Summer Courses for Grades 9-12
Theater. Music. Law. College Prep. History. Art. Chinese. Whatever a high school student may be interested in this summer, we have just the right course!
With flexible scheduling and a range of diverse options, our summer 2020 lineup makes it easy for students to enhance their summer without sacrificing their fun.
Students may take 12-week intensive courses for full credit in a given subject, or choose from one-, two-, or four-week courses to explore an interest and earn a certificate. See our complete offering of summer 2020 courses from June 15 to August 30 for students in grades 9-12 below.
Please contact us via summer@dwight.global with any questions.
12 Week Courses
Our twelve-week summer classes for students in grades 8-12 are rigorous, full-credit online courses. Students learn with others who are motivated in a dynamic atmosphere that fosters collaboration and critical thinking. Our expert teachers are committed to supporting your academic success and are readily accessible outside of class hours. Classes are $3,000.
English
- English Language Arts (Grades 7-8)
- English 9
- English 10
- English Language and Literature (Grades 11-12)
English Language Arts (Grades 7-8)
In English Language Arts (MS), a course for grades 7 and 8, students develop literacy skills and build knowledge by reading, analyzing, and responding in writing to informational and literary texts. In this way, students improve comprehension, critical thinking skills, and writing ability. Students learn the fundamentals of organization, style, and content in order to analyze an author’s intent and strengthen their own writing. Students compose narrative, expository and argumentative works. The writing curriculum is enhanced through regular lessons on grammar, mechanics, and vocabulary. Since this course moves at a much faster pace than a year-long English course, it is recommended for students who have shown a strong competence in the subject and who can allocate a minimum of 6-10 hours a week for course work.
English 9
In English for grade 9, students build on the fundamental skills of reading, analyzing and responding in writing to informational and literary texts while continuing to build knowledge. The reading level required, the complexity of critical thinking required, and the expectations for writing all increase as students advance through the high school English curriculum. Students use the tools of organization, style, and content in order to analyze an author’s intent and strengthen their own writing. Students compose narrative, expository and argumentative works. Since this course moves at a much faster pace than a year-long English course, it is recommended for students who have shown a strong competence in the subject and who can allocate a minimum of 6-10 hours a week for course work.
English 10
This course will focus on the development and choices that writers use to move a plot along. The class will spend time on evaluating the use of language elements and comparisons between multiple texts. Texts will come from a variety of sci-fi and fantasy short stories and novellas. Students will be expected to discuss, annotate, and evaluate literature while using their writing skills to persuade, compare, and create topics and themes set forth by the course readings.
English Language and Literature (Grades 11-12)
In English Language & Literature for grades 11 & 12, students build, read, analyze and respond in writing to informational and literary texts while continuing to build knowledge in preparation for college-level writing and reading. The reading level required, the complexity of critical thinking required, and the expectations for writing all increase as students advance through the high school English curriculum. Students use the tools of organization, style, and content in order to analyze an author’s intent and strengthen their own writing. Students compose narrative, expository and argumentative works. Since this course moves at a much faster pace than a year-long English course, it is recommended for students who have shown a strong competence in the subject and who can allocate a minimum of 6-10 hours a week for course work.
Foreign Languages
Spanish I
This course covers a range of basic vocabulary and grammatical structures. Students will learn the Spanish alphabet and numbers, how to describe people and themselves, give opinions and express what they like or don’t like to do, and talk about food.
The grammatical structures covered include the concept of feminine and masculine nouns, plural, forming negatives, regular verbs in the present tense, and the irregular verbs “to have” and “to be.” Students will begin learning a range of reading strategies, and to describe and respond to visual and written text. They start to produce language orally, working on intonation and pronunciation. In writing, students will work within the conventions of a limited number of text types.
Spanish II
This course builds upon the material covered in Spanish I. Students will learn to conversational topics ranging from daily routines, shopping, and finding one’s way around, to planning a party, sports, and leisure activities. The grammatical structures covered include conjugation of regular and irregular verbs, and making negative statements; and a review of possessive adjectives and numbers. We introduce reflexive verbs, the preterit tense, and the immediate future. Students continue to gain the skills they need to make comparisons between their own culture and those of the Spanish-speaking world. They also gain a better understanding of writing with a sense of audience, purpose, and context; and begin to practice using a variety of text types.
