Summer Program for Academically Talented Youth

SUMMER PROGRAM FOR ACADEMICALLY TALENTED YOUTH
July 6-25, 2008

The Summer Program for Academically Talented Youth is a three-week residential program that serves eligible students currently enrolled in grades seven, eight, nine, and ten. This program, a cooperative effort with the Duke University Talent Identification Program, provides a balance of educational, cultural, and recreational experiences on the beautiful campus of USM. Students participate in quality learning experiences that allow them to progress at a rate and a level appropriate for high-ability students.  To be eligible, applicants must have earned qualifying SAT or ACT scores as a seventh grader.  Required qualifying SAT and ACT scores differ depending on the academic course chosen.  The cost of this program is $1,500. Limited scholarships are available based on financial need. The deadline for application will be April 30.

 ACADEMIC COURSES

Classes, which are taught by outstanding teachers, meet six hours each weekday and three hours on Saturday.  Students participate in quality learning experiences that allow them to progress at a rate and a level appropriate for high‑ability students.  Each class is limited in enrollment. Students select one of the following courses, each of which is offered in a fast‑paced, challenging format.  SAT or ACT eligibility requirements are noted after each course description.

Mathematics – This series of subjects includes Algebra I and II, Geometry, Trigonometry, Precalculus, Calculus and Modern Analysis.  The goal of this course is for each student to learn as much mathematics as proves feasible.  Most students will complete at least one mathematics subject during the course. Diagnostic testing and individualized instruction allow students to work at their own pace and focus on material they have not previously mastered.  Students must enjoy mathematics and be able to work independently to gain the most from this class.  Students are required to have a graphing calculator. SAT-M > 500  or  ACT-M > 18 

Human Anatomy and Physiology - This course is the study of the structure and functioning of the human body.  Each body system will be studied and seen as an integrated part of an entire organism.  The systems to be studied are integumentary, skeletal, muscular, nervous, endocrine, circulatory, urinary, digestive, respiratory, and reproductive.  Clinical applications (using disorders of the systems) will integrate the knowledge of the course into practical application.  SAT-M > 500 or  SAT-CR > 500 or ACT-M > 18 or ACT-E > 21 or ACT-S > 22 or ACT-R > 21

Forensic Science - Forensic science is the application of science to those criminal and civil laws that are enforced by police agencies in a criminal justice system. Students will be introduced to such topics as crime scene investigation, photography, fingerprinting techniques, trace evidence analysis, packaging and presentation of evidence, and fiber comparison. Students will acquire knowledge in forensic science through professional readings, textbooks, hands-on activities, lectures, group discussions, seminars with practitioners, and videotapes. SAT-M > 500 or  SAT-CR > 500 or ACT-M > 18 or ACT-E > 21 or ACT-S > 22 or ACT-R > 21

Polymer Science - Students will explore the world of polymers, the materials that surround us in our daily lives, by participating in inquiry-based laboratory experiments and hands-on research projects.  The history, recent developments, applications, and the processing of glass, ceramics, metals and polymers will be examined.  The properties of major commercial polymers, raw material sources, and the organization of the polymer industry will also be studied. Since the interdisciplinary nature of polymer science encompasses several fields including chemistry and physical science, students gain exposure to science’s multifaceted realm.  SAT-M > 500 or  SAT-CR > 500 or ACT-M > 18 or ACT-E > 21 or ACT-S > 22 or ACT-R > 21

Political Science – This course will center on international relations.  Through readings, lecture, discussion, analysis of sources, and guest speakers, participants will develop a greater understanding of the political world and their role as citizens in a global community. SAT-M > 500 or  SAT-CR > 500 or ACT-M > 18 or ACT-E > 21 or ACT-S > 22 or ACT-R > 21

Psychology ‑ Emphasis will be on the scientific and theoretical aspects of psychology, including biological bases of behavior, development, learning and adaptive behavior, sensation and perception, measurement, and statistical methods.  Material is presented through textbook reading, lecture, discussion, and demonstration.  SAT-M > 500 or  SAT-CR > 500 or ACT-M > 18 or ACT-E > 21 or ACT-S > 22 or ACT-R > 21

Criminal Justice – This course is an introduction to criminal law, criminological thought, and the operation of the criminal justice system.  SAT-M > 500 or  SAT-CR > 500 or ACT-M > 18 or ACT-E > 21 or ACT-S > 22 or ACT-R > 21

Creative Writing ‑ This course is designed to be a writer's workshop with emphasis on turning the experiences of real life into lively, creative prose.  Students will become aware of their own habits as writers through writing essays, poetry, and other forms of creative writing. They will discuss and practice the process of writing from brainstorming creative ideas to organization, analysis, and revision.  SAT-CR > 500 or SAT-W> 500 or ACT-E > 21 or ACT-R > 21

Debate - This course provides instruction in how to acquire, analyze, and evaluate information in order to organize effective arguments, and it provides practice in making those arguments.  Skill in debate helps the individual think logically, clearly, and quickly; it makes a student able to identify flawed reasoning and argue persuasively.  It also contributes to the student’s understanding of himself and his confidence in his own ability to analyze issues. SAT-CR > 500 or SAT-W> 500 or ACT-E > 21 or ACT-R > 21

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The residential component is planned to be an integral part of the learning experience. The residential hall provides an equally comfortable environment for academic activities and leisure time. Students live in an air-conditioned dormitory a short walking distance from the dining hall, campus resources (such as the library), and campus recreational facilities. Residential counselors supervise students when they are not in class. Approximately six hours each day will be devoted toward group classroom studies, with one hour per evening provided for individual study. Cultural and recreational activities will be planned as well. There are many opportunities for students to enjoy getting acquainted with other young people of similar abilities and interests.

(3) Students will be notified by May 8, whether or not they have been accepted into this summer program. If accepted, the student will receive forms that must be returned before May 15 and must be accompanied by the balance ($1,425) of the total tuition fee.

Download Application

Applications may be mailed to
Summer Program for Academically Talented Youth
The University of Southern Mississippi
118 College Drive #8207
Hattiesburg, MS 39406-0001

Or, if using a credit card for the deposit, you may fax to
(601) 266-4764, attn. Dr. Frances Karnes. Please notify via email or phone that a fax has been sent.

Questions?
Call the Center at (601) 266-5236
or e-mail: gifted.studies@usm.edu