vanderbilt summer academy course catalog 2013

2013

2 0 1 3 C ata l o g

Qualifying ScoreS*Please note that scores are based upon the grade in which the student took the test.

Sat aCt7th grade 500M or cr 20M or r8th grade 550M or cr 22M or r9th grade 590M or cr 25M or r10th grade 630M or cr 27M or r11th grade 670M or cr 29M or r

If you have taken the PSAT, add a zero to get your

SAT score.

Once a student has qualified, he or she does not have

to submit further test results for following years.

* No SAT/ACT scores? Students may be eligible to apply through our portfolio admissions options. To apply via portfolio, students should complete the VSA application and essays and submit the following items in lieu of SAT/ACT scores:

• A grade-level assessment indicating 90th percentile or higher in either a verbal or non-verbal section. Acceptable assessments include but are not limited to: ERB, CogAT, Terra Nova, ITBS, Stanford Achievement Test, OLSAT, Woodcock-Johnson, WISC, Stanford-Binet, MAT. • Two teacher recommendations. • School transcript or most recent report card (transcript preferred). • Sample of recent course work relating to the VSA course the student wishes to take. See pty.vanderbilt.edu/portfolio_assessment for more details and to download teacher recommendation forms.

a note for parentsOut-of-level testing, such as the SAT or ACT when given to younger students, offers the best gauge of how appropriate the course work may be for an individual.

In our experience, gifted students rise to the challenge of taking these tests, so long as undue pressure is not placed upon them. Students may take the SAT or ACT assessments at any time and at any grade level. They can also retake the tests and submit new results. We accept scores that were achieved through the Duke Talent Identification Program, tip.duke.edu, but you are not required to go through TIP to apply to Vanderbilt Summer Academy. Please note that any scores submitted to us are for our placement purposes only, and do not go to VU admissions.

You can register directly for either the SAT or the ACT through their websites:

www.collegeboard.com Vanderbilt PTY code: SAT 3697

www.actstudent.org Vanderbilt PTY code: ACT 5165

financial aidVanderbilt Programs for Talented Youth is dedicated to making its programs available to qualified students regardless of ability to pay. You will find an application for financial aid on page 33. Please note that financial assistance funds are limited, and awards are based upon demonstrated financial need. VSA does not award full funding. All financial aid awards are partial.

aPPly onlineNew for 2013, VSA now offers online applications.

Visit pty.vanderbilt.edu/vsa to access the online application.

conTacT uSPhone: (615) 322-8261 Email: [email protected] Fax: (615) 322-3457

daTeS and TuiTionVanderbilt Summer Academy 2013 offers three sessions, designed for different grade levels.

Session I (one week)Rising 8th Graders (students entering 8th grade

in fall 2013)

June 9–14$1,250 application Due: april 26

Session II (two weeks) Rising 9th and 10th Graders(students entering 9th or 10th

grade in fall 2013)

June 16–28$2,250 application Due: March 29

Session III (three weeks) Rising 11th and 12th Graders(students entering 11th

or 12th grade in fall 2013)

July 7– 26$3,250 application Due: March 29

early-bird diScounT availableApplications with tuition deposits postmarked by the following early-bird dates will receive a 5 percent tuition discount: Sessions II & III: February 1, 2013 Session I: Not applicable

See p. 28 for details.

vanderbilt Programs for Talented youth would like to thank the following individuals and programs of the vanderbilt community for their support.

Richard McCarty, Provost and Vice Chancellor for Academic Affairs vanderbilt.edu/provost

Jeff Balser, M.D., Ph.D., Vice Chancellor for Health Affairs and Dean of the School of Medicine mc.vanderbilt.edu

Camilla Benbow, Dean of Peabody College of Education and Human Development peabody.vanderbilt.edu

Douglas Christiansen, Vice Chancellor for Enrollment Management and Dean of Admissions admissions.vanderbilt.edu

John Gaines, Director of Undergraduate Admissions admissions.vanderbilt.edu

Carolyn Dever, Dean of the College of Arts and Science as.vanderbilt.edu

Philippe Fauchet, Dean of the School of Engineering engineering.vanderbilt.edu

Chris Guthrie, Dean of the Law School law.vanderbilt.edu

Mark Wait, Dean of Blair School of Music blair.vanderbilt.edu

Frank Wcislo, Dean of The Ingram Commons commons.vanderbilt.edu

Louise Hanson, M.D., Director of the Student Health Center vanderbilt.edu/student_health

Susan Kay, Associate Dean for Clinical Affairs, Vanderbilt Law School law.vanderbilt.edu

Bonnie Miller, Senior Associate Dean for Health Sciences Education medschool.vanderbilt.edu

Vanderbilt Center for Latin American Studies vanderbilt.edu/clas

Vanderbilt Institute of Nanoscale Science and Engineering (VINSE) vanderbilt.edu/vinse

Street Theatre Company streettheatrecompany.org

“in my experience, universities can play a role in encouraging and supporting the most talented young learners. and it is important that we do so—for their well-being and for our common future.”Dean Camilla Benbow, an internationally recognized researcher of gifted and talented youth and co-director of the Study of Mathematically Precocious Youth, founded Vanderbilt Programs for Talented Youth (PTY) in 2000 as a summer residential academic program on the campus of Vanderbilt University.

1p t y. v a n d e r b i lt. e d u ( 6 1 5 ) 3 2 2 - 8 2 6 1

On behalf of vanderbilt programs for talented youth, i invite you to join us this summer to experience campus living at one of the world’s great universities. For the academically gifted learner, Vanderbilt Summer Academy offers one-week, two-week, and three-week sessions, each taught by stellar Vanderbilt faculty and scholars. We maintain low faculty-student ratios so that you receive the individual attention necessary to pursue your academic interests through one of our intellectually rigorous courses. Each of our classes will develop your critical thinking skills, encourage intellectual exploration, and teach you how to thrive in a college classroom setting. At Vanderbilt Summer Academy, you will have the opportunity to push your intellectual limits alongside peers who also appreciate the sheer joy of learning and academic discovery.

Vanderbilt Summer Academy is unique among summer academic programs due to the high caliber of our faculty and access to university resources. You can study nanotechnology in a state-of-the-art lab, make legal arguments in Vanderbilt Law School’s model courtrooms, or go on rounds with doctors at the VU Medical Center. We also provide ways to develop your social, emotional, and physical well-being. Each afternoon you will participate in Arête class to clear your mind, body, and spirit and become physically active through courses such as yoga, dance, martial arts, fencing, and many others.

The quality of our residential facilities and beautiful, tree-lined campus nestled in the heart of Nashville’s city center provides the perfect environment for learning. You will live in a first-year residence hall in The Martha Rivers Ingram Commons at Vanderbilt, enjoy pickup games of ultimate Frisbee on the green lawns of historic Peabody campus, and embrace what Vanderbilt and Nashville have to offer.

You will find that our programs have been designed specifically for students like yourself. VSA faculty and staff provide support and encouragement, inside and outside our classrooms, to help you succeed academically. Whether it’s through expanding your knowledge in our accelerated courses, or at a cookout, dance, or campus concert, Vanderbilt Summer Academy is committed to making your experience one that you will remember forever.

As you look through this catalog, we encourage you to imagine yourself here at Vanderbilt University this summer—learning, growing, and enjoying life with peers who share similar academic abilities and interests and a faculty and staff who care about you.

I hope to see you soon!

Gem Thomerson, Ed.D. Director, Vanderbilt Programs for Talented Youth

Contents

General information .. .inside Front Cover

academic life at vSa ..................... 2

residential life at vSa .................... 4

Session i Course Catalog ................. 7

the ingram Commons atvanderbilt university ...................... 11

Session ii Course Catalog ................ 12

Session iii Course Catalog ............... 16

Common Questions

From vSa applicants ............... 21

From parents ........................... 22

vSa Faculty .................................... 23

application instructions .................. 27

admission application .................... 29

Financial aid information/application ..................................... 33

Other Summer programsat vanderbilt ................................... 35

2 v a n d e r b i lt S u m m e r a C a d e m y 2 0 1 3 C ata l O G

Academic Life at Vanderbilt Summer AcademyOur philOSOphyVanderbilt Summer Academy offers a challenging introduction to the academic rigors of college life at Vanderbilt. You will enjoy the excitement of in-depth, rapid study of a fascinating subject within a community of your intellectual peers. Our course catalog (beginning on page 7) is filled with wide-ranging, interdisciplinary topics such as nanotechnology, religion and philosophy, history, and medicine.

Regardless of where your interests take you, we have courses designed to provoke ongoing discussion and learning. Above all, Vanderbilt Summer Academy is a “risk-friendly” academic environment that will both challenge and foster your abilities.

Our FaCultyVanderbilt Summer Academy instructors (profiles beginning on page 23) are drawn from the wealth of talented faculty and scholars here in the Vanderbilt University and Nashville communities and include many distinguished professors, scientists, and researchers. All instructors are carefully selected not only for achievements in their fields, but also for their commitment to excellence in classroom teaching. These outstanding VSA faculty serve as academic role models, providing instruction and insights into their areas of study. A teaching assistant (TA) with demonstrated expertise in the subject matter supports each class. The TA serves as a resource to the instructor and to the class—sharing his or her perspective on the subject matter and helping promote a secure learning environment.

Why vSa? We recognize that you have many choices of summer academic programs. here are some things that set vSa apart.

• Access to scholars. vanderbilt faculty and doctoral-level scholars teach most of our classes, so you’ll work with true content-area experts.

• Small classes. Classes have 12–15 students in most cases.

• Personalized attention. each class has a dedicated instructor and teaching assistant.

• Opportunities for personal development. From arête classes, to talks on social and emotional growth, to sessions with admissions counselors, vSa celebrates the whole you!

• Campus living. vSa students reside in a state-of-the-art first-year residence hall designed for social interaction with your community of like-minded intellectual peers.

• Parent education. vSa offers a special opening-day lecture and information session for parents, covering a range of topics relating to gifted teens and college admission processes.


“i enjoyed the

preview ofcollege life

and the balanceof classes.”

Our COurSe WOrkThe Vanderbilt Summer Academy course curricula are designed to meet the intellectual and cognitive needs of highly gifted youth.

Vanderbilt Summer Academy courses are:

• Accelerated and unique, offering you the opportunity to explore areas of study not typically available elsewhere

• Fast-paced and rigorous with an emphasis on critical and creative thinking

• Drawn from a broad range of disciplines in order to maximize the potential for interdisciplinary study

• Rooted in the rich academic and cultural environment of Vanderbilt University and the surrounding Nashville community

Vanderbilt Summer Academy offers the opportunity to explore exciting new areas of study—in and out of the classroom. You can study in campus libraries, laboratories, studios, and galleries, and enjoy many of the off-campus resources that Nashville provides. The innovative curricula allow you to learn through hands-on activities, real-world scenarios, laboratory experiments, lively group discussions, and self-directed projects.