Spanish III
Spanish III is a course designed to give students the opportunity to communicate in Spanish as well as to continue developing world language skills in listening, speaking, reading, and writing. Students will develop and expand upon their prior knowledge and communicative skills at their own pace, but with a common goal. At the conclusion of the course, all students will be able to engage in conversations; provide and obtain information; express feelings and emotions; and exchange opinions in the present, conditional, future, and past tenses of Spanish.
Spanish IV
Spanish IV builds on skills learned in Spanish I, II, and III. Students will continue to sharpen listening, speaking, reading, and writing skills through activities based on proven methods of foreign language instruction.
To start, students will study work, sports and vacation vocabulary. Next, topics of study include society, the arts and media. Through these topics students learn to express themselves using an ever-increasing vocabulary and increasingly complex grammatical structures with the present, past, future, conditional and subjunctive-tense verbs, articles, and adjectives. Throughout the course, students will be exposed to the culture of the Spanish-speaking world to advance their understanding of its people, geographical locations, and history.
Mathematics
Pre-Algebra
Pre-algebra is an introductory algebra course. The course is designed to introduce students to abstract mathematics concepts and thinking and begin to develop the concept of pro-numeration. Students learn how to apply mathematical expressions, equations, and graphs to various real-life examples and how to represent situations using multiple facets. Students apply their algebra skills through graphing, order of operations, linear equations, linear inequalities, logic, rational and irrational numbers, radicals, proportions, and applications of percentages. This course provides students many opportunities to demonstrate their mastery of pre-algebra.
Algebra I
Algebra I focuses on the elementary rules of mathematics, building a strong foundation for future mathematics courses. The curriculum includes solving and graphing linear equations and inequalities, simplifying exponential and radical expressions, and exploring polynomials. Students learn various ways to solve quadratic and rational equations. Discussions are frequent to relate these topics to various real-life situations.
This course provides a variety of assessments for students, as they express their mathematical knowledge through group work, unit exams, projects, and investigations.
Geometry
This course focuses on the theorems of Euclid, with some formal proofs. It emphasizes student understanding of the concepts and properties of these theorems and their application to numerical and problem-solving situations.
After the study of triangle properties, students are introduced to the three basic trigonometric ratios and their application to real-life situations. Students work on problems involving two- and three-dimensional objects; and the calculation of area, surface area, and volume. Assessment includes daily homework, quizzes, tests, projects, investigations, and a final examination.
This course is a highly rigorous fast-moving class designed for strong and passionate math students. The course does not meet weekly; instead, students contact the teacher with questions.
Algebra II & Trigonometry
The Algebra II & Trigonometry course allows students to develop skills in understanding mathematical concepts and principles and apply their skills to solve problems related to real-world situations. The course focuses on the use of technology and inquiry-based learning.
The curriculum includes algebraic systems of equations and inequalities; sequences and series; direct and inverse variation; statistics; probability; permutations and combinations; and the study of different forms of functions, including trigonometric functions. Investigation tasks and independent and collaborative project work form part of the multiple formative and summative assessments with emphasis on communication and reasoning, using mathematical language. Student appreciation and understanding the value of mathematics in the real world is encouraged.
Statistics
This is a one-year course in which students learn a number of essential topics in statistics. During the year, students will be introduced to major concepts and tools for collecting, analyzing, and drawing conclusions from data. Students begin with an exploration of set theory and probability. Following this, students will learn how to use descriptive statistics to effectively summarize sets of data.
The course will then transition into more challenging concepts such as making predictions based on various distribution models, regression analysis, hypothesis testing, and mathematical modeling.
Throughout the course, students will have the opportunity to work on real-world tasks in which they will get the opportunity to utilize the mathematical concepts learned. In addition to the class’s core coursework, each student will design and implement a major culminating independent statistical study.
IB Math SL Prep
This course gives students from Dwight's Standard Level Algebra II & Trigonometry classes the skills needed to be successful in IB Math SL. Students complete an in-depth study of functions as well as trigonometry. Students will also have the opportunity to expand their knowledge in topics such as exponents and logarithms and transformation. Please note that this is a zero-credit course.
