Summer Study at UVM - Courses & Curriculum

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Type of Class	Program Length
Enrichment Classes/Workshops	4 or 2 weeks
EdisonLearning™ High School Credit Courses	4 or 2 weeks

NON-CREDIT ENRICHMENT CLASSES & WORKSHOPS

YOU CAN COUNT ON ME: ALEGBRA I, II -- A firm understanding of algebra is necessary in order to continue on to more advanced levels of math. This class will improve your understanding of the basic concepts of high school algebra using familiar drills and exercises. Includes a review of basic geometric principles, also fundamental in math. This class is especially helpful in preparation for the math section of the SAT exam. Students must have completed two years of high school math to enroll in this class.

YOU’RE FIRED!: BUSINESS, MARKETINGAND ADVERTISING -- Stop sitting around thinking about how you could easily be the next “Apprentice" and start taking some action! Begin to understand the interaction between buyer and seller, the role of the consumer, and successful ways to act and react in professional situations. The class is designed to be a hands-on lesson in developing a business plan in today's economy, including marketing and advertising strategies and campaigns. Take a deep look into print ads, internet ads, radio spots, commercials, public service announcements and movie trailers, and see how they change the opinions of the public. All this will prepare you for hearing those two amazing words: "You're hired!"

WHAT’S YOUR FUNCTION?: CALCULUS -- A comprehensive introduction to college calculus including functions, limits, analytic geometry, derivatives, differentials and their applications as well as integrals and their applications. Students should have a strong math background having completed 2 years of algebra and 1 year of geometry, and have a working knowledge of pre-calculus.

VOLUNTEER TO VOLUNTEER: COMMUNITY SERVICE -- Get out of the classroom and involved in the community! Join your instructor and classmates in extended projects on and around campus that are beneficial to the community and enriching for you. This "feel good" class will prepare a variety of activities targeting some social concerns in the area. Give something back to those who are less fortunate. In class, you'll discuss the effectiveness of each project, and how you have made a difference even after the summer ends. Volunteers will receive a certificate of accomplishment. High school credit is available.

SAY CHEESE!: DIGITAL PHOTOGRAPHY -- If capturing the perfect moment were easy, we would all be photographing models for magazines. Whether your style is Vogue or National Geographic, the new, advanced technology of the digital camera can be used to capture the essence of any moment! Explore camera use and functions, cropping, lighting, and flash. Learn how to download photos to your computer, back up your images, create slideshows and photo collages, adjust coloration, e-mail and print photos, and have fun while doing it! With Vermont as a magnificent backdrop and faces in your program from around the world, your photo memories will last a lifetime! Students must bring a digital camera with necessary connection cables.

BECOME ONE WITH NATURE: ENVIRONMENTAL SCIENCE -- This course serves as an introduction to and covers broad aspects of environmental science and environmental studies. Negative environmental impacts are studied in detail. Specifically, this course examines the risks associated with growth in a developing world, the environmental impact of population growth on natural resources, air and water pollution, mineral and resource extraction, water resource uses, and renewable and non-renewable sources for power generation. Emphasis is placed on a holistic approach to environmental science using known test results, environmental surveys, and class discussions to reinforce scientific principles.

WRITE AWAY!: EXPOSITORY AND CREATIVE WRITING -- Inspired by entertaining and constructive writing exercises, you will work on establishing a distinct style, unique characters and sensible storyline. Students explore the creative styles of known authors, playwrights and poets, and develop their own writing style to master the skills of writing effective papers. Course material will include choosing a topic on which to write, the organization of ideas, paragraph structure, and the importance of proper spelling, punctuation and grammar. This class will leave you feeling more confident in developing your academic papers, and in yourself.

LIKE A ROLLING STONE: GUITAR WORKSHOP -- Ever wanted to learn how to play the acoustic guitar? Now is your chance! Learn the basic development of sheet reading and guitar strumming while having fun. Students are welcome to bring their own guitar. Rentals are available for $95 for the 4-week period.

BEAUTY AND THE BEAST: HEALTH AND WELLNESS -- Making the point to exchange bad health habits with positive methods is essential for a successful life in college. (Ever hear of the "freshman fifteen?") This workshop will help you focus on improving your mind and your body by examining your health holistically. On your journey you’ll examine the relationship between your mental and physical states, and find the balance that will bring you to your ideal health. This workshop will teach you to enhance your overall wellness using yoga, aromatherapy, stress, nutrition and physical fitness. Awareness is channeled through discussions and out of class activities.

