2012 Workshop Listings
Workshops are investigations into a variety of subjects, allowing you to sample from a breadth of academic, athletic, and cultural disciplines. They are created, developed, and taught by Explo faculty and are new every summer.
First-Come, First-Served
Workshops meet in the afternoon for a total of seven, hour-long periods. If you choose the workshop option, you will take two different workshops (one 300-numbered workshop and one 400-numbered workshop) over the duration of each session.
Workshops are assigned on a first-come, first-served basis. Class size, in most cases, is limited to 16 students. On your application you will choose six workshop preferences.The registrar makes every effort to assign you to your top choices. If a workshop is full, you will be assigned to another one of your choices. Students who choose not to enroll in workshops must enroll in a Princeton Review course during the afternoon academic period.
Athletics + Recreation
| W301 | W401 | Fencing+ Come learn the eight target areas of foil fencing through call and response drills designed to work on attack and defense techniques. En Garde! |
| W302 | W402 | Yoga/Pilates+ Learn the half moon, sun warrior, and downward-facing dog. Use pilates-based mat techniques to develop your core. Strengthen muscles, increase flexibility, and center your mind during this introduction to the full mind and body workout of yoga and pilates. |
| W303 | Badminton+ Come join us for a classic leisure activity — a game of badminton. Whether you are a seasoned player, a tennis player looking for a new challenge, or someone who thinks a shuttlecock is something patented by NASA, you’ll enjoy this surprisingly challenging game. | |
| W304 | Karate+ If you want to smash bricks with your head, this is not the workshop for you. Karate isn't all swift kicks and punches — you need to know stance and breathing techniques. This workshop will introduce you to some of the basic movements of this form of karate, working individually and with others you'll be on your way to becoming a master. | |
| W305 | Flag Football+ (Double Period) To run or to pass: that will be the question... or at least one of the many questions we consider as we strategize offensive attacks and coordinate defensive schemes in games of flag football.
Note: This workshop runs from 2:15pm - 4:15pm (through Open Time) to accommodate travel to and from the Yale Athletic Fields Complex and provide more time on the field. | |
| W306 | Quidditch for Muggles+ (Double Period) Come discover the magical world of Quidditch! While flying on a Nimbus 2000 or Firebolt isn’t in the cards (yet), we’ll do what hundreds of colleges and private clubs are doing across the country — starting our own Quidditch team. Whether you’re a Beater, Seeker, or Chaser, come learn the rules and positions, chase the Quaffle, avoid the Bludgers, and find the Golden Snitch with us!
Note: This workshop runs from 2:15pm - 4:15pm (through Open Time) to accommodate travel to and from the Yale Athletic Fields Complex and provide more time on the “pitch.” | |
| W307 | Soccer: Basic+ (Double Period) Whether you call it soccer or football, come bend it like Beckham as you develop your technique and strategy. We'll focus on fundamental passing and shooting techniques, as well as basic strategy, and there will be plenty of time for practicing these skills in both drills and games.
Note: This workshop runs from 2:15pm - 4:15pm (through Open Time) to accommodate travel to and from the Yale Athletic Fields Complex and provide more time on the field. Please bring your own shin guards! | |
| W308 | Tennis: Basic+ (Double Period) Channel your inner Pete Sampras, Andy Roddick or Venus or Serena Williams! Work on your strategy, strokes, and serves. Join us to learn the basics of tennis or enhance your specific skills.
Note: This workshop runs from 2:15pm - 4:15pm (through open hour) to accommodate travel to and from the Yale Athletic Fields Complex and provide more time on the court. You must bring your own tennis racquet! | |
| W309 | Ultimate Frisbee+ (Double Period) Sure, there are lots of ways to throw a Frisbee, but you'll need time-proven skills and smarts if you want to win a good game of Ultimate. In this workshop, we'll start small, learning rules of the game and basic disc control, before moving on to the formations, techniques, and strategies you'll need to win in this college campus favorite.
