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Explore the Summer 2025 Course Offerings

Explore our diverse range of academic offerings designed to inspire, challenge, and expand your intellectual horizons. Whether you're looking to deepen your expertise in a specific field, explore new areas of interest, or engage with world-class instructors, our courses cater to a variety of academic goals. Browse through our list to discover the opportunities awaiting you this summer, and take the next step in your academic journey at Yale.

2025 Course Search

Displaying 161-180 of 217 courses

Ancient Empires

NELC S119 (CRN: 30082) | Syllabus | Learn More

Instructors: Kevin van Bladel
Dates: Session B, June 30 - August 1, 2025
Course Mode: In-Person
Meeting Times: TTh 9.00-12.15
Distributional Requirements: Humanities
Eligibility: Open to pre-college and college students

In-person Course. Introduction to the history and cultures of the ancient empires of the Near East (Middle East), focusing on the period from the Assyrian and Persian Empires to the establishment of Islam (ca 900 BCE–ca 750 CE). Use of ancient primary sources critically to create a historical narrative and to understand the modern appropriation of ancient history for political and other purposes. An introduction to the geography of southwestern Asia and a survey of languages, Iranian and other religions, and some ancient literature from a variety of cultures. Events covered in this course contributed decisively to the demography of the present-day Near East and the social characteristics of its people, from the distribution of language communities to the variety of Near Eastern religions. 1 Credit. Session B: June 30 – August 1. Tuition: $5270.

Neurobiology

NSCI S320 (CRN: 30048) | Syllabus | Learn More

Instructors: Haig Keshishian
Dates: Session A, May 26 - June 27, 2025
Course Mode: In-Person
Meeting Times: MWF 10.00-12.15
Distributional Requirements: Science
Eligibility: Open to pre-college and college students

In-person Course. Introduction to neuroscience, divided into 3 course modules: 1) Cellular neurophysiology, addressing the excitable properties of neurons and the function of synapses, 2) Systems neurobiology, examining neural circuits as they relate to the functional properties of the nervous system, with each system that is addressed examined in detail, and 3) Neural development and plasticity, examining the cellular and molecular mechanisms governing neural development, plasticity, and the establishment of memory. Intro level Biology (Bio 101-104 or equivalent) and one semester of college-level Chemistry strongly recommended. Pre-college students- completed AP Biology with a score of 4 or 5, or completed IB Biology with a score of 6 or 7. 1 Credit. Session A: May 26 – June 27. Tuition: $5270.

Introduction to Philosophy

PHIL S110 (CRN: 30084) | Syllabus | Learn More

Instructors: Daniel Greco
Dates: Session B, June 30 - August 1, 2025
Course Mode: In-Person
Meeting Times: TTh 9.00-12.15
Distributional Requirements: Humanities
Eligibility: Open to pre-college and college students

In-person Course. Introduction to the history and methods of philosophical reflection and inquiry. Exploration of several perennial philosophical issues and the distinctive ways of addressing these issues through a close reading of historical texts and group discussion. Readings include selections from the works of Plato, Aristotle, Hume, Kant, Mill, and twentieth-century philosophers. 1 Credit. Session B: June 30 – August 1. Tuition: $5270.

Moralities of Everyday Life

PHIL S152E (CRN: 30157) | Syllabus | Learn More

Instructors: Paul Bloom
Dates: Session A, May 26 - June 27, 2025
Course Mode: Online
Meeting Times: TTh 4.00-6.00p
Distributional Requirements: Social Sciences
Eligibility: Open to college students only

Online Course. The modern science of moral thought and moral action explored through disciplines such as cognitive science, social and developmental psychology, neuroscience, behavioral economics, and analytic philosophy. Empathy and compassion in babies and young children; emotional reactions to family, friends, and strangers; the origins of prejudice and bigotry; sexuality, disgust, and purity; punishment, revenge, and forgiveness; the relationship between morality and religion. Enrollment limited to 20 students. For college students and beyond. 1 Credit. Session A: May 26 – June 27. Tuition: $5270. Technology Fee: $85.

Introduction to Political Philosophy

PHIL S178 (CRN: 30085) | Syllabus | Learn More

Instructors: Paul Franks
Dates: Session B, June 30 - August 1, 2025
Course Mode: In-Person
Meeting Times: MW 9.00-12.15
Distributional Requirements: Humanities
Eligibility: Open to pre-college and college students

In-person Course. A survey of social and political theory, beginning with Plato and continuing through modern philosophers such as Rawls, Nozick, and MacIntyre. Emphasis on tracing the development of political ideas; challenges to political theories. Enrollment limited to 40 students. 1 Credit. Session B: June 30 – August 1. Tuition: $5270.

