Online Courses

A range of disciplinary perspective on key topics in contemporary African Studies: nationalism and pan-Africanism, imperialism and colonialism, genocide and famine, development and democratization, art and music, age and gender. 

Prerequisite: Advanced Placement Biology

Taught by a faculty member from Duke's medical school and targeted to students interested in entering health professions, although all students with a basic biology background are welcome. Previous students have found this course useful in preparation for the MCAT. The course covers basic concepts and principles underlying the physiologic function of each organ system and their integration to maintain homeostasis.  We use the application of physiologic principles to clinical scenarios to reinforce the content.

Class Meetings TBA

Traditions of documentary work seen through an interdisciplinary perspective, with an emphasis on twentieth-century practice. Introduces students to a range of documentary idioms and voices, including the work of photographers, filmmakers, oral historians, folklorists, musicologists, radio documentarians, and writers. Stresses aesthetic, scholarly, and ethical considerations involved in representing other people and cultures.

Monday: 3:30PM – 6:00PM (ET)

This course proposes understanding the complex, practical, theoretical, and ethical issues on the impact of COVID-19 on education using the method of oral history. Students will complete an oral history project supported by archival documentation and by interviews conducted with an educator or a person involved in education.

• Textbook: Ritchie, D. Doing Oral History (Oxford Oral History Series). 3rd Edition, Kindle Edition.

Monday, Tuesday, Thursday: 2:00PM – 4:05PM (ET)

Prerequisite: Intermediate/advanced in writing and/or literature courses

The whole story is the meaning. A poem is a two-way mirror. Narrative “truth” can emerge more creatively than we first think. In this class we will investigate how the choices we make as writers do more than propel a narrative forward. We will write short stories, personal narratives and poems and workshop original work as a class. This course will explore the craft of the three forms but will also pay close attention to dynamic work that lies between or beyond these structures. Students will read and respond in class to a range of literary and creative texts. Students will also submit a final portfolio of creative work. Grades will be based on class participation, discussion, weekly writing prompts, workshop submissions, and a revised final portfolio.

Monday, Tuesday, Thursday: 2:00PM – 4:05PM (ET)

High school seats are limited. Please apply early if this is your top course choice.

Examination of topics and issues in philosophy. 

Prerequisite: High School Human Biology and Chemistry

Reviews physiological adaptations (cardiorespiratory, musculoskeletal, nervous, endocrine) that occur with exercise training leading to improved health and performance. Examines practical applications such as workout design, nutrition, fitness testing, and body composition management.

Monday, Tuesday, Thursday: 9:30AM – 11:35AM (ET)

Prerequisite: High School Biology (Human Biology preferable)

Examines the neural and psychological correlates of exercise that influence mental and cognitive health. Explores exercise guidelines and theories of exercise behaviors. Topics include exercise and depression, anxiety, stress, self-esteem, body image, circadian rhythms, learning, dementia, and mental states and performance.

Monday, Tuesday, Thursday: 2:00PM – 4:05PM (ET)

This course provides the opportunity to tackle life’s toughest questions – How do I develop a meaningful life in an uncertain world? How am I going to make a place for myself? How can I add value? Where am I going? Why does everyone else have it figured out (spoiler – they don’t)? DYL leverages small group learning, self-reflection, exploration, and discussion to address these questions in a supportive and encouraging environment. This seminar is unique in that not knowing the answers is the point, and is encouraged. In an engaging environment, we step off the assembly line to intentionally think about our lives, where we want to go and how we get there.

Monday, Tuesday, Thursday: 3:30PM – 5:35PM (ET)

This course will examine the history of climate change in the US, starting with the colonization of the East Coast, then the decimation on the prairies based on Manifest Destiny doctrine, the Dust Bowl, and the fire and water problems of the modern American West and Southwest.

Class Meetings TBA