Note: This workshop runs from 2:15pm - 4:15pm (through Open Time) to accommodate travel to and from the Yale Athletic Fields Complex and provide more time on the field. | |
| W310 | Women's Field Hockey Basics+ (Double Period) Love hockey but hate that it's summer and there's no ice? Come and learn — or practice — your skills at Field Hockey! Field hockey is one of the oldest known sports, with roots before the first Greek Olympic games. In this workshop, you'll discuss, diagram, and practice the strategies, drills, and game-winning moves that you'll need to master the game's fundamentals. | |
| W403 | Basketball+ Set a pick, block a shot, and hope you don't choke at the free throw line. Whether you run the courts every day or are new to the sport, come work on drills, strategy, and techniques as we practice hoops. | |
| W404 | Capoeira+ Capoeira is a Brazilian art form which combines elements of martial arts, dance, music, and cultural traditions. If you want to make your workout come alive and learn games and moves like ginga and cadeira, join us to be inspired by Capoeira. | |
| W405 | Lawn Games+ Come test your precision and try your hand at games that can be played anywhere, with any number of players! Whether they are family traditions or new-to-you activities, join us for a fun workshop featuring some centuries-old European games, like croquet, bocce, and horseshoes, and some newer ones, like ladderball and kan-jam. | |
| W406 | Zumba+ Zumba, one of the most popular fitness phenomena to sweep the U.S., has come to Explo! Zumba is a fusion of Latin and international music that is more dance party than fitness regimen. Work out with moves originating in cha-cha, salsa, reggaeton, rumba, and more. This fun and effective interval training program will leave you both energized and dancified. | |
| W407 | Soccer: Intermediate + (Double Period) If you are beyond the basics and want some time to hone your soccer skills, join us for this workshop. We'll focus on passing, shooting, and more advanced plays, in both drills and games.
Note: This workshop runs from 2:15pm- 4:15pm (through Open Time) to accommodate travel to and from the Yale Athletic Fields Complex and provide more time on the field. Please bring your own shin guards! | |
| W408 | Tennis: Intermediate + (Double Period) If you are beyond the basics and want some time to hone your tennis skills, join us for this workshop. We'll focus on strategy and individual techniques, in both drills and games.
Note: This workshop runs from 2:15pm - 4:15pm (through Open Time) to accommodate travel to and from the Yale Athletic Fields Complex and provide more time on the courts. You must bring your own tennis racquet! | |
| W409 | Track + Field+ (Double Period) Step into the shoes of the first Olympians and participate in some of the oldest sporting events in the world. Come learn about jumping, hurdles, dashes, relays, and more, as we practice these track and field events. On your mark... get set... GO!
Note: This workshop runs from 2:15pm - 4:15pm (through Open Time) to accommodate travel to and from the Yale Athletic Fields Complex and provide more time at the track. | |
| W410 | Women's Lacrosse Basics+ (Double Period) The oldest team sport in North America, lacrosse games used to include teams of up to 1,000 on a field that stretched over a mile. In this workshop, you’ll learn the basics of the modern (and much smaller) sport, including the rules of the game, stickwork, footwork, and both offensive and defensive strategy.
Note: This workshop runs from 2:15pm - 4:15pm (through Open Time) to accommodate travel to and from the Yale Athletic Fields Complex and provide more time on the field. | |
| W411 | Rugby+ (Double Period) Like soccer and football but can't decide which is best? Combine the basic principles and you get rugby! In this workshop, we will learn basic strategies, rules, moves, and drills for this classic game, and will play some matches against our teammates.