Philosophy and Technology

PHIL S183E (CRN: 30129) | Syllabus | Learn More

Instructors: Marshall Forrester
Dates: Session A, May 26 - June 27, 2025
Course Mode: Online
Meeting Times: MW 9.00-12.15
Distributional Requirements: Humanities
Eligibility: Open to pre-college and college students

Online Course. The last few years have witnessed significant improvements in artificial intelligence and virtual reality technologies. Within our lifetimes, it may become possible to spend time in extremely realistic computer simulated worlds, populated by artificially intelligent agents. This prospect forces us to grapple with a host of important questions, including: whether artificially intelligent agents will ever achieve consciousness and moral status; whether we could survive ‘uploading’ our minds into a virtual reality; whether or not this would be good for us; and whether we can know if we are already living inside a simulation. In this class we will discuss all of those questions, as well as several ethical dilemmas posed by present-day technologies like dating apps and self-driving cars. (Is it immoral to ‘swipe left’ on potential romantic partners based on physical appearance? How should self-driving cars handle ethical trade-offs?) The class will not presume any background in philosophy or technology studies, and will use technological developments as a springboard into philosophy. 1 Credit. Session A: May 26 – June 27. Tuition: $5270. Technology Fee: $85.

Ancient Chinese Thought

PHIL S203 (CRN: 30074) | Syllabus | Learn More

Instructors: Mick Hunter
Dates: Session B, June 30 - August 1, 2025
Course Mode: In-Person
Meeting Times: MWF 9.00-11.15
Distributional Requirements: Humanities
Eligibility: Open to pre-college and college students

In-person course. An introduction to the foundational works of ancient Chinese thought from the ruling ideologies of the earliest historical dynasties, through the Warring States masters, to the Qin and Han empires. Topics include Confucianism and Daoism, the role of the intellectual in ancient Chinese society, and the nature and performance of wisdom. 1 Credit. Session B: June 30 – August 1. Tuition: $5270.

The Ethics of AI

PHIL S354 (CRN: 30317) | Syllabus | Learn More

Instructors: Max Lewis
Dates: Session A, May 26 - June 27, 2025
Course Mode: In-Person
Meeting Times: TTh 9.00-12.15
Distributional Requirements: Humanities
Eligibility: Open to pre-college and college students

In-person Course. In this immersive course, we explore the ethical challenges shaping the AI revolution. From understanding AI’s foundations to debating its most controversial uses, we critically engage with the pressing questions that define the future of technology and society. We explore three major sets of questions. First, we look at the moral permissibility of using and interacting with AI: Are AI algorithms biased, and if so, should we still rely on them? Do digital surveillance systems violate our right to privacy? Is it moral to use AI and robots in warfare? Could advanced AI even have moral rights? Second, we look at moral responsibility and AI: When AI causes harm—such as in war and self-driving car accidents—who should bear the responsibility? Finally, we look at AI and personal relationships: Is it wrong to use AI for grief counseling, love letters, wedding vows, or eulogies? Can true friendship or romance exist between humans and machines? This course gives you the opportunity to think critically, debate passionately, and gain the conceptual, technical, and ethical tools to navigate the AI-driven future. 1 Credit. Session A: May 26 – June 27. Tuition: $5270.

Movie Physics

PHYS S101E (CRN: 30130) | Syllabus | Learn More

Instructors: Francis Robinson
Dates: Session A, May 26 - June 27, 2025
Course Mode: Online
Meeting Times: MW 10.00-11.30
Distributional Requirements: Quantitative Reasoning, Science
Eligibility: Open to pre-college and college students

Online Course. A critical evaluation of Hollywood action movies, using the laws of physics and Fermi-type estimation techniques to distinguish between fictional and real movie physics. Enrollment limited to 20 students. 1 Credit. Session A: May 26 – June 27. Tuition: $5270. Technology Fee: $85.

Energy, Environment, and Public Policy

PHYS S120 (CRN: 30061) | Syllabus | Learn More

Instructors: Daniel Prober
Dates: Session B, June 30 - August 1, 2025
Course Mode: In-Person
Meeting Times: TTh 9.00-12.15
Distributional Requirements: Quantitative Reasoning, Science
Eligibility: Open to pre-college and college students

In-person Course. Seminar that covers the technology, use, and impact of energy on the environment, climate, security, and the economy. Emphasis on what drives people's choices and how to transition to renewable energy. Tours of energy facilities on the Yale campus. Prerequisite: completion of high school physics and chemistry. Enrollment limited to 30 students. 1 Credit. Session B: June 30 – August 1. Tuition: $5270.

