Gifted LearningLinks Online Course Catalog 2014-2015

2014–2015 Course Catalog
For Kindergarten – Grade 12
www.ctd.northwestern.edu/gll
847/491-3782 ext. 5
gll@northwestern.edu
Gifted
LearningLinks
Individualized Online Courses
for Gifted Students
Center for Talent Development

Gifted
LearningLinks
for Gifted Students
Kindergarten through Grade 12
Power Up!
Welcome to Gifted LearningLinks (GLL), a dynamic
online learning program administered by the Center for
Talent Development (CTD) at Northwestern University.
Online courses provide a challenging and individualized
experience ideal for gifted students of all academic talents.
The GLL program offers hundreds of enrichment and credit
bearing courses year-round for students in Kindergarten
through grade 12.
GLL is designed for independent learners wishing to pursue
their passions and gain access to advanced subject matter.
What students enjoy most about GLL courses:
• The ability to explore areas of interest in depth or
subject-area content beyond that typically offered in school
• Access to advanced courses and curriculum to sharpen
their skill sets
• The ability to learn at a more rapid, individually
determined pace
• The opportunity to take a course not available to them locally
GLL courses are great for schools or homeschool groups
seeking cost effective ways of providing differentiated
curriculum for gifted students.
What sets Gifted LearningLinks apart from other online
educational programs:
• The personalized attention, which students receive from
expert instructors in the field of study
• The ability to engage in coursework at an individual pace
• The unique opportunity to interact with like-minded peers
who share similar interests and abilities
This catalog explains our many program options and
features available courses for the 2014–15 academic year.
New offerings are added throughout the year so check
our website regularly for additions!
TABLE OF CONTENTS
Gifted LearningLinks at a Glance.....................1
Enrichment.......................................................4
Family Program...........................................................4
Kindergarten–Grade 1.....................................................4
Grades 2–3........................................................................4
Enrichment Courses....................................................5
Grades 3–5........................................................................5
Grades 4–6........................................................................6
Grades 6–8........................................................................6
Core Essentials............................................................8
Grades 3–5........................................................................8
Grades 4–6........................................................................8
Grades 6–8........................................................................8
Education Program for Gifted Youth (EPGY)............9
K–Grade 7 Mathematics Courses....................................9
Grades 2–6 Elementary Level
Language Arts and Writing..............................................9
Credit Courses................................................10
Honors Electives (Grades 6–12)...............................10
Honors Courses (Grades 6–12)................................12
AP®
Courses (Grades 9–12)......................................15
Accelerated Summer Option...................................16
General Program Information........................17
Eligibility & Prerequisites.........................................19
Application Procedures........................................... 20
Northwestern University’s Center for Talent Development is
an accredited learning center and research facility, which has
been serving gifted students, their families, and educators for
over 30 years. Gifted LearningLinks (GLL) offers online courses
designed to meet the needs of this community and provide
an additional pathway for individualized learning.

1
Gifted
LearningLinks
at a Glance
Gifted LearningLinks
offers unique online
programs designed to
enhance and enrich the
learning of gifted students
from Kindergarten through
grade 12. Our network of
educators spans the United
States and our programs
are comprised of students
and families from all around
the world. This diverse
makeup of students, families
and educators allows for a
one-of-a-kind opportunity
to share in advanced
learning experiences.

2
Enrichment at a Glance
IMPORTANT DATES, DETAILS & DEADLINES FALL 2014–SUMMER 2015*
PROGRAM SESSION APPLICATION
DEADLINE
START DATE TIME
COMMITMENT
(Hours per week)
COST
(TUITION +
PROCESSING
FEE)
DURATION FEEDBACK
UPON
COMPLETION
Family Program
(K–GRADE 3)
Quarterly September 1
January 1
March 15
June 1
September 15
January 15
April 1
June 15
Varies by interest $220 9 Weeks Certificate of
Participation
Enrichment
(GRADES 3–8)
January 1
March 15
June 1
September 15
January 15
April 1
June 15
2–5 $510 9 Weeks Narrative
Evaluation
Core Essentials
(GRADES 3–8)
January 1
March 15
June 1
September 15
January 15
April 1
June 15
2–5 $510 9 Weeks Narrative
Evaluation &
Grade
Educational
Program for Gifted
Youth (EPGY)
(K–GRADE 7)
Monthly One month
prior to start
date
Varies Varies From
$585 to $685
3 Months Determined by
EPGY
* Textbooks, special equipment and special lab fees are required for some courses at additional cost.
Family Program
Kindergarten–Grade 3
FALL, WINTER, SPRING, SUMMER
NINE WEEKS
This family-oriented program consists of engaging courses
in exciting subjects, which provide a variety of hands-on
activities for family members to enjoy together. Online,
real-time discussions allow participants to share their
discoveries and collaborate with other family groups from
around the globe. See page 4.
Enrichment
Grades 3–8
NINE WEEKS
Interactive, challenging and enriching material is explored
via online discussions with like-minded peers. Individual
projects and one-on-one interaction with the instructor
enhance learning outcomes. Courses are available in a
wide range of subject areas. See page 5.
Core Essentials
Grades 3–8
NINE WEEKS
Core Essentials courses introduce students to content
essential to the disciplines of math, science and language
arts and aligned with common core standards, while
allowing for deeper exploration typically not possible in
school. These courses prepare students for future study
in required academic areas. See page 8.
Educational Program
for Gifted Youth (EPGY)
COURSES BEGIN ON THE 1ST OF EVERY MONTH
THREE MONTHS
Advanced courses in mathematics and the language
arts administered through the Educational Program for
Gifted Youth (EPGY). The exciting K through grade 7
mathematics program offers a rigorous and complete
mathematics curriculum with a strong emphasis on
conceptual geometry and mathematical foundations,
while the language arts and writing program exposes
students to the essential elements of English grammar
and mechanics.
First-time applicants to the mathematics program
should enroll in their current grade level, though
instructors will work with students to fine tune their
initial grade placement. See page 9.