Note: This workshop runs from 2:15pm - 4:15pm (through Open Time) to accommodate travel to and from the Yale Athletic Fields Complex and provide more time on the field. |
Business + Logic
| W321 | W421 | Event Planning+ How do you plan a fundraiser? Or a friend's birthday party? What are the keys to making sure everything comes off without a hitch? In this workshop, you'll be working to create the perfect get-together for Explo students. You'll plan and create an activity for your friends and see who's ready to hire you for their next big bash. |
| W322 | Business Etiquette+ Most important business deals aren't made in a boardroom. They are made over power lunches, dinner, a round of golf, or even over email. Even if your business savvy and marketable skills are top-notch, you can make or break a meeting with your manners and demeanor. In this workshop, we will learn about the importance of small talk, why not to order spaghetti on a job interview, and how to present yourself in the best possible light. No matter what direction your career takes, the practical skills of this course will help you on your way to the top. | |
| W323 | Chess+ A classic game of strategy on a simple 8x8 board, chess is a puzzle of tactics, misdirection, and the occasional full-on frontal attack. We'll introduce you to the logic and maneuvers of the game — showing you how to pin, fork, and skewer your opponent — so you'll have what it takes to win. | |
| W324 | Math for Financial Survival+ Do you know what it means to live within your means? With a weekly budget that barely keeps you clothed and fed, how will you make it happen? Come discover the tricks of living on a budget and having enough money left over to sock some away in the bank. Discover ways to increase your net worth, from building your savings by setting long terms goals you want to work towards — like creating a personal fund for college — to capitalizing on low interest rates with credit cards and investment accounts that actually work for you. | |
| W325 | Strategy Games+ Risk, Monopoly, Axis and Allies... for these games, you don’t need luck, you need strategy. From classics to new “non-commercial” games, we’ll help you think in a whole different way about winning, losing, and playing the game. | |
| W326 | Street Smarts: The Art of Urban Navigation+ Is Urban Outfitters the closest you have come to actually being "urban?" In this practical workshop, we will learn how to navigate within a city, discovering the hot spots, the short cuts, the bus lingo, and the best method of planning a subway trip. We'll talk travel and trains as we learn the ins and outs of becoming city slickers.
Note: This workshop will occasionally run from 2:15pm - 4:15pm (through Open Time) to accommodate field trips within New Haven. | |
| W422 | Bridge+ If you think you are a card shark, Bridge will give you a run for your money. A complicated game of strategy, many call Bridge “the greatest card game of all.” Come learn to play, and impress your parents as well as the die-hard “gamers” out there.
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| W423 | Exercises in Team Building + Leadership+ Are you a leader or a follower? Every organization needs you to understand when to follow and when to lead. In this workshop, we will learn ways to discover your own strengths and weaknesses as a leader. You’ll bond with your teammates, participating in activities, challenges, and games designed to help you hone your leadership skills — skills that you can bring back to high school, teams, groups, and eventually to college. | |
| W424 | Interview Skills+ Step one: get the interview. Step two: Sell yourself! This workshop will give you an introduction to the do's and don'ts of the professional and collegiate world. From appropriate attire to virtual communication, you'll discover what it takes to stand out from the crowd. | |
| W425 | Investing On a Budget+ Ask Donald Trump how he became one of the wealthiest people in the world and he'll tell you — it's all about investments. And what better way to find financial success than starting small (really small) and making it big? We'll show you how to turn pennies into dollars, and dollars into thousands, while discussing the function of investments in a free-market economy. Look out, Wall Street! | |
| W426 | Social Entrepreneurship+ Want to save the world? Want to start your own business? This workshop will show you how to do both... at the same time! We'll create business models that are financially responsible, while addressing important social issues. |
Global Issues
| W331 | Children's Rights+ All around the globe, children are being born into difficult situations. Whether they are due to social order, economic class, or physical disability, the fact stands that many children need help to succeed in the new world. We'll explore the rights of a child, as well as benefits and ramifications of children's advocacy groups, and what we can do to help children in need to prosper in modern society. | |
