Core Courses- The heart
of the academic program
Choose one of these four three-period courses.
Explorations in Science
Literature & Writing
Mathematics
English as a Second Language
Explorations in Science
You are introduced to a variety of sciences in this course
through studying the rivers, lakes, geological and biological
features and climate of the area surrounding campus.
The course includes such disciplines as geology, limnology
(the scientific study of the life and phenomena of fresh
water, especially lakes and ponds), and other branches
of environmental science to emphasize the interdependence
of systems in an increasingly delicate world.
Demonstration labs and field trips take you out of the
classroom to the lakes, forests and geological formations
that serve as laboratories and supplement study and discussion
in the classroom. You learn to see the world around you
with new eyes and a new understanding of the environment,
its beauty and its fragility.
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Literature & Writing
Reading a representative selection of contemporary works
from a wide variety of cultures, you examine these works
as statements concerning life and the human condition
from different cultural perspectives. Cultural
diversity is explored—How are we the same? How are
we different?—and one goal of the course is to expose
you to literature that will broaden your understanding
of the cultural backgrounds of your classmates.
While texts
vary from year to year, the reading list typically
includes works from Asia, Africa, South America, and Europe.
You work on grammar, vocabulary, and writing, with
emphasis
on the elements of the analytical essay.
Another goal
is to demystify the process of writing, whether a short
story or a journalistic article. You become familiar
with the different kinds and styles of writing while
developing your own personal voice and sense of style,
tone and theme.
You learn how to use the Internet as a research tool,
as well as to use software available to writers and researchers.
By the end of the course, you have built a portfolio of
your own writing.
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Mathematics
If you want a head start with math before beginning high
school, this course provides a sweeping review of mathematics
typically covered in middle school and then moves into
areas such as algebra and geometry. The class focuses
on fractions, decimals, operations using negative numbers,
word problems and an introduction to equation solving.
You are then familiarized with fundamental algebraic
and geometric skills, including factoring, graphing,
and formulas for solving the equations most often covered
in these courses.
If you choose this course, you are placed appropriately
to ensure that you have the necessary comfort level with
mathematical computation.
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English as a Second Language
Our English as a Second Language summer program is recognized
throughout the world for its excellence. Through a carefully
planned curriculum that engages you in learning and helps
you explore your interests, Cushing’s immersion
experience in American English can dramatically increase
English proficiency in just six weeks.
Small class size and skilled, supportive teachers are
the keys to the success of the program. Cushing has a large
ESL faculty with extensive ESL experience. The average
class size is 12 students; however, beginning classes usually
consist of eight to ten students. Consequently, you receive
a great deal of individual attention from teachers, and
you have the opportunity to practice newly acquired vocabulary
and grammar in small groups.
Great care is given to placing you in classes appropriate
to your demonstrated language skills. Students are tested
upon arrival and evaluated periodically to make sure they
remain in the appropriate level of instruction.
The program is structured around three areas of skills
classes: reading, writing, and listening and speaking.
A variety of lessons and activities are used to strengthen
language skills including regular use of Cushing’s
computers and related technology.
Special activities, excursions and frequent class trips
to educational and cultural sites give you the opportunity
to explore places of cultural and historical significance
and to practice and strengthen your English proficiency
in different environments.
In addition to providing an intensive English language
learning experience in the classroom, Cushing’s summer
ESL program provides a secure setting that enables you
to gain knowledge and understanding of life in the United
States.
You and your classmates have the opportunity to practice
your English throughout the day with American and other
international students in elective classes and sports activities
and through participation in the arts and dorm life.
The Cushing experience helps you achieve language proficiency
as well as social comfort and self-assurance that last
long after the Summer Session has ended.
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