3
For Credit at a Glance
* Textbooks, special equipment and special lab fees are required for some courses at additional cost.
IMPORTANT DATES, DETAILS & DEADLINES FALL 2014–SUMMER 2015*
PROGRAM SESSION APPLICATION
DEADLINE
START DATE TIME
COMMITMENT
(Hours per week)
COST
(TUITION +
PROCESSING
FEE)
DURATION FEEDBACK
UPON
COMPLETION
Honors Electives
(GRADES 6–12)
Year-round The 1st of
every month
The 15th of
every month
5–7 $640 Up to 18
weeks
Narrative
Evaluation, Grade
& Credit Earned
Honors
(GRADES 6–12)
every month
The 15th of
every month
5–7 $640–$975 Up to 18
weeks for
1 credit; 9
months for 2
Narrative
Evaluation, Grade
& Credit Earned
Advanced
Placement
(GRADES 9–12)
every month
The 15th of
every month
5–7 $640–$975 Up to 18
weeks for
1 credit; 9
months for 2
Narrative
Evaluation, Grade
& Credit Earned
Accelerated
Summer Option
(GRADES 6–12)
Summer June 1 June 15 20–35 $640 or $975 9 Weeks Narrative
Evaluation, Grade
& Credit Earned
Honors Electives
Grades 6–12
ROLLING ENROLLMENT
COURSES BEGIN ON THE 15TH
OF EVERY MONTH
Honors Electives courses provide more specialized
content than is generally available in middle and high
schools and offer insight into potential college majors,
areas of interest and potential career paths. Honors
Electives courses earn one high school credit. See page 10.
Honors
Grades 6–12
ROLLING ENROLLMENT
OF EVERY MONTH
Honors-level courses are offered in a wide range of subject
areas, including English & writing, foreign languages and
technology. In addition to providing challenging content,
course activities develop independent study skills to best
serve students preparing for a college career. Honors
courses earn two high school credits unless noted
otherwise. See page 12.
Advanced Placement (AP®
)
Grades 9–12
ROLLING ENROLLMENT
OF EVERY MONTH
College Board approved AP®
courses designed to prepare
students for college-level work and for the AP®
exams in
May (students must register for the exams on their own).
These courses can be completed at an individualized pace.
AP®
courses earn two high school credits unless otherwise
noted. See page 15.
Accelerated Summer Option
(ASO)
Grades 6–12
COURSES BEGIN ON JUNE 15 AND END AUGUST 17
Accelerated Summer Option courses allow students to
complete a one or two-credit course in a shorter time-
frame of just nine weeks during the summer. Course
selections for each summer are posted online the first
week of March. See page 16.

4
01. Mathematics Explorations (Fall)
What kinds of experiences help
develop number sense?
Learn to solve a variety of math challenges
through puzzles and games while investigating
Fibonacci numbers, measurement systems,
combinations, fractions, ancient number
systems, money and logic. Appreciate
numbers and numbering systems in everyday
life as your family works together to find
solutions to complex problems.
02. Book Club (Fall)
What makes a book award-winning?
Read award winning children’s books,
including Caldecott and Monarch winners, in
this highly interactive class. Make text-to-text,
text-to-self and text-to-world connections as
you participate in book discussions with your
family and others.
03. Ready, Set, Go!
Physics for Kids (Winter)
How does physics connect to everyday life?
Discover the laws of motion, heat and energy.
Introduce your family to the concepts
of force, light, magnetism, color, buoyancy
and flight. Engage in an exciting range of
activities, experiments and discussions that
help unravel the mysteries of physics.
04. Family Heritage (Winter)
How do families share their history?
Read books about families from around
the world as you explore your own family history.
Create family trees, interview relatives, explore
cultural backgrounds and trace your own
genealogy in this highly interactive class.
05. Young Authors Workshop (Spring)
Which book do you think every child
should read?
Together, family members listen to or read
stories that demonstrate well-written, age
appropriate literature. They discuss parts of
stories and how authors use different styles for
different audiences. Young learners share their
own tales of adventure. Participants build
writing confidence while exploring interactive
websites and playing vocabulary-building
games with the family. Families read and write
various genres, such as mysteries, fairy tales
and fantasy adventure.
06. Mathematics & Sports (Spring)
How would sports be different if there
were no numbers?
Every sport uses numbers in some way, for
scoring, measuring or simply identifying
players. Test your family’s athletic and math-
ematical abilities as you learn about the
importance of sports and exercise in our
daily lives. In this very active class, students
explore the connection between math and
sports in baseball, basketball, football and
soccer; research their favorite athletes; and
follow current events in sports.
Grades 2–3
07. Biographies (Fall)
How do you define success?
History provides us with many examples of
people whose skills and talents have impacted
our lives. Explore a variety of biographies to
learn about people who overcame problems,
faced challenges or criticism and still succeeded.
Students focus on a notable person of interest
to study more deeply and create a project to
share what they have learned.
08. Oops! Accidental Inventions (Fall)
What can be learned from making mistakes?
What do Post-it Notes, potato chips and
chocolate chip cookies have in common?
These and many other everyday items were
discovered by mistake; the result of an inventor
being able to think outside the box and see
that an idea might work in other ways. Explore
the stories behind famous inventions as you
learn strategies to increase your critical and
creative thinking skills.
09. A Book & Its Cover (Winter)
What do you look for when selecting a book?
In today’s world, with so many titles, it can be
difficult to choose the right book. Students
evaluate, analyze, describe and interpret a
variety of literary works as they discuss and
debate the value of their readings.
10. Mathematical Mystery Tour (Winter)
How do you know where to begin when
solving a problem?
How do you decide what strategy will work
best in a mathematical situation? Become a
super sleuth as you crack mathematical
mysteries. Develop your mathematical
reasoning and computational skills as you
analyze stories and pose possible strategies
for reaching solutions. Create your own
math mysteries to mystify your instructor
and classmates.
11. Six Hats for Thinking (Spring)
How do we decide what strategy will
work best in a given situation?
White, Red, Black, Yellow, Blue and
Green – Put your thinking caps on! Learn
to become an excellent lifelong thinker
using the Six Thinking Hats, a method that
deepens thinking and makes it more visible
and focused. By engaging in a series of
integrated, creative and critical thinking
activities learn to use the six hat strategies
to “see” your thinking, as well as focus on,
change and improve it.
12. Games Around the World (Spring)
What can we learn about a culture
from its games?
Exercise your brain as you solve games and
puzzles from all parts of the world. Learn
about the people who played the games,
who solved the puzzles and who designed the
art. Discover the difference between games
of chance and games of strategy and how
changing the rules can impact the outcome.
Family Program
Courses
FALL 2014 • WINTER 2015 • SPRING 2015 • SUMMER 2015*
* Summer course offerings will be on the CTD website in March 2015. Visit www.ctd.northwestern.edu/gll.
Enrichment