Energy, Environment, and Public Policy

PHYS S120E (CRN: 30098) | Syllabus | Learn More

Instructors: Daniel Prober
Dates: Session A, May 26 - June 27, 2025
Course Mode: Online
Meeting Times: TTh 9.00-12.15
Distributional Requirements: Quantitative Reasoning, Science
Eligibility: Open to pre-college and college students

Online Course. Seminar that covers the technology, use, and impact of energy on the environment, climate, security, and the economy. Emphasis on what drives people's choices and how to transition to renewable energy. Tours of energy facilities on the Yale campus. Prerequisite: completion of high school physics and chemistry. Enrollment limited to 30 students. 1 Credit. Session A: May 26 – June 27. Tuition: $5270. Technology Fee: $85.

University Physics

PHYS S180E (CRN: 30131) | Syllabus | Learn More

Instructors: Mehdi Ghiassi-Nejad
Dates: Session A, May 26 - June 27, 2025
Course Mode: Online
Meeting Times: TTh 11.00-12.00, MTThF 9.30-10.45
Distributional Requirements: Quantitative Reasoning, Science
Eligibility: Open to college students only

Online Course. A broad introduction to classical and modern physics for students who have some previous preparation in physics and mathematics. Topics include Newtonian mechanics, gravitation, waves, and thermodynamics. Prerequisite: one term of Calculus of Functions of One Variable (MATH 112 or completed AP AB Calculus with a score of a 4 or 5). May be taken concurrently with MATH 115 and 120 or equivalents.  May not be taken for credit after PHYS 170. Enrollment limited to 50 students. For college students and beyond. 1 Credit. Session A: May 26 – June 27. Tuition: $5270. Technology Fee: $85.

University Physics

PHYS S181E (CRN: 30160) | Syllabus | Learn More

Instructors: Mehdi Ghiassi-Nejad
Dates: Session B, June 30 - August 1, 2025
Course Mode: Online
Meeting Times: TTh 11.30-12.30, MTThF 10.00-11.15
Distributional Requirements: Quantitative Reasoning, Science
Eligibility: Open to college students only

Online Course. A broad introduction to classical and modern physics for students who have some previous preparation in physics and mathematics. Topics include electromagnetism, special relativity, and quantum physics. May be taken concurrently with MATH 115 and 120 or equivalents. May not be taken for credit after PHYS 171. Prerequisite: PHYS 170, 180 or PHYS 200 and MATH 112. Enrollment limited to 50 students. For college students and beyond. 1 Credit. Session B: June 30 – August 1. Tuition: $5270. Technology Fee: $85.

Introduction to International Relations

PLSC S111 (CRN: 30175) | Syllabus | Learn More

Instructors: Tyler Bowen
Dates: Session A, May 26 - June 27, 2025
Course Mode: In-Person
Meeting Times: MW 9.00-12.15
Distributional Requirements: Social Sciences
Eligibility: Open to pre-college and college students

In-person Course. The course provides a grounding for other courses in international relations by introducing students to the study of conflict and cooperation among states through an examination of the major issues, methods, questions, and theories of world politics. Students should leave the course proficient in four key areas, able to: discuss the crucial events of contemporary world politics (WWI – Present); argue the main schools of international relations theory and their approaches; evaluate a social science theory through qualitative or quantitative research; and assess competing explanations for international conflict and cooperation. 1 Credit. Session A: May 26 – June 27. Tuition: $5270.

Introduction to American Politics

PLSC S113E (CRN: 30161) | Syllabus | Learn More

Instructors: Christina Kinane
Dates: Session B, June 30 - August 1, 2025
Course Mode: Online
Meeting Times: TTh 10.00-11.30
Distributional Requirements: Social Sciences
Eligibility: Open to pre-college and college students

Online Course. Introduction to American national government. The Constitution, American political culture, civil rights, Congress, the executive, political parties, public opinion, interest groups, the media, social movements, and the policy-making process. 1 Credit. Session B: June 30 – August 1. Tuition: $5270. Technology Fee: $85.

Women, Politics, and Policy

PLSC S203E (CRN: 30255) | Syllabus | Learn More

Instructors: Andrea Aldrich
Dates: Session A, May 26 - June 27, 2025
Course Mode: Online
Meeting Times: TTh 9.00-12.15
Distributional Requirements: Social Sciences
Eligibility: Open to pre-college and college students

Online Course. This course explores theoretical and empirical work in political science to study the relationship between gender and politics in the United States and around the world. In doing so, we will examine women’s access to power over time, women’s descriptive and substantive representation in political institutions, the causes and consequences of women’s underrepresentation, the way gender shapes both policy making, and how government policy impacts the lives of women. 1 Credit. Session A: May 26 – June 27. Tuition: $5270. Technology Fee: $85.