Students need Ms. Hamilton's permission to enroll.
Pre-Calculus
The pre-calculus course is designed to develop student understanding of the theoretical concepts of mathematics. Topics include the algebra of functions, including quadratic, polynomial, rational, exponential, and logarithmic functions. This course also covers trigonometric functions including definitions, identities, and trigonometric equations, applications, as well as properties and graphs of trigonometric functions. Lastly, we will work with limits, rates and derivatives. Technology will be used regularly to reinforce the relationships among the multiple representations of functions, to confirm written work, to implement experimentation and to assist in interpreting results. With these core concepts and the actual rigor of the course work, students will be equipped with the skills necessary for success. Assessments consist of homework, in-class quizzes and tests, and mathematical discussions.
Sciences
- Earth and Environmental Science
- Biology
- Chemistry
- Anatomy and Physiology
- Physics
- Environmental Science
- Honors Chemistry
- Advanced Physics with Calculus (For Dwight Students Only)
Earth and Environmental Science
The study of Earth science includes many different fields, including geology, meteorology, oceanography, climatology, meteorology, environmental science and astronomy. This is an overview course of all these topics.
Earth system science provides a physical basis for understanding the world in which we live and upon which humankind seeks to achieve sustainability. Included in this course are many applications of how the earth sciences have a direct effect on our lives.
Biology
This course provides an introduction to the unity and diversity of life, from the molecular to the community level, from an evolutionary perspective. It focuses on the interrelationship between the structure and function of living things, and students explore the effects of human interaction with the natural environment.
Frequent laboratory experiences will augment the knowledge students gain through class study. This course provides students with an exceptional basic background for further study in biology or environmental science.
Chemistry
The Chemistry course is a standards-based study of fundamental chemical concepts, such as atomic theory and its relation to chemical behavior, chemical bonding, the mole and stoichiometry, molecular kinetics, energy relationships, solution dynamics, acids-bases, and nuclear interactions. Concepts and skills are reinforced by an emphasis on real-life applications and lab applications.
Anatomy and Physiology
Anatomy and Physiology is a course that will enable students to develop an understanding of the relationships between the structures and functions of the human body. Students will also learn the
mechanisms for maintaining homeostasis within the human body. This course will involve laboratory activities, projects, models, diagrams, and clinical studies. Topics will include: cells and chemical reactions, types of tissues, and studies of the following systems: integumentary, skeletal, muscular, nervous and our senses, endocrine, circulatory, respiratory, and digestive. Prerequisites: Students should have successfully completed biology before taking this course. It is suggested that students have also successfully completed chemistry but may take it concurrently with this course.
Physics
The Physics course is a fundamental study of physics concepts, including science practices, kinematics in one and two dimensions, forces and Newton's Laws of Motion, work and energy, momentum and impulse, circular motion and gravitation, waves and electromagnetic radiation, and electric currents and circuits. Concepts and skills will be reinforced with real-life applications and lab simulation activities. Students should have completed Algebra II and completed some trigonometry topics (SOH CAH TOA) previous to taking this course.
Environmental Science
Environmental Science is a rigorous curriculum designed to allow highly motivated students to conduct an in-depth study of the Earth and Environmental Sciences. Emphasis is placed on the human interactions with the geologic and environmental systems, predictability of a dynamic Earth, origin and evolution of the Earth system and universe, geochemical cycles and energy in the Earth system.
Honors Chemistry
The Chemistry Honors course is a rigorous study of chemical concepts, such as atomic theory and its relation to chemical behavior, chemical bonding, the mole and stoichiometry, molecular kinetics, thermodynamic relationships, solution dynamics, acids-bases, and nuclear interactions. Emphasis is placed on the utilization of mathematical, analytical, data acquisition, and communication skills as well as interdisciplinary approaches to discovery. Concepts and skills are reinforced by a strong emphasis on real-life applications and lab simulation activities. Successful completion of this course will prepare students for both the SAT Chemistry Subject test and college Chemistry.
