how to persuade people using evidence. These skills are absolutely fundamental to college-level work, and this class will make you a better thinker and better listener.
College Admissions Essays [first two weeks]
Rising seniors will plan, draft, and revise at least one major college application essay – choosing from among a small set of typical essays that can be used to apply to various colleges. As a final step, they will prepare to share their essay aloud, concentrating on voice, demeanor, and skillful reading for an audience, as well as learn to respond thoughtfully to audience questions.
Elon Academy 301 [final two weeks]
The capstone class for college planning, including all the critical nuts-and-bolts like finalizing your college choices and seeking scholarship opportunities.
Present Yourself! [final 2 weeks]
Building on the basic presentation skills developed in EA 101 last summer, scholars will work intensively on their ability to present themselves and their stories to others, including how to represent themselves both verbally, textually, and visually.