University College | Washington University in St. Louis

If admitted into the program, High School Summer Scholars may enroll in a total of 7 units by returning the enrollment form sent with the admission packet. Do not enroll online.

Most classes are offered only in one session. When choosing courses, be sure to note the session in which they are available.

Session A:  

Session B:  

ANTHROPOLOGY

INTRODUCTION TO HUMAN EVOLUTION
This course is a survey of the fossil evidence for human evolution. The course includes discussion of the genetics of human variation and evolution, the study of living nonhuman primates, and the fossil record and its interpretation. An evolutionary perspective is used in an attempt to understand modern humans from the naturalistic point of view.
L48 150A ANTHRO (3 units)
Session A, Sec. 21 MTuWThF 9:00–10:45 a.m.

INTRODUCTION TO CULTURAL ANTHROPOLOGY
This course covers the basic concepts and theoretical principles of sociocultural anthropology. Course material is presented from Asia, Africa, Melanesia, Latin America, and North America.
L48 160B ANTHRO (3 units)
Session A, Sec. 21 MTuWThF 11:00 a.m.–12:45 p.m.

INTRODUCTION TO LINGUISTICS
This course explores the core components of linguistic theory: speech sounds (phonetics and phonology), word formation (morphology), sentence structure (syntax), and meaning (semantics). It also ­provides an overview of interdisciplinary ideas and research on how ­language is acquired and processed; its relation to the mind–brain and to society; and the question of whether the essential properties of language can be replicated outside the human mind (specifically, in chimpanzees or computer programs).
L48 170D ANTHRO (3 units)
Session B, Sec. 41 MTuWTh 9:00–10:45 a.m.

INTRODUCTION TO ARCHAEOLOGY
A survey of the history, theory, and methods of archaeology. An emphasis on important problems and discoveries in world prehistory.
L48 190B ANTHRO (3 units)
Session B, Sec. 41 MTuWThF 9:00–10:45 a.m.

ART HISTORY

INTRODUCTION TO ASIAN ART
Session A [CANCELED]

INTRODUCTION TO WESTERN ART
A discussion of painting, sculpture, and architecture of the Western world from ancient Egypt to the present with emphasis on the relationship of art to society and to political and cultural events. Classroom lectures; smaller biweekly discussion sessions.
L01 112 ART-ARCH (3 units)
Session B, Sec. 41 MTuWThF 11:00 a.m.–12:45 p.m.

BIOLOGY

INTRODUCTION TO PROBLEM-BASED LEARNING IN BIOLOGY
Have you ever wondered how doctors and scientists diagnose and discover cures to modern human afflictions? In this course, groups of three to four students take responsibility for their own active, inquiry-based learning on biological problems that puzzle modern scientists. Instructors guide students on how to conduct in-depth library research on problems of current biological importance. Weekly topics from previous years have included psychological disorders, genetics of sleep regulation, reproductive therapies, alternative medicine, gene therapy, and genetic engineering. Students should have broad interests and background in general biology and chemistry and should be curious, exploratory, interactive, and willing to try an active, nontraditional educational experience. Prerequisite: high school biology, preferably an Honors or AP course.
L41 112 BIOL (3 units)
Session A, Sec. 21 MWF 9:00 a.m.–12:00 p.m.
Session B, Sec. 41 MWF 9:00 a.m.–12:00 p.m.

CHEMISTRY

TOPICS IN GENERAL CHEMISTRY
This course is designed to help students successfully transition from high school chemistry to a college-level chemistry course. It provides a general introduction to several of the topics that entering ­freshmen typically find among the most difficult concepts to master in a first-semester general chemistry course, including the nature and structure of the atom, quantum chemistry, and the nature of bonding. Students gain familiarity with the way in which a rigorous college ­chemistry course is taught and receive a realistic exposure to the nature of quizzes and exams. Prerequisites: two years of high school mathematics, one year of high school chemistry.
L07 114 CHEM (3 units)
Session A, Sec. 21 MTuWThF 9:00–10:45 a.m.
Session B, Sec. 41 MTuWThF 9:00–10:45 a.m.

