Program Specifics: High School Enrichment
Elective Courses
Elective courses cover an incredibly
wide range of interesting subjects. This is your chance to explore
new ideas, skills and experiences in a friendly atmosphere of
discovery and growth. Why not try
something for the first time? We have several groups for each
class and will make sure you’re in the right one for your
level of experience.
When combining Elective and Minor courses, please be sure to select them on alternate days. Students choose their Elective courses for the full session while completing their application.
Afternoon Workshops: Each week, you also choose two afternoon Workshops from a list that changes weekly. Offered from 1:00–2:30, these workshops give you a chance to take your morning program a little further or try something completely different. Click here for a list: Afternoon Workshops.
Art: Inner Artist
No experience needed - just open eyes and an open
mind! Have you ever wondered how an artist sees the world
and then gets it down on paper or canvas? Let’s find out
together.
This is a crash course in artistic vision and skills. First,
you’ll develop your awareness of shape and form, using
sketching pencils and charcoal to do gesture and contour
drawings. Experiment with all kinds of media – from ink
and pastels to anything you find in the studio. You’ll learn a
variety of watercolor techniques, including wet–in–wet,
blooms, and how salt and plastic wrap can be used to create
texture. Next up: Working with acrylics, as we produce a
large masterpiece with a contemporary twist. Come and
begin to express yourself through art.
Art: Mural Arts
Per square foot, Philadelphia is one of the most muralrich cities in the world. This artistically profound location provides a perfect backdrop to pursue this unique form of artistic expression. Using a combination of modern techniques, students will learn to express themselves on a MASSIVE scale. Additionally, the course will cover both historical and modern approaches to the art form. From graffiti to revolution, we will examine the social significance of these public paintings. Regardless of artistic ability, students will leave the course with a more complete understanding and participation in the creation of this passionate expression of communal creativity.
Creative Writing: Fiction Workshop
This course will show you how to use and improve your
talent with words.
Both aspiring artists and weekend warriors will learn how
to turn ideas into stories that people will be eager to read.
Whether your interest is short stories or novels, conventional
story–telling or magical realism, comedy or tragedy, this
course will help you hone your craft and get one step closer
to achieving your goals.
We focus on teaching you the fundamental elements of
plot, structure, character, voice, dialogue, description and
point of view through lectures, class discussions, writing
exercises, and in-depth critiques of your writing. Whether
you’re on your way to becoming a Hawthorne, Hemingway,
Austen or Rowling, this is the course for you!
Cryptography: Primes, Codes, And The CIA
If it wasn’t for cryptology, the world may have never
known James Bond. Ian Fleming, the creator of the world’s
most famous spy, was a British cryptanalyst that played a
part in decoding the WWII German Enigma Machine. From
Caesar’s correspondence to Amazon.com’s secure checkout,
cryptography has had a hand in the daily dealings of all our
lives since the beginning of recorded history. So, count
yourself a veritable Sherlock Holmes and begin cracking
ciphers of your own.
This workshop will focus on probability theory, number
theory, and the algebra necessary for analyzing these
cryptographic systems. Additionally, the course will examine
cipher techniques and how one can apply systems to "break
the code." So, whether it’s your sister’s diary or a matter of
national importance, we’ll teach you the techniques
necessary to unravel even the most sophisticated cipher.
CSI: Forensic Science
Put on your surgical gloves as your team enters our
simulated crime scene. Be sure to mark every step while
working your way through the evidence. Your aim is to
disturb nothing, while noticing everything needed to solve
the crime. Bag all your clues for further analysis and
discussion.
CSI (Crime Scene Investigation) is an interactive
experience. We create crime scenes for you to investigate,
testing your knowledge as you acquire it. Learn analytical
and logical skills while puzzling over scenarios designed to
make you wonder, "How was that possible?"
Dance: Hip-Hop
Let loose with this free–flowing, high–energy dance class. Move to the rhythms of pop music while learning how to control your body according to the beat. Creating original routines from basic dance techniques and your natural ability, you’ll learn original choreography.
Darkroom Photography: Artists’ Prints
Learn how to use camera functions to take great pictures. We’ll show you how depth of field can create an artistic background or how changing your point of view can turn an ordinary subject into an outstanding photo. The class will cover traditional film photography, along with digital imaging programs.
