SUMMER 2023 COURSES:

Course Descriptions

Astronomy & Astrophysics: Dark Matter, Deep Space, and Beyond

How do black holes form, and what’s inside them? What is time, and will it ever come to an end? What was the Big Bang, and did it have a cause? Students on this course go on a bold journey through space, exploring everything from the life cycles of stars to the mystery of dark matter. The course includes a visit to The Adler Planetarium!

Basketball

Take advantage of the summer to brush up on your basketball skills! This one-week boot camp will cover everything from tactical planning to physical awareness, as well as having plenty of time for practice and games.

Creative Writing: Mastering The Art of the Written Word

In 1920, H. L. Mencken called Chicago “the literary capital of the United States.” From Edna Ferber to George R. R. Martin, many of America’s greatest writers have ties with Roycemore’s local surroundings. This course gives students a chance to join that tradition. Working with published writers, they sharpen their technique and explore the composition of short stories, poetry, and plays, as well as newer genres from the blog to the podcast.

CSI Chicago: From Fingerprints to Forensics

Students on this course explore the criminologist’s profession, from the basics of forensic science to the intricacies of criminal profiling. They debate the causes of crime and explore the workings of the justice system. The course includes a visit to the Illinois Supreme Court in Chicago!

From Appetizers to Desserts: Becoming An Iron Chef

Get ready to crank up the heat in the kitchens at Roycemore! Whether they are first-timers or experienced chefs, students on this course get hands-on opportunities to master the core skills in the arts of cooking and cuisine. They will also immerse themselves in the culinary richness of Chicago. Join us and explore the many specialties the city has to offer, from Eataly to hidden taco hotspots to world-famous deep dish pizza. Food is truly a global language - what better way to become fluent than to cook and eat?

Humanities Hits the Highway: Politics, Power, and Protest

Roycemore’s Humanities teachers, Amy Milner and Howard Stanley will be hitting the road this summer to learn about the political institutions, power struggles, and protests that have shaped Chicago's history. We will visit some of the places around Chicago where decisions are made and some of the places where protests occurred. We will have the opportunity to discuss the political significance of iconic landmarks such as the Navy Pier Ferris Wheel but also enjoy the fun of riding it. This field trip-rich and discussion-based camp will culminate with an Amtrak trip to Springfield (this will be an extended day).

Medicine: Dive Into A Doctor’s World

This hands-on course introduces students to all the key parts of medical science, including human anatomy, pathology, and pharmacology. It also explores the plethora of career paths available in medicine, from physiotherapy to surgery. Activities in Roycemore’s state-of-the-art wet laboratories include dissection and CPR!

Mini Golf: Roll Up for the PGA Tour!

Ever wondered what it would be like to have the crowd cheer as you sink a hole in one? Ever dreamed of the perfect putt, ricocheting off the spinning wheel, onto the bridge, and around the water hazard? This is an opportunity to master core golfing skills, obstacle analysis and strategy, and scorekeeping. Students test their skills at local miniature golf courses across Chicago, and they will be challenged to design their own courses on campus. This fun and innovative take on design thinking will challenge students to think outside the box!

Psychology: Getting to Grips With the Human Mind

Chicago has been a global hub of psychology ever since John Dewey founded his famous laboratory at The University of Chicago in 1893. Under the guidance of psychology researchers, students learn the core principles of human behavior, and they examine phenomena like consciousness, dreams, and memory. This course gives a taste of what it’s like to work as a counselor or therapist, and it culminates with students designing experiments of their own.

Spanish: Cultural Immersion & Language Application

Explore the Spanish language through cultural and linguistic immersion! Together, we discover Spanish-speaking foods, art, music, and more. We will also investigate the Hispanic and LatinX history of Chicago and our surrounding area and experience language through a new lens. (Please note: prior knowledge of Spanish is not required!)

Studio Art: From Kiln to Canvas

Get a taste of life as a professional artist! Students venture out of the classroom and take inspiration from their unique surroundings in Evanston and Chicago. They design their own portfolio with a range of media, including pencils, paints, and prints. They also have the chance to experiment with newer genres, like animation. Aspiring sculptors will be able to take advantage of Roycemore’s own kiln!

Volleyball

Take advantage of the summer to brush up on your volleyball skills! This one-week boot camp will cover everything from tactical planning to physical awareness, as well as having plenty of time for practice and games.

When a City is Your Campus: An End-of-Summer Celebration

This course is a chance to celebrate the end of summer by exploring the Chicago metropolitan area. From well-known places like Navy Pier to lesser-known gems like Oz Park, students will be shown how to navigate their way through the city. While on the road, they will make video and photo diaries, and take notes of their adventures, building toward their own unique profile of Chicagoland.