ASA: Academic Study Associates 2009 Programs

This course is the most thorough SAT preparation course offered by The Princeton Review. With 30 hours of small-group instruction and individual consultation plus 4 full-length SAT tests, your Princeton Review program will provide you with instruction in the math, critical reading, and writing strategies that you will need to perform at your highest level. Students are grouped by shared strengths and weaknesses to provide targeted instruction. Watch your scores rise as you strengthen your skills with teachers from the nation's leading test prep company. The Princeton Review guarantees that if you complete your program (program completion requires attending all classes, taking all practice exams, completing all homework, participating in a wrap-up session when you return home and taking the October SAT) and you are not satisfied with your score on the October SAT, you may take an SAT Refresher Course or extend membership to the online student center free of charge. (Supplemental Fee)

Learn how to apply fundamental economic concepts in your day-to-day life. Study economic systems, business practices and investing strategies while focusing on current events in the global economy. Work with your peers to analyze relevant business models and share your findings through in-class presentations.

Do you ever wonder how a business buys another company, or why so many lawyers get involved when one corporation sues another? Examine how our system of law is relevant to the business world, and learn about the concepts of contracts, estates, property, and insurance. Read current legal cases and identify key issues with your peers in an open classroom discussion.

Should public funding be used for stem cell research? Is the death penalty a fair consequence for a crime? Consider arguments for both sides of such types of debates and find out where you stand. You will learn about the major controversies in the law today, such as privacy and civil rights, affirmative action, euthanasia and the protection of our environment. Become an informed and critical thinker of ethics and the legal system by researching your opinions and debating with your peers.

Designed for students who have completed Algebra I, II and Geometry and are preparing to enter a pre-calculus course in the fall, this course provides an excellent foundation, as well as a limited introduction to basic calculus. Topics covered will include: linear and quadratic functions, polynomial functions, inequalities, exponents and logarithms, analytic geometry, trigonometric functions, triangle trigonometry, polar and complex numbers, sequences and series, limits and graphs of rational functions. Pre-requisites: Algebra I, Algebra II and Geometry

Expand your mathematical know-how and master the critical skills of algebra and geometry that will open the door to higher level math. Explore absolute value, linear equations and inequalities, factoring polynomials, complex numbers, quadratic equations, combinations and permutations to boost your confidence and skills. Pre-requisites: Algebra I, Geometry.

Explore the science and technology behind robots and learn how robotics applies to everyday modern life. Gain an understanding of the history behind "artificial helpers", and study contemporary happenings in robotics, including current robot lab research, applications, robot contests and robot web surfing. Have a chance to visit San Francisco's Exploratorium, Robotics Society of America, and the Tech Museum of Innovation, and finally, work with the latest software to create your very own robot. * Personal laptop required.

Without question, genetic research has become an extremely relevant and exciting topic in today's world. Explore new findings in modern genetics and gain an understanding of the social and political implications of such advances. Discuss topics such as genetic testing, the genetic basis of disease, the Human Genome Project, as well as the use of genetics in criminal cases and forensic science.

Examine the behavior of yourself and others through the psychological theories of Freud, Skinner, Maslow, Erikson and Piaget. Critically evaluate the validity of these theories in light of your own experiences of physical maturation, intellectual and moral development, sensuality and sexuality, family and peer relationships, and coping with stress and problems in everyday life. View films and read relevant articles that provide an applied understanding of developmental psychology.

Explore the field of architectural design and learn about the concepts of form and space, site relationships, and how social, technological and environmental factors all affect structures and buildings. Gain an understanding of different design styles and study architectural techniques that have been adapted through history. From the Golden Gate Bridge to the skyscrapers of San Francisco, let the Bay Area be your architectural playground.

Explore your passion for photography and apply your own artistic touch in the darkroom. You will master the process of exposing, developing, and printing black and white images in a professional darkroom and learn the basics of using motion, lighting and depth of field. Regardless of your ability, there is always more to learn about exposure controls, shutter speed and other features of your camera. Showcase your best work in an end of program ASA Art Show. The AM course is designed for students who have solid knowledge of the camera and have had some darkroom experience, while the PM course is more introductory. You must supply your own 35mm manual camera. (Supplemental Fee).

Improve your reading, writing, and speaking skills in order to succeed in college and beyond. Designed for non-native speakers of English, this course will expose you to a variety of texts and writing styles. You will be taken through the entire writing process--from crafting their work to the final editing process. This course compliments your immersion in a US college setting, while providing a supportive environment to boost confidence and achievement.

Master one of the most important skills for success in high school, college, and beyond. Reach higher levels of achievement by studying the elements common to all successful writing--defining an audience, developing a thesis statement, supporting your argument, and revising for grammar and style. Through peer workshops and teacher-student conferences, you will sharpen both your expository and persuasive writing abilities. Come away with polished essays for your writing portfolio.

In a world where newspapers are becoming obsolete, explore journalism's digital evolution into the 21st century. From online magazines to blogs to web news updates, learn what it takes to be a journalist in 2010. Investigate various writing styles and the techniques used in modern media. Develop the skill you need to convey your ideas and point of view to the public and gain a broad understanding of the role of the journalist in today's world.