Debate & Public Speaking: Charismatic Communication
It’s time to speak your mind! This course will give you the tools necessary to verbalize your opinion in an effective manner by applying useful strategies and tactics. After we discover the various methods and styles used in public speaking and debate, you’ll choose your topic and presentation format. Then, the words will roll off your tongue as you deliver intriguing short speeches. So, whether it’s open mic night at the local coffee house or your graduation address to hundreds of people, you will learn how to captivate and communicate with your audience.
DJ: Scratch & Mix
Have you ever wanted to know how to become a mix–and– scratch DJ? In this beginner class, you’ll learn about positioning the turntable, using the mixer, beat matching, drop-mixing, crowd control and crowd teasing. Get the tools you need to master the scratch and be the envy of all your friends.
eJournalism: Modern Media
This course will examine the contemporary shift from
hard copy to soft copy, and use electronic media – like
blogging and tweeting – to compose and publish on
campus e–zines and articles.
Ever get a hunch and have a need to investigate it
further? Like to really dig into an issue? We will teach you
how to turn your hunches into real–life investigative
reporting.
If you love the idea of gathering information from many
different sources and writing it up in a hard–hitting story,
then this is the journalism course for you – online!
Fashion: Industry Icons
The history of fashion is a catalog of glittering names: Yves St. Laurent, Givenchy, Christian Dior, Ralph Lauren, Vera Wang, Kate Spade and more. How have they stood the test of time? And how have they changed history? This course will consider the work and significance of these and other important designers.
Fencing: Sabre & Blade
When you hear the word "swordplay," what images come to mind? The swashbuckling Three Musketeers? Armorclad knights clanging heavy broadswords along castle walls or on fields of battle? Here’s another approach. This class will introduce you to the ancient, elegant sport of fencing, in which opponents salute, go en garde and sustain an intense, strenuous, graceful dialogue through their gestures and weapons. Classes will cover footwork, blade work, strategy, and training drills.
Film Studies: Transformers to Twilight and Other Modern Myths
From Avatar to Iron Man, The Blind Side to Sherlock Holmes, Up to Inception, this course studies the most popular movies of this past decade and examines the components of their popularity. Why is Twilight such a powerful series of blockbusters? How did Nosferatu and Interview with a Vampire pave the way for the series’ success? What does Twilight tell us about the audience that enjoys it? Addressing all these questions and more, the class will help transform past time to passion and, perhaps, stoke the flames of a future profession in the film industry.
Glee 101: Green Day To Gaga
If you ever sang along to Glee or thought you could be the next American Idol, this is the class for you. Work with professional musicians and focus on the production of a balanced, blended vocal signature. This workshop is perfect for either amateurs or students with prior training. Students will perform both a cappella, and with accompaniment, to broaden their musical repertoire and develop the confidence necessary to further their musical aspirations. Topics of study will include tone, harmony, diction, the development of vocal range, aural identification, and the anatomical science behind the musical craft. Julian Krinsky’s voice workshop will make you the person that everyone wants in the band. Just don’t forget us when you’re famous.
Guitar Intro: The Real Guitar Hero
How many times have you thought about learning to
play the guitar? Really mean it? Here’s a chance to get
started.
This is an introductory course, so everybody will start
from the beginning. Come and learn how to tune the guitar,
play chords and melodies, and accompany a song. If you’ve
got a guitar, please bring it along. If not, use one of ours.
Improv Comedy Club: Second City Philadelphia
What do Tina Fey, Steve Carell, Stephen Colbert, Zack Galifinakis and Jeff Garlin all have in common? Yeah, they’re all great comedic actors, but – perhaps more importantly – the roots of their genius lay in comedic improvisation. In this workshop, students will learn the art of "saying yes to saying yes," study the fine points of initiating scenes, build off of partner’s suggestions, and improve their active listening skills. Students will work with one another to improve each other’s performance and develop the skills necessary to tell a "true" story in an improvisational context. The course will cover the theory surrounding successful comedic and dramatic improvisation and culminate in a final performance on the Julian Krinsky MainStage.
Intro To Robotics: Mindstorm Engineering
Students will don many hats in this introductory course in modern robotics. Part mechanical and electrical engineers, part computer scientists, students will work with the same LEGO® MINDSTORMS® robotics material and software used at both Harvard and MIT to conceptualize, design and create robots suited for specific tasks. Upon the course’s completion, phrases like motion planning, object avoidance, drive circuits, pneumatic actuators, and feedback control will be part of a student’s standard academic vocabulary. Whether your interest is robotic dynamics, kinematics or sensor control, this course is perfect for laying the foundation for a future pursuit of this innovative technology.