The United States Congress

PLSC S227E (CRN: 30162) | Syllabus | Learn More

Instructors: Amir Fairdosi
Dates: Session B, June 30 - August 1, 2025
Course Mode: Online
Meeting Times: TTh 7.00-8.30p
Distributional Requirements: Social Sciences
Eligibility: Open to pre-college and college students

Course closed to further enrollment. Online Course. This is a survey course on the United States Congress. We will explore such questions as: What are the causes and effects of political polarization? How would term limits affect policy outcomes? What is the effect of money on Congress? Where do/should constituents fit in in all this? How does Congress interact with the President and the bureaucracy? How does one run for office? Why is Congress’s approval rating lower than any other institution in the country? The course is divided into two parts. In Part I, we discuss the theoretical and historical foundations of legislative government the United States. In Part II, we move beyond theories of legislating and on to the way Congress operates in practice. Enrollment limited to 21 students. 1 Credit. Session B: June 30 – August 1. Tuition: $5270. Technology Fee: $85.

U.S. State and Local Politics

PLSC S240 (CRN: 30218) | Syllabus | Learn More

Instructors: Eleanor Schiff
Dates: Session B, June 30 - August 1, 2025
Course Mode: In-Person
Meeting Times: TTh 1.00-4.15
Distributional Requirements: Social Sciences
Eligibility: Open to pre-college and college students

In-person Course. While Americans’ attention is often focused on events in Washington, D.C. and the activities of the president and the Congress.  Arguably, however, the policies enacted in state houses and city councils have a more direct effect on citizens’ everyday lives than the activities in our Nation’s capital.  State and local politics includes a myriad of issues that have an important effect on citizens including welfare, elections, healthcare, social policies, education, criminal law, infrastructure, and many others.  Understanding how state institutions and behavior shape policy outcomes is not only substantively interesting, but the states also provide political scientists with opportunities to examine larger questions about topics such as power, representation, and responsiveness. This course will address both how the states themselves are substantively interesting, as well as how they are used to understand broader issues in political science and governance. 1 Credit. Session B: June 30 – August 1. Tuition: $5270.

Approaches to International Security

PLSC S275 (CRN: 30226) | Syllabus | Learn More

Instructors: Katherine Ingram
Dates: Session A, May 26 - June 27, 2025
Course Mode: In-Person
Meeting Times: TTh 9.00-12.15
Distributional Requirements: Social Sciences
Eligibility: Open to pre-college and college students

In-person Course. Introduction to major approaches and central topics in the field of international security, with primary focus on the principal man-made threats to human security: the use of violence among and within states, both by state and non-state actors. Approaches to International Security is a course dedicated to understanding (1) why states, groups, and people go to war, (2) how conflicts can be avoided, (3) emerging trends in world conflicts. The course discusses major theories of war and relates those theories to historical examples and current conflicts across the world. Enrollment limited to 24 students. 1 Credit. Session A: May 26 – June 27. Tuition: $5270.

The Global Right: From the French Revolution to the American Insurrection

PLSC S466E (CRN: 30266) | Syllabus | Learn More

Instructors: Elli Stern
Dates: Session A, May 26 - June 27, 2025
Course Mode: Online
Meeting Times: TTh 1.00-4.15
Distributional Requirements: Humanities
Eligibility: Open to pre-college and college students

Online Course. This seminar explores the history of right-wing political thought from the late eighteenth century to the present, with an emphasis on the role played by religious and pagan traditions. This course seeks to answer the questions: what constitutes the right? What are the central principles and values of those groups associated with this designation? And what are the defining features of what is commonly referred to as the “global right?” It will do so by examining primary tracts written by theologians, political philosophers, and social theorists as well as secondary literature written by scholars interrogating various movements and ideologies associated with the Right in America, Europe, the Middle East, and Asia. Though touching on specific national political parties, institutions, and think tanks, its focus will be on mapping the intellectual similarities and differences between various right-wing ideologies. The “Right” emerged alongside its counterpoint, the "left," as early as 1692 to describe the congregation patterns surrounding the French Monarch, but it was not until the Revolution of 1789 when it gained its current political meaning. As the French Chamber of Deputies debated the rights of man and royal veto powers it was suggested that opponents to these measures sit du côté droit, while supporters place themselves du côté gauche. The division, many complained, was too absolute and left no room for nuance or political idiosyncrasies. Yet the arrangement held, the terms stuck, and by mid-century the right had begun to be a catchall for a host of political groups, including conservatives, traditionalists, authoritarians, royalists, nationalists and papists. By the twentieth century the term would be stretched to include movements ranging from Fascism to Populism and would be used to describe the political position of political parties in the Middle East and Asia. Though primarily associated with European and parliamentary politics, increasingly the designation of the right has been applied to Evangelical and Judeo-Christian groups in the United States. (The HIST cross-listing counts as a history "J" departmental seminar). 1 Credit. Session A: May 26 – June 27. Tuition: $5270. Technology Fee: $85.

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