DANCE

YOGA AND RELAXATION TECHNIQUES
Systematic introduction to the methods and theory of Yoga as a means of stretching, strengthening, energizing, and relaxing the body. Incorporates meditation, massage, and other release techniques to help sharpen both body and mind. Students should wear comfortable clothing permitting freedom of movement and bring a mat or towel. Related readings assigned. For beginning students of all ages. Pass/Fail only.
L29 120 DANCE (2 units)
Session A, Sec. 21 MTuWTh 9:00–10:30 a.m.

ISADORA DUNCAN, DANCE REVOLUTIONARY: TECHNIQUE IN CONTEXT
Experience the dance technique and learn the choreography and history of the revolutionary dancer whose heartfelt, passionate movement changed the course of Western Concert dance. Students will learn the essentials of Isadora Duncan's technique, including classic body gestures like the Dionysian, Universe, and the Tanagra figures. They will also learn selected dances from her repertoire to understand how she used her technique to create choreography that express essential human experience. The course includes readings and videos to provide historical and artistic context for Duncan, and her impact on concert dance today.  Prerequisite: one year of dance training or permission of instructor.
U31 304 DANCE (2 units)
Session A, Sec. 21 TuTh 6:30-8:30 p.m. 

INTRODUCTION TO DANCE AS A CONTEMPORARY ART FORM
Through practical work in the studio, students gain an understanding of the human body as an instrument of expression, and of motion as the medium of dance. Technique, analysis, and creative work.
L29 106E DANCE (2 units)
Session B, Sec. 41 MTuWTh 1:00–2:30 p.m.

EARTH & PLANETARY SCIENCES

GEOLOGY OF NATIONAL PARKS
Geology processes at the earth’s surface and its interior as revealed by the geology of national parks. Examinations of volcanic and mountain-building processes; the work of streams, glaciers, and wind; shoreline processes; stratigraphy and sedimentation; and earth history.
L19 118A EPSC (3 units)
Session A, Sec. 21 MTuWThF 9:00–10:45 a.m.

THE SOLAR SYSTEM
Survey of the planets and satellites of our solar system. Includes results from Apollo missions to the Moon and NASA spacecraft missions to the planets and their satellites. Examines ideas about the age, formation, and early history of the sun, earth, and meteorites.
L19 171A EPSC (3 units)
Session A, Sec. 21 MTuWThF 11:00 a.m.–12:45 p.m.

RESOURCES OF THE EARTH Introduction to major resources of the Earth; rocks, minerals, water, soil, and air. We cover the basics of geology as background for the origin, supply, and uses of these resources, stressing environmental awareness. Field trip required.
L19 116A EPSC (3 units)
Session B, Sec. 41 MTuWThF 3:00–4:45 p.m. [NEW TIME]

ECONOMICS

INTRODUCTION TO POLITICAL ECONOMY: MICROECONOMICS
Microeconomics covers the principles of economics that apply to the functions of individual decision-makers, both consumers and producers, within the larger economic system. We cover determination of prices, distribution of national income, and theory of production. For a thorough introduction to economics, Macroeconomics should also be taken.
L11 103B ECON (3 units)
Session A, Sec. 21 MTuWThF 9:00–10:45 a.m.
Session B, Sec. 41 MTuWThF 9:00–10:45 a.m.

INTRODUCTION TO POLITICAL ECONOMY: MACROECONOMICS
Macroeconomics covers the principles of economics that apply to an economic system as a whole, placing particular emphasis on the study of national income and price determination. We cover business fluctuations: inflation, recession; monetary and fiscal policy; and economic development. For a thorough introduction to economics, Microeconomics should also be taken.
L11 104B ECON (3 units)
Session A, Sec. 21 MTuWThF 11:00 a.m.–12:45 p.m.
Session B, Sec. 41 MTuWThF 11:00 a.m.–12:45 p.m.