With six hours a day devoted to learning, VSA courses allow for a satisfying level of focus and depth. And while the course work can be exciting and intensive, homework assignments

are kept to a minimum. When out of class, you will be able to fully enjoy the social and recreational activities Vanderbilt Summer Academy has to offer.

aSSeSSmentSo students can best experience the joy of learning within a group of true intellectual and social peers, Vanderbilt Summer Academy is a non-graded program and does not offer credit for course work. Rather, Vanderbilt Summer Academy promotes accelerated learning in an environment tailored to promote academic risk taking. We encourage you to push your intellectual limits without fear of failure. Rather than a grade, you will receive a performance evaluation. This thoughtfully prepared constructive feedback will help you accurately assess your achievements in the course work. More than a number or letter, this rubric is designed to help you understand your performance and abilities and to guide you in charting your future academic endeavors. Because Vanderbilt Summer Academy realizes that parents are important partners in the intellectual growth of their children, instructors make themselves available to parents for an optional end-of-session conference or open house.


Vanderbilt Summer Academy isn’t only about the academic experience. We believe that life outside the classroom is just as important as what goes on inside. Each weekday, you will participate in an extracurricular Arête class, plus, every evening, you will be able to choose from a wide range of activities from ultimate Frisbee and field days to tie-dyeing and talent shows. In addition, time is built into the schedule to allow plenty of opportunities for you to unwind and socialize with your new friends. Not only will

you have the chance to live on a college campus, but you will also get to sample some of the many cultural and entertainment offerings of Nashville through group outings and field trips.

hOuSinGHank Ingram House, on The Ingram Commons, will be your “home away from home” at VSA. This building combines the best of modern conveniences within a graciously classic exterior.

Residential Life at Vanderbilt Summer Academy


“vSa was life-changing.

i learned so much and met awesome people; i think about it all the time.”

This centrally air-conditioned house includes laundry facilities on the first floor and vending machines for snacks. Floors are separated by gender, and each has four communal bathrooms. Living in Hank Ingram House will give you a sneak peek into Vanderbilt’s residential experience for first-year students. Learn more at commons.vanderbilt.edu.

reSidential StaFFOur carefully selected and trained house master and proctors will be on hand to supervise the residence hall and to guide students in evening and weekend activities. Most proctors are Vanderbilt students who will live on each floor near assigned groups of ten to fifteen students. These “proctor groups” will meet every evening and will enjoy occasional group outings. Your proctor group will be your VSA family.

dininGVanderbilt Summer Academy students will eat most of their meals in campus dining halls, which offer a wide variety of healthy and savory selections including vegetarian and vegan options. All meals served in the dining halls or at VSA–wide events are covered in the tuition. Several dining outlets sell espresso drinks and snacks during the day. Outside food purchases, such as snacks or ice cream, will be the responsibility of the student.

SaFety, health, and Student SuperviSiOnVanderbilt Summer Academy recognizes the importance of proper health and safety for everyone in our program. Our trained staff live in the residence hall, supervise activities, and maintain the overall well-being and safety of students during the program. Students will spend the majority of their evenings and weekends participating in supervised events and activities. Discretionary time will vary by session. The VU Police Department partners with VSA in securing the residence hall and campus. The VSA residence hall houses only program participants and authorized Vanderbilt staff. All students are provided with keys to their dorm rooms in order to allow them to secure their belongings.

Because Vanderbilt Summer Academy is an opportunity to experience communal living, some of the responsibility for health and safety will rest with you. You will be informed of the program guidelines for behavior, participation, and campus boundaries in the Vanderbilt Summer Academy Student Handbook, which you will receive upon admission. All rules are designed to foster a healthful, respectful environment where everyone can find success and enjoyment.

In the event that you need medical attention, a staff member will accompany you to the Vanderbilt Student Health Center or the Monroe Carell Jr. Children’s Hospital at Vanderbilt, depending on the situation and time of day. Both facilities are nearby. The staff member will stay with you until the situation is resolved. The Vanderbilt Summer Academy office will contact your parents or guardians and will keep them informed. VSA also has established procedures for the handling of routine medications. Details will be provided upon admission to the program.


arÊte prOGram(Activities for Recreation, Exploration, and Talent Expansion)

One of the highest values in ancient Greek philosophy and literature was the concept of αρετη (Arête, pronounced ah-reh-tay). Often translated simply as “virtue,” it more accurately denotes the ideal of human excellence and well-roundedness. At VSA, we have chosen the concept as a guide to the integration of classroom learning with out-of-classroom opportunities. We want you to work hard and challenge yourself in class, but we also want you to make friends and have fun.

We will provide opportunities for you to relax and socialize on campus and to enjoy some of the sights and sounds of Nashville, as well. In addition, the Arête program encourages students to share their talents and leisure interests with the VSA community. Whether you like to sing, play a musical instrument, recite poetry, knit afghans, strategize chess defenses, dance the cha-cha, or rock out to your favorite tunes, we invite you to share your enthusiasms, hobbies, and talents with your fellow VSA students and staff.

The Arête program kicks off each weekday afternoon with specialty classes. Arête classes typically explore areas of the performing, physical, martial, and visual arts, giving you a chance to sample something new and different. They will help you transition from your busy class day into the more leisurely pace of the evening. See a sampling of Arête offerings listed below. Remember, absolutely no prior experience is necessary! Arête options are subject to change. You will receive detailed information about Arête classes in your VSA welcome packet.

“arête class was a

blaSt!” Juggling

Even if you are all thumbs, you can learn to juggle! Juggling is great fun, and it also teaches you amazing hand-eye coordination. You’ll wow your friends with your newfound juggling skills.

Martial Arts & Self Defense

The odds are that you’ll never be attacked or mugged. Still, wouldn’t it be nice to know what to do if you were? This class will teach students basic techniques drawn from different martial arts to learn effective methods of self-defense. You’ll learn creative ways to disable an opponent no matter your height or body strength.

Improv Comedy

Take advantage of the moment and make people laugh. In this introduction to improvisational comedy, you will learn techniques to perfect comic timing, perform spontaneous scenes, and play off cues from your audience. Improv also teaches valuable life skills such as listening, communication and self-confidence while developing individual creativity through the use of theatre games and exercises.

Yoga

Meaning “to unite,” yoga promotes balance of mind and body through a series of postures and mindful breathing. Yoga derives from an Indian spiritual tradition that is over 5,000 years old. You’ll leave this class calm, centered, and energized!

And MANY more…


a WOrd abOut ClaSS plaCement Classes fill quickly! please consider your course choices carefully. While we will do our best to place you in your first-choice class, it may be filled, and we often have to place students in second- or third-choice classes. as you review these course descriptions, please rank-order as many classes as you’d like, knowing that you may not get your first choice. your deposit becomes non-refundable once we place you in a class that you have ranked. So, rank only those classes that you are truly willing to take—and pay for!

a day in the liFe OF vanderbilt Summer aCademy SeSSiOn i*

8:00 – 8:45 a.m. Breakfast

9:00 a.m.– noon Class

noon –1:00 p.m. Lunch

1:00 – 3:00 p.m. Class

3:00 – 4:00 p.m. Study Hall with TAs

4:00 – 5:00 p.m. Arête Class

5:00 – 6:00 p.m. Free Time

6:00 – 6:50 p.m. Dinner

7:00 – 9:00 p.m. Planned Recreational Activities

9:00 – 10:00 p.m. Proctor Meeting and Free Time on Hall

10:00 p.m. Room Curfew/ Call Parents

10:30 p.m. Lights Out

* Subject to change

Session 1 Course CatalogRising 8th gRadeRs • June 9–14 • $1,250(For students who will be entering 8th grade in fall 2013)

Qualifying scores based on grade in which student took test:

7th Grade Sat—500 m or Cr aCt—20 m or r

Session 1 Course Titlesbaseball by the numberstheatrereligion and politicsastronomyWriting Short StoriesField ecologyintro to Group theoryunseen Civil WarnanotechnologySatire, parody, and WitComputer programmingForensic Chemistry

We have carefully designed this one-week session for middle school students to provide plenty of exciting activities outside of the classroom. You will be able to choose from a variety of games, sports, crafts, and other activities each evening after dinner. You and your parents can rest assured that our VSA community is self-contained and well supervised. Our staff will work hard to ensure that you won’t feel lost or overwhelmed during your stay at Vanderbilt. At the end of the week, you will leave with many new friends, the great satisfaction of succeeding in a fast-paced and rigorous classroom, and the wonderful feeling of being a part of Vanderbilt’s community of scholars.

V a n d e R b i lt s u m m e R a c a d e m y 2 0 1 3 • s e s s i o n i


baSeball by the numberS.406… 56… 61*… The game of baseball is defined by its numbers. In this math course, students will study the historical significance of numbers in baseball through a variety of activities and readings. After an introduction to the most common baseball statistics, students will construct their own simulations. In doing so, they will keep track of their players’ stats and determine which skills are most valuable for a hitter to possess. Students will discuss the relative merits of various statistics and have an opportunity to apply their knowledge to various contexts. Play ball! —Dawson Gray

theatre: playinG the paGe and readinG the StaGeWhat is theatre, and how do we study it? In this course, we will attempt to answer those questions. Students will explore dramatic texts through discussion, performance, and viewing of film adaptations and taped stagings of the works we read in class. We will consider the plays themselves and how extra-textual elements such as costuming, blocking, movement, gesture, and sound effects enhance our understanding of the words on the page. And, since the best way to understand drama is through performance, we will put ourselves on stage. Students will work in groups to write adaptations and perform scenes from the plays we read. No prior theatre experience is necessary. Break a leg! —Rosie Seagraves

reliGiOn and pOlitiCS in ameriCan hiStOry How should voters take their personal religious beliefs into account when choosing candidates? No matter how you answer that question, it is undeniable that religion plays a significant role in American politics. It always has. This course will examine the unique role that religion has played—and continues to play—in American civil discourse, from the Puritan settlers who thought they were on a divine mission, to the drafting of the U.S Constitution, and the way “separation of church and state” has been understood, interpreted, and practiced in the history of this nation. —Kelly Williams

aStrOnOmy: a COSmiC vOyaGeEvery time you look at the stars, you go on a cosmic voyage through time. In this course, you’ll learn how to make sense of that voyage using scientific processes combined with hands-on/eyes-on exploration. Over the course of the week, you will learn how to use several types of telescopes, including small telescopes which you will construct yourself. You will also examine real astronomical data, observe the sky with the naked eye, collect data, and discuss many topics of astronomical interest (including the possibility of alien life). Traveling through billions of years of history and light years’ worth of space, you will leave with a greater understanding of your own place in the here and now. —Erika Grundstrom



WritinG ShOrt StOrieS In the world of literature there’s hardly anything so satisfying—or so difficult to create—as a well-crafted short story. William Faulkner called the short story “the most demanding” form of prose, but students in this course will develop the skills necessary to rise to Mr. Faulkner’s challenge. Aspiring writers will learn about the creative process, developing plot, and crafting complex characters, and will explore ideas of narrative and voice. They will read and discuss short stories, and they’ll try out concepts in their own daily writing exercises. By the end of the class, students will have completed short stories of their own. This class will take an exploratory and activity-focused approach and will include a writing workshop format where students will give and receive feedback on one another’s work. —Marysa LaRowe