| W332 | Human Rights: Gender Issues+ In Afghan families where all the children are girls, mothers will sometimes pass one of their daughters off as a boy. Why? Because in parts of Afghanistan, boys can move freely in society, but girls cannot. Throughout much of the world, gender issues continue to dominate life. We'll analyze demographics and calculate how the politics of gender have affected the ratio and perception of girls and boys across the globe. As we contemplate a gender-neutral world, you'll understand just how important the differences between men and women really are. | |
| W333 | International Crisis Management: Natural Disaster+ Global warming. Hurricanes and tornadoes. Earthquakes and tsunamis. In this workshop, we will participate in mini-simulations of international responses to epic natural disasters, playing the parts of different nations in determining what aid can be given, how things should be prioritized, and who bears responsibility for rebuilding after a tragedy. | |
| W431 | 2012: Ways to Eradicate Life on Earth+ Some ancient calendars and legends hold that life on earth will end in 2012. While science has called those predictions into question, what if they were true? Are eradication theories such as those in The Day After Tomorrow, Deep Impact, Armageddon, or 2012 plausible? Come join us to explore theories and probabilities of eradication by tsunami, weather patterns, arctic freeze, supervolcanoes, or asteroids. | |
| W432 | Child Soldiers+ A Long Way Gone and Blood Diamond have recently addressed a horrifying practice which unfortunately occurs in many countries: the recruitment of child soldiers. Each year, thousands of children are drafted into armies to fight wars on adults’ terms for adult causes. Many children are recruited into such systems because they have nowhere to go, and others are forced into it. In this workshop, we’ll learn about what happens when kids are forced to fire rocket-propelled grenades and kill their friends, and also be part of efforts help these “Invisible Children.” | |
| W433 | International Crisis Management: Military Coup+ Your mission, should you choose to accept it: intervene in a country in which the military has overthrown the government. International politics meet crisis management in this workshop, where we will simulate an international crisis and be the key players responsible for managing an escalating situation where human lives are at stake. |
Media Studies
| W341 | W441 | WXPLO: Radio Broadcast+ Goooooood morning, Explo! Well, technically — it’s "good afternoon." In class, you’ll get a behind-the-scenes look at what it takes to produce a radio show and participate in the discussion about the future of radio in a virtual world. During Open Time you’ll have the opportunity to operate Explo’s very own radio broadcast. Coming to you live from our very own quadrangle, it’s WXPLO. |
| W342 | Cell Phone Videos+ Shoot it and share it in a matter of seconds. Cell phone cameras create a unique ability to capture videos and distribute the results in a matter of moments. Whether your video goes viral, documents a pivotal moment in history, or simply a fond memory, this workshop will help you make the most of your clip. | |
| W343 | Concert Production+ Everyone gets a backstage pass as we discover what goes on behind the curtain. From the light booth to the sound board, from the band to the audience, you’ll find out what it takes to run the big night without a hitch. | |
| W344 | Dance in Film+ Explore dance in popular modern movies, classical performance films, and viral YouTube clips from the internet. In addition to learning the moves, we'll look at how these popular portrayals have affected the dance world. | |
| W345 | Poetry of Hip-Hop+ Poetry is not just the archaic language of our ancestors — it surrounds our lives and our ears. We'll draw connections between the work of classic poets and the lyrics of modern day hip-hop artists as we examine the writing, substance, and emotion behind the rap. | |
| W346 | The Macabre+ Why are we so interested in Twilight? Is it just a compelling love story or can Edward and Bella tell us something about ourselves? In this workshop, we'll investigate the creatures of the macabre (vampires, zombies, and werewolves) and the sometimes surprisingly large role they play in contemporary popular culture. | |
| W347 | Travel Writing+ What makes someone's road trip to Wisconsin just as thrilling as backpacking through Europe? How can spending a summer in New Haven be as enthralling for the reader as it was for the traveler? This workshop will get you writing about your own adventures — no matter how far you are from home. | |
