Courses at Case Western Reserve University in Cleveland, Ohio
Spectrum
Please Click Here for Test Score Requirements for all Summer at Case courses.
Applications in Math and Physics Honors: A Study of Architecture
What is the “golden ratio” and how does it help us find important architectural relationships? Students are introduced to the integration of math and science principles through the study of classic and contemporary architecture. Using a historical perspective on how mathematics and physics play a part in creating a modern city, students engage in a series of readings, site visits and discussions. To create their own structure, each student uses mathematical models and scale drawings while addressing aesthetics, building materials, budget and function. This integrative course is ideal for students interested in the fields of math, science, architecture and history, and is a good complement to advanced study in mathematics and physics. A scientific or graphing calculator is required.
New
Prerequisitie: Algebra I
Credit: 1 semester of high school credit
Creative Writing Honors
Memory, introspections, and observations; these provide the raw materials treasured by any artist. In this course, designed for those who love to express their thoughts in writing, students begin by reading different creative genres that may include fiction, poetry and short story. Writing material and inspirations will be gathered from a variety of sources and activities such as writing sprints, open discussions and field trips. The elements of effective writing are learned and applied in journaling, focused writing exercise, peer/group response, and literary analysis. Class participants will actively engage in peer editing and writing workshops, and will develop a portfolio of their own short stories, poems and other creative writing pieces. This course allows students to become more astute readers of literature, and prepares them for further advanced study of creative writing.
Topics in Biology Honors: Our Environment
Why be limited to a classroom of four walls? Students will study in our 389 acre “classroom” that includes forests, ravines, waterfalls, meadows, ponds, and a heavily impacted urban watershed. Students will explore and collect data to support a view of our environmental future. Field investigation will be inspired by student-generated research questions with the support of researchers and experts in various areas. Topics may include water quality assessment, macro-invertebrate indicator species, and simulations using computer software (STELLA). Students will experience a unique educational opportunity and study diverse habitats found in an urban setting.
New
Credit: 1 semester of high school credit
Additional $110 lab fee is required
Introduction to Computer Programming Honors: C++
This course will introduce students to elementary computer programming concepts and algorithmic thinking using the C++ programming language. Some of the specific topics covered are mathematical problem solving, object-oriented programming, controlstatements, arrays, vectors, inheritance, searching, sorting, and a quick overview of data structures. The knowledge students gain in this course will culminate in a final project. Student will take a field trip to a unique software development company. This course is designed to prepare students for the Summer at Case Computer Game Programming course. While computer lab space will be available to complete homework, students are encouraged to have access to a PC compatible computer.
Prerequisite: Algebra 1
Credit: 1 semester of high school credit
Additional $110 lab fee required
Persuasion and Debate Honors : Globalization
Effective listening is critical to effective speaking-a persuasive communicator needs both skills. Persuasion & Debate Honors is grounded in rhetorical tradition, modern theories and practices in the language arts. Students address topical issues through persuasive essays, speeches, and debate rounds, and learn the use of Socratic seminar techniques through structured controversy. This courses focuses on the principles and practices of effective communication in all speaking situations that students encounter in school and later in life as adults. This courses prepares students for advanced study in honors English, humanities, and social sciences. Spectrum at Case will focus on Globalization. Globalization is a series of economic, social, technological, cultural and political changes that affects everyone. Is it a threat or opportunity for civilization?
Credit: 1 semester of high school credit
Equinox
Please Click Here for Test Score Requirements for all Summer at Case courses.
Creative Writing Honors
To write well, one needs to read well. Reading extensively from contemporary and world literature, students refine their critical thinking-and, subsequently writing-skills through discussion. Various writing genres are thoroughly explored during the class: poetry, fiction, creative non-fiction, screenplay, drama, and memoir. Subsequently, students select one genre for their creative focus and develop a portfolio of work. Work is shared with the class, critiqued in whole-group workshops, complemented by peer reviews and teacher feedback. This course prepares students for further work in advanced creative writing courses.
Credit: 1 semester of high school credit
Chemistry Honors
This demanding, accelerated high school honors course covers the principles of modern chemistry and emphasizes the study of stoichiometry, the structure of matter, gas laws, chemical equilibria, chemical kinetics, thermo dynamics, organic chemistry, and molecular orbital theory. Through experiments conducted in a university chemistry laboratory, students learn to use proper lab technique, record and analyze data, and produce scientific lab reports. This is a foundation course for those interested in life sciences, premedicine, engineering, and applied sciences and will prepare students for future study in Chemistry and advanced science coursework. A scientific or graphing calculator is required. Prerequisite: One year of lab science
Credit: 2 semesters of high school credit
Additional $110 lab fee is required
Computer Game Programming Honors
This class begins with an examination of the history of video games and of game design. Various topics dealing with the programming and design of computer games will be studied including game program structure, elementary graphics, animation, artificial intelligence, user interfaces, the simulation of motion, and sound generation and use. Individual and group projects will be used throughout the semester to illustrate course concepts and techniques. At the conclusion of the class, students will have designed and built their own game to present to an audience.