Advanced Physics with Calculus (For Dwight Students Only)
Get a head start on college physics! This course will introduce students to the use of calculus techniques in physics with a focus on problem-solving. We will use your skills in differentiation and integration to address mechanics topics such as kinematics, forces, momentum, energy, and power. We will also develop topics such as torque, derivation of moments of inertia, and rotational mechanics with calculus. We will meet online twice weekly for 60 minutes for discussion of new topics, and on other days as required to discuss your questions about assigned problems. There will also be time available to practice past IB Physics exams for those who wish to do so.
Social Studies
- U.S. History
- Modern World History
- Ancient World History (Grades 7 and 8)
- U.S. Government
- European History
U.S. History
In this course, students focus on the social, political, and economic evolution of the United States. The course is divided into three thematic sections: the developing nation, forces of change, and the road to modernization.
Critical periods of change in U.S. history will be emphasized, including the Revolution and early national period, Jacksonian democracy and Indian removal, causes and consequences of the Civil War, Reconstruction, the Gilded Age, the Great Depression and the New Deal, World War II America, the Civil Rights Movement, and the rise of globalism.
Focusing in this way allows students to look deeply into these major turning points that have shaped the United States today. Students continue to develop key skills such as critical thinking through discussion and debate, and research paper writing. Students will also learn to create and support historical arguments through primary and secondary sources.
Modern World History
In Modern World History, students will expand upon their knowledge, skills and understanding of the world as they study the world from the Renaissance to modern times in order to understand the benefits and costs of increased interconnectedness. This course is organized around five essential questions that are designed to build upon historical thinking skills acquired in middle school and to help students focus on patterns of continuity and change.
- How do new ideas and innovations spark change?
- What causes conflict? When conflicts end, are they resolved?
- How do individuals and societies seek power and at what costs?
- Do the benefits of globalization and interconnectedness outweigh the costs?
- How is culture both a unifying and divisive force in human relations?
The assignments in this course will use the content of world history and current events to develop students' communication, digital literacy, critical thinking and problem solving skills.
Ancient World History (Grades 7 and 8)
In Ancient World History, students will focus on geography by using the themes of location, place, movement, human-environment interaction and region to understand how civilizations gain, consolidate, and maintain power from the beginning of human existence to the Renaissance. Students will also study the achievements, political structures, economics, and social structures of each civilization. This course is organized around five essential questions that are designed to guide students' critical thinking skills and to help them compare and contrast civilizations throughout time and place.
- How do people respond to their environments?
- What causes conflict? When conflicts end, are they resolved?
- How do civilizations gain, consolidate, maintain and lose their power?
- Do the benefits of globalization and interconnectedness outweigh the costs?
- How is culture both a unifying and divisive force in human relations?
The assignments in this course will use the content of ancient world history and current events to develop students communication, digital literacy, critical thinking and problem solving skills.
U.S. Government
This course covers the complete story of American government and politics, from the country’s founding up to the present. Students explore the ideals that the United States was founded upon, and their lasting influence on the nation’s politics through in-depth research, discussion, and debate.
The goal of this course is to empower students to engage in government as informed citizens. Students will be able to describe the structure, historical development, and functions of government, and develop their own opinions of necessity and validity.
European History
This course is a review of major developments in modern European history. Special emphases are placed upon the political-diplomatic, social-economic, and intellectual-cultural histories of Europe. Students are expected to demonstrate knowledge of basic chronology and major events from the Renaissance (circa 1450) through the beginning of the post-Cold War period (circa 2000). In addition to general European history, students will study the histories of major countries including Britain, France, Spain, Russia, the German states, and the Italian states.
Electives
- Economics
- Psychology
- Business and Entrepreneurship
- Health Education
- Computer Science (Python)
- Intro to Java
Economics
This course is an introduction to micro and macro-economic concepts. Students learn how local economies develop and explore ideal pricing and resource allocation governed by supply and demand, and how different economies interact to form a global marketplace. Through application of fundamentals from mathematics, students learn to quantify and articulate descriptions of these economies and their interactions. At the conclusion of this course, students will have a better understanding of local and global economies, and their place in both.
Psychology
This class encourages students to develop a personal interest in, and enthusiasm for, psychology, and to prepare students to make informed decisions about further learning opportunities and career choices. It is an introduction to the history, development, and practice of psychology.