| W442 | Character Studies in Literature+ Hamlet. Citizen Kane. Forrest Gump. George Costanza. How do you create enduring characters, on the stage or on the screen? We'll look at a variety of famous characters, and analyze how their writers reveal them to us. As we go, you'll create distinct characters of your own, drawing their personalities and telling a unique story. | |
| W443 | OMG 411: How Virtual Communication is Changing Language+ When was the last time you spelled out “Y-O-U” in a text message? The rise in online and texting communication has created a new generational language that is changing how we communicate. Analyzing you and your friends’ chatting and texting habits, we’ll look at how this new language evolved, where it’s going, and what it says about our relationships. | |
| W444 | Pulp: The Culture of Noir+ In this workshop we'll investigate the origins and evolution of the noir drama. We will watch classic noir films, like The Maltese Falcon and Double Indemnity. But we'll also examine neo-noir films, crime fiction, radio dramas and even visual art. What defines noir and how has it stood the test of time? Join us and find out. | |
| W445 | The Beat Generation+ The push against "the establishment" gave birth to a genre of art, music, and writing — making way for one of America's biggest cultural revolutions. In this workshop, you'll examine how Jazz, New York City's Greenwich Village, San Francisco's North Beach, Cross-Country Road Trips, Zen Buddhism and Spontaneous Poetics influenced American Writing and ultimately launched the Hippie Subculture of the 1960's. | |
| W446 | Undead! Zombies in Literature+ What is the connection between Night of the Living Dead and Steven King? By examining a variety of zombie fiction, we will seek to gain a deeper understanding of the parallels between zombies in fiction and the state of the world, recognizing how zombie narratives can be seen as commentaries on the world at large. |
Performing Arts
| W351 | W451 | Show Choir!+ If the thought of arranging, harmonizing, choreographing, and singing popular music fills you with glee, this is the workshop for you! We'll explore different genres of music, choose songs, assign parts, and create a show choir performance that would even make Sue Sylvester proud. Join us to gleek out! |
| W352 | African Dance+ In this workshop, we will learn some of the traditional dances of Africa as well as explore their origins and purposes. We will explore dances which celebrate love, welcome, warriors, rites of passage, and summoning and possession, and how these themes translate into modern African dance. | |
| W353 | Ballet+ The Black Swan and the White Swan. The Mouse King and the Nutcracker. Ballet is not only one of the most beautiful and expressive forms of telling a story, but is also a foundation upon which to build all of your dance moves. Whether you are new to the art or want a forum in which to practice your pliés, tendus, and arabesques, join us at the barre if you love ballet.
Note: Students should plan to bring their own ballet shoes. | |
| W354 | Intro to Music Composition+ If music is your passion, take it a step further and learn to compose your own! In this workshop, we will learn basic musical notation, music theory, compositional structure, and instrumentation. From arrangements to original compositions for instruments and/or voice, you’ll leave the workshop with the beginnings of your own sound. | |
| W355 | Stage Combat+ Learn what you need to know to stage believable, safe action for theater and other performing arts. We will work on basic falls, rolls, and tumbling and move on to more advanced punches, kicks, hair pulls, and head slams before choreographing realistic fight scenes. | |
| W356 | Step Dancing+ Learn the moves of this unique art form, while exploring the history of stepping, its African origins, and its spread throughout the United States. Choreograph your own step routines — integrating spoken word, hip-hop dance, and formation changes into your performances — while developing your strength, stamina, precision, creativity, and flair, as well as teamwork. | |
| W357 | Swing Dance+ Jump, jive, and wail! Grab a partner and jitterbug... then turn around and Lindy hop. Get ready to learn dance moves that developed in the 20s and 30s and are still popular today. | |
| W452 | Audition Skills+ Picture yourself on-stage, alone, heart pounding, with the chance to prove yourself to a big-time Broadway director. Sound stressful? Yes, the audition can feel like the most anxiety-inducing part of an actor's career, but a bit of preparation is all it takes. In this workshop, we'll discuss and practice monologues, setting you up for celebrity success. | |
| W453 | Dance for Athletes+ Football players practicing pliés? Lacrosse teammates learning hip-hop? Believe it or not, ballet and other forms of dance have often been prescribed by athletic coaches to help players with flexibility and stamina. Come and learn some dance moves to help you excel at whatever game you play. | |