Prerequisite: Geometry, Previous Computer Programming Experience using C, C++, or Java
Credit: 1 semester of high school credit
Additional $110 lab fee is required
Engineering Concepts Honors
How do Civil, Mechanical, Chemical, Materials and Electrical Engineers solve real world problems? This course is intended to provide students with an initial exposure to engineering problem solving and principles to design structures, products, equipment or make improvements for the future. Students will have the opportunity to shadow engineers in modern labs, meet professors in a variety of disciplines, and research their own topics in a world-class university library. Small groups of students will be assigned to a particular problem for which they must work out and implement an engineering solution.
Prerequisite: Algebra I
Credit: 1 semester of high school credit
Additional $110 lab fee is required
Genetics & Biotechnology Honors
Laboratory and classroom activities will introduce students in this course to the fields of genetics and biotechnology. The course will introduce students to topics in biotechnology, genetics, and molecular biology, as well as some of the modern applications of these subjects used in science today. Classroom activities will focus on DNA structure and function; the manipulation and analysis of DNA, including gel electrophoresis, transformation, conjugative transfer, transduction and engineering; and the analysis of genetic variation. Students will have an opportunity to visit biomedical research laboratories and other places that use molecular biology. Societal issues, such as the risks and benefits of various techniques, decision-making models for bioethical issues, and other pertinent issues will be discussed. This course provides preparation for aspects of AP Biology and is an excellent preparatory course for those contemplating the medical profession.
Prerequisite: One year of honors biology
Credit: 2 semesters of high school credit
Additional $110 lab fee is required
Physics Honors
Physics helps explain, predict, and control physical phenomena. This complete, fast-paced honors-level course emphasizes understanding the fundamental principles of nature through classical and modern physics. Through lecture, discussion, demonstration, videos, and laboratory work, students explore a variety of topics in physics, including linear, rotational, and wave motion; force; momentum; energy; static and current electricity; and nuclear physics. Physics Honors is a demanding course for students who wish to complete a full-year high school physics course in an accelerated format. Students who successfully complete this course are prepared for AP or college physics. This course is intended for students interested in life sciences, premedicine, engineering, and applied sciences. A scientific or graphing calculator is required. Prerequisite:Algebra 1 and 2 and Biology/Chemistry.
Credit: 2 semesters of high school credit
Additional $110 lab fee is required.
Precalculus Honors with Trigonometry
Precalculus is an honors-level high school mathematics course covering one year of high school precalculus. This course is designed for students with the interest and ability to accelerate their study of mathematics, who can assume significant responsibility for their own learning, and who can work independently. Topics include linear, quadratic, polynomial, exponential, logarithmic, and trigonometric functions. Students apply vectors, sequences, series, and matrices to solve problems. Advanced topics in functions and graphs, trigonometry, and discrete mathematics are also covered.
Prerequisite: Algebra II and Geometry
Credit: 2 semesters of high school credit
AP Psychology
Students in Advanced Placement Psychology learn the facts and principles of each of psychology’s major subfields, and study the methods psychologists use in science and practice. Topics covered include the biological bases of behavior, sensation and perception, cognition, personality, social psychology, and abnormal psychology. Students will review case studies, participate in class discussions, and analyze experiment design, complementing the practice of AP-style questions and essays, preparing students for the AP Psychology Exam. This course offers exposure to anthropology, economics, political science, sociology, neuroscience, and cognitive science.
Credit: 1 semester of high school credit
Robotics Honors
What do Ipods, microwaves, copy machines, cell phones, and universal remote controls have in common? They are all robotic systems. Robots surround us in our everyday lives. This hands-on course, focuses on mechanical construction; characteristics of sensors, motors and batteries; and control strategies for autonomous robots. Students will be a part of a team that will design, build and program their own complete robots to participate in a public competition. Biologically inspired approaches to the design and control of autonomous robots are emphasized. Class requirements include periodic reporting of progress, plus a final oral presentation and written report.
Prerequisite: Algebra I
Credit: 1 semester of high school credit
Additional $110 lab fee is required