Field eCOlOGyBiology is everywhere…you just have to go outside and look. In this field biology class, students will learn the basics of ecology and evolution, biodiversity and the tree of life, and how biologists use these concepts in the field. As a group, we will embark upon field expeditions to observe the diversity of plant and animal life on the Vanderbilt campus and at parks and nature preserves in and around Nashville. We will learn how to collect specimens and data,

make observations in the field, and analyze our findings in the lab. We will also learn how to present our results in tables and graphs. Field observations will focus on small mammal, insect, and plant diversity in a variety of local environments, including grassland, forest, and marshland. Come prepared to get your feet wet and your hands dirty! —Cassidy Cobbs, Sarah Lawson, Patrick Abbot

math: intrOduCtiOn tO GrOup theOryMath students normally study group theory in the third year of an undergraduate mathematics major. Group theory has broad applications in computer science, theoretical physics, and organic chemistry. In this course, we’ll begin our exploration of group theory with an investigation of symmetries of regular polygons. This investigation will lead us to the concepts of a permutation, cyclic groups, and modular arithmetic. We will take time to answer seemingly silly but non-trivial questions such as: “How does Pac Man play tic-tac-toe?” There will be a strong emphasis on group investigations, solving difficult and non-standard problems, and mathematical communication. Students will come away with a much deeper understanding of how we solve equations in a typical algebra class. —Jason Brasel



the unSeen Civil WarThe Civil War wreaked havoc on the American people and its landscape. In your history classes, you’ve probably studied timelines, battles, and generals in textbooks and other written histories. But have you had the chance to study this era from the words and documents of the people who lived it? This course will examine the war from political, social, and military perspectives. We will use Vanderbilt’s vast archive of Civil War-era maps, photographs, documents, and primary source materials such as letters and journals to discover the causes, course, and consequences of the war. Students will hone their skills as historians through analysis of archival documents, development of critical writing skills, and classroom debate. This course will include a field trip to Nashville’s Fort Negley, where students will learn about the war’s impact on the city and its citizens. —Erica Hayden

intrOduCtiOn tO nanOteChnOlOGyIn the world of nanotechnology, less is more. This course will introduce students to the broad field of science and engineering at the atomic scale. Students will explore nanoscale technology through cutting-edge examples and hands-on experience in self-assembly, surface science, molecular engineering, nanomaterials fabrication, and nanobiotechnology. We will explore questions such as: What makes certain molecules self-assemble into useful nanoscale structures? How do you design a surface to specifically detect a virus? Can we create materials that contain as much surface area as a football field in a single gram? You will discover the answers to these and other problems in the science of small things. —Kane Jennings

but SeriOuSly . . . Satire, parOdy, and WitIn the past century, parody has become one of the most common forms of expression. From James Joyce to Stephen Colbert, from Monty Python to The Onion, parody has infiltrated countless areas of modern discourse. This course explores the concept of parody in its various forms and purposes, focusing primarily on the role parody plays in contemporary political and social discourse. Topics include humor, farce, pastiche, satire, and irony. Most importantly, students will spend time trying their own

hands at parody, writing in a variety of satiric forms, and using their own wit and creativity to comment on the world around them. —David Kumler

COmputer prOGramminG and the Smart phOneSmart phones allow us to have powerful technology in the palms of our hands. They are intuitive, user-friendly, and sometimes just plain cool. But they aren’t magic. Someone had to design and program all the apps and software powering these nifty devices. In this computer engineering class, we will gain a fundamental understanding of the challenges and opportunities involved with programming android-based smart phones. We will learn about the Java programming language within the integrated development environment (IDE) of Eclipse. After learning the basic Java classes of the android software development kit (SDK), we will apply these classes to several hands-on programming projects including a tip calculator, a quadratic formula solver, and a line-plotting tool. We will also learn the importance of user interface design and how to develop intuitively designed user interfaces using XML. —Stephanie Weedon-Wright

FOrenSiC ChemiStryDo you like a good mystery? Do you like to trace evidence to determine whether or not the science accurately explains the crime? Here is your chance to become part of a team of forensic investigators examining the many facets of forensic chemistry. You will learn about topics such as drug analysis, toxicology, trace analysis of hair, fiber, and glass, and arson analysis of gunshot residue and fire debris. As you progress in learning the basic chemistry behind the techniques, you will spend time solving crimes. You will work as a team to collect and analyze evidence from various crime scenes, trace steps of the crime, communicate your findings with other task force members, and present your findings to the class. —Grace Zoorob



“i loved everyone i met at vSa from my professor to my ta, the proctors, and the other students.”

The Ingram Commons at Vanderbilt University

COmmunity, Creativity, CuriOSity, COmpaSSiOn

livinG, learninG, leadinGthe inGram COmmOnS

Vanderbilt leads the country in its commitment to create the best possible undergraduate learning environment. At the heart of this goal stand the ideas of The Ingram Commons—a unique program designed to make the first-year experience challenging, fun, and fulfilling. This collaborative community nurtures and develops proactive, intentional learners and invites an invigorating exchange of ideas. To learn more about The Ingram Commons, please visit commons.vanderbilt.edu.

At Vanderbilt Summer Academy, you don’t have to wait until you are a college student to enjoy The Ingram Commons experience. The Dean of The Ingram Commons and the staff of Vanderbilt Summer Academy have worked together to create programming designed to enlighten and to stimulate thinking for VSA students. You will have the opportunity to learn and to be inspired as you talk over the dinner table with professors from all parts of Vanderbilt University or as you share your own interests at informal colloquia that you and your friends and colleagues design. You can work together to create your own community of scholarship and fun.


V a n d e R b i lt s u m m e R a c a d e m y 2 0 1 3 • s e s s i o n i i

Session II Course CatalogRising 9th and 10th gRadeRs • June 16–28 • $2,250(For students who will be entering 9th or 10th grade in fall 2013)





Session II Course Titles

a day in the liFe OF vanderbilt Summer aCademy SeSSiOn ii**

Weekday Schedule




1:00 – 3:00 p.m. Class

3:00 – 4:00 p.m. Study Hall with TAs


5:00 – 6:00 p.m. Free Time

6:00 – 6:50 p.m. Dinner

7:00 – 9:00 p.m. Recreational Activities

9:00 –10:00 p.m. Proctor Meeting and Free Time on Hall

10:00 p.m. Room Curfew*

10:30 p.m. Lights Out*

* Room Curfew and Lights Out times may be

extended on Friday and Saturday nights.

** Subject to change

For students who will be going into 9th and 10th grades, Session II strives to reach the right combination of free time coupled with structured activity outside of class, allowing you to choose recreational and social activities that appeal to you. On the Session II weekend, we will arrange outings around Nashville and possibly an all-VSA recreational outing such as ice skating or laser tag. Throughout your

session, you will also find a diverse selection of unique evening activities from seminars on choosing a college to intramural ultimate Frisbee competitions to film screenings to just hanging out with your new friends. Our goal is for VSA Session II students to experience an age-appropriate sampling of campus life, living in a residence hall and creating a close-knit community among like-minded peers.

a WOrd abOut ClaSS plaCement Classes fill quickly! please consider your course choices carefully. While we will do our best to place you in your first-choice class, it may be filled, and we often have to place students in second- or third-choice classes. as you review these course descriptions, please rank-order as many classes as you’d like, knowing that you may not get your first choice. your deposit becomes non-refundable once we place you in a class that you have ranked. So, rank only those classes that you are truly willing to take—and pay for!

lyrics: From epic poems to modern popmath: Group theoryamerican utopiasastronomyWriting Short Stories math and musicStar Wars and mythologymicrobiology and immunologyunseen Civil Warnanotechnology and engineeringmedicine, health, and Societyapplied physics and Game design



lyriCS: FrOm epiC pOemS tO mOdern pOpThis class will revel in an eclectic mix of lyrics from Homer and Dante to Dylan and Tupac. Beginning with the origins of the form in ancient Greece and continuing through to its incarnations in Renaissance, romantic, and modern poetry, we will read literary lyrics alongside pop artists such as Taylor Swift. Throughout these readings and listenings, we will explore the forms and techniques of the lyric as well as its cultural and historical contexts. Students will add to the variety of our lyrical feast by recommending artists to study and contributing personal writing for the class’s consideration. In addition to studying particular poets and poetic movements, students will engage in daily close readings, discussions, and reflective writings. The student’s own writing will be collected throughout the course, presented periodically, and collated into a final portfolio. —Deann Armstrong

math: GrOup theOry Group theory is typically studied in the third year of an undergraduate mathematics major and has broad applications in computer science, theoretical physics, and organic chemistry. In this course, we’ll get a taste of group theory with an early investigation symmetries of regular

polygons, also known as the dihedral groups. We will develop the concept of a permutation and cyclic groups through an investigation of the “decimal” expansion of rational numbers in other bases and the shuffling of a deck of cards. We will also take time to answer the seemingly silly but non-trivial questions such as: “How does Pac Man play tic-tac-toe and chess?” This course will emphasize group investigations, solving difficult and non-standard problems, and mathematical communication. —Jason Brasel

ameriCan utOpiaS Have you ever wanted to live in a “perfect society”? American history is filled with examples of people who have tried to create utopias. In this class, we will explore real and imagined communities in the United States, from the founding visions of America itself to the growth of “hippie” communes in the twentieth century. In literature, film, and historical accounts, we will examine the reasons and ideals that drove past and present communitarians, and we will consider the basic beliefs utopian movements reveal about human potential, social organization, and authority structures in order to understand what factors contributed to the success or failure of these idealized miniature worlds. —Kelly Williams

Session II Course CatalogRising 9th and 10th gRadeRs • June 16–28 • $2,250(For students who will be entering 9th or 10th grade in fall 2013)



aStrOnOmyEvery night you can be an eyewitness to events that transpired millions of years ago, just by looking at the stars. This introduction to astronomy will combine cosmology—the study of the universe and humanity’s place in it—with hands-on observational techniques. We will employ a variety of approaches: daytime sun observation and study, naked eye observation, spectral analysis, astrophotography, and computer simulation. Students will also learn to use 8” Schmidt-Cassegrain telescopes in a nighttime telescope lab and visit the Vanderbilt Dyer Observatory. We will design experiments and collect and analyze data. We will also explore astrobiology and the prospect of extraterrestrial life. —Erika Gundstrom