| W454 | Latin Dance+ Join us as we twirl our way through the hottest dances from the clubs and alleyways of Cuba, Puerto Rico, and Brazil! Starting with the basic steps of salsa and merengue, you'll learn how to move, sway, and shake your body to different Afro-Caribbean beats. | |
| W455 | Movement Improvisation+ Maybe the thought of dancing has you a little... embarrassed. How do people look so comfortable dancing the night away? In this workshop, you'll get comfortable moving to your own beat and dancing with others. You'll improvise movement, experiment with different techniques, and find your own personal groove. | |
| W456 | Shakespearean Improv+ All the world’s a stage... and in this workshop we’ll learn how to talk, walk, and think like a true Shakesperean hero, villain or fool. Then we’ll use improv games to create brand new scenes from never-before seen Shakespeare plays and perform them for our groundling classmates. | |
| W457 | Social Dance for Beginners+ Dancing is fun for many, but stressful for some. If you’re a wallflower with two left feet yearning to hit the dance floor, join us in this judgment-free workshop for beginners. You’ll learn basic steps in ballroom, hip-hop, and popular dances you might do at parties and weddings, so that next time the opportunity arises, you’ll be able to strut your stuff! |
Psychology, Sociology + Culture
| W361 | Carnival + Caribbean Culture+ Come explore the history and cultural significance of Carnival through its music, imagery, and food. Examine the similarities and differences of Mardi Gras in New Orleans to the Carnival celebrations of South America as we experience Caribbean culture by taking part in one of its most unique traditions. | |
| W362 | Gang Land+ There's more to Blood and Crips than we see on TV or hear about in popular rap and hip-hop music. The reality is that there are young men and women affected by gang violence every day. In this workshop, we'll examine the communities from which these gangs hail, how ex-gang members are being rehabilitated, and what volunteers and concerned citizens can do to help. We’ll also explore the historical origins of gangs and their impact on events of the time. | |
| W363 | Sociology of Childhood Obesity+ With childhood obesity becoming more pervasive in American culture, we’ll work together to understand the underlying causes that lead to obesity among children and figure out how to turn the upswing of obesity around. You'll start by defining the major contributing factors — what helps make one child more prone to obesity than another — and put marketing campaigns that promote healthy eating under the microscope. Are shows like Biggest Loser, calorie counts on menus, and First Lady Michelle Obama's campaign to fight childhood obesity having an impact, or confusing the issue? | |
| W364 | Sociology of The Hunger Games+ “I don’t want them to change me in there. Turn me into some kind of monster that I’m not.” Does Peeta succeed in his resolution to stay true to himself? How do the Gamemakers use fear to manipulate the lives of the Tributes? To what end: political gains or entertainment value? Even before Peeta and Katniss enter the Arena, how does the Capitol control the lives of District 12 citizens? As we analyze the characters in the world Suzanne Collins created, we’ll also trace parallels to contemporary cultures. | |
| W365 | Spanish for Travelers+ Have you ever wanted to backpack through Europe, see the ancient archeological wonders of Aztec and Mayan cultures in Latin America, or even just take a vacation to the tropical paradise South America has to offer? Do you speak Spanish, but are unsure if you are well-versed enough to use it in your travels and tackle the complex conversational anomalies presented by the Spanish-speaking world? If you answered yes to any of the previous questions, this workshop is perfect for you! Come practice and hone your Spanish-speaking skills so you will be able to communicate effectively should you travel abroad to a Spanish-speaking country. | |
| W366 | Peaceful Negotiation: Mediation+ Negotiations can be tricky, no matter where they take place — the United Nations, a courtroom, or even with your friends. How do you balance the needs on both sides? The ability to resolve conflict in a peaceful manner is not easy to come by, but this workshop will give you the skills and teach you the language to get through some of the toughest situations. | |
| W461 | Anime + Japanese Culture+ Anime is one of Japan's most recognizable and popular forms of art and entertainment. Together, we will study anime from the perspective of a cultural anthropologist, examining how it rose to prominence, why it continues to flourish, and what its future holds (both in Japan and worldwide). Anime: what is it and where is it going? Join us and find out. | |