Throughout this class students are encouraged to engage in the process of psychological inquiry to develop as effective and independent learners, and as critical and reflective thinkers with inquiring minds. By the end of this course, students will have an understanding of the relationship between psychology and social, cultural, scientific and contemporary issues and its impact on everyday life.
Business and Entrepreneurship
This class will give you an understanding of the essential knowledge and skills needed to set up and run a small business.
The structure of the course allows you to focus on your interests, and the areas which you feel will benefit you most, such as exploring business development, investigating accounting systems, or an introduction to market research.
This class has been developed to give you an opportunity to develop a range of skills and techniques, personal skills and attributes essential for successful performance in working life.
Health Education
In health, students will learn about the major systems in the human body. Some of the systems students will examine include the digestive system, excretory system, circulatory system, and nervous system. Students will also learn about the importance of nutrition, exercise, and proper hydration as well as how to recognize when stress and differentiate between good and bad stress. Each module will encourage students to learn about the topic, process the material, and reflect on their own daily routines and habits. For example during our nutrition unit, students will study the different ways they can fuel the body, and then take a closer look at what they eat and how many calories they consume in order to analyze the quality of the food they eat. As a class, we will also discuss current events, such as the COVID-19 pandemic, where students will compare current events to past pandemics and evaluate the impact of local and global containment measures.
Computer Science (Python)
Computer Science (Python) is an introductory course in procedural programming using the Python programming language. No prior programming experience is required. Some of the programing constructs that will be covered include loops, condition, statements, variables, data types, data structures, functions, and user input and output. Student's will be exposed to monte carlo simulation, sorting algorithms. and recursions in order to develop an appreciation for how programming can be used as a tool for problem solving.
Intro to Java
Object Oriented Programming (Java) is a summer course designed for students with experience in procedural programming who would like to learn object oriented programming (OOP). Some of the programming concepts that will be covered include, encapsulation, polymorphism, inheritance, data Structures (Arrays, ArrayLists), classes, abstract classes and interfaces. This course is strongly advised for students who are interested in taking AP Computer Science.
FAQs
What are the start and end dates of the summer course?
Courses start Sunday, June 7, and end on Sunday, August 30.
Are the summer courses asynchronous or synchronous?
Most summer courses are primarily asynchronous (no live classes) because many students need maximum flexibility over the summer. Teachers check-in regularly with students, and students may request office hours or one-to-one meetings with teachers as needed. Students in language courses will attend weekly meetings.
How many hours should my child expect to spend working on their summer course each week?
Though this varies from course to course, students should be able to dedicate six to ten hours per week on coursework.
My child will be traveling a lot this summer. Is there flexibility in terms of when work can be completed?
Summer courses are designed to have structure with flexibility. Assignments are submitted weekly and are typically due Sundays at 11:59 pm. Students may obtain deadline extensions when needed to accommodate travel and other summer plans. Students should take caution, however, to pace themselves over the duration of the summer and not to leave too much work to the end, when it may be difficult to finish.
What if my child doesn’t finish the course on time?
If your student is not able to complete a course by August 30, the Head of School may grant an extension. No extensions will be granted past Sunday, September 13.
Will my child receive a grade for the course?
Yes, your child will receive a Dwight transcript noting your child’s credit for the course and your child’s grade, on a scale of 1 to 100.
Is there a registration deadline?
Registration is open until Friday, June 19. Students who wish to register after this date should contact Koko Lawson at summer@dwight.global
What is your cancellation policy?
Courses may be cancelled before June 24 for a refund of all but a $500 administrative fee. After June 24, there are no cancellations, and the fee is non-refundable.
Will my child take a final exam?
Yes, students take a proctored, final exam in order to receive credit for the course. The exam is video-proctored; students do not need to come in to a Dwight campus.
Credit Recovery (Dwight only)
Credit-recovery courses are open only to students of Dwight School in New York. The courses will take place over four weeks, from June 15 - July 10, 2020.
English Credit Recovery: Starts June 15
- Dates: June 15 - July 10
- Grades: Rising 9-12
- Teacher: Michael Wiesenfeld, Esq.