KAPLAN SAT PREP COURSE -- For more than 70 years, Kaplan Test Prep and Admissions has helped students obtain a higher score on their SAT exams and gain admission to the colleges of their choice. Kaplan SAT training combines classroom instruction, supplemental practice materials and simulated full-length practice exams. Kaplan’s unique combination of the highest quality study materials, realistic testing experiences, and dynamic teachers and tutors is unrivaled. After a diagnostic practice test, Kaplan generates a personalized score report of each student’s strengths and weaknesses. This score report is then used to help create a personalized study plan for each student to maximize his/her study time. Working in small groups, Kaplan instructors teach a comprehensive understanding of the math, writing, and verbal skills tested on the SAT. The course uses a proprietary problem solving approach, which immerses students in the content and strategies needed to score higher on the SAT. With Kaplan’s SmartPoints™ system, students can make the most of their time and scores. Administered under actual testing conditions, 3-4 full-length exams provide invaluable practice of the learned test-taking techniques as well as helping students overcome test anxiety. Class work is supplemented with homework assignments, and teachers are available for extra help on a regular basis throughout the course. A full set of Kaplan SAT preparation books is included in the course tuition.

SUMMER STUDY PROGRAMS EXCLUSIVE!
COLLEGE PREP ADVANTAGE: KAPLAN’s Summer Study SAT Prep course INCLUDES Kaplan's College Prep Advantage at NO ADDITIONAL COST! Students enrolled in this SAT prep course get...

UNLIMITED access to Kaplan’s complete SAT and ACT prep courses, in the classroom or online (take the courses as often as you like).
PREPARATION for SAT SUBJECT TESTS (SAT II) and ADVANCED PLACEMENT (AP) exams with Kaplan’s ONLINE study guides.
A COLLEGE ADMISSIONS COURSE & PLANNER, Applywise, to help organize and plan your college application process.
A PERSONAL TEST ADVISOR to help map out your schedule of attack to attend the best possible college/university.
ACCESS to all of the above throughout your ENTIRE HIGH SCHOOL career...3 to 4 years!

Supplemental Cost:
Full SAT Prep Course with College Prep Advantage: $695, regularly $999 if taken in your area.

ONCE UPON A CRIME: INTRO TO LAW & THE JUSTICE SYSTEM -- This workshop is an introduction to careers in law and some specialty fields such as criminal, real estate and entertainment law. Examine the fundamental concepts within negligence, bankruptcy, copyright and trademark law. Examine the American criminal justice system and its attempt to curb violence, crime and civil disobedience. Participation in a mock trial will give you an understanding of lawyers' roles: investigation, research, advocacy, negotiation, trial preparation, and dispute resolution.

FREUDIAN FRENZY: INTRO TO PSYCHOLOGY -- Do you dream about mermaids and wonder why? Is some of your "abnormal" behavior actually “normal?" This class examines the major theories of human behavior, exploring experimental methods and testing that psychologists use to study it. Discover what role the brain plays in everyday situations, during sleep, on drugs and in emergencies. Understand how psychologists classify and explain various types of problems, and discuss their recommended therapies.

FROM AEROSMITH TO ZEPPELIN: THE HISTORY OF ROCK ‘N ROLL -- Do your parents get emotional about their Beatles records? Have you bought the CD version of every album? Rock music has the capability to influence generations of people. Listen to, analyze and discuss the impact of this timeless musical genre. Examine the social impact that the music and lyrics of Rock 'n Roll have on today's and yesterday’s youth. Come with your ears and mind open, and leave with a head full of Rock.

EdisonLearning™ High School Credit Courses

The following classes, offered by EdisonLearning™ and Summer Study Programs, are available for high school credit to all 2-week and 4-week participants. These high school classes may be used to get ahead in one's high school curriculum for the upcoming school year or to recover credits from the previous school year. EdisonLearning™ will assist students in gaining approval from their local school district in order to gain high school credits. Final class selections are made in the spring. These classes are taught completely online, instructor assisted, and will require students to "self-pace" their efforts in order to complete the course by the end of their program or by a September 30, 2012 deadline.
Supplemental Fee: $295 per class

ALGEBRA I: The course is organized as a journey through algebraic concepts and applications. The focus is on linear equations, inequalities, functions, graphing, systems of equations, polynomials, factoring, quadratic equations, probability, statistics, rational expressions, roots, and radicals. Students will acquire the critical-thinking and problem-solving skills required to grasp algebraic fundamentals while preparing themselves for future courses. Supplemental Fee: $295

ALGEBRA II: The course guides students through algebraic concepts and the applications of advanced algebra. Emphasis is placed on linear functions and systems, matrices, quadratic functions, polynomial functions, polynomials, exponential, logarithmic, rational, and radical function, conic sections, probability, statistics, sequences, series, and trigonometric functions. Students’ critical-thinking skills and problem-solving techniques develop as they prepare themselves for future courses. Supplemental Fee: $295