| W462 | Arabic Politics + Culture+ As we investigate the evolution of politics and current events in the Middle East, we'll develop an ear for Arabic language, examine the five pillars of Islam, and explore the contrast between cultural stereotypes and realities. We'll ask not only how the Arab world is being Westernized, but how our world is being "Arabicized." | |
| W463 | Consumer Culture+ Why is it that you want that new pair of shoes so badly? Delve into the world of consumerism as you investigate how trends are established (by big companies or by young people?). You’ll also look at the roles of psychology and advertising as you figure out where those cravings for new kicks really come from. | |
| W464 | Deaf Culture+ This workshop provides a chance to appreciate the tradition, history, and values of a group of people with a different and unique human experience. Explore the ways that members of the deaf community communicate with one another and with the world around them. | |
| W465 | Ethics of Relationships+ “Do these pants make me look fat?” So, what if they do? How do you answer that question? Does it matter who is asking it? In this workshop, we will examine different types of relationships — family, friends, colleagues, acquaintances, romantic involvements — and deepen our understanding of the moral codes that govern our behavior. As a group, we will discuss “rules of the road” for dealing with family members and develop dating and friendship codes of ethics. Join us for an exploration of how we relate to those around us. | |
| W466 | Stress Management Techniques+ Some days, you just want to drop everything and go on vacation. Other days, even the vacation sounds like a lot of work. In this workshop, we'll examine ways of coping, from Eastern practices like meditation and yoga to traditional ideas like getting a good night's sleep. After this workshop (and a deep breath or two), you'll be ready for anything the world can throw at you. | |
| W467 | Psychology Of Harry Potter+ If an owl delivered a Hogwarts admission letter to you, in which house would the Sorting Hat place you? What inner, human motives drive Harry, Ron, or Hermione or Professors Dumbledore or Snape to act the way they do? What caused the creation and downfall of Lord Voldemort? In this workshop, we will explore the nature of good and evil and how the fantastical characters and symbols in the world's most beloved fantasy stories parallel our own struggles as Muggles. |
Science
| W371 | W471 | CPR/AED Certification ($30)+ Emergency response requires quick thinking and immediate actions. As we practice the proper response to heart attacks, we'll master using AEDs to stabilize victims and CPR techniques for victim resuscitation.
Please note: This course carries an additional $30 certification fee. Students enrolled in this course will take the Red Cross CPR and AED certification exam at the conclusion of the course. |
| W372 | W472 | Cardio Geek+ Join us as we delve into the medical science of the heart. Learn the basics of cardiology in the lab and at nearby Yale University Hospital. Explore heart function and malfunction as you learn to diagnose and recommend treatment options through reading EKGs or listening for heartbeat irregularities.
Note: This workshop will occasionally meet for a double period (between 2:15pm - 4:15pm, during regular workshop time and Open Time) to accommodate field trips and extended labs. |
| W373 | Marine Biology+ Get out to the coast and into the lab to explore the host of marine organisms on the Connecticut shoreline from the city landscape to nearby nature preserves. Between the lab and a few field sites, you will become familiar with organisms large and small and coastal environments that characterize the region.
Note: This a combination lab and field workshop that will occasionally run from 2:15pm - 4:15pm (through Open Time) to accommodate field trips to explore different coastal environments. | |
| W374 | Oil Spill! Impact and Mitigation+ The Exxon Valdese. The BP Deepwater Horizon Gulf spill. While oil is an essential fuel for the industrialized world, with its procurement and transport come great risks and challenges. In this workshop, we will examine engineering and environmental principles that can cause or prevent oil spills and simulate spills to delve into the impact they have on wildlife, marine ecology, and the economy. | |
| W473 | Science of Art+ (Double Period) Between the lab and Yale's galleries, explore the chemistry and physics of restoring, repairing and conserving works of art. From reconstructing ceramics to making paint and electroplating, learn how scientists save the treasures of our past. Nothing is built to last though the ages; it takes both the mind of an artist and a scientist.