WritinG ShOrt StOrieS In the world of literature, there’s hardly anything so satisfying—or so difficult to create—as a well-crafted short story. William Faulkner called the short story “the most demanding” form of prose, but students in this course will develop the skills necessary to rise to Mr. Faulkner’s challenge. Aspiring writers will learn about the creative process, developing plot, and crafting complex characters, and will explore ideas of narrative and voice. They will read and discuss short stories, and they’ll try out concepts in their own daily writing exercises. By the end of the class, students will have completed short stories of their own. This class will take an exploratory and activity-focused approach and will include a writing workshop format where students will give and receive feedback on one another’s work. —Marysa LaRowe

math and muSiCMath is everywhere in music from Brahms to the Beatles, Bartók to Ben Folds. Exploring the meeting point of mathematics and music opens up both worlds as expressions of beauty and wonder. This course will explore set theory, musical scales, matrices, serialism, compositional techniques, and the Fibonacci sequence, among other topics, helping students to reach a synthesis between the fields of math and music. Listening examples from various genres (classical, jazz, rock, etc.) will be an integral part of the classroom experience. Hands-on games and activities, including a musical composition written by the students

using techniques learned in class, will allow students to refine their ideas about what music is and how it relates to math. A musical background is helpful, but not required. —Dawson Gray

Star WarS and mythOlOGy Light sabers, speeder bikes, and droids are—admittedly—awesome. But the world of Star Wars is more than simply an exciting fantasyland. This course seeks to engage the Star Wars films from a mythological perspective. Specifically, we will examine the mythological underpinnings and basis of the Star Wars story while simultaneously exploring modern approaches to myth and mythography. Students will write critical pieces examining the extent to which Star Wars might be considered a modern myth along with imaginative work developing their own modern mythologies. Selected readings may include the work of Joseph Campbell, Mircea Eliade, Bronislaw Malinowski, Carl Jung, and Claude Lévi-Strauss. —David Kumler

miCrObiOlOGy and immunOlOGy: paraSiteS, SuperbuGS, and Other miCrObeSDid you eat enough dirt when you were a kid? Were you vaccinated? Have you been treated for every ear infection you’ve had? The microbial world consists of various types of unseen organisms that both help and harm the human body. Students in this class will use the tools of microbiology and immunology. They will spend time in an infectious disease lab at Vanderbilt University, exploring the effects that different kinds of microbes have upon the human body. (Students will learn and practice standard safety protocols and work only with mildly infectious strains.) Students will also discuss contemporary social issues that surround the ways modern medicine treats and prevents microbe-related diseases. —Holly Algood


the unSeen Civil WarThe Civil War wreaked havoc on the American people and its landscape. In your history classes, you’ve probably studied timelines, battles, and generals in textbooks and other written histories. But have you had the chance to study this era from the words and documents of the people who lived it? This course will examine the war from political, social, and military perspectives. We will use Vanderbilt’s vast archive of Civil War-era maps, photographs, documents, and primary source materials such as letters and journals to discover the causes, course, and consequences of the war. Students will hone their skills as historians through analysis of archival documents, development of critical writing skills, and classroom debate. This course will include a field trip to Nashville’s Fort Negley where students will learn about the war’s impact on the city and its citizens. —Erica Hayden

nanOteChnOlOGy and enGineerinGIn the field of engineering, the next big thing isn’t big at all. Nanotechnology explores our ability to manipulate miniature worlds and promises to revolutionize how we interact with our own world. This course will introduce students to the broad field of science and engineering at the atomic scale with a focus on two global issues—energy and health. Faculty members from the Vanderbilt Institute on Nanoscale Science and Engineering will guide students on a journey through matter as we know it. Hands-on activities will help students answer questions such as “How can new lifesaving drugs be made more effective?” and “How can we convert solar energy into electrical power?”

—VINSE faculty, including Greg Walker, Richard Haglund, James Dickerson, Todd Giorgio, David

Cliffel, Jim Davidson, Kane Jennings

This course has a special scholarship fund for Tennessee residents who meet certain criteria. See our website for details.


mediCine, health, and SOCietyExplore the fascinating world of medical anthropology. Learn how disease, health, and healing are culturally constructed. Students will examine the role of culture in diagnosing, understanding, and treating disease and illness. We will use case studies from around the world and at home to understand the relationships between health and culture, from trance dancing among the Ju/’hoansi in Africa to bedside manner in American hospitals. Our journey will continue with a critical examination of mind/body interaction in medicine. The latter part of this course will focus particularly on “the body”—the primary medium through which human beings experience the world. We will focus on specific themes including disability, organ theft, plastic surgery, and masculinity and femininity as products of culture. Through a variety of activities and anthropological experiments, students will gain an understanding of cross-cultural differences in medicine and healing. —Jamie Shenton

the phySiCS OF Game deSiGnEven the simplest games you play on your smart phone take a lot of time and effort from many people to develop. But it’s not just about computer programming! Many games have complex physics engines. In this class, we will gain a fundamental understanding of the challenges and opportunities involved with programming video games for android-based smart phones. We will learn about the Java programming language within the integrated development environment (IDE) of Eclipse. In tandem we will learn some basic physics of motion. After learning the basic Java classes and with a little physics under our belt, we will apply these concepts to an on-going programming project: android apps and the physics of Angry Birds. —Stephanie Weeden-Wright

“i greatly enjoy the in-depth study ... i would never get to learn about this in my regular school.”






10th GradeSat—630 m or Cr aCt—27 m or r


if you have taken the pSat, add a zero to get your Sat score.

Session III Course Titlesthe Chemistry of everyday thingsabstract algebraamerican legal Systemmed School 101Writing ScienceSpecial topics in mathFilmmakingmind, memory, and literatureintolerance in americaprinciples of engineeringWriting Fantasy Fictionbioarchaeology

Session III Course CatalogRising 11th and 12th gRadeRs • July 7–26 • $3,250(For students who will be entering 11th or 12th grade in fall 2013)

V a n d e R b i lt s u m m e R a c a d e m y 2 0 1 3 • s e s s i o n i i i

a day in the liFe OF vanderbilt Summer aCademy SeSSiOn iii**

Weekday Schedule




1:00 – 3:00 p.m. Class

3:00 – 4:00 p.m. Study Hall


5:00 – 6:00 p.m. Free Time

6:00 – 6:50 p.m. Dinner

7:00 – 9:30 p.m. Free Time (Mon.–Thurs.) and/or VSA-sponsored seminars, activities, and outings

9:30 –10:30 p.m. Proctor Meeting and Free Time on Hall

10:30 p.m. Room Curfew*

11:00 p.m. All Quiet*

* Later Curfew/All Quiet on weekends

** Subject to change

Designed especially for our older students, VSA Session III models itself on The Ingram Commons, Vanderbilt’s new concept of campus living designed to create community, develop responsibility, and foster the growth of each individual. To promote these goals, students in Session III have more free time and greater discretion in how to use it. After the first week, you will have the option to sign out and go off campus to nearby Hillsboro Village.

You’ll be able to sign up for weekly workshops and seminars on a range of topics, which could include anything from bioethics to the latest cultural phenomena. You’ll also have plenty of time to hang out in The Commons Center, engaging in discussions or just enjoying a cup of espresso and a game of Foosball with your fellow VSA students.

Weekends feature dances, group outings, inter-house competitions, talent shows, and much more. On Sunday mornings, you’ll have the option of attending religious services or sleeping until 11:00 a.m. Sunday afternoons and evenings are set aside for doing laundry, catching up on class readings, or enjoying a variety of informal activities or small-group outings designed to relax and prepare you for the week ahead.


ChOOSinG and applyinG tO yOur SeSSiOn iii COurSeAll Session III courses are filled first-come, first-served, based on eligibility. However, in some instances, VSA may make minor adjustments to balance course enrollments. As you read through the course listings on the following pages, you’ll see that certain courses have prerequisites and/or require supplemental application materials. For example, students applying to Med School 101 must submit an official transcript along with two letters of recommendation. Students applying to a math or science course may also be asked to submit an official transcript so that instructors can determine students’ levels of exposure to the subject area. Some courses will not require any additional materials. Again, see course listings for details. All applicants must submit the completed application form and two essays.

COlleGe preparatiOnMany of our Session III students are thinking about the prospect of applying to college. Because this prospect can be extremely daunting, Vanderbilt Summer Academy provides a range of opportunities to aid you as you prepare for your journey. You will have the opportunity to participate in a mock admissions committee led by counselors from Vanderbilt’s Office of Undergraduate Admissions. These

sessions aim to demystify college admissions procedures, preparing you to approach the process with confidence. You’ll learn what admissions professionals look for upon first readings of applications; how essays, grades, recommendations, and test scores figure into the admissions equation; and how admissions offices go about crafting an incoming class.

We want to help you learn what it takes to be successful in a university setting. We will provide opportunities for you to hear from current Vanderbilt undergraduates about the realities of college life. Your proctors will discuss topics such as the pinnacles and pitfalls of the first year, how to handle academic stress, and basic principles of good time management and self-responsibility.

In addition to formally organized sessions, you will have many opportunities to get the real truth about college life from your VSA proctors, most of whom are current Vanderbilt students. They are excellent sources of first-hand information for you, and they will provide you with thoughtful commentary and discussion on many aspects of the college experience.

Your exceptional academic abilities will afford you numerous options. At VSA, we want to help you cultivate the habits of mind that will lead you to success in whatever choice you make about college and your future.


the ChemiStry OF everyday thinGSEverything in our daily lives connects to chemical principles. This class will explore the science of food preservatives, additives, and biomolecules such as DNA, lipids, proteins, and carbohydrates. We will look at the chemistry behind agricultural pesticides, herbicides, and genetically modified organisms (GMOs). Additionally, students will learn about the chemical properties of vitamins and minerals and how the body manufactures and uses nutrients. Other topics may include the chemistry of climate change, beauty products, prescription drugs, and chemical weapons. Our study will also examine how the chemistry we encounter on a daily basis is embedded within social, historical, legal, and religious contexts and will address fundamental questions about the role of science in society. The course is an equal mix of science and discussion and may include some laboratory experiences. —Michelle Sulikowski

abStraCt alGebra Abstract algebra is normally an advanced undergraduate math course, with broad applications in computer science, theoretical physics, and organic chemistry. This course focuses on comprehending and effectively communicating advanced mathematical concepts, such as permutation and cyclic

groups, decimal expansion of rational numbers in other bases, the general linear group of matrices and the affine group, and more. Students will work in groups to solve complex and non-standard mathematical problems. Prerequisite: Algebra II. Supplemental Application Materials: Transcript. —Jason Brasel

the ameriCan leGal SyStem: GOvernment, SelF, and SOCietyThis course will allow students to study and discuss the complex relationship among government, society, and individuals. Students will consider founding principles of the American legal system and how those principles play out in modern society. Students will also examine landmark Supreme Court cases that have shaped interaction between the individual and the state. In addition to studying the philosophical underpinnings of constitutional and criminal law, students will gain practical experience in how to read legal documents, write briefs, and argue a case. We will also have the opportunity for several field trips around Nashville to witness legal proceedings in action. —TBD

med SChOOl 101The field of medicine is constantly growing and changing, and Vanderbilt University School of Medicine is at the forefront of the latest advances in technology and teaching. This course is


