The courses offered through the Gifted and Talented Program are:

Introduction to Computers (1 College Credit)

This class will provide an overview of computer technology and applications.  Basic hardware and terminology and the history of computers will be discussed.  The students will have an opportunity to work with the following software applications:  word processing, spreadsheets, and presentation tools.  Internet topics will include browsing, graphics and web page design.

Studies in American Values (1 College Credit)

Studies in American Values is an interdisciplinary course which examines the origins of distinctly American ideas and values and their expression in all aspects of American life.  The course begins with a definition of the American personality, discusses such topics as Puritanism, the Southern tradition, Jeffersonian democracy, and the concept and influence of the frontier.  The course concludes with sessions on technology, with the assumption that the computer and “high tech” revolution will offer new challenges to our value system.

TOPICS

“The New World”
“Historical Sources of American Thought”
“Technology and Values in American Society”
“The American Empire and Its Fate”
“The American Literary Tradition”
“The Cauldron of Depression and the New Deal”
“American Values and Education”
“The Immigration Experience: Transforming American Society”

Creative Writing (1 College Credit)

A writing workshop course for gifted and highly motivated students, proceeding from simple personal writing, through various rhetorical forms, to fiction and poetry.  The students will write in class, comment on and discuss one another’s work, and revise their own work.  An on-going project and a personal journal will aid continuity and allow for individual student development. 

The eight sessions will include workshops for descriptive writing, creating folk tales, writing poetry, and effective dialogue

Thinking Skills (1 College Credit)

This course presents a method of mind self management for making the most of students’ thinking abilities by going beyond what comes to mind automatically.  We identify those aspects of thinking that are within their direct conscious control and develop the skill of exercising that control to maximize mental flexibility and power.  Students learn when and how to refocus their thinking through (1) “stepping back” from a thought process and examining their thinking to identify any important gaps in it, (2) bridging the gaps by formulating and answering the right questions, and (3) returning to the original thought process with increased effectiveness.  These Thinking Skills methods are then applied to enhancing their abilities to solve problems creatively, comprehend difficult written, oral, and graphic material quickly and effectively, analyze logical arguments insightfully, make good decisions, and achieve top performance without anxiety on tests.  As we sharpen these skills, we also examine cutting-edge concepts of intelligence.

Mathematical Problem Solving (1 College Credit)

Mathematical Problem Solving is designed to enhance the skills of students in the areas of mathematics.  We will reinforce areas of mathematical concern and build on new knowledge content.  The week by week description is subject to change depending on the needs of the students and the Middle School’s curriculum.

TOPICS

• Percents
• Percent Equations
• Ratios and Proportions
• Business Applications
• Real Estate
• Auto Loan
• Consumer Loan
• Interest Calculations
• Geometry
• Angles
• Areas
• Volume
• Integers
• Order of Operations
• Introduction to Algebra

Topics may be added or amended to meet the needs of students in the classroom.

For further information please contact Barbara Torna, Senior Program Director at 201-692-6504 or via e-mail at barbara@fdu.edu.