Note: This workshop runs from 2:15pm - 4:15pm (through Open Time) to accommodate travel time and provide more time for lab investigations. |
Visual Arts
| W381 | W481 | 3D Visual Effects for Games and Film+ (Double Period) Special effects and video game environments owe their existence to teams of artists. Tour the world of creating computer generated “special” effects like those used in film and video games. CGI artists work in all facets of the computer and film industry. You'll use CGI software to render and then improve your own and others’ objects and worlds.
Note: This workshop runs from 2:15pm - 4:15pm (through Open Time) to allow students time to develop their projects with their Instructor. |
| W382 | W482 | Digital Self-Portraiture+ The art: self-expression. The tools: a digital camera and Photoshop Elements. All artwork speaks about the artist; what is yours saying? We'll face the camera inward as we participate in one of art's most ancient traditions: the self-portrait.
Note: Students enrolling in this workshop are required to bring their own digital cameras and media storage. |
| W383 | W483 | Jewelry Making+ Friendship bracelets in first grade were just the beginning. In this class, you won't be limited to box braids — you'll work with wires, metals, leather and beads to create unique pieces of jewelry to show off even after Explo ends. We'll explore the history and cultural implications of jewelry and delve into metal arts as well. |
| W384 | W488 | Cake Decorating+ (Double Period) Do you have visions of sugarplums dancing in your head? Either you love your sweets, or you are an aspiring sugar artist — another name for cake decorator! In this workshop, we will transform ordinary sheet cakes and cupcakes into works of art. If you have ever seen Cake Boss, you know that a great cake combines elements of architecture, physics, engineering, and art — and working with some funky materials like ganache and fondant. You’ll learn different techniques for decorating beautiful cakes and will perhaps be commissioned for cake art of your own when you return home!
Note: This workshop runs from 2:15pm - 4:15pm (through Open Time) to allow students time to develop their creations with their Instructor. |
| W385 | Gallery Studies+ Deepen your knowledge of artistic practices as we develop and hone our observational skills, and explore new modes of self-expression. Using the Yale University Art Gallery, Yale Center for British Art, Peabody Museum of Natural History, and other spaces and collections as our classrooms, we will examine their collections, concluding by curating our own special exhibit. | |
| W386 | Glass Mosaics+ What's better than breaking things and making them into art? That's right, nothing! Specifically, in this workshop we'll safely break glass and create beautiful mosaics with the pieces. From a realist, Warhol-esque recreation of a can of soup to an abstract, Picasso-like masterpiece, you'll have the freedom to choose and make your own glass mosaic work of art. | |
| W387 | Paper Arts+ Paper arts can be traced back to Japan (you’ve probably heard of origami) but have pervaded many cultures. To explore the world of handmade papers, paper folding, and paper sculpture, join us for this workshop. | |
| W484 | Eco Art+ In this workshop, we'll take arts and crafts to a new level, creating books, stationery, and public art out of stuff that would otherwise end up in the dumpster. With just a few good ideas, we'll turn our rubbish into beauty and our carbon footprint into a piece of art. | |
| W485 | Motion Graphics+ Graphic design isn't all about prints, business cards and branding. We’ll take graphic design to the next level: animation. We’ll learn multiple treatments like fly ins, fly outs, zoom, blurs and swipes, camera shake, and animations in 3D. If you’re interested in special graphic effects and computer animation, this is the workshop for you! | |
| W486 | Printmaking+ Explore the art of printmaking and learn its fundamental techniques. We'll experiment with an array of printmaking processes, which may include linoleum reduction cuts, monoprints, etchings, and embossments. As we experience the power of imagemaking and reproduction firsthand, we'll review the work of master printmakers in the Yale art museums and see how different textures, materials, and printing methods affect our reading and understanding of different prints. By the end of the workshop, you will have created some works for exhibition at Explo and suitable for framing at home. | |
| W487 | Stage Make-Up+ From Benjamin Button to Lord of the Rings and Star Wars, make-up transforms regular actors into demons, fairies, the elderly, and the walking wounded. If you’ve ever wanted to try your hand at the magic of make-up artistry and costume design, this workshop is for you! |