VSA III Courses

a WOrd abOut ClaSS plaCementClasses fill quickly! please consider your course choices carefully. While we will do our best to place you in your first-choice class, it may be filled, and we often have to place students in second- or third-choice classes. as you review these course descriptions, please rank-order as many classes as you’d like, knowing that you may not get your first choice. your deposit becomes non-refundable once we place you in a class that you have ranked. So, rank only those classes that you are truly willing to take—and pay for!


guidance and feedback. Additionally, students will participate in whole-class discussions and activities that introduce advanced disciplines such as linear algebra, combinatorics, logic, and game theory. Students will leave this class with a sampling of these higher-level topics, a more advanced understanding of their chosen math areas, and an increased awareness of how math is used in the world today. NOTE: This course is designed for students who have not yet taken calculus. Prerequisite: Algebra I, Geometry, and Algebra II. Supplemental Application Materials: Transcript. —Dawson Gray

FilmmakinGMoviemaking once required a small army of people to produce even a short film. The art of the motion picture was largely mysterious to the average person. Today, we can create sophisticated films using basic point-and-shoot cameras and inexpensive video-editing software. And, in the age of online video hosts such as YouTube, we can distribute films to the world with just a few clicks. No need to alter our ideas or “voice” to please agents or executive producers. But how do we express our voice on film? How do we create a quality online short film, one that will stand out among the millions? This course emphasizes the hands-on processes used to create superlative short films: screenwriting, planning, filming, and editing. Students will complete several film projects, start to finish, learning how to produce films and how best to convey their authentic voices to an online video audience. —Jake Wilson

mind, memOry, and literatureModern literature demonstrates a keen interest in understanding the workings of the mind. This course provides a unique opportunity for students to engage both their creative and their critical faculties as we explore the mind through literature. Students will read novels, short stories, and poetry that seek to examine the mind, the memory, and the cognitive process. In addition, we will examine the ways in which critics and philosophers have understood the faculties of the mind in relation to artistic creativity. Topics will include perception, memory, cognition, influence, and phenomenology. Students will write a college-level critical paper along with a number of creative pieces and will receive individual guidance and feedback on their work. —David Kumler

designed for students who want to learn more about the practice of medicine, and about what it means—practically and ethically—to be a doctor today. Taught by a team of medical students, with guest lectures featuring members of the medical faculty, the course will use small group discussions, lab exercises, traditional lectures, and Problem Based Learning—an exciting approach in which students will learn to analyze and diagnose case studies of real medical conditions. We will use many of the resources available through the Vanderbilt University School of Medicine, including computer patient modeling and other virtual medical simulations. NOTE: Students must be 16 years old by July 8, 2013, to participate in this course. Prerequisite: Biology, Chemistry. Supplemental Application Materials: Transcripts; two letters of recommendation. Download recommendation form at pty.vanderbilt.edu/cms/wp-content/uploads/VSATeacherRecForm.pdf

WritinG SCienCe FaCt and FiCtiOn We often think about science and literature as different subjects, but they have a lot to draw from each other. Science journalist Robert Krulwich has stressed the importance of using compelling narratives to teach scientific concepts, and some of the best fiction tackles concepts in genetics, bioengineering, medicine, neuroscience, and other fields. In this class, we’ll think about what role storytelling has in understanding science and how writers use scientific discoveries in their fiction. We will read journalistic essays on science, as well as pieces by fiction writers who incorporate science into their work. These may include realist writers as well as some science fiction writers. Students will also try their hand at nonfiction science writing and creative treatments of scientific topics. —Marysa LaRowe

SpeCial tOpiCS in mathThis course offers a unique opportunity for highly motivated students to expand their knowledge and comprehension of math. Students will spend part of their time working independently on a math area of their choosing (pre-calculus or calculus, depending on prior experience). Students will demonstrate their progress and increased competence through brief tests administered by the instructional staff, who will always be available to provide individual

“the academics were challengingand inspiring.”


20


thrOuGh the lOOkinG GlaSS: WritinG FantaSy FiCtiOnAlice was bored on a hot afternoon—bored with her life, bored with her older sister. She was bored, that is, until she saw a white rabbit carrying a large watch and chain. So begins the modern fascination with the fantastic and the extraordinary, the hero’s quest to find a way out of Wonderland and return home. We love the magic realms of Alice, Harry Potter, and Frodo Baggins and secretly wish we could find them, too. But do we have what it takes as writers to create magical, mysterious worlds ourselves? Join the quest not just to read classic works of fantasy, but also to begin writing a classic of your own. In this course, we will experiment with short stories, novels, and poems. Students will produce a portfolio of creative writing that will set them on the path to discover the secret worlds hidden in their imaginations. J. K. Rowling, beware! —Jan Harris

biOarChaeOlOGyLearn to read the bones—literally. In this course, students will study the methods of bioarchaeology, the science of interpreting human skeletons from an archaeological context. Students will become biological anthropologists, using Vanderbilt’s “bone lab” of human skeletal casts to learn how to make determinations about an individual’s way of life and cause of death. Some of the methods we will explore include radiocarbon dating, isotope analysis, and DNA testing. We will also use a biocultural approach to gain an understanding of the relationship between body and culture. For example, what can the bone record tell us about the individual’s health, diet, and social status? This course will culminate in mock field projects, in which students will analyze and document human remains in bioarchaeological as well as forensic contexts. Student groups will formally present their findings to the class. —Amanda Winburn

nOt in my baCkyard: reliGiOuS intOleranCe in ameriCa America is sometimes described as a “melting pot” in which people who come here from all across the world blend into a single society and culture. But what about those groups whose cultural and religious practices just refuse to “melt” into the larger American mold? From cartoons and exposés about Latter-Day Saints and Roman Catholics to legal battles surrounding the practices of the Jehovah’s Witnesses and contemporary opposition to Muslim houses of worship, from hate crimes to violent protests, this course challenges the “melting pot” narrative of American history by examining the history of religious intolerance. We will learn about the development of religious pluralism, as well as the separation of church and state, in the United States, and explore instances when religious groups have tested, or been tested by, these deeply held ideals. —Kelly Williams

prinCipleS OF enGineerinG Engineering is everywhere—from cars and smart phones to medical devices and skyscrapers! Students in this course will experience some of the diversity that engineering has to offer, which includes mechanical, electrical, civil, biomedical, and chemical engineering. They will learn the core scientific and mathematical concepts that apply to the field as a whole, paying particular attention to the sub-disciplines of biomedical and mechanical engineering. In addition, they will gain an inside-view of undergraduate and graduate engineering, doing hands-on work and observations with experts and scholars in Vanderbilt’s state-of-the-art facilities. Supplemental Application Materials: Transcript. —Amanda Lowery


Common Questions from VSA ApplicantsWhere will i live?Hank Ingram House on The Ingram Commons at Vanderbilt was opened in 2008. It has many fine amenities and a prime campus location. It is fully air-conditioned and has comfortable rooms and resident lounges on each floor.

Will i have a roommate?Yes. All Hank Ingram rooms are double rooms. Two students (same gender) will be assigned to each room. Each floor of Hank Ingram House has four single-gender communal baths.

may i choose my own roommate?No. VSA typically makes roommate assignments randomly.

may i bring a car to campus?No.

may i bring a cell phone, ipod, or other electronic device?Yes. However, we do have restrictions on the use of these devices, which we will ask you to abide by. The policy for use of electronics will be outlined in your student handbook.

do i need a computer?No. Students will have access to three computer labs, which will be accessible at certain hours of each weekday. Also, there are many public-use computers around campus. Some students do find that a computer is beneficial, but they are not required.

Will i do my own laundry?Yes. Students attending Sessions II or III will do their own laundry. Laundry facilities are available in the residence hall. You should pack laundry supplies such as detergent, fabric softener, etc. If you’ve never done laundry, you might want to ask your parents for a crash course before you arrive at VSA!

how should i select my class?We recommend that you choose your class based on what interests you. We encourage you to rank three to four classes, but be sure that any course you rank on your application is something you’d be willing to take and pay for. Once you are placed in a class you ranked, your deposit will be non-refundable. Apply early to have the best chance at your first choice!

Why do i take only one class?We believe that, in order to develop facility in specific content areas, it is important for gifted students to be immersed in core content. Therefore, each VSA course is designed to be an accelerated, in-depth look at its respective content area.

Will i receive a grade or credit for my class?No. VSA does not give grades or award credit. We want you to stretch your intellectual capacity without fear of failure. Your instructor will evaluate your progress, and you will receive a course evaluation report from your instructor after VSA. The report will detail your progress on a variety of factors and aims to give you a broad picture of your academic growth in the course.

What are proctors and what do they do?Proctors are residential counselors. They are specially trained undergraduate students who will live in the residence hall with VSA students and will organize the residential recreational and social activities. Each student will be assigned to a proctor group. Your proctor is also available to answer any questions you have and to help you make the best of your VSA experience.

Will attending vSa help me get into vanderbilt?No. However, attending VSA will give you an inside look at Vanderbilt and will provide opportunities for you to learn more about the admissions process than you would typically get from a regular admissions visit.

“i loved meeting other motivated teenagers

in a fun, unique environment.”


Common Questions from ParentsWhen are applications due?Sessions II & III: March 29, 2013 Session I: April 26, 2013

Why are there different application dates for Sessions ii and iii and for Session i?Session I is geared to 7th graders who have just participated in a talent search, such as Duke TIP. Since many of them do not learn their ACT or SAT score until mid-to-late March, Session I applicants have a later application date.

how do i get the early-bird discount?Submit application and required tuition deposit by the early-bird dates as follows, and you’ll receive a 5 percent discount on your overall tuition: Sessions II and III: February 1, 2013 Session I: Not applicable

do i get my deposit back?Deposits are refundable ONLY if a student is NOT placed in a class. Once we place a student in a class, deposits are non-refundable. Therefore, we highly recommend that students rank only those classes they are willing to take —and pay for.

Why does vSa use aCt/Sat scores to determine eligibility?VSA specifically designs courses for gifted learners. Our instructors teach their courses at an accelerated pace and at a level of depth which research suggests works particularly well with gifted students. We use ACT/SAT scores as a measure in determining a student’s ability to succeed at this pace.

my child has not taken the aCt/Sat. is there an alternative qualifying method?Yes. In addition to ACT/SAT scores, we also offer a portfolio assessment option. Details of the portfolio option are outlined on our website. Please visit pty.vanderbilt.edu/portfolio_assessment to learn more.

Will i get to meet my child’s instructor?Yes, if you wish. Optional parent/teacher conferences or classroom open houses will be available to parents on check-out days.

may i visit my child during vSa?Other than check-in and check-out days, we respectfully request that parents remain off campus while VSA is in session. However, during sessions that include weekends, we will allow families to check students out on Sunday mornings. See your child’s welcome packet for details.

are all meals included?Yes.

Can vSa accommodate dietary restrictions?Usually, with adequate prior notice.