- Prerequisites: Departmental Approval
- Tuition: $2,500
This course is designed to develop and strengthen skills in reading comprehension, textual analysis, and formal writing, focusing on methods such annotating, outlining, gathering evidence, crafting arguments, editing, and proofreading. Note that this course is not separately designated on the school record. Instead, the grade for the course is calculated into each student’s final-year English grade, for a new, upward-revised final-year English grade. The exact split is 60% for the original final-year grade and 40% for this summer-course grade; for most students, depending on their efforts and scores during the summer course, that percentage split allows for a possible final-year English grade increase of three to five points, on both the internal report card and the official Dwight transcript. This course is taught by Michael Wiesenfeld, Head of the English Department at Dwight New York. Please note that this course is for Dwight New York students only.
Math Credit Recovery: Starts June 15
- Dates: June 15 to July 10
- Grades: Rising 9-12
- Teacher: Various
- Prerequisite: Departmental Approval
- Tuition: $2,500
Credit recovery may be available for students who wish to remediate their grade in a Mathematics course. Please contact Ms. Hamilton (nhamilton@dwight.edu) for more details. Please note that this credit recovery option is for Dwight New York students only.
1 Week
Our one-week Spark of Genius courses run every week of the summer, starting on June 15, and meet daily. Students who successfully complete the course earn a certificate. Tuition for one-week Spark of Genius courses is $500.
- Introduction to Learning a Romance Language | Starts July 27 or August 3
- EAL Prep Course | Starts August 3
- Theater Topics: Creating and Collaborating — Devising Theater | Starts July 27
Introduction to Learning a Romance Language | Starts July 27 or August 3
- Dates: July 27 - 31, August 3 - 7
- Time: 9 am EST
- Grade: Rising 9
- Teacher: Geoffrey Schenker
- Prerequisites: None
During this course, students will have the opportunity to discover the similarities and differences between languages like Spanish and French and their mother tongue. Students will learn how to decode words, develop study strategies, and understand structural patterns in Romance language grammar through class discussions, informational videos, and playing games. Students will share what they learned in a summative project.
EAL Prep Course | Starts August 3
- Dates: August 3 - 7
- Time: 9 am EST
- Grades: Rising 8-12
- Teacher: Rebecca Singer-Zhou
- Prerequisites: This course is open to Dwight NY students only
This course will provide EAL students with an opportunity to practice their reading, writing, speaking, and listening skills before the start of the school year. We will have interactive activities and class discussions, and focus on writing, vocabulary, grammar development, and other skill preparation. This course is highly recommended to all incoming EAL students in grades 8-12.
Theater Topics: Creating and Collaborating — Devising Theater | Starts July 27
- Dates: July 27 - 31
- Time: 11 am EST
- Grades: Rising 9-12
- Teacher: Kim Guzowski
- Prerequisites: None
- Materials required: Clothing comfortable to move in
A large part of modern theater is created through a collaborative process called devising. In devised theater, the ensemble creates an original piece of theater together. In this course, you will be introduced to the principles of devising and some methods for devising, and learn about some of the contemporary companies that create devised work. This will be both an academic and a practical performance study. The course is open to all high school students and is especially useful for grade 11 students the DP or Honors Theater program next fall.
2 Weeks
Our two-week Spark of Genius courses run every week of the summer, starting on June 15, and meet daily in a live online session during the course period. Students who successfully complete the course earn a certificate. Tuition for two-week Spark of Genius courses is $1,000.
- Game on: Strategies to Win! | Starts July 27
- Law and Literature: Crime Stories | Starts July 27
- Non-traditional Drawing Intensive | Starts July 27
Game on: Strategies to Win! | Starts July 27
- Dates: July 27 - August 7
- Time: 11 am EST
- Grades: Rising 6 - 12
- Teacher: Austin Boehm
- Prerequisites: None
- Materials required: iPad, Android tablet, or computer with Steam; participants will purchase 3-4 games for a total of $25
Do want to learn how to think one step ahead of the competition? Do you have a strategy to win? In this course, we will play fun multiplayer games to explore the concept of "game theory," which studies how people interact and make decisions. You'll learn a few new games you love and gain an understanding of why people think the way they do! In each session, we'll learn the basics and strategies of a new game, jump in and play in online multiplayer to explore the game theories in action! Students will be grouped by ability and age range, so we welcome both beginners and expert strategists! We'll play several exciting strategy card and board games (Settlers of Catan, Dominion, Carcassonne, Risk, and more), learning the basics of game theory with Mr. Boehm, who studied the topic at Duke University.