ENGLISH COMPOSITION

FICTION WRITING
Introductory course in the writing of fiction. Prerequisite: strong expository writing skills and some experience in fiction writing. Enrollment limited to 15 students. Available only to students who have completed their junior year.
L13 221 E COMP (3 units)
Session A, Sec. 21 MTuWThF 11:00 a.m.–12:45 p.m.
Session B, Sec. 41 MTuWThF 11:00 a.m.–12:45 p.m [NEW SECTION]

COMPOSITION SEMINAR
This one-credit seminar focuses on the nature of the writing process with the intent of helping students prepare for the challenges of writing at the college level. Students get consistent practice through daily writing exercises, receiving close attention from an instructor who is a practicing writer. Class size limited to 12 students.
L13 202 E COMP (1 unit)
Session A, Sec. 21 MW 9:00–10:30 a.m.
Session A, Sec. 22 TuTh 1:00–2:30 p.m.
Session B, Sec. 41 MW 9:00–10:30 a.m. [FULL]
Session B, Sec. 42 TuTh 1:00–2:30 p.m. [FULL]

ENGLISH LITERATURE

CHIEF ENGLISH WRITERS I
Session A [CANCELED]

INTRODUCTION TO WOMEN’S TEXTS
Discussion of canonical and nontraditional texts, most by women. Emphasis on how these texts represent gender, how literature contributes to identity-formation, and how women have used the written word to change their social and imaginative conditions.
L14 214C E LIT (3 units)
Session A, Sec. 21 MTuWThF 11:00 a.m.–12:45 p.m.

TOPICS IN ENGLISH AND AMERICAN LITERATURE: SCIENCE FICTION: UTOPIA, DYSTOPIA
This course explores the notions of utopic and dystopic community proposed by sci-fi authors and filmmakers. Primary texts are Yevgeny Zamyatin’s We (1924), Aldous Huxley’s Brave New World (1932), and Octavia Butler’s Parable of the Sower (1993). We also look at Michael Radford’s filmic adaptation of George Orwell’s Nineteen-Eighty-Four (1984) and Andrew Stanton’s recent animated film Wall-E (2008).
L14 218 E LIT (3 units)
Session B, Sec. 41 MTuWThF 1:00–2:45 p.m.

FILM AND DOCUMENTARY ­PRODUCTIONS

YOUR VISION/YOUR VOICE: INTRODUCTION TO MEDIA LITERACY AND DOCUMENTARY PRODUCTION
This course explores the tools and techniques of creating video documentaries. Students learn production skills such as camerawork, story development, and digital editing. Individually or in teams, students then develop, shoot, and edit a short film on a topic of their choice. The session culminates with a public screening of student work. No previous experience is required. Class size limited to eight.
U08 2210 EDUC (3 units)
Session A, Sec. 21 TuTh 5:00–9:00 p.m.
Session B, Sec. 41 TuTh 5:00–9:00 p.m.

FRENCH

ELEMENTARY FRENCH I
Beginning language program stressing rapid acquisition of spoken ability with immersion teaching method.
L34 108 FRENCH (4 units)
Session A, Sec. 21 [CANCELED]
Session B, Sec. 41 [CANCELED]

ELEMENTARY FRENCH II
Continuation of French I (L34-108). The 109 French course parallels the methodology of the 108 level, but covers more sophisticated grammatical skills. Prerequisite: college-level Elementary French I, or two to three years of strong high school French.
L34 109 FRENCH (4 units)
Session B, Sec. 41 [CANCELED]

GERMAN

ELEMENTARY GERMAN I
Development of speaking, listening, reading, and writing skills. Exposure to cultural topics. Laboratory work included.
L21 111D GERMAN (4 units)
Session A, Sec. 21 MTuWThF 9:00 a.m.–12:00 p.m.

ELEMENTARY GERMAN II
Continuation of German I (L21 111D) with further development of all skills. Exposure to cultural topics and to fictional and nonfictional texts. Laboratory work included. Prerequisite: college-level Elementary German I, or two to three years of strong high school German.
L21 112D GERMAN (4 units)
Session B, Sec. 41 MTuWThF 9:00 a.m.–12:00 p.m.

HISTORY

AMERICA FROM THE CIVIL WAR
This course is an overview of American history from the end of the Civil War to the present. Main topics include: Reconstruction; the Industrial Revolution and the rise of big business; Progressivism; American Imperialism and WWI; the twenties; the Great Depression and the New Deal; WWII and the Cold War; suburbanization; the Civil Rights Movement; Vietnam; and contemporary America.
L22 210 HISTORY (3 units)
Session A, Sec. 21 MTuWThF 9:00–10:45 a.m.