Grades 3–5
English and Writing
Mythology
In what ways do myths of the past exemplify
the cultural values of yesterday and today?
Mythology provides a window to the
world – past and present. Become familiar
with the world of gods, goddesses and
mythical beings through the legends of the
ancient world from Greece and Rome to
Asia and North America. As you examine
the literary elements, discover why these
stories continue to fascinate readers and
scholars today. With instructor-led activities
and prompts, students pen their own
“ancient” and contemporary myths.
101. Classical Mythology:
Myths of Ancient Greece & Rome (Fall)
102. Asian Mythology:
Myths of China, Japan & India (Winter)
103. North American Mythology:
Indian, Inuit, Mayan & Aztec (Spring)
104. Online Writing Workshop
(Fall, Winter, Spring)
What compels you to read a story
all the way to the end?
Choose a genre and write an original story.
Engage in an online writing process that
offers opportunities to brainstorm, plan,
organize, compose, edit and polish your work.
Enhance your skills further with weekly chat
room meetings that provide teacher feedback
and peer discussion. Completed stories are
published online (with parental permission).
Humanities and
Social Sciences
105. Maps, Money & Mayhem:
A Pirate’s Life For Me (Fall)
What cultural and environmental influences
are responsible for the rise of piracy?
Pirates created their own society and culture
based on their unique lifestyle, economy and
code of conduct. Separate truth from myth in
tales of treasure and terror as you analyze pirate
legends and historical news reports. Investigate
how pirates survived at sea for months at a time,
recreate legendary trade and treasure routes,
and learn how pirates of old steered their ships
using only compasses, the wind and the stars.
106. True Stories of the Middle Ages
(Winter)
How are our lives today impacted by the
discoveries of the Middle Ages?
Castles, knights, princesses and dragons
come to mind when you hear the words
“Middle Ages,” but in reality it was a period
of tremendous social change, technological
advances, conflict, natural disasters, war
and disease. Students examine historical
documents, art, architecture and literature to
distinguish fact from fiction and uncover the
true stories of the Middle Ages.
107. Gold Fever: The California Gold Rush
(Spring)
What impact did immigration during the
Gold Rush have on the California of today?
Leaving everyone and everything behind them,
fortune-seekers from all over the United States
headed to California to find gold. Map out
and explore the perilous journeys of the
“Forty-Niners.” Examine historical documents
to find out what life was like for the miners and
the people they left behind in the process.
Learn how the gold rush changed California,
and the United States, forever.
Mathematics
108. It’s a Puzzlement (Fall)
What information and strategies work
best when solving puzzles?
Puzzles are mind-boggling fun, but they also
prompt students to see problems in a new
light, while increasing mathematical aptitude.
Challenge yourself with puzzles that call for
inductive and deductive reasoning, as well
as other forms of creative problem solving.
Enhance your critical thinking and computa-
tional skills as you unravel puzzles.
109. The Geometry of Architecture (Winter)
How are geometric properties used in design?
Discover sacred geometry, the golden ratio,
and other classic components of art and
architecture. Participants create their own
buildings by making scale drawings of designs
and solving their own design challenges using
principles of mathematics and architecture.
NOTE: SOME MATERIALS MAY NEED TO BE
PURCHASED FOR PROJECTS AT HOME.
110. Brain Benders (Spring)
How do you decide what strategy will work
best in a given problem situation?
Push your mathematics skills to new levels!
Discover new ways to strategize. Extend your
thinking to approach and solve a variety of
mathematics and logic problems 24/7. Math
stumpers, tangrams, Sudoku and riddles are
just a few of the puzzles participants wrestle
with as they advance their skills to higher
and higher levels.
Science
111. The Sky is Falling (Fall)
What are the biological and natural forces
which shape and change the Earth?
Explore the environmental phenomena,
which rock our world. Earthquakes, typhoons,
droughts and tsunamis are among the natural
disasters explored in this class. Discover the
scientific explanations for these physical
phenomena and find out how humans
monitor and track their occurrences. Future
meteorologists and geologists are invited to
learn about these awesome events.
112. Germs: The Good, The Bad
& The Ugly (Winter)
How do germs impact our lives in both
positive and negative ways?
Germs – bacteria, viruses and fungi – are
everywhere! They can make us ill but they
5
Enrichment
Courses
Grades 3–8
FALL 2014 • WINTER 2015 • SPRING 2015 • SUMMER 2015*
See Eligibility Requirements on page 19.
Enrichment