JKCP Songwriting Series
Whether you’re a seasoned entertainer or a wannabe apprentice, this is the course that will help you take your music out of the shower and into the studio. Focusing on melody, rhythm, point of view, "hooks," and bridges, students will study the necessary tools to produce a wellcrafted song. Additionally, the student will study the work of lyrical masters ranging from Woody Guthrie to Lady Gaga and uncover a signature style. The contents of your iTunes® library doesn’t matter; this class will cross genres to help students construct original songs.
Magic: The Art Of Illusion
Mesmerize your friends with street magic, card tricks, coin tricks, levitation, and other cool illusions. Learn the art of magic performance from a professional magician – including how to wow even the toughest crowds with easy–to–do tricks that work every time!
Math Trek: Finding Fibonacci
The Great Pyramids at Giza, the Parthenon, the Mona Lisa, the human face‰what do all these things have in common? They’re all dependent upon the most captivating pattern in modern mathematics: The Fibonacci Sequence. How is it possible that one set of numbers can connect seemingly unrelated objects? This course will use mathematical patterns to explore that very question and make senses of the seemingly random relationships that govern our lives. Students will forge connections between seashells and sunflowers, pinecones and Wall Street, while trying their hands at some of the most sophisticated mathematical puzzles of the twentieth century. Move over Nemo, we’re Finding Fibonacci.
Mind Lab: Abnormal Psychology
Come explore the hidden recesses of the human mind. This course is guaranteed to change the way you see the world. From the Muller-Lyer Illusion, to the Bi-Standard Effect, to understanding Artificial Intelligence, this workshop will use experiential learning to explore psychological phenomena first-hand. Mind Lab will encourage students to think outside the classroom and develop psychological theories that analyze the mind, emotions, dreams, society, friendships and other forces that affect humanity’s shared experience.
Photoshop: Digital Designs
This course covers the use of digital graphic techniques to create and manipulate photographic images. Students will explore digital imaging techniques through the use of Adobe® Photoshop® photo manipulation software. Among other things, students will learn to use photo editing and color correction tools, manipulate work paths, and incorporate adjustment layers and layer masks. Utilizing hands-on instruction and multiple projects, this course will give students the tools to touch up their personal photos, put themselves on the moon or use the software as an artistic medium to create something wholly original. Whatever your goal, come improve your skills as a visual artist in this exclusive JKCP offering!
Psychology: Modern Media
Why is Stewy Griffin such an angry child? Do we really
care how well washed-up stars can dance? And why is
Glee so popular?
We’ll use pop culture as a springboard to explore modern
psychological phenomena. Join us and discover why certain
TV shows are popular, as you work with our instructors to
become a Professor of Pop in this fascinating look at
contemporary entertainment.
Silk-Screen T–Shirt Design
Ever wanted to design your own T–shirt? Here’s your chance to try out your design skills. You’ll begin at the drawing board where you create your own design, phrase or logo that will then be screened onto a T–shirt. Will it be something only you treasure, or will your friends all want one too?
Video Game Design
From PacMan to Halo, video games have come a long way in the past decades and now play a major role in the development of post-Pong teenagers. So, why not toss down the controller, get in on the action and design a game yourself? Professional programmers will work with students to develop the skills necessary to launch a career in video game design. From platform to arcade games, students’ work will take its place among the giants of the industry: Mario Brothers, Pitfall, Space Invaders and Your Original Game. Use this summer to stake a claim as an up-andcoming designer extraordinaire.
Video Production: Director’s Cut
This course makes you the filmmaker with total creative control of an actual film. Whether claymation, animation or live-action; you’ll choose the medium. Try your hand at directing, set design, costuming, production, editing and scriptwriting. Design a television advertisement, direct a drama, choreograph a music video or shoot a documentary. It’s your show, and the choice is yours.
Yoga: Downward Dog To Warrior
Looking for a great workout? Both boys & girls can join
this fun class and change the way you think about exercise.
It’s no wonder that yoga has been one of fitness’ greatest
"trends" for over 3000 years. Get energized, breath deeply,
and leave feeling relaxed, calm and centered; you may even
learn how to better perform and stay focused in school and
in sports.
Become a more buddah–ful teen!
Courses are subject to change without prior notification.