The Princeton Review's dynamic instructors will help you learn all the skills and test-taking strategies you need to approach every question on the ACT and achieve your best score. In addition to small-group classroom lessons and individual consultation, you will take 3 full-length ACT tests. Students are grouped by shared strengths and weaknesses to provide targeted instruction. Watch your scores rise as you strengthen your skills with teachers from the nation's leading test prep company. The Princeton Review guarantees that if you complete your program (program completion requires attending all classes, taking all practice exams, completing all homework, participating in a wrap-up session when you return home and taking the October SAT) and you are not satisfied with your score on the October SAT, you may take an SAT Refresher Course or extend membership to the online student center free of charge. (Supplemental Fee)

Marketing and advertising can make or break the success of any product. Learn how the right packaging, pricing and advertising can set any idea apart from the rest. With your classmates, dive into the complexities of consumer behavior to develop a winning marketing strategy to promote and sell a new product of your choosing. From advertising on the internet, to magazines, to the radio and TV, there's no limit to where your creativity can take you!

Get ready to buy, sell and trade your way through the basics of financial markets. Learn to navigate the stock exchange, balance between risk and return and create a diversified portfolio. Discover why corporations succeed or fail and use current financial news to gain an applied understanding of the global market.

Explore international relations both as a theory and as events affecting the lives of ordinary people. You will examine current events relating to war and terrorism, human rights, global health crises and aid for the developing world. Think critically about arguments from all sides of the political spectrum and learn how nations use diplomacy to peacefully coexist. Through research, discussion and debate, you will tackle key issues of our world today.

We all know that the environment is one of the most important concerns facing each of us as individuals and our governments collectively. But what exactly are the problems we face, and what is there to be done about them? This course looks at the central environmental issues, the driving forces behind them, and the many solutions being implemented. Case studies and class discussions will cover topics including green building, carbon trading, renewable energy, and such places as Gaviotas and Biosphere 2. Through group projects like designing a zero-carbon house or building a solar oven, you apply what you've learned. From the greenhouse effect to biodiesel and perceived obsolescence to permaculture, you will learn about real issues and real solutions.

Prepare to delve into the complex concepts of absolute value, linear equations, inequalities, and quadratic equations. Review factoring polynomials, graphing equations, and other pieces of Algebra II. Prerequisites: Algebra I, Algebra II and Geometry.

How does a website evolve from a simple black and white text box into a dynamic, colorful work of art? Learn the nuts and bolts of domain names, search engine optimization, server hosting, website formats, hypertext transfer, and other necessities for creating your own website. Go a step further and discover how website knowledge can turn into a business venture and your best marketing tools. * Personal laptop required.

Why do some television shows flop and others succeed? Why are some musical artists topping the charts, while others can't release their first CD? Analyze global popular culture through movies, television, music, and video games, and engage in a critical study of popular culture and its impact on the lives of teenagers today. Study different topics in the media regarding race, ethnicity and gender, and use your findings to create your own pop star sensation as a final project.

Investigate the ways psychologists differentiate healthy human development from abnormal behavior. You will examine the causes and definitions of mental illness, from obsessive compulsive behavior to schizophrenia to eating disorders. In addition, learn about the symptoms and effective treatments for these behaviors, such as different types of therapy and medication.

Take your love of film to the next level. Study the history and theory of cinema, and take a behind-the-scene look at your favorite movies. You will explore different genres in order to examine story structure, visual style, and cinematic devices. You'll view both excerpts as well as full-length films to provide a diverse and exciting study.

If you've always had an eye for photography but never had a chance to give it a try, this introductory class is perfect for you. Learn about the darkroom, developing and printing processes while exploring the mechanics of a camera and how a camera can create emotion by interpreting the world. You will work outside shooting images, and your film will be processed in a professional laboratory. You and your peers will discuss and critique photos, and leave with a unique portfolio of your own. (Supplemental Fee).

Does your stomach sink when you hear the words "Oral Presentation"? Would you prefer to stay home sick rather than participate in a class debate? From speaking in front of a class to tackling a college interview, public speaking is a skill everyone should master! Develop your ability to express yourself confidently and clearly through speech writing and performance. Sharpen your skills with the aid of videos and texts of famous speeches to deliver a performance for any occasion.

Rock music has been the dominant musical style over the last 60 years, its influence being felt in every corner of the world. It has been the musical embodiment of youth-culture and counter-culture at various moments, but has also played as jingles in corporate advertising. Explore and trace the development of Rock and Roll from its roots in Jazz, Rhythm and Blues, Hillbilly, and Country idioms through its various phases, including the British Invasion, Art Rock, Heavy Metal, Punk, Alternative, and Indie. Along the way, we will cover major cultural events that tie into these styles. Students will learn to identify styles, musical characteristics, artists, and periods of music through listening, group discussion and presentations.

Master one of the most important skills for success in high school, college, and beyond. Reach higher levels of achievement by studying the elements common to all successful writing--defining an audience, developing a thesis statement, supporting your argument, and revising for grammar and style. Through peer workshops and teacher-student conferences, you will sharpen both your expository and persuasive writing abilities. Come away with polished essays for your writing portfolio.

Imagine. Compose. Inspire. Develop your unique voice as you explore various styles of creative writing. With works by well known writers as your model, learn to develop point of view, effective description, comedy and dialogue. Under the guidance of an experienced writer, turn your own experiences and impressions into finished work to share with others. Return home with a variety of revised pieces for a portfolio you can be proud of.