6
can also help us. Learn about the different
classes of germs, their structures, growth and
reproductive systems. Experiment to discover
what types of germs are in your environment
and what you can do to prevent illness.
NOTE: SOME MATERIALS MAY NEED TO BE PURCHASED
FOR EXPERIMENTS AT HOME.
113. Detective Science (Spring)
What is the role of scientific technology
and human judgment in crime solving?
Future forensic scientists explore the types
of evidence that perpetrators leave behind.
As you read case histories, discover the
technological advances that often make
fingerprints, lip prints, hair and fiber vital clues
to a criminal investigation and solving the case.
Technology
114. Alice (Fall, Winter, Spring)
What are the key concepts of object
oriented visual programming?
Make your storytelling high tech with Alice,
a 3D programming environment.
Create animated stories, interactive games,
or a video to be shared on the web
(with parental permission) during
this introduction to object-oriented
programming.DesignedbyCarnegie-Mellon,
Alice teaches programming theory and
prepares students for more advanced
game design courses.
115. Scratch (Fall, Winter, Spring)
How do you edit, compile, run and
test a program using Scratch?
Construct animations, games, stories and
simulations with Scratch, a graphical program-
ming language designed by MIT. Generate
interactive projects to be shared on the web
(with parental permission) using drag
and drop blocks. Students concentrate on
problem solving and become equipped for
more advanced game design courses.
116. Scratch II (Fall, Winter, Spring)
What more can you do with Scratch?
Produce more complex animations, building
upon skills gained in Scratch I. Expand
important design and reasoning skills while
learning programming fundamentals and
applying them to real world situations.
PREREQUISITE: SCRATCH AT CTD OR
INSTRUCTOR’S APPROVAL
Grades 4–6
Technology
117. GameMaker (Fall, Winter, Spring)
How are conditional statements
important to game development?
GameMaker helps you become a master
of design. Using the drag-and-drop system,
create many types of video games, developing
characters, rules and strategies for your
own unique arcade games.
NOTE: ACCESS TO WINDOWS-BASED PC
IS REQUIRED.
118. Web Design (Fall, Winter, Spring)
What prompts you to delve deeper
on a website?
Through a hands-on, project-based approach,
use HTML and web-authoring software to
learn about web-design standards and how to
evaluate web pages critically. Create your own
web pages with text, graphics, and multimedia
that will drive visitors to dig deeper.
World Languages
119. Introduction to Latin I
How is modern culture influenced
by Roman language and culture?
Learn Latin vocabulary and grammar through
translations while you explore ancient mythology
and society. Deduce the meanings of
English words, enhancing your vocabulary
in both English and Latin.
120. Introduction to Latin II
Why is learning another language beneficial?
Continuation of the Introduction to
Latin I course.
PREREQUISITE: INTRODUCTION TO LATIN I
AT CTD OR INSTRUCTOR’S APPROVAL
121. Introduction to Latin III
How is Latin similar to, and different
from, English?
Continuation of the Introduction to
Latin II course.
PREREQUISITE: INTRODUCTION TO LATIN II
AT CTD OR INSTRUCTOR’S APPROVAL
Grades 6–8
English and Writing
122. Fan Fiction (Fall, Spring)
How many stories can come from one?
What if Katniss had chosen Gale instead?
What if Sam had abandoned Frodo? If
you’ve ever wondered, you’re not alone.
Fan fiction is a term for stories written
by anyone and take place in, or use
characters from, a popular work. There
are millions of fan fiction stories online
from all over the world. While examining
why some fan fiction stories “work”
while others do not, participants will tap
into their love of a world or character
to develop their own creativity.
123. Film Critique (Winter, Spring)
How does one analyze and evaluate film?
Do you want to be the next Ebert or Roeper?
There’s more to writing a good critique than
just telling the reader what you think. As
students watch PG-rated films, they analyze
cinematography, direction, script, actors and
theme to create their own movie reviews.
124. Persuasive Essays (Fall, Winter)
How can we organize our thoughts
to be more persuasive?
Convince me. A persuasive or argumentative
essay uses logic and reason to present a
point of view and to prompt the reader
to action. Understanding how persuasive
essays work aids students in becoming better
readers, writers and critical thinkers. Successful
persuasion includes establishing facts,
supporting an argument and clarifying relevant
values. Using a range of lively, well-written
essays as models, students learn about the
basics of this form of writing including audience,
choice of position, research, evidence and
conclusion. Participants then create a collection
of their own persuasive essays.
125. Online Writing Workshop
What compels you to read a story all
the way to the end?
Choose a genre and write an original story.
Engage in an online writing process that offers
opportunities to brainstorm, plan, organize,
compose, edit and polish your work. Enhance
your skills further with weekly chat room
meetings that provide teacher feedback
and peer discussion. Completed stories are
published online (with parental permission).
Humanities and
Social Sciences
126. Real Urban Legends (Fall)
How do you distinguish fact from fiction?
Urban legends are the present-day equivalent
of the legends and folklore of days gone by.
These secondhand stories are told as true
and believable tales of things that allegedly
happened to real people. Learn to recognize
an urban legend and how to determine its
veracity as you read a variety of contemporary
myths and legends.
127. Changing Tomorrow (Winter)
What are the attributes of great leaders?
Want to make a positive change in
society? Leadership skills are essential.
Enrichment