INTRODUCTION TO WORLD HISTORY, 1500–PRESENT,
Session B [CANCELED]

ITALIAN

ELEMENTARY ITALIAN I
Session A [CANCELED]
Session B [CANCELED]

ELEMENTARY ITALIAN II
Continuation of Italian I (L36-108). The course parallels the methodology of the 108 level, but covers more sophisticated grammatical skills. Prerequisite: college-level Elementary Italian I, or two to three years of strong high school Italian.
L36 109 ITAL (4 units)
Session B, Sec. 41 [CANCELED]

JAPANESE

JAPANESE CIVILIZATION
The development of Japanese culture from antiquity to the present. An overview of Japanese cultural history, focusing on the interplay of crucial aspects of contemporary Japanese society and Japanese social psychology.
L05 226 JAPAN (3 units)
Session A, Sec. 21 MTuWThF 9:00–10:45 a.m.

INTRODUCTION TO BASIC JAPANESE I
Introduction to modern spoken Japanese through aural-oral drills and exercises, and mastery of the basic grammatical structures. Emphasis is on the spoken language, although there is also exposure to enough of the Japanese writing systems to meet practical needs.
L05 1051 JAPAN (3 units)
Session B, Sec. 41 MTuWThF 2:00–3:45 p.m.

JEWISH, ISLAMIC, AND NEAR EASTERN STUDIES

REPRESENTATIONS OF THE HOLOCAUST IN LITERATURE AND FILM
Session A [CANCELED]

MATHEMATICS

INTRODUCTION TO STATISTICS
Data collection: sampling and designing experiments. Data organization: data, tables, graphs, frequency distributions, numerical summarization of data, and consumer price index. Inference: elementary probability and hypothesis testing.
L24 1011 MATH (3 units)
Session A, Sec. 21 MTuWThF 11:00 a.m.–12:45 p.m.

FINITE MATHEMATICS: NUMBER THEORY, COMBINATORICS, AND GRAPHS
Introduction to number theory, combinatorics, graph theory, and their applications. Methods of proof and practical applications: calendars, scheduling, communications, encryption, etc. Prerequisites: arithmetic and high school algebra. No knowledge of calculus, trigonometry, or geometry is required.
L24 220 MATH (3 units)
Session B, Sec. 41 MTuWThF 1:00–2:45 p.m.

MUSIC

INTRODUCTION TO MUSIC I
A survey of music from Gregorian Chant through the works of Mozart, with a study of how this music is performed and viewed in the 21st century. This course examines Medieval and Renaissance music and its instruments; music of the Baroque from Monteverdi to Vivaldi, Bach, and Handel; the significance of Haydn and Mozart and the origins of the modern orchestra. Emphasis is given to attending live performances. No musical background is required.
L27 101 MUS (3 units)
Session A, Sec. 21 MTuWThF 1:00–2:45 p.m.

INTRODUCTION TO MUSIC II
A musical survey from Beethoven into the early 21st century. Nineteenth-century composers studied include Schubert, Chopin, Tchaikovsky, Brahms, and Mahler. Discussion of 20th-century music ranges from works of Debussy and Prokofiev to those of John Cage, Aaron Copland, Leonard Bernstein, and Philip Glass. The course also explores those composers and their works considered on the vanguard of music at the dawn of the 21st century. Emphasis is given to attending live performances. No musical background is required.
L27 102 MUS (3 units)
Session B, Sec. 41 MTuWThF 1:00–2:45 p.m.

PHILOSOPHY

BIOMEDICAL ETHICS
A critical examination, in the light of contemporary moral disagreements and traditional ethical theories, of some of the moral issues arising out of medical practice and experimentation in our society. Issues that might be discussed include euthanasia, genetic engineering, organ transplants, medical malpractice, the allocation of medical resources, and the rights of the patient.
L30 233F PHIL (3 units)
Session A, Sec. 21 MTuWThF 3:00-4:45 p.m.

LOGIC AND CRITICAL ANALYSIS [NEW COURSE]
Introduction to the elementary tools of logic required for constructing and critically evaluating arguments and the claims they support.  Topics include: the nature of an argument; argument structure; how arguments can fail both in structure and in content; formal and informal fallacies; propositional logic and predicate calculus; and critical analysis of rhetorical strategies for presenting arguments.  Students will be encouraged to develop critical reasoning skills that can be widely applied.
L30 100G PHIL (3 units)
Session A, Sec. 21 MTuWThF 9:00-10:45 a.m.

