Reasoning, logic, and critical thinking are the building blocks of intellectual inquiry. Focus on developing these skills through problem-solving and exposure to a wide range of topics in mathematics as you are introduced to the idea of mathematical proof and deductive logic.

Starting with foundational tools such as truth tables, logic trees, and Venn diagrams, explore ideas of validity, consistency, and sound reasoning. By doing so, you’ll learn the differences between axioms and hypotheses and how to use both to obtain results.

Nearly one in six people globally has a neurological disorder. Despite how common they are and how effective treatment can be, neurological disorders are often misunderstood and marginalized. Explore the causes and treatments of neurological disorders such as schizophrenia, Alzheimer’s, visual agnosia, anxiety, and depression. Individually and collectively, analyze fictional and nonfictional case studies as you consider diagnostic tools, formulate diagnoses, and determine potential treatments.

This philosophy course explores questions of human nature in light of recent technological breakthroughs in communication, biotechnology, artificial intelligence, and modern warfare. You will consider how our ability to transform our environment affects the way we perceive and value human life. From current and historical contexts, you’ll evaluate philosophical questions like: how did the agricultural revolution impact social order? When do cybernetic implants transform a person into a machine? In what sense is your online identity “you”?

An introduction to poetry and poetic concepts, this course covers musical aspects of poetry, the patterns and conventions of sound, and the effects they have on readers. Imagery in poems is also explored. You’ll write your own poems as well as read and comment on the work of renowned poets including Elizabeth Bishop, William Carlos Williams, and Langston Hughes. Along the way, you’ll revise your work based on in-depth critiques from the instructor.

BAM! POW! ZAP! Everyone knows Spider-Man, Wonder Woman, and Captain America, but superheroes can come in many shapes and sizes. Must a superhero fight crime? Is Elsa from Frozen a superhero—and what about BB-8, Gru, or Moana? How do storytellers draft heart-stopping tales of suspense? Explore these questions and more on this heroic writing adventure. Like the professional writers at Disney, you’ll learn to craft creative stories using literary techniques like descriptive writing, symbolism, plot structure, and figurative language.

Have you ever wondered what it’s like to be a published author? In this course, you’ll learn the steps from prewriting to publication, and explore strategies for composing, critiquing, revising, and refining your original writing. Through interactive peer workshops and individualized guidance and feedback from your instructor on weekly assignments, you’ll learn to revise your own work and effectively critique the work of others. You’ll also hear from published authors and CTY alumni on what it takes to get your writing published.

Take an adventure, experience the joys and pitfalls of fantastical new abilities, and encounter the transforming power of magical life lessons. In this course, you will read four novels about kids who experience magic and learn amazing things about themselves in the process. You will learn how to look at fiction with a critical lens and analyze elements of literature like themes, characterization, perspective, and literary devices while making connections to the real world.

Why do some plastic containers melt in the microwave while others don’t? What makes Silly Putty stretchy? How are packing peanuts made? Chemicals are key to answering these questions, and in this course, you’ll examine how their structure can determine the properties and behaviors of gems and polymers. Starting with the most basic building blocks, atoms, you’ll learn about ions and compounds, and grow crystals like salt and rock candy in the lab, marveling at how small changes in structures of gems can cause dramatic changes in shapes and colors.

In the 17th century, Galileo looked into the sky with a simple pair of lenses and saw the moons of Jupiter. Modern times have had similarly profound discoveries. This course investigates light, optics, and other areas of physics used in the study of modern astronomy. We’ll tour the universe, learning about planets and their physical, chemical, and geological properties; the mathematics of orbiting bodies; and how to use visual and calculated stellar brightness scales to calculate distances to stars.

Why is it so hard to hail a cab in the rain in New York City? Why do some people pay for annual gym memberships when they would save on a pay-as-you go basis? Integrate ideas from the social sciences with economics to understand how we act, make decisions, and play.