7= Creative Studies Course – Rigorous arts-integrated courses that extend learning in other subject areas.
Explore and analyze the lives of current
and past world leaders. Through readings,
Internet research and interviews become
aware of your own leadership abilities as
you develop the skills and habits of mind
essential to assuming future leadership roles.
128. Global Decisions (Spring)
What impacts global decisions?
How have education, political activism and
new technologies such as global computer
access and social media changed how
decisions are being made– and who is
making them? Students examine the
actions of world leaders and ordinary
citizens in today’s global society.
Mathematics
129. Cryptography: Math & Codes
How can mathematical reasoning be
used to solve codes?
Once used largely in military operations,
applications of modern cryptography
include ATM cards, computer passwords
and e-commerce. Students increase their
level of mathematical understanding and
reasoning as they encrypt and decrypt
secret writing using cipher wheels, modular
arithmetic, factorization and exponents.
NOTE: A GRAPHING CALCULATOR IS REQUIRED.
130. Deceived By Statistics
How can statistics inform our
decision-making?
Statistical data is all around us. It has
the power to give us an objective window
into any given situation when used
properly. Become aware of the numerous
techniques people use to distort and
misuse data as you learn how to analyze
and interpret the numbers to find the truth.
131. Stock Market Experiment
How does money grow over time?
Endowed with $100,000 in your imaginary
account, participate in a simulation of
financial trading including common stocks and
mutual funds from the NYSE and NASDAQ
exchanges. Learn about the economics and
psychology of the stock market and how to
make informed investment decisions, which
could affect the rest of your life.
Science
132. Design Challenges: Intro
to Engineering (Fall, Winter, Spring)
How important is creativity in
problem solving?
Tinkerer. Innovator. Pioneer. Many inventions
stem from problems, and many problems
have multiple solutions. Design Challenges
allow you to design, build and test a
solution to a dilemma. Learn to “think
outside the box” by approaching an
engineering problem using the process of
understanding, observing, defining, ideating
(brainstorming), prototyping and testing.
133. Biomimetics (Fall, Winter, Spring)
How can nature inform technological
efficiencies?
What do Velcro and a Mercedes-Benz
concept car have in common? They are both
innovations inspired by nature. Biomimetics
is the application of methods and systems
found in nature to engineering and technology.
Explore current examples of biomimetics,
potential areas for future exploration
and design possible solutions using the
design process.
134. Oceanography (Spring)
How can organisms, places and
ideas change over time?
Massive jellyfish swarms, shifting ocean
temperatures and the loss of sea ice are
only a few of the recent changes to the
world’s oceans and seas. Hypothesize
solutions to questions that impact sea life
and its survival. Discussion, field research
and experiments engage participants in
this investigation.
Technology
135. Python I (Fall, Winter, Spring)
What does knowledge of Python
enable you to do?
Learn to write programs using a dynamic,
object-oriented, open-source language
that opens the door to future computer
courses. You’ll learn the grammar of the
Python programming language, how to
plan and organize programs and strategies
to debug programs.
NOTE: THIS PROGRAM RUNS ON WINDOWS
PLATFORMS. STUDENTS MAY USE MAC OS OR
LINUX. EXAMPLES ARE DONE IN WINDOWS.
136. Python II (Fall, Winter, Spring)
How can Python make tasks easier?
Once students have mastered the basics
of Python, it’s time to move on to more
complex concepts. Delve deeper into
topics and explore new ones.
PREREQUISITE: CTD’S PYTHON I OR
INSTRUCTOR’S PERMISSION
137. Building Minecraft Mods in
Java (Fall, Winter, Spring)
What factors go into wanting to design
your own modification in a computer game?
Learn Java by designing and programming
your own items, armor, blocks and creatures
for your own Minecraft modification you can
play and share. The central concepts of object
oriented programming including inheritance,
classes, methods and instances will be explored
while creating new virtual objects with Java code.
138. Computer Guts (Fall, Winter, Spring)
How does a computer work?
Learn the major components of a home
computer, its function and how it interacts
with the overall system. Sessions cover OS
software, viruses and the coding behind
software and websites. Learn the blueprints
to building a home computer from scratch.
NOTE: STUDENTS ARE ENCOURAGED TO FIND A
COMPUTER OF THEIR OWN THAT CAN BE OPENED,
SHARED AND DISCUSSED WITH OTHER MEMBERS
OF THE CLASS AND/OR THE INSTRUCTOR.
Enrichment

8
Grades 3–5
English and Writing
160. Introduction to Advanced Grammar
Use an array of strategies, based on the work
of Michael Clay Thompson, to be introduced
to the four levels of traditional grammar:
parts of speech, parts of sentences, phrases
and clauses.
NOTE: THE TEXT FOR THIS COURSE IS GRAMMAR
ISLAND BY MICHAEL CLAY THOMPSON. ORDER
DIRECTLY FROM WWW.RFWP.COM OR CALL
845/726-4444.
161. Introduction to Advanced Writing:
Sentences (Fall, Winter, Spring)
Building on the GLL Introduction to Advanced
Grammar course, learn the essential rules and
concepts behind sentence structure that lead
to improved writing.
PREREQUISITE: INTRODUCTION TO
ADVANCED GRAMMAR
NOTE: THE TEXT FOR THIS COURSE IS SENTENCE
ISLAND BY MICHAEL CLAY THOMPSON. ORDER
845/726-4444.
Paragraphs (Fall, Winter, Spring)
Apply previously acquired knowledge to help
organize well-developed sentences into a
variety of orderly paragraphs: descriptive,
dialogue, exposition and comparison.
ADVANCED WRITING: SENTENCES OR
INSTRUCTOR’S PERMISSION.
NOTE: THE TEXT FOR THIS COURSE IS PARAGRAPH
TOWN BY MICHAEL CLAY THOMPSON. ORDER
845/726-4444.
Essays (Fall, Winter, Spring)
Prepare to write effective formal essays,
research papers, critical responses, essays for
exams and the analysis of academic subjects.
ADVANCED WRITING: PARAGRAPHS OR
NOTE: THE TEXT FOR THIS COURSE IS
ESSAY VOYAGE BY MICHAEL CLAY THOMPSON.
ORDER DIRECTLY FROM WWW.RFWP.COM
OR CALL 845/726-4444.
Grades 4–6
Mathematics
Introduction to Pre-Algebra
Linked to the national Common Core
State Standards, this series of courses
provides a rigorous foundation in elementary
mathematics. Through exploration, practice
and application, deepen your understanding
of mathematical ideas and apply them to
real world settings.
NOTES:
• STUDENTS MAY PARTICIPATE IN ANY OR ALL OF
THESE COURSES, BEGINNING IN ANY SESSION.
• COMPLETION OF THE ENTIRE SERIES PREPARES
STUDENTS FOR PRE-ALGEBRA (SEE COURSE 173).
164. Numbers & Algebraic Thinking
165. Geometry & Measurement
166. Data, Statistics & Probability
Grades 6–8
English and Writing
167. Writing Research Papers I
Test your knowledge of grammar and
punctuation and learn the MLA (Modern
Language Association) formatting method
for composing well-written research papers.
NOTE: THE TEXT FOR THIS COURSE IS ADVANCED
ACADEMIC WRITING, VOLUME I, BY MICHAEL CLAY
THOMPSON. ORDER DIRECTLY FROM WWW.RFWP.
COM OR CALL 845/726-4444.
168. Writing Research Papers II
Extend the foundation of academic
writing begun in Level I.
PREREQUISITE: WRITING RESEARCH PAPERS I
NOTE: THE TEXT FOR THIS COURSE IS ADVANCED
ACADEMIC WRITING, VOLUME II, BY MICHAEL
CLAY THOMPSON. ORDER DIRECTLY FROM
WWW.RFWP.COM OR CALL 845/726-4444.
169. The Power of Language:
Grammar I (Fall, Winter, Spring)
Participate in a unique approach to grammar
instruction that culminates in greater depth and
breadth of grammatical knowledge.
NOTE: THE TEXT FOR THIS COURSE IS MAGIC LENS,
VOLUME I BY MICHAEL CLAY THOMPSON.
ORDER DIRECTLY FROM WWW.RFWP.COM OR
CALL 845/726-4444.
170. The Power of Language:
Grammar II (Fall, Winter, Spring)
This is a continuation of The Power
of Language: Grammar I.
“The course was great. It allowed me to
accomplish my goals and get ahead in math.”
—Pre-Algebra Student
Core
Essentials
Grades 3–8
FALL 2014
WINTER 2015
SPRING 2015
SUMMER 2015*
See Eligibility Requirements
on page 19.
Enrichment
* Summer course offerings will be on the CTD website in March 2015. Visit www.ctd.northwestern.edu/gll.

