Koan School - Academic Summer Programs

This summer we are offering three different courses for grades 8th-12th to have the opportunity to learn and earn credits for their education. Please read below for more details on our offerings for Summer of 2023.

These will be hybrid courses that will meet in person once a week over the course of six weeks. The cost is $300 per course. Students will need to have access to a computer and internet outside of the in-person class time to complete the online coursework portion of the course.

Payments must be made in full prior to the course’s start date.

Please click here to sign up your student!

 

Course Offerings and Details

We will be offering three courses this summer.

  • Sociology of the Apocalypse - Elective Credit Course

    • This course examines the various social narratives that comprise apocalypse discourse. Apocalypse narratives have been part of human civilization for millennia and are firmly grounded within a cultural milieu. Our goal will be to examine these narratives and ground them within a historical/cultural context. Six major apocalypse scenarios will be investigated, including zombies, technology (rise of artificial intelligence), plagues, nuclear weapons, global warming, and weather-related phenomena. The course will critically evaluate themes as well as answer the compelling question, "Why is humanity obsessed with the apocalypse?”

      • Teacher: Dr. Greg Gullion

      • In-person dates: (Mondays) June 12th, 19th, 26th, July 10th, 17th, 24th

      • In-person times: 9:00am-12:00pm

      • Self-paced online assignments assigned in-between the in-person class times.

  • SAT Prep Course - Prep Course

    • Do you feel stuck or intimidated by the math portion of the SAT Exam? Are you frustrated in making the same mistakes when you take the SAT? This summer course examines the main concepts that are covered in the SAT Exam, which is administered by the College Board. The main focus is to teach a systematic approach and test-taking strategies that allow the student to work efficiently, quicker, and more precisely in the math section of the SAT. It is not about working harder but smarter! There are four main concepts that are assessed in the SAT. These include the following: 1. Heart of Algebra; 2. Problem Solving & Data Analysis; 3. Passport to Advanced Math; and 4. Additional Topics in Math Review. Three practice exams will be administered throughout the preparation course, which includes the diagnostic exam on the first day of class. A TI-84 Plus Graphing Calculator is required because the instructor will teach the students to use it effectively and to their advantage. This course will meet on Wednesdays from 9:00 AM to noon. Please see the syllabus below.

      June 14th - Introduction/Diagnostic Exam/Heart of Algebra

      June 21st - Heart of Algebra/Review

      June 28th - Practice Exam/Problem Solving & Data Analysis

      July 12th - Passport to Advanced Math

      July 19th - Additional Topics in Math/Review

      July 26th - Practice Exam/Review

      • Teacher: Gabriel Estrada

      • In-person dates: (Weds.) June 14th , 21st , 28th , July 12th, 19th , 26th

      • In-person times: 9:00am-12:00pm

      • Self-paced online assignments assigned in-between the in-person class times.

  • World History - Core Credit Course

    • This course examines the major events and turning points of world history from ancient times to the present. Students investigate the development of classical civilizations in the Middle East, Africa, Europe, and Asia, and they explore the economic, political, and social revolutions that have transformed human history. The use of recurring themes, such as social history, democratic government, and the relationship between history and the arts, allows students to draw connections between the past and the present, among cultures, and among multiple perspectives.

    • Week 1: Middle East & "Fertile Crescent" - Birth of Civilization, Agriculture & Irrigation

      Week 2: Africa - Ancient Egypt, Trade Routes (Silk Road)

      Week 3: Asia - Social Class, Confucianism, Silk Road

      Week 4: Europe - Ancient Greek/Roman Empire, Renaissance & Reformation, Colonialism

      Week 5: South America - Aztec & Mayan Civilization (Agriculture & Irrigation, Technology)

      Week 6: North America - Columbian Exchange, Indigenous Peoples, Triangular Trade

      • Teacher: Erica Walsh

      • In-person dates: (Fridays) June 16th, 23rd , 30th , July 14th , 21st , 28th

      • In-person times: 9:00am-12:00pm

      • Self-paced online assignments assigned in-between the in-person class times.