GEOMETRY: The course is organized as a journey through geometry concepts and their application, with focus on parallel and perpendicular lines, triangles, circles, polygons, area, volume, similarity, and trigonometry. Throughout this journey, students will acquire the critical-thinking and problem-solving skills required to grasp geometric relationships. Supplemental Fee: $295

PRE-ALGEBRA: Students will focus on topics such as integers, fractions, decimals, expressions, equations, ratios, proportions and percentages, inequalities, graphing, probability and statistics, and geometry. Pre-Algebra highlights skills students need in order to make sense of the mathematical relationships for daily use. At the completion of the course, one will have gained an appreciation for mathematical concepts and the knowledge/ problem-solving skills needed for future courses. Supplemental Fee: $295

BIOLOGY: Biology as a science is a large, complex, and ever-changing topic. This EdisonLearning™ course serves to present topics that range from the process of science, to cell reproduction, the diversity of life, chemical components of life, energy conversion, life functions, genetics and evolution. Finally, coverage of ecology raises students’ awareness of the many challenges and opportunities of the modern biological world. Supplemental Fee: $295

CHEMISTRY: Chemistry is an important course that challenges students to apply their understanding of science to new theories, models, and problems. The course begins with a discussion of the history and importance of chemical principles, moves through the various models of the atom and chemical reactions, explores relationships among liquids, gases, and solids, and investigates the role of energy in these relationships. At the completion of this course, students have a basic knowledge of and appreciation for the field of chemistry and its importance. Supplemental Fee: $295

EARTH SCIENCE: Earth Science is the combined study of geology, physics, chemistry, and biology as they impact our universe. This course includes a study of Earth’s air, water, and the physical processes that shape the physical environment. Emphasis is placed on the impact of human civilization on the balance of nature. Students gain knowledge of the most modern science behind earth science topics such as continental drift, fossil dating, seasons, natural disasters, ocean ecosystems, and alternative energy sources. Supplemental Fee: $295

PHYSICAL SCIENCE: Physical Science covers material from chemistry and physics, providing students with a survey of the main concepts of these disciplines. The course begins with the nature of science and a review of measurement and its importance. The study of chemical principles follows, exposing students to topics such as the properties of matter, the structure of the atom, the formation of bonds, and the properties of solutions. The course then moves to the science of physics, describing the broad topics of motion, force, work, and energy. Students in the course are asked to apply their knowledge of these topics to problems, explanations, and models designed to build their understanding of important scientific concepts. Supplemental Fee: $295

AMERICAN HISTORY: This course is organized as a journey through the key events that have shaped America since the divisive and destructive Civil War. The journey includes the great migration westward and explores how the Industrial Revolution and waves of immigration fueled the flames of the American spirit today. The course details the challenges America faced and how equality did not come without sacrifice for American Indians, African Americans, immigrants, and women. Students learn how the core values of the founding fathers eventually prevailed and led to the women’s suffrage and Civil Rights movements, the impact of war, covering the role of the United States in World War I, Word War II, the Korean War, and the Vietnam War. Throughout this journey, the course highlights the great political, industrial, military, and human rights leaders who shaped America into a beacon of hope. By completing this course, students gain both a knowledge of and appreciation for the events and people who have impacted the growth of a nation. Supplemental Fee: $295

U.S. GOVERNMENT: Students enrolled in U.S. Government will explore the evolution of American democracy from its birth in the 18th century to the expansive role of federal, state, and local governments today. Topics range from changes to the Constitution, the function of Supreme Court, the structure of Congress and the importance of the media. The course investigates these topics in order, to give students a well-supported background regarding the reasons for and responsibilities of government. Students learn about the roles of state and local governments and the direct impact these organizations have on our daily lives. At the completion of this course, students have a knowledge of and appreciation for the workings and history of the U.S. government and its impact on American society. Supplemental Fee: $295

WORLD HISTORY: This course is a journey through the historical events that have shaped the modern world. The material is organized sequentially, exploring history from 1400 A.D. to the present day. The course focuses on the leaders of the world’s most influential countries and the impact that their decisions and innovation had on the populace. Topics covered include the Renaissance, the French Revolution, the Industrial Revolution, and the world wars. At the completion of this course, students understand the relationship between past historical events and the characteristics of the present day. Supplemental Fee: $295

Last Updated 11/18/11

"After attending 8 years at a sleep away camp with friends who felt like family, I found Summer Study at the University of Vermont to be an even better family."
- Zak Goldberger, Herndon, VA