9
PREREQUISITE: THE POWER OF LANGUAGE:
GRAMMAR I
NOTE: THE TEXT FOR THIS COURSE IS MAGIC LENS,
VOLUME II BY MICHAEL CLAY THOMPSON.
ORDER DIRECTLY FROM WWW.RFWP.COM OR
CALL 845/726-4444.
Mathematics
171. Pre-Algebra I (Fall, Winter, Spring)
Moderately paced Pre-Algebra course
covers the first half of the topics covered in
a traditional Pre-Algebra course.
NOTE: THIS COURSE SHOULD BE FOLLOWED
BY PRE-ALGEBRA II.
172. Pre-Algebra II (Fall, Winter, Spring)
Continuation of Pre-Algebra I. Successful
completion of this two-course series provides
a solid foundation for Algebra I Honors.
(See course 314.)
173. Pre-Algebra Condensed
Rigorous, self-paced class that covers a
year of Pre-Algebra in one nine-week
course. Successful completion provides a
solid foundation for Algebra I Honors.
(See course 314.)
Science
174. Topics in Biology (Fall, Winter, Spring)
Explore biology through the evolutionary
approach and discover a range of important
concepts as you read, discuss, view videos
and perform problem – and project-based
experiments.
175. Conceptual Chemistry
Learn the fundamental principles and
applications of chemistry as you improve
your scientific literacy. Conduct virtual and
home-based experiments that build a
foundation for future studies in chemistry.
176. Theoretical Physics
Study the physical principles underlying
classical mechanics, electricity and magnetism
through a variety of learning activities including
hands-on and simulated lab experiments,
and projects. Prepare for future studies in
high school physics.
177. Earth Science (Fall, Winter, Spring)
What is Earth’s place in relation to the
universe? Using models and geoscience
data study the formation and evolution
of the universe, examine the role of
geologic and climatic events in shaping
the earth’s systems over time and begin
to understand the impact of human beings
on Earth’s systems.
Education Program for
Gifted Youth (EPGY)
AVAILABLE YEAR-ROUND
Mathematics
601. K–7 Redbird Mathematics Gifted &
Talented Edition
Developed by Stanford University, the Redbird
Mathematics curriculum features the latest in
adaptive instruction, gamification, and digital
project-based learning. This K through grade 7
curriculum is designed specifically to meet the
requirements of Common Core.
Language Arts & Writing
602. Grades 2–6 Language
Arts & Writing (LAW)
This course provides students with a systematic
presentation of the essential elements of
English grammar and mechanics. It focuses on
grammatical concepts, language conventions,
sentence writing and paragraph structure.
EPGY NOTES:
• CHECK WEBSITE AT WWW.CTD.NORTHWESTERN.
EDU/GLL/COURSES/EPGY/ FOR OPERATING
PROCEDURES, ELIGIBILITY, SCHEDULING AND
COURSE FEES.
• EPGY APPLICATIONS MAY BE FOUND ON THE
“DOWNLOADS” PAGE ON THE GLL WEBSITE.
Enrichment