Should i send any spending money with my child?Yes. We recommend about $30 per week for incidentals and occasional optional outings for an ice cream cone or souvenirs from the VU bookstore.

i am applying for financial aid. Should i send the aid application along with my child’s application for admission?Yes. Please send them together. We will make admission decisions independently of financial aid decisions, but for the sake of simplicity, we recommend that you send all materials at once.

how does vSa determine financial aid eligibility?Eligibility for financial aid is strictly need based. Families must submit their most recent federal tax return and other documents along with the completed financial aid applications in order to demonstrate need. We will contact you with the award amount.

does vSa award full scholarships?No. All financial aid awards are partial.


Patrick Abbot is an associate professor of biological sciences at Vanderbilt University. He studies evolutionary genetics and ecology in insects, plants, and microbes. His recent publications include articles for the American Naturalist, the Journal of Evolutionary Biology, and Ecological Entomology. Professor Abbot joined Vanderbilt in 2004, and he teaches Ecology and Introductory Biology.

Holly Algood is an assistant professor of medicine with the Departments of Medicine and Pathology at Vanderbilt University Medical Center. Her lab researches the body’s immune response to Helicobacter pylori, a type of pathogen that can lead to peptic ulcers and gastric cancer. Her long-term research interests involve understanding the interactions between disease-causing pathogens, the immune system, and normal microbes found inside the human body. Algood received her Ph.D. from the University of Pittsburgh in 2003, and her research has appeared in the Journal of Immunology and the Journal of Biological Chemistry.

Deann Armstrong is currently studying for her Ph.D. in Vanderbilt University’s English department. She holds an M.A. in Shakespeare studies from King’s College, London, where she studied Renaissance playhouse practice at the Globe Theatre and completed research on critical comparisons between contemporary screenwriting and early modern playwriting. For her B.A., she attended Southwestern University in Georgetown, Texas, where she majored in English and Education. She especially enjoyed her course work on Shakespeare and Bob Dylan, and has since published on Dylan’s Art of Abandonment. She writes extensively on early modern drama, Shakespeare on film, and early modern sermons and lyric poetry. Her ongoing academic interests are in the adaptability of the author’s persona, the collisions of artistic genres within and between time periods, and the convergences of literature and popular culture.

Jason Brasel is a native Californian and recent Nashville transplant. He studied mathematics at the University of California, Berkeley, and taught high school mathematics for six years in his home town of Sacramento. He is now a first-year doctoral student at Peabody College of Education and Human Development studying mathematics education with a strong interest in

learning how teachers learn to teach. In his free time, he enjoys hanging out with his wife and riding and racing bicycles.

David Cliffel is an associate professor of chemistry and an associate professor of pediatrics at Vanderbilt. As founder of the Cliffel Research Group at Vanderbilt, he has helped develop equipment designed to aid security forces responding to chemical and biological terrorist attacks. To learn more, visit vanderbilt.edu/AnS/Chemistry/groups/cliffel.

Cassidy Cobbs is a doctoral student studying co-evolution between blood-feeding insects, mammalian hosts, and bacteria they share, including potential pathogens. She earned a bachelor of arts in psychology from the University of North Carolina, Chapel Hill, and a bachelor of science in biology from North Carolina State University. Cassidy grew up on a Fraser fir farm in the Appalachian Mountains of northwest North Carolina, where she didn’t have television and was forced to spend time reading books and playing outside, which jump-started her interest in biology. Here in Nashville, when not working, Cassidy likes to play ice hockey and spend time with her two dogs.

Jimmy L. Davidson conducts applied research in advanced electronic materials and microelectronic microsensors and is developing programs in synthetic diamond and other rugged advanced wide band gap semiconductors for electronic, biological, and mechanical applications. Davidson has served as vice president of operations at InSouth Microelectronics Corp. and as associate director of the Alabama Microelectronics Center. Currently, he holds the titles of professor of electrical engineering, emeritus, professor of materials science and engineering, emeritus, professor of engineering management, emeritus, and director of the Vanderbilt Microelectronics Laboratory. Davidson has more than 100 publications in his field and holds six patents. To learn more, visit vuse.vanderbilt.edu/~jld/persinfo.htm.

James Dickerson, an associate professor of physics and principal investigator with the Dickerson Group, serves on the faculty of the Vanderbilt Interdisciplinary Program in Materials Science (ims.vanderbilt.edu). Research from his lab is featured prominently in the

Vanderbilt Summer Academy Faculty

James Dickerson


children’s book Scientists on the Cutting Edge, which covers topics such as nanoscience, astronomy, and particle physics. Dickerson aims to contribute to the development and understanding of novel nanocrystals and nanocrystalline structure that have the potential for optical, electronic, and magnetic applications. He also has been active in promoting the participation of underrepresented minorities in the field of physics. To learn more, visit jameshdickerson.com.

Todd Giorgio is a professor of biomedical engineering and a professor of cancer biology. His research group works to better understand fundamental cellular behavior, including kinetics and mechanisms of gene delivery to mammalian cells, intracellular bioengineering, effects of shear on cellular function, platelet physiology, biorheology, and biosensors of cellular function, in order to advance the practical application of human gene therapy. To learn more, go to engineering.vanderbilt.edu/BiomedicalEngineering/FacultyStaff/FacultyListing/ToddGiorgio.aspx.

Dawson Gray has taught with Vanderbilt Programs for Talented Youth for several years, most recently teaching Puzzles and Problem-Solving for Weekend Academy at Vanderbilt University. After graduating from Vanderbilt University with a double major in piano performance and mathematics, Gray completed a master’s degree in education at Vanderbilt’s Peabody College, where his major focus was secondary education with an emphasis on math. He now teaches at Battle Ground Academy in Franklin, Tennessee. In addition to math and music, his greatest passion is baseball, and he believes there should be a constitutional amendment outlawing Astroturf and the designated hitter.

Erika Grundstrom is a research assistant professor and director of astronomy labs in the Department of Physics and Astronomy at Vanderbilt University and the Department of Physics at Fisk University. Her research combines interests in massive stars, spectroscopy, and astronomy education. Recently, these interests have taken her to the Cerro Tololo Inter-American Observatory in Chile as well as into the Nashville Public Schools where she developed and taught curriculum for sixth-grade students. To learn more, visit astro.phy.vanderbilt.edu/~grundsed.

Richard Haglund, professor of physics, researches ultrafast and wavelength-selective

laser interactions with materials, nanoscale nonlinear optics and nanoscale phase transitions, and materials processing and analysis of materials using laser spectroscopy. He serves as principal investigator for the NSF Nanoscience Interdisciplinary Research Team (NIRT) and the DOE Nanoscience, Engineering, and Technology (NSET) project. Haglund also is co-principal investigator at the W. M. Keck Foundation Free-Electron Laser Center at Vanderbilt University. His work pushes the cutting edge of the field of proteomics, a newly coined term for identifying the structure and the role of proteins that are the basis of life. Proteomics offers great promise for major advances in medical treatment. To learn more, visit sitemason.vanderbilt.edu/physics/haglund.

Jan Harris is a poet, an avid reader, and an accomplished VSA instructor whose popular courses have included Writing and Visual Literacy and Creative Writing: Autobiography. She received her Ph.D. from the University of Alabama in 2008. Harris is a published author whose poetry has appeared in Anthology and Event.

Erica Hayden is a Ph.D. candidate in the Vanderbilt Department of History. Her research interests include nineteenth-century American history, particularly women’s history, the Civil War and Reconstruction eras, and the history of crime and punishment. Her dissertation examines the experiences of female criminals as offenders and inmates in Pennsylvania before the Civil War.

Kane Jennings, professor of chemical and biomolecular engineering at Vanderbilt University, has published more than forty papers in the area of organic thin films as related to nanoscale science and has received both university and school awards for excellence in teaching. He received a 2006 Chancellor’s Research Award for his work on pH-responsive polymer films. Jennings is also the proud mentor to Ph.D. student Eric Brantley who won the Best Research Paper of 2004 within the Vanderbilt University School of Engineering, and undergraduates Tom Niedringhaus, Evan Graybill, and Andrew Payne, who have each won national awards for their research projects on nanomaterials for alternative energy. To learn more, visit frontweb.vuse.vanderbilt.edu/vuse_web/directory/facultybio.asp?FacultyID=21709.

David Kumler is a graduate instructor and M.F.A. candidate in creative writing at the University of Alabama. He is a graduate of

“the proctor

groups were

amazing.

the classes

were very interesting, and i liked

meeting

all my new

friends.”

p t y. v a n d e r b i lt. e d u ( 6 1 5 ) 3 2 2 - 8 2 6 1 25

Belmont University, where he received a B.A. in religious studies. David’s academic interests include mythology, modern British literature, and the relationship between the political and the aesthetic. He is currently working on a novel, tentatively titled These Are the Good Moments, as well as a collection of short stories.

Marysa LaRowe is in her second year at Vanderbilt in the Master of Fine Arts program. She grew up outside Chicago and studied journalism at Boston University before completing her bachelor of arts in English and creative writing at the University of Wisconsin–Madison. Marysa has worked as a health benefits counselor and has also taught creative writing in a Wisconsin men’s prison. Her work has appeared or is forthcoming in Southeast Review, Matchbook, Wisconsin People and Ideas, and Valparaiso Fiction Review. She is a fiction editor of Nashville Review.

Sarah Lawson is a doctoral student studying the evolution of eusociality—forms of social organization in animals—with a focus on the cost of conflict within communities of species. Her research centers on a species of social aphids native to the Nashville area that offers a unique opportunity to examine the independent origins of sociality. She is originally from New Mexico where she developed her passion for biology through exposure to the state’s rich variety of ecosystems and earned her undergraduate degree in biology from the University of New Mexico.

Amanda Lowery is an assistant professor of biomedical engineering at the Vanderbilt University School of Engineering. She earned her Ph.D. in bioengineering from Rice University. Lowery teaches a number of different bioengineering courses and is a contributor to the Department of Biomedical Engineering’s Laboratory for Bionanotechnology and Biomedicine.

Rosie Seagraves is a doctoral student in the Vanderbilt Department of Spanish and Portuguese. Her research interests include early modern Spanish literature, comedia performance, and gender studies. In addition to her doctoral studies, Rosie recently directed a performance of an Ano Caro play for a symposium titled “Early Modern Spanish Theatre: Text and Performance,” offered through Vanderbilt’s Robert Penn Warren Center for the Humanities. Rosie has spent several summers with VSA as a teaching assistant in a variety of literature and humanities courses.

Jamie Shenton graduated with a bachelor of arts in anthropology/sociology and Spanish from Centre College in 2006, after which she spent a year as a volunteer English teacher at Yachana Technical High School for ecotourism and sustainable development in the rain forests of Ecuador. She received her master’s degree in anthropology from Vanderbilt University in 2010, returned to Ecuador from 2011 to 2012 for a year of field work among indigenous Kichwa women, and, at present, is completing her doctorate in the Vanderbilt anthropology program. Her current interests include cultural anthropology with a medical anthropology focus, specializing in body image, the cultural politics of body size and shape among indigenous populations in the developing world, adolescence, and aspirations.

