Course Descriptions

Course assignments are based on the following criteria:

• Evidence of the student’s suitability for the course;
• Information provided in the essays;
• Date the completed application is received;
• Available space in the class; and
• Alumni status in the program.

Although SMU does not grant high school credit for TAG courses, many students have negotiated with their local school districts to arrange for high school credit. For assistance, contact the Director of TAG.

Morning Selections (Credit Courses)

Typically, students with strong SAT/ACT or comparable test scores are the first considered for credit-course placement. Individual classes have specific requirements. Qualified younger students are eligible for (and have been highly successful in) credit classes. All students who participate in these freshman-level, college-credit courses receive grades which will appear on an official SMU college transcript.

ARHS 1335:  Monsters, Mayhem, and Miracles: Art and Life in the Medieval World
Dr. Pamela Patton
3 college credits
The Great Hall at Hogwarts; the Knights Templar of the Da Vinci Code; the werewolves from New Moon—what do these have in common? They are all creations of the Middle Ages, an age of daring crusaders, awesome architecture, and fantastical beings of all kinds. This course explores the medieval world through images, monuments, music, and legends ranging from the miraculous to the preposterous, offering students a new perspective on the power of our medieval heritage.

EDU 2349: Psychology of Adjustment
Dr. John Cathey
3 college credits
What goes into the development of a strong personality? This course focuses on positive psychology, including personality growth and personal adjustment. Students learn about the work of several personality theorists. Class readings and discussions help students increase their awareness of their own and others’ personality strengths.

PLSC 4326: Presidential Elections
Dr. Dennis Simon
3 college credits
An examination of presidential nominations and general elections. Topics include voter decision making, media coverage, campaign finance, delegate selection rules, the electoral college, and kindred concern examined in the context of the current and most recent elections. 

Afternoon Selections (Noncredit Courses)

All afternoon courses are taken for noncredit.

Crime Scene Investigations
Ms. Andra Lewis-Krick
Do you enjoy watching CSI Las Vegas/Miami? Ever wonder what really goes on in the world of crime scene investigations? This course is designed to introduce students to the world of crime scene investigations through both lecture and hands-on activities in the areas of forensic photography, processing for fingerprints, blood spatter analysis, trace evidence collection and the exploration of DNA in real life situations. In addition, field trips will be scheduled to the Dallas County Courthouse, the Southwestern Institute of Forensic Science (SWIFS), and Dallas Police Headquarters. During the final week of the course, a crime scene will be constructed in which the students will be required to process the scene and then present their case in a mock trial. .

Discovering Downtown
Mr. Tim Murray
Dallas has moved into the world of mass transit with its train system linking north and south. The train can whisk TAG students to the West End or to downtown in minutes to explore among the skyscrapers and discover secrets of architecture and careers hidden among the glass-front buildings. Students in this course will explore all this and more as they visit various sites throughout Dallas and meet with professionals within the city. The course will combine architecture, urban planning, government, and sociology by applying them to real world situations.

Story
Ms. Kay Honeyman
Throughout history, people have traveled through life accompanied by stories. Stories help our brains create meaning. They reveal truths about ourselves and our world. They show us the magic in life. In this class students will look at the role of stories in society. We will examine stories in art, history, and literature, looking at the patterns and structures of stories across cultures and disciplines. Then we will tell our own stories - real or imagined. These stories will go through a revision and critique process before being gathered into a class anthology.


Theater Arts
Ms. Linda Raya
This course focuses on body technique, voice and diction, imagination, acting techniques, characterization, and preparation of monologues and duets. Visiting experts provide enrichment workshops on topics such as stage combat, sword fighting, stunts, makeup, and dance. The expanded class format allows former students to continue their Theater Arts studies.   

What’s Eating You? – The Truth About Our Food
Ms. Kelyn Rola
This course will cover all things “Food.” We will discuss the origin of the food we consume, how various products are made, factors that influence what we eat, and what changes we can make to be more health-conscious and environmentally-friendly. We will spend time critically analyzing the organic food industry, local sustainable food, and discuss which foods are really “bad” for us and which are not. We will also spend a portion of the course covering health and how nutrition impacts health. Students will leave this course with the knowledge to make informed choices about what they eat, as well as improved critical analysis skills.

Who Am I?
Ms. Laila Sanguras
Beginning with studying various philosophical concepts, students will work to define themselves in terms of culture, relationships, politics, and religion. Literature, composition, and research come together in student-created online portfolios, Vokis, Wordles, and blogs. Students will also try their hands at writing poetry, short stories, and parodies. They will craft their personal and academic voices as they analyze graphic novels, biographies, and write and deliver speeches answering the ultimate question: Who am I?