INTRODUCTION TO ENVIRONMENTAL ETHICS
A general survey of current issues in environmental ethics, focusing on problems such as the obligation to future generations, protection of endangered species, animal rights, problems of energy and pollution, wilderness, global justice, and business obligations. Students also learn some ethical and political theory.
L30 235F PHIL (3 units)
Session A, Sec. 21 MTuWThF 11:00 a.m.–12:45 p.m.

GREAT PHILOSOPHERS
In this course we focus on some of the most important texts in the history of Western philosophy in order to discuss a wide range of central philosophical problems. We typically consider, for example, the existence of God, the justification of claims to knowledge, and the requirements of a good human life, including the demands of morality. Among the philosophers most likely to be studied are Plato, Aristotle, Descartes, Hume, Kant, and Mill.
L30 125C PHIL (3 units)
Session A, Sec. 21 MTuWThF 1:00–2:45 p.m.
Session B, Sec. 41 MTuWThF 11:00 a.m.–12:45 p.m.

BUSINESS ETHICS
Managing and working in business involves successfully addressing ethical problems. This course seeks to understand the nature and justification of economic systems, business organizations, and business practices through readings and case studies. The focus is on modern corporations and the ideologies they embody. The course covers topics such as economic systems, culture and leadership, employee ethical issues, the impact of business on consumers, customers, and communities, and the actions required to resolve moral problems.
L30 234 PHIL (3 units)
Session B, Sec. 41 MTuWThF 9:00–10:45 a.m.

PHYSICS

NOTE: The physics courses are extremely demanding when compressed into a five-week summer session. They should be taken only by students with a very strong science background who are willing to commit wholeheartedly to the study of physics for the entire session. We strongly recommend that students not enroll in any additional courses if taking physics.

GENERAL PHYSICS I
First semester of a two-semester, calculus-based introductory physics sequence designed to expose students to the concepts, laws, and structure of physics. Topics include kinematics, Newton’s laws, energy, linear momentum, angular momentum, conservation laws, gravitational force, harmonic motion, wave motion and interference, sound, and special ­relativity. Five lectures, five problem-solving sessions, and two lab ­sessions each week (all mandatory). Exams, at which attendance is required, are given from 1:30–4:30 p.m. on June 12, June 19, June 26, and July 2. The final exam is given from 9:15 a.m. to 12:15 p.m. on July 10. Prerequisites: high school physics, Calculus I or familiarity with ­differential and integral calculus of simple functions. See NOTE under Physics heading above. Available only to students who have completed their junior year.
L31 117A PHYSICS (4 units)
Session A, Sec. 21 MTuWThF 9:15–11:00 a.m.
Discussion section: MTuWThF 11:15 a.m.–12:15 p.m.
Laboratory A: MW 1:30–4:30 p.m.

GENERAL PHYSICS II
Second semester of a two-semester, calculus-based introductory physics sequence designed to expose students to the concepts, laws, and structure of physics. Topics include electromagnetic forces and fields, direct current circuits, capacitance and inductance, electromagnetic radiation, light, geometric and physical optics, interference and diffraction, early quantum theory, and nuclear physics. Five lectures, five problem-solving sessions, and two lab sessions each week (all mandatory). Exams, at which attendance is required, are given from 1:30–4:30 p.m. on July 17, July 24, July 31, and August 7. The final exam is given from 9:15 a.m. to 12:15 p.m. on August 13. Prerequisites: college-level General Physics I or equivalent, Calculus II. See NOTE under Physics heading above. Available only to students who have completed their junior year.
L31 118A PHYSICS (4 units)
Session B, Sec. 41 MTuWThF 9:15–11:00 a.m.
Discussion section D: MTuWThF 11:15 a.m.–12:15 p.m.
Laboratory A: MW 1:30–4:30 p.m.