Law and Literature: Crime Stories | Starts July 27
- Dates: July 27 - August 7
- Time: 11 am EST
- Grades: Rising 9 - 12
- Teacher: Michael Wiesenfeld, Esq.
- Prerequisites: None
In this course, we will read and discuss a selection of short stories by famous authors, focusing on a curiously wide variety of violent crimes and criminals. We will examine the compelling literary aspects of each story, such as characterization, irony, and conflict, as well as the controversial legal implications, such as the difference between accusations and guilt; the psychology of culpability as to insanity, domestic violence, and revenge; and the disturbing disconnect between the rule of law and the concept of justice. The course is taught by Michael Wiesenfeld, Esq., Head of the English Department, who, for many years, conducted investigations and jury trials as a criminal prosecutor in New York City.
Non-traditional Drawing Intensive | Starts July 27
- Dates: July 27 - August 7
- Time: 1 pm EST
- Grades: Rising 9 - 12
- Teacher: Marina Daniel
- Prerequisites: None
- Material requirements: Approximately $80 in assorted art materials, all of which can be found on dickblick.com
We will explore different techniques and ideas of mark-making, and in so doing, expand our notion of what a drawing can be. We will learn to create more honestly and empower students to develop individual artistic practices outside the classroom. We will study exciting artists who have employed non-traditional forms of drawing in their work and we put these principles into practice with daily assignments. We will engage in critical discussion about each other's work and guide one another constructively toward our best potential for art making. This course is about giving in to what interests us. It's about sharing, learning, expressing, freedom, finding inspiration, and seeing. Recommended for anyone, this will be especially useful for students who are considering pursuing art and design tracks and are building portfolios for college submissions.
FAQs: Spark of Genius Courses
What are the start and end dates of the Spark of Genius courses?
Courses run throughout the period of Sunday, June 15, and end on Sunday, August 7. New one- and two-week courses start every Monday during this window. Four-week courses start on June 15 and July 13. One-on-one tutorials may be scheduled with teacher during the teacher’s availability,
Are the Spark of Genius summer courses asynchronous or synchronous?
One- and two-week Spark of Genius courses meet in a live online session daily at a scheduled time during the duration of course. Four-week courses meet twice per week in a live online session. Courses running the week of June 29 do not meet on Friday, July 3.
How many hours should my child expect to spend working on their summer course each week?
Some courses will involve very little activities outside of class time, while others may require reading, practice, or other exploration in between sessions. Please contact summer@dwight.global for more information about a particular course’s requirements.
My child will be involved in various activities this summer. Is there flexibility in course offerings?
Spark of Genius courses are offered as 1-week, 2-week, and 4-week courses, and many classes are offered two or more times during the summer. Please check the schedule to find a course that works for your child.
What if my child misses a class session? Is there an attendance requirement?
Teachers do take attendance, and more than one missed class during a session may be cause for denial of the course certificate.
Will my child receive a grade for the course?
While teachers provide feedback and guidance over the duration of a Spark of Genius course, students do not receive a numerical grade.
What does my child need to do in order to receive a certificate for the course?
Each class is different, but for most classes, a student will need to attend 80% of live class sessions and complete any class assignments. Requirements for earning a certificate will be posted on the course’s home page at the start of a course.
Is there a registration deadline?
Registration closes one week before a course starts. Students who wish to register after this date should contact the Dwight Global team at summer@dwight.global.
What is your refund policy?
Unfortunately, we are not able to grant refunds, as we reserve teacher time based on confirmed enrollment.
Will my child need any textbooks or materials?
Courses requiring books are listed in the registration form. Other courses may list materials on the course syllabus page on Canvas.
Where will my child access the online courses?
All courses will be on Dwight’s Canvas, our learning management system. Before the start of a course, students and families will receive login credentials and a video tutorial on how to access course content and join live classes. We ask that parents assist younger students in accessing Canvas and live classes.
Are summer courses only for Dwight Students?
We welcome students from any school (domestic or abroad) to participate in our summer courses.