Michelle Sulikowski is a senior lecturer in the Department of Chemistry and is the associate director of education for the Vanderbilt Institute of Chemical Biology. Sulikowski originally pursued a career in psychology; however, she was swept away by the excitement of science courses that revealed how things work. During her short tenure at Vanderbilt, she has won three teaching awards including the Harriet S. Gilliam Award for Excellence in Teaching. She has a passion for mentoring young students at the secondary and college level. Her main chemical interests are organic chemistry and chemical education.

Kane Jennings

“i feel like i am more ‘myself’ here than i am at home

and i can’t wait to come back.”


Greg Walker, associate professor of mechanical engineering, holds several appointments at Vanderbilt, including in the Interdisciplinary Materials Science program, the Thermal Physics Lab, the Scientific Computer Center, and the Vanderbilt Institute of Nanoscale Science and Engineering. His research interests include the modeling and simulation of nonequilibrium-coupled energy transport in heat-transfer and electronic materials, and employing modern high-performance computing architectures and large-scale scientific programming paradigms. Walker actively serves on the American Society of Mechanical Engineers K-16 Committee on Heat Transfer in Electronic Equipment. To learn more, visit engineering.vanderbilt.edu/MechanicalEngineering/FacultyStaff/FacultyListing/GregWalker.aspx.

Kelly Williams is a first-time instructor with PTY and a doctoral candidate in the Vanderbilt Graduate Department of Religion. Her research interests include religious innovation in the United States, church-state relations, and changing religious and social understandings of marriage and romance. She has a master’s degree in religion from the University of Georgia and a bachelor’s degree in English from Davidson College. Kelly loves a good impromptu road trip and a good mixtape, and she has never met a taco she didn’t enjoy.

Amanda Winburn is a Ph.D. student studying bioarchaeology. She graduated summa cum laude from Emory University; her senior thesis utilized tetracycline markers on skeletal remains to determine bone growth rates and to measure interval periods between tetracycline ingestions. She has lab experience in osteology,

earth and environmental sciences, and wet chemistry laboratories, and has field experience in Alaska, Belize, and Guatemala. She will continue to work in Guatemala throughout her graduate career with the Classic Period Maya, and is currently working at the lowland site of Cancuen. Her research focuses on using bioarchaeological methods to identify social status differences and examine how those differences affect differential risks for violence, equal or unequal access to dietary resources and nutritional health, and how local or foreign (immigrant) status articulates with structure and the likelihood for violence and poor health.

Jacob Wilson has never taken a computer class in his life. In fact, he spent his college years at Vanderbilt working to become an English teacher. But, after finishing his degree, he entered the academic world with an open mind and a multitude of interests. After several years of working with Vanderbilt Programs for Talented Youth’s computer programming class, pushing students to use video games to tell stories, Wilson developed his own class on digital storytelling. His primary concern is helping students explore new and different ways to express themselves.

Grace Zoorob is a senior lecturer in the Department of Chemistry at Vanderbilt. After college, Grace pursued a career in the cosmetic industry developing anti-aging products. However, she always had a passion for teaching and decided to switch to an academic career. She enjoys mentoring high school and college students and is currently teaching analytical and forensic chemistry classes.


Application Instructions and TimelinesSeSSiOnS ii and iii• February 1, 2013

Last day to receive early-bird discount. Application must be postmarked by Feb. 1.

• MARCH 29, 2013* ALL ADMISSION AND FINANCIAL AID APPLICATIONS DUE

• April 12, 2013 Final tuition payment due for all admitted students. Failure to submit tuition by this date could result in forfeit of seat in class.

• May 24, 2013 Last day to withdraw with partial refund.

SeSSiOn i• APRIL 26, 2013*

ALL ADMISSION AND FINANCIAL AID APPLICATIONS DUE

• May 10, 2013 Final tuition payment due for all admitted students. Failure to submit tuition by this date could result in forfeit of seat in class.

• May 24, 2013 Last day to withdraw with partial refund.

*Many classes will fill long before these posted deadlines. We strongly recommend that students submit applications as early as possible. Applications received after deadlines will be reviewed on a case-by-case basis ONLY if space remains available. If space is unavailable, late applicants will be placed on a waiting list and will be reviewed only if an opening arises.

admiSSiOn nOtiFiCatiOnVSA will send admissions notifications on a rolling basis as applications are reviewed.

Students will receive an acknowledgement email upon initial receipt of their applications. In most cases, students can expect an admissions notification within three weeks of their “application received” email.

IMPORTANT NOTICE: We date-stamp all applications upon receipt. Applications will be reviewed in the order received. Get your application in early in order to have the best chance at receiving your first-choice class. Applications received prior to January 11, 2013, will be dated January 11, regardless of receipt date.

appliCatiOn CheCkliStIncomplete applications will not be reviewed. Make sure to include all required materials:

q Admission application, completed and signed

q Copy of ACT, SAT, or PSAT scores (First-time students only)

q Application Fee of $35 (Non-refundable, required for ALL applicants)

q Tuition Deposit: $300 (As a separate check or money order from application fee)

Financial Aid applicants who submit a certificate of eligibility for free lunch programs are not required to submit a tuition deposit.

q Essays, completed and signed

q Financial Aid Form (if applicable)

Supplemental Materials (If applicable; see course listing to determine if you need to send supplemental materials)

q Transcripts

q Two Letters of Recommendation (In sealed envelopes which your recommender has signed across the seal)


early-bird diSCOunt (SeSSiOnS ii and iii Only)Submit application by February 1 to receive a 5 percent tuition discount. Discount will appear on the balance sheet in your welcome packet. Due to the extremely short application window for Session I, we do not offer an early-bird discount for this session.

payment inFOrmatiOnAll applicants must submit a non-refundable application fee of $35, payable by check or money order to Vanderbilt University-PTY. Submit a separate check/money order for the tuition deposit with applications. Deposits will be refunded only if the student is not admitted to the program.

Tuition balance may be paid by check, money order, or credit card. Credit card payments are subject to an administrative fee. Payroll deduction is available to Vanderbilt employees.

NOTE: Please make all checks/money orders payable to Vanderbilt University-PTY.

FinanCial aidLimited need-based financial aid is available. Families applying for financial aid must include copies of their most recent federal income tax return (1040, 1040A, 1040EZ) including any schedules, attachments, and W-2 forms. Financial aid decisions are made independently of admissions decisions. Award letters will be included in the student’s admissions packet. Financial aid awards are for partial tuition and are strictly need based.

REMINDER: Submit financial aid form with student’s admission application by the stated deadlines.

ClaSS plaCementRank your class choices in order of preference, with 1 indicating your first choice. You may rank as many choices as interest you. We will make every effort to place you in your first choice. However, classes fill very quickly, and we will place you into your highest-ranked class based on seat availability at the time we review your application. Thus, rank only courses you are willing to take and pay for. Once you are placed in a class you ranked, your deposit is non-refundable.

All classes, including Med School 101, will be filled first-come, first-served, based on eligibility. However, in some instances, VSA may make adjustments to balance class enrollments. We strongly encourage students to submit applications as early as possible to have the best chance of placement in your higher-ranked class choices.

Waiting lists will be maintained for applicants for whom all course choices are full; however, there is no guarantee that spots will open in a class. Deposit checks will be held, but not cashed, when students are placed on a waiting list. Deposit checks will be cashed upon the student’s placement in a class or returned if the student does not gain admission to the program.

reFund pOliCyThe $35 application fee will not be refunded for any reason. The $300 tuition deposit will not be refunded for any reason after a student is admitted to a ranked course choice.

A student who withdraws from the program will receive a tuition refund (minus the tuition deposit) if VSA is notified before April 12, 2013, for Sessions II and III or May 10, 2013, for Session I. Students who withdraw between these withdrawal dates and May 24, 2013, may be eligible for up to a 50 percent refund (minus the deposit). After May 24, 2013, requests for refunds are not granted except in extreme cases. Such requests will be handled on a case-by-case basis.

29

2013 APPLICATIONS DUE—SESSIONS II & III: MARCH 29, SESSION I: APRIL 26 Session I: June 9–14, 2013 • Session II: June 16–28, 2013 • Session III: July 7–26, 2013

Send completed application to: Vanderbilt Summer Academy Admissions

Pmb 0506 • 230 appleton Place • nashville, tn 37203-5721

(615) 322-8261 • pty.vanderbilt.edu

Vanderbilt Summer AcademyA D M I S S I O N A P P L I C A T I O N

Please type or print in blue or black ink. You may photocopy this application for family or friends.

Applicant’s name

Last First Preferred name

Date of birth_______/________/________ Gender q male q Female Present grade (School year 2012/2013) q 7th q 8th q 9th q 10th q 11th Month Day Year

Race/Ethnicity (optional) q african american/black q asian/pacific islander q Caucasian/White

q hispanic q native american q multiracial q Other

Mailing address

Number and street, box, or route City, State, ZIP

Home telephone ( ) _________________________________________ Applicant email ______________________________________________________

Applicant cellphone ( ) _________________________________________

Are you applying for financial aid? q yes q no If yes, enclose a completed financial aid application.

C O N T A C T I N f O R M A T I O N

Primary Contact:

First Last Relationship to Student

( )

Email Address Preferred Phone #

Secondary Contact:

First Last Relationship to Student

( )

Email Address Preferred Phone #

We will send most VSA correspondence via email, including admission notices, to all email addresses you provide

(student, primary and/or secondary contacts). Please ensure that email addresses are accurate and legible.

A D D I T I O N A L I N f O R M A T I O NT-shirt size (Adult sizes) q Small q medium q large q extra large

How did you hear about Vanderbilt Summer Academy?

q i am a returning student q Catalog mailing q teacher q School Counselor q Web Search q postcard

q e-newsletter q vanderbilt publication q duke tip q Social media q Other

OffICE USE ONLY:

date rec’d:

app ck #:

dep ck #:

app #:

30

C O U R S E I N f O R M A T I O N

Please rank your course choices in order of preference. Please note that classes are first-come, first-served. You may rank as many choices as interest you. We will place you in your highest ranked classes based on available openings. Rank only those classes that you are willing to take and pay for. Deposits are non-refundable once you are placed in a class you ranked. Session I: June 9–14, 2013 Session II: June 16–28, 2013 Session III: July 7–26, 2013

(rising 8th graders) (rising 9th and 10th graders) (rising 11th and 12th graders)

*These courses require additional application materials. See catalog course listings for details, or visit pty.vanderbilt.edu/vsa.

If applying for a math course, please provide the following information:Math courses completed as of June 2013: q algebra 1 q algebra 2 q Geometry q pre-Calculus q Calculus q Other

If applying for a science or engineering course or Med School 101, please provide the following information:High school science course(s) completed: q biology* q Chemistry* q physics q Other (*Required for Med School 101)

Math courses completed as of June 2013: q algebra 1 q algebra 2 q Geometry q pre-Calculus q Calculus q Other

Documentation in the form of transcripts, grade report, or other record of current courses is required.