POLITICAL SCIENCE

INTRODUCTION TO COMPARATIVE POLITICS
The primary goal of this course is to familiarize students with a broad array of political systems with an emphasis on “how we know what we know” and on building knowledge. With a focus on historical, recent, and current events, students are provided the opportunity to delve more deeply into a study of the parts of the world they find most interesting.
L32 102B POL SCI (3 units)
Session A, Sec. 21 MTuWThF 11:00 a.m.–12:45 p.m.

RACE, FILM, AND AMERICAN POLITICS: AN EXAMINATION OF THE IMPACT OF RACE AND MASS MEDIA ON SOCIETY
A study and examination of the role and impact that race, films, and the mass media have on American society, politics, and political culture, including how they help manipulate and shape public opinion, voting behavior, and political culture. The course also explores how the mass media, through production of feature and documentary films, helps form the perceptions, positive or negative, that majority and minority racial and ethnic groups have about American society and politics and minority–majority group relations in the United States.
L32 250 POL SCI (3 units)
Session A, Sec. 21 MTuWThF 1:00–2:45 p.m.

AMERICAN POLITICS
This course provides an overview of the politics of the American system of government. Among the topics covered are the historical developments of American politics, federalism, political participation (voting, interest groups, parties), institutions (congress, the courts, the president), and public opinion. A theme underlying our examination of these and other topics is the fact that political actors are purposive in their strategic pursuit of various objectives. We explore the many ways in which this aspect of political behavior impacts institutions and the interactions between political actors throughout the American political system.
L32 101B POL SCI (3 units)
Session B, Sec. 41 MTuWThF 3:00–4:45 p.m.

PSYCHOLOGY

INTRODUCTION TO PSYCHOLOGY
Survey and analysis of concepts, research, and theory covering the areas of learning, memory, motivation, personality, social, abnormal, clinical, and biological psychology. Introduces the diversity of questions, areas, approaches, research, and theories that compose the study of mind and behavior.
L33 100B PSYCH (3 units)
Session A, Sec. 21 MTuWThF 1:00–2:45 p.m.
Session B, Sec. 41 MTuWThF 11:00 a.m.–12:45 p.m.

RELIGIOUS STUDIES

INTRODUCTION TO THE WORLD’S RELIGIONS
A basic guide to the world’s religious traditions, including readings from the sacred scriptures. Topics include primal religion; ancient Mesopotamia, India, and China; Maya and Aztec religion; Judaism; Buddhism; Christianity; and Islam. Students visit various places of ­worship in the St. Louis area.
L23 1150 RE ST (3 units)
Session A, Sec. 21 MTuWThF 11:00 a.m.–12:45 p.m.

RELIGION, RITUAL, AND WORLD VIEW
A survey of ideas and practices in both tribal and world religions with an emphasis on key rituals, symbols, and the place of religion in the modern world.
L23 329F RE ST (3 units)
Session B, Sec. 41 MTuWThF 11:00 a.m.–12:45 p.m.

RUSSIAN

INTRODUCTION TO RUSSIAN CIVILIZATION
Overview of main currents and developments in Russian culture and the arts from earliest records to present day—folk literature and art, architecture, dress, music, literature, and film. Topics include pre-Christian pagan beliefs, the introduction of Orthodox Christianity, the “Tatar yoke,” reactions to the “Europeanization” of Russia, and the self-identity of a people neither European nor Asian. Knowledge of Russian language not required.
L39 215C RUSS (3 units)
Session B, Sec. 41 MTuWThF 11:00 a.m.–12:45 p.m.

SPANISH

ELEMENTARY SPANISH I
Beginning language program stressing rapid acquisition of spoken ability with immersion teaching method.
L38 108 SPAN (4 units)
Session A, Sec. 21 MTuWThF 9:00 a.m.–12:00 p.m.
Session B, Sec. 41 MTuWThF 9:00 a.m.–12:00 p.m.

ELEMENTARY SPANISH II
Continuation of Spanish I (L38-108). The course parallels the methodology of Spanish I, but covers more sophisticated grammatical skills. Prerequisite: college-level Elementary Spanish I, or two to three years of strong high school Spanish.
L38 109 SPAN (4 units)
Session A [CANCELED]
Session B, Sec. 41 MTuWThF 9:00 a.m.–12:00 p.m.

This listing was last updated on 6 July 2009.