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.

EDU 2310: Leadership Dynamics: Theory, Practice, and Innovation
Dr. Carol Clyde
3 college credits
Students examine the theories and skills necessary for the development of effective leadership with an emphasis on leadership, its theory and practice.  The course includes opportunities for evaluating leaders and leadership behavior in a variety of contexts.  Leadership is explored through readings, films, group projects, class discussions, and guest lectures.  Topics include personal characteristics of effective leaders, special skills of female leaders, assessing yourself as a leader, training and opportunities for leadership, the skills of a group leader, communication skills for leaders, developing group dynamics, planning groups activities, and transformational leadership.

EDU 2349: Psychology of Adjustment
Dr. John Cathey
3 college credits
This course introduces the field of psychology, with emphasis on how people deal with the problems and challenges of everyday life.  Students learn about classical and contemporary theories, recent research, and applications of the science of psychology to everyday situations.

MATH 1307: Introduction to Mathematical Science
Dr. Montie Monzingo
3 college credits
Students explore operations on sets, permutations and combinations, probability, vectors and matrices, Markov chains, linear programming, and elementary statistics. Prerequisite: Algebra I.

ME 1301: Machines and Society
Dr. Chuck Lovas
3 college credits
What would we do without our vehicles? We depend on our cars and trucks, so we are frustrated when they don’t work! In this course, students will learn how such machines as the automobile, the airplane, and the mag-lev train operate as well as why they sometimes don’t perform as they should. The course “Machines and Society” focuses on a variety of modern machines and how they impact us as individuals and as a society.

PHIL 1306: Introduction to Philosophy - Minds, Machines, and Persons
Dr. Robert Howell
3 college credits
A focused introduction to the central questions of philosophy, with an emphasis on the mind and the self. Typical questions might include: Does the soul exist? Is the mind the same thing as the brain? Can animals feel pain? Can they think? Can a computer think? Might the mind be a computer? What is consciousness? Can we understand experiences radically different from our own? What is the self? Can we survive the death of our body? The focus of the course will be on arguments for and against proposed solutions to philosophical problems concerning mind, machines and persons.

PLSC 1320 : Introduction to American Government
Dr. Dennis Simon
3 college credits
The organization, functions, and processes of our national government are studied—with particular attention to parties, pressure groups, and other forces of influence.

Afternoon Selections (Noncredit Courses)

All afternoon courses are taken for noncredit.

Creativity: An Exploration and Practice
Mr. Ben Koch
What makes one thing creative and another not? Are there "secret methods" used by writers, leaders, inventors and artists of all kinds to be more creative? Is creativity something you’re just born with? In this course, students will seek answers to these questions by exploring theories about what creativity is and trying out many methods and techniques to see what really works for them. Students will keep a creativity journal, and class time will also include writing, discussion and observation of art, movies, music and other artifacts. The final project will be an original, creative product planned with the help of the instructor.

Discovering Downtown: Geography Of Urbanism
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.

Exploring Engineering
Dr. Chuck Lovas
Students explore the world of engineering by engaging in a problem-solving context for which they must create a design to address a particular need. Students work in teams to research information, design the product, test the product, refine the product, and build a final prototype. The final design will be presented and the performance of the product will be demonstrated through testing. In addition to these activities students will explore engineering career opportunities and how to prepare for a career in engineering.

Mars or Bust:  Building a Permanent Martian Settlement
Dr. April Andreas
NASA’s new space initiative, the Vision for Space Exploration, is often referred to as "Moon, Mars, and Beyond." In this course, students will address the real-world challenges faced by our nation’s top scientists, engineers, sociologists, politicians, and other specialists: how can a nation colonize another planet? Students will explore and debate issues ranging from rocket propulsion methods to state-sanctioned family planning in an interdisciplinary think-tank setting that is sure to challenge the most technical guru and inspire the most fantastical dreamer.
Read article about Dr. Anderas' return to TAG

Picture It - 1-2-3
Ms. Tammy McNary
The focus of this photography course is to study and work in a new area of visual interest each week. We will concentrate on subject matters like self-portraiture and making photographs from existing and constructed three-dimensional objects. Students will use Polaroid cameras and a writing component to explore their style and statement.

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.  

* The University reserves the right to make changes in this schedule at any time.  Classes are subject to cancellation if enrollment is insufficient.