S C H O O L I N f O R M A T I O N

School name Mailing address Telephone

Guidance counselor/Gifted coordinator

T E S T I N GProvide verification of your qualifying test scores; include photocopies of all score report forms.

PSAT Test Date _____________ Grade/Age when taken _____________ Math ____________________ Critical Reading/Verbal ______________________

SAT Test Date ______________ Grade/Age when taken _____________ Math ____________________ Critical Reading/Verbal ______________________

ACT Test Date ______________ Grade/Age when taken _____________ Math ____________________ Critical Reading/Verbal ______________________

Please read, sign, and date the following certification. We certify that all statements and supporting documents submitted in the application process are truthful, accurate, and complete. We also agree that the intentional submission of false or misleading statements or supporting documents constitutes cause for denial of admission or dismissal from the program.

Signature of parent or legal guardian Date

Signature of applicant Date

Do not apply for this program if you will have to leave during the session for other events or activities. VSA is committed to principles of equal opportunity and does not discriminate on the basis of race, ethnicity, religion, sexual orientation, gender, or gender identity.

___Baseball by the Numbers___Theatre___Religion and Politics___Astronomy___Writing Short Stories___Field Ecology___Intro to Group Theory___Unseen Civil War___Nanotechnology___Satire, Parody, and Wit___Computer Programming___Forensic Chemistry

___Lyrics: From Epic Poems to Modern Pop___Math: Group Theory___American Utopias___Astronomy___Writing Short Stories ___Math and Music___Star Wars and Mythology___Microbiology and Immunology___Unseen Civil War___Nanotechnology and Engineering___Medicine, Health, and Society___The Physics of Game Design

___The Chemistry of Everyday Things___Abstract Algebra*___American Legal System___Med School 101*___Writing Science___Special Topics in Math*___Filmmaking___Mind, Memory, and Literature___Intolerance in America___Principles of Engineering*___Writing Fantasy Fiction___Bioarchaeology

31

Vanderbilt Summer AcademyA N S W E R B O T H E S S A Y Q U E S T I O N S A N D S I G N

Student’s name

In 250 words or less, please tell us why you chose the class you ranked as number one.

You may use a separate sheet of paper, if needed.

Note: Please speak freely. We use these essays to learn more about you. They may be shared with VSA faculty and staff.

I hereby certify that the words and ideas above are my own.

Signature

Vanderbilt Summer Academy Admissions



32

Vanderbilt Summer AcademyA N S W E R B O T H E S S A Y Q U E S T I O N S A N D S I G N

Student’s name

Please write an original response to one of the following in 250 words or less:

• You’ve just written a 300-page autobiography. Send us page 217.

• What invention would the world be better off without? Why?

• If you could spend a year with any real or fictional person from the past or present, whom would you choose and why?

I hereby certify that the words and ideas above are my own.

Signature

Vanderbilt Summer Academy Admissions



33

Vanderbilt Summer Academyf I N A N C I A L A I D A P P L I C A T I O N

Please use this form to apply for financial aid and submit it with the Admission Application. We will use this information to determine your eligibility for financial aid and the amount of aid to be awarded. Please type or print.

• Financial aid awards are strictly need based on a first-come, first-served basis. Apply early. Please note that we do not provide full funding.

• Applications cannot be processed until we have the completed financial aid application with all appropriate tax information, as well as the $35 application fee.

• Submit this form, your tax information, and the application fee, along with your program application.

A P P L I C A N T I N f O R M A T I O N (Please type or print)

Applicant’s name

Last First Middle

Mailing address

Number and street, box, or route City, State, ZIP

Home telephone ( ) _________________________________________ Cell ( ) _________________________________________

H O U S E H O L D I N f O R M A T I O N

Guardian/Mother’s name Occupation

Daytime telephone ( ) Employer name

Guardian/father’s name Occupation

Daytime telephone ( ) Employer name

Parents’ present marital status q married q divorced q Separated q Single q Widowed

Applicant lives with (check all that apply) q mother q Father q Guardian q Grandparent(s)

List the names of all people living in the applicant’s main household, related or not, such as grandparents, other relatives, friends.

(You may use a separate piece of paper if needed)

Name and relationship to the applicant (List the applicant first) Age

Name and relationship to the applicant Age




H O U S E H O L D I N C O M E I N f O R M A T I O N

Do you or any people living in the student’s main household (grandparents, other relatives, friends, etc.) receive:

Child support payments? q yes q no If yes, $_______________/month

Social Security payments? q yes q no If yes, $_______________/month

SSI payments? q yes q no If yes, $_______________/month

Welfare, or any other public assistance? q yes q no If yes, $_______________/month

34

Housing, food, or other living allowances paid to members of the clergy, military, and others?

(Do not include Military Housing Privatization housing allowance)

q yes q no If yes, $_______________/month

financial assistance from people who are not members of the household?

(Include expenses paid on your behalf)


Untaxed workers compensation, disability, retirement, or veterans’ benefits?


Any other income not listed above and not reported on your federal tax return?

q yes q no

If yes, list type of benefit(s) and amount(s) below:

___________________________________________________________________________________________ $_______________/month

___________________________________________________________________________________________ $_______________/month

___________________________________________________________________________________________ $_______________/month

A S S E T S I N f O R M A T I O N Current value of cash/savings/checking $ Current value of stocks and investment accounts $ Current value of your business(es) or farm(s) $

Balance of associated loan(s) $

Current value of other real estate owned $


Current value of your home (if you own) $


E x P E N S E S Monthly rental payment if you rent your home $ Monthly mortgage payment if you own your home $ Annual child support/alimony payment $

Annual amount you pay out of pocket for family medical expenses not covered by insurance $

Annual amount of out-of-pocket expense for tuition and fees $

Travel expense to program $

Number of children in college

Please explain any special circumstances that we should consider when awarding financial aid.

All financial aid applications must include a signed copy of your most recent federal income tax return. Include copies of all forms and schedules listed below that were included in your tax return, including: W-2 Forms • Form 1040, 1040A, or 1040EZ • Form 4562 • Schedule A • Schedule C and/or F • Schedule D

If you are divorced, you are required to include tax forms for only the custodial parent.

If you are completing your financial aid application before you have completed your 2012 tax return, you may send a copy of your 2011 tax return and all applicable schedules and forms. Please also attach copies of your 2012 W2 forms for all wage earners in the household. If you have not yet received a 2012 W2 form, you may substitute a copy of your 2012 year-end pay stub, if it includes 2012 year-end earnings information. If it does not, you may substitute a signed statement from your employer on company letterhead.

I certify that all statements, information, and attachments submitted with this form are truthful, accurate, and complete.

Signature of parent or legal guardian Date

CampvandyCampVandy is a day camp for Vanderbilt and Nashville community children between the ages of 5 and 12. Campers experience a variety of sports activities and games with emphasis on fun and participation. Weekly highlights include swimming, career guest day, and club activities. To learn more about CampVandy, visit vanderbilt.edu/CampusRecreation/youth.

vanderbilt Center FOr SCienCe OutreaCh (CSO)The Vanderbilt Center for Science Outreach is dedicated to enhancing scientific and technological literacy through the establishment of unique partnerships between university scientists, K–12 educators and students, and the local and global science community. CSO offers summer programs for students, including GAS (Girls And Science) and BEST (Boys Exploring Science and Technology). To learn more about CSO, visit scienceoutreach.org.

vanderbilt pavePAVE is a six-week summer course of study designed to strengthen the academic skills of students who are planning to enter a college engineering, pre-medical, science, or technology program. In addition to strengthening your background, PAVE can help you decide if a technology-based degree is really the field for you. Participants have the opportunity to improve skills in problem solving, technical writing, computer application, and laboratory work by performing experiments in the sciences, pre-med, and engineering disciplines. To learn more about PAVE, visit pave.vanderbilt.edu.

Other Summer Programs at Vanderbilt

35W W W. p t y. v a n d e r b i lt. e d u ( 6 1 5 ) 3 2 2 - 8 2 6 1

Sarratt yOuth art inStituteThe Sarratt Youth Art Institute offers opportunities for children from a variety of backgrounds to pursue their interest in art and to explore their creative abilities. SYAI offers three two-week sessions designed to give students time and experience with art forms, to allow them to be creative, and to encourage their math, reading, and science education through an arts-based curriculum. To learn more, visit vanderbilt.edu/sarratt/syai.

SpaCe explOratiOn SCienCe Camp, SpOnSOred by dyer ObServatOrySpace Exploration Science Camp offers hands-on learning adventures in astronomy and space exploration to varying levels of middle school students. Campers interact with astronomers and astronauts who are respected researchers and seasoned instructors, while building a model satellite, launching water rockets, and conducting solar observation and electromagnetic spectrum experiments. To learn more, visit the “Outreach Programs” page at dyer.vanderbilt.edu.

mOre Summer prOGramS at vanderbiltvanderbilt.edu/cngr/summer_programs


This publication is printed on paper with 30% post-consumer waste with ink made from renewable resources, as part of the university’s commitment to environmental stewardship and natural resource protection. This publication is recyclable. Please recycle it.

vanderbilt university is committed to principles of equal opportunity and affirmative action. “vanderbilt” and the vanderbilt logo are registered trademarks and service marks of vanderbilt university. Produced by vanderbilt university creative Services & vanderbilt Printing Services, 2013.

non-Profitu.S. Postage

PaIDnashville, Tn

Permit no. 1460

PMb 0506 230 appleton Place nashville, Tn 37203-5721

vanderbilt university’s Programs for Talented youthdeveloping Talent in gifted Students and Those Who Work with ThemCurrent and developing initiatives include:

• Vanderbilt Summer Academy, PTY’s flagship program, serving the needs of highly gifted rising eighth- through twelfth-grade students through a fast-paced academic enrichment program on the beautiful Vanderbilt University campus.

• Weekend Academy at Vanderbilt University (WAVU), an exciting two-day residential learning and social experience for gifted students currently in seventh through tenth grade.

• Saturday Academy at Vanderbilt for the Young (SAVY), weekend and summer academic classes for students in Kindergarten through sixth grade.

• Parent education groups and lectures.

• Professional development workshops for educators each fall, spring, and summer, including the Tennessee Employment Standard.

• Education/assessment and consultation.

• Research grants to support talent development. If you are interested in learning more about new and growing programs, please contact us through our website at pty.vanderbilt.edu or email [email protected].

Join our Mailing listEven though you received this catalog, you may not be on our mailing list. To join, visit pty.vanderbilt.edu.

Like us at facebook.com/VanderbiltSummerAcademy. Follow us on Twitter @VanderbiltPTY.

i welcome your young scholar to campus, and i trust that the opportunities to interact with like academic peers and work with leading content experts will be an unforgettable and life-changing event for your gifted student.Tamra Stambaugh, Ph.D., Executive Director, Programs for Talented Youth Research Assistant Professor of Special Education

vanderbilt summer academy course catalog 2013

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