10
Business
201. Entrepreneurial Experiences
How does math help entrepreneurs? Using
the fundamentals of business mathematics,
discover what it takes to establish and operate a
successful, prosperous business. Through case
studies, readings and writing learn to research a
company’s earnings and apply such information
when designing a small business enterprise.
English and Writing
202. Playwriting 101
From William Shakespeare to Amy Herzog,
playwrights script dramas and comedies for
live performance. Reading published plays,
viewing performances and practicing writing
assists students in developing their own skills
as a playwright.
203. Effective Essay Writing:
Writing for Test Preparation, College
Applications & Beyond
Essay writing, class assignments and college
applications all demand planning, preparation
and practice. Learn the structure and purpose of
essays through reading and analyzing a
variety of well-constructed pieces. Sharpen
your own essay writing skills to compose
clear, fluid and efficient text.
204. American Society through
Crime Fiction
“There are crimes of passion and crimes
of logic. The boundary between them is
not clearly defined.” —Albert Camus.
Use literary criteria to interpret this popular
genre and gain insight into human behavior
and societies. Read from a selection of crime
fiction and related articles, including works by
Sir Arthur Conan Doyle and Agatha Christie.
205. Geek Lit
Robert A. Heinlein wrote that science fiction
is a “realistic speculation about possible future
events, based solidly on adequate knowledge
of the real world, past and present, and on a
thorough understanding of the nature and
significance of the scientific method.” Explore
and discuss the significance of classics such
as Neuromancer, Dune, Ender’s Game,
Childhood’s End and more.
Humanities and
Social Sciences
206. The Influence of Art & Architecture
Explore how art, architecture and philosophy
have influenced beliefs and worldviews
throughout history. Read works by authors
such as William Fleming, Peter Watson and
Nigel Spivey while participating in virtual field
trips to study artifacts housed in museums
around the world.
207. Censorship
What can (or should) be censored? Who is
(or should be) the authority? Explore the
rationale and circumstances that lead to
imposed restraint of information, thought and
behavior. From banned books to media
censorship and technology filters, learn
about the power, authority and control
exerted over the messages and information
we receive in our daily lives.
208. Covert Actions: An Overview of the
United States Intelligence Community
Formed to protect our nation’s security,
U.S. intelligence is a community of agencies
and organizations that collect, analyze and
distribute information in response to
government leaders’ questions and needs.
Delve into the history and development
of U.S. intelligence, taking a critical look at
the structures, actions, failures and challenges
of this facet of government.
209. Politics, Media & Society
Reflect judiciously on current events
impacting American society. Develop critical
thinking skills by analyzing and evaluating
the news media landscape. Consider multiple
viewpoints while learning to integrate new
ideas and perspectives into your opinions.
210. Great Battles: 490BC–1991
“All warfare is based on deception.” —Sun Tzu
An overview of great battles and their
significance on world and military history.
Students will study selected battles with
respect to background, leaders, armies,
the events of the battle itself, and discuss
the impact of the conflict on military history
and the world in general.
211. Introduction to Philosophy
Ethics, religion knowledge and metaphysics
form the foundation for this study, ranging from
pre-Socratic to contemporary times.
Mathematics
212. Mathematics & Computer Graphics
Mathematics and technical programming
skills are becoming increasingly important
for game development and computer
simulations of the physical world. Students in
this course are taught to use vectors, coordinate
spaces, matrices, transformations, and other
mathematical objects and functions to create
2D and 3D visual effects while further develop-
ing their technical skill as Java programmers.
This application of mathematics to computer
graphics affords students the opportunity to
develop powerful intuitions about advanced
mathematics concepts.
PREREQUISITE: ALGEBRA I
213. Money & Banking
This course is an introduction to the behavioral
science of economics which focuses on interest
rates, the concept of money, exchange rates,
and monetary policy. Topics covered include
banking structures and function, the Federal
Reserve, determinants of the money supply,
fiscal policy and monetary policy and interna-
tional economies.
Science
214. Introduction to Neurological Disorders
What if you could taste a shape or sound?
The brain can be a source of seemingly strange
and bizarre behaviors. Examine the inner
workings of the mind in an effort to unravel
unusual neurological disorders.
Honors Electives
Grades 6–12
Eighteen-week courses for one high school credit.
For Credit

For Credit
215. Introduction to Epidemiology
Epidemiology is the study of factors used to
investigate, analyze and prevent or contain
a disease. Through case studies and investiga-
tions, learn why outbreaks occur, how scientists
study epidemics and the important role
research plays in making public health decisions.
216. Introduction to Nanoscience
An exciting area of current science research,
nanoscience is the study of the extremely tiny.
Through readings, labs and simulations,
participants gain an understanding of the
importance of nanoscience and the
applications of this research in information
technology, medicine and other fields.
217. Forensic Science Investigations
Popularized on television, forensic science
allows one to develop and extend scientific
skills through problem-based learning. Using
multiple branches of social science and physical
science, including chemistry, psychology,
physics, biology and criminal justice, students
use microscopy, chromatography, DNA
and genetic evidence to conduct forensic
investigations.
218. Exploring Genetics
Since the late 1800s, improvements in
technology and techniques have allowed
scientists to unravel the mysteries of DNA.
Learn from a variety of resources, including
computer simulations, labs and case studies.
Explore how genetics impact human life
and evolution.
219. Medical Microbiology
Bacteria and fungi have earned a bad
reputation for causing disease, but research
shows that many species benefit us in a
variety of ways, including helping us to digest
food and ward off illness. In a world full of
antibiotics and probiotics, the role of
microorganisms in our lives is becoming
more complex than ever. Use case studies,
simulations, lab activities and independent
research to explore the roles microorganisms
play in our health.
Technology
220. Interactive Web Design with
PHP & MySQL
PHP and MySQL are free and powerful
tools used to create dynamic and interactive
websites. Learn about elements of program-
ming, graphic design, media editing and
information management. Experiment with
the web tools used to build many blogs,
wikis, online chats, shopping and social
networking websites.
PREREQUISITE: EXPERIENCE WITH HTML OR WEB
EDITING SOFTWARE
221. iOS Programming I
Learn to program apps for the iPhone, iPod,
or iPad. Topics include the XCode development
environment, the Objective-C language,
and basic graphics and user interaction.
Upon completion, students will be able to
program simple animated interactive games.
NOTE: ALL PROJECTS IN THIS CLASS WILL RUN ON
XCODE’S BUILT-IN SIMULATORS. TO UPLOAD TO AN
ACTUAL DEVICE, STUDENTS WILL NEED TO REGISTER
WITH APPLE FOR A $99 ANNUAL FEE.
222. iOS Programming II
Formal and advanced techniques for iOS
programming are explored including the
Model/View/Controller programming
model and object-oriented design, Students
use storyboards to construct multi-screen
applications and learn to apply data
structuring and navigation tools. Participants
develop a term project involving advanced
techniques that interest them the most.
PREREQUISITE: PROGRAMMING I
NOTE: ALL PROJECTS IN THIS CLASS WILL RUN ON
XCODE’S BUILT-IN SIMULATORS. TO UPLOAD TO
AN ACTUAL DEVICE, STUDENTS WILL NEED TO
REGISTER WITH APPLE FOR A $99 ANNUAL FEE.
11

12
English and Writing
301. English Vocabulary I Honors:
An Etymological Approach
Build a foundation comprised of hundreds
of Latin and Greek stems, making it possible to
understand, remember and utilize thousands of
English words. Knowledge of Latin and Greek
is the basis of advanced English vocabulary.
302. English Vocabulary II Honors
Continue expansion of vocabulary
gained in English Vocabulary I
PREREQUISITE: ENGLISH VOCABULARY I HONORS
NOTE: TEXTS FOR ENGLISH VOCABULARY I AND II
HONORS ARE THE WORD WITHIN THE WORD BY
MICHAEL CLAY THOMPSON. VOLUME 1 IS FOR
ENGLISH VOCABULARY I, VOLUME 2 IS FOR ENGLISH
VOCABULARY II AND BOTH VOLUMES CAN BE
PURCHASED DIRECTLY FROM THE PUBLISHER, ROYAL
FIREWORKS PRESS BY CALLING 845/726-4444.
303. Literary Analysis Honors
Explore universal themes by reading and
analyzing major works of literature in a variety of
genres that include fiction, poetry, essay
and drama. Through deep analysis and written
responses, students expand their critical
reading and writing skills.
304. World Literature Honors
This comparative study of literature from
around the world and throughout history
includes selections from classic and
contemporary works. Explore multicultural
literature through critical reading and writing
assignments that include creative expression.
305. Creative Writing Honors
Good reading leads to good writing. Read and
become familiar with the characteristics of a
variety of literary genres that can serve as
models for your own original compositions.
306. Journalistic Writing Honors
Journalism continues to transition with
the constant stream of digital advances.
However, demand for good reporting
skills remains constant. Learn about the
legal and ethical issues that journalists
face regularly and enhance your critical
thinking and writing abilities.
307. Expository Writing Honors
From non-fiction books and magazine
articles to school research papers and
business memoranda, expository writing
informs the reader about a selected topic.
Orally, expository writing influences
academic presentations, business talks
and speeches. Read and write to master
different oral and written expository styles.
Humanities
& Social Sciences
308. U.S. History Honors
Learn about American history from early
exploration and colonization up to contempo-
rary times. Discover how the United States
came to be what it is and why it remains
unique in the world.
309. World History Honors
Explore recurring themes of the human
experience common to civilizations around
the globe, from ancient to modern times.
Multimedia resources, primary source
documents and other tools provide the
opportunity for in-depth study.
310. International Relations & Conflicts
Honors: 20th & 21st Centuries
Analyze past and current conflicts in
Eastern Europe, Africa and Asia as you
assess individual, national and international
responses to global events.
311. World Religions Honors: An Exploration
of Belief Systems Around the Globe
Study symbols, myths, doctrine, ethics and
ritual to learn about and gain understanding
of world religions. Discover how various faiths
define and seek “universal truth.”
312. Psychology Honors
Examine theories about personality and
how biological factors may affect behavior,
learning, memory, psychological disorders
and therapy. Design and conduct experiments,
analyze data and report discoveries about the
mental and emotional processes.
HIGH SCHOOL CREDIT: 1 SEMESTER
313. Logic Honors: Critical Analysis
of Argument
Increase your ability to analyze critically
and construct irrefutable arguments. Learn
to recognize and evaluate ambiguity, rate
an argument’s strengths and weaknesses
and come to an informed conclusion.
Mathematics
314. Algebra I Honors
Topics include understanding expressions,
equations and functions, solving inequalities
and graphing equations and functions.
“My experiences with GLL have offered me unique
opportunities to study outside of school. There are
so many interesting and challenging course offer-
ings that still await!”
—Physics Honors Student
Honors Courses
Grades 6–12
One and two semester high school credit courses with
the option to complete at an accelerated pace.
For Credit

13
315. Algebra II/Trigonometry Honors
Topics include inequalities, polynomial
equations, rational expressions, complex
numbers, exponents, logarithms, statistics,
probability, matrices and an introduction
to basic trigonometry.
316. Geometry Honors
Study deductive reasoning and mathematical
proofs of all types and gain an understanding
of the mathematics of shapes.
317. Pre-Calculus Honors
Solve application problems involving functions,
from linear to trigonometric, and add vectors,
sequences, series and matrices to your
mathematical skill set.
PREREQUISITE: ALGEBRA II/TRIG & GEOMETRY
Science
318. Biology Honors
Take an in-depth look at the fundamental
characteristics of living organisms and learn
about the nature of scientific inquiry and
the scientific method. Experiment using
hands-on and virtual laboratory experiences.
NOTE: MAY BE USED AS A LAB SCIENCE FOR
IMSA AND OTHER SELECTIVE HIGH SCHOOL
APPLICATIONS.
319. Chemistry Honors
Using hands-on and virtual laboratory
experiences, study key topics, analyze data,
draw conclusions and report results. Scientific
method, chemical foundations, compositions
and reactions, modern atomic theory and
electrochemistry are among the topics covered.
RECOMMENDED: ALGEBRA I
NOTES:
• ADDITIONAL LAB FEE OF $50 IS REQUIRED.
• MAY BE USED AS A LAB SCIENCE FOR IMSA AND
OTHER SELECTIVE HIGH SCHOOL APPLICATIONS.
320. Physics Honors
Learn to apply the universal principles of
physics, gain an appreciation of mathematics
and develop your understanding of the major
concepts via hands-on experiments, virtual
simulations and investigations. Study a variety
of topics including Newtonian physics,
electricity and magnetism, waves and optics,
as well as early modern physics.
PREREQUISITE: ALGEBRA II
NOTES:
• STUDENTS MUST PURCHASE A HANDS-ON LAB
KIT FROM QUALITY SCIENCE LABS. CALL
866/700-1884 AND ASK FOR THE PHYSICS KIT
FOR NORTHWESTERN UNIVERSITY.
• MAY BE USED AS A LAB SCIENCE FOR IMSA AND
OTHER SELECTIVE HIGH SCHOOL APPLICATIONS.
321. Astrophysics Honors
Learn about the basic structures of the
universe and how these structures have
evolved over time. Activities include readings,
problem solving and laboratory experiences.
PREREQUISITE: ALGEBRA II
322. Environmental Science Honors:
A Case-Based Approach
What tensions exist between human
demands for resources and the requirements
of healthy ecosystems? Work with case
studies analyzing scientific content and
authentic data sets. Laboratory and other
activities, readings and online discussion
build knowledge and understanding.
323. Neuroscience Honors
Explore topics ranging from the anatomy and
physiology of the brain to mental disorders
associated with brain dysfunction. Activities
include readings, lecture, discussion and
laboratory activities, such as a virtual eye
dissection and the opportunity to analyze
sleep data.
PREREQUISITE: BIOLOGY
Technology
324. Java Honors
This is an introduction to object-oriented
programming. Using the BlueJ integrated
development environment, implement
object-oriented concepts immediately and
throughout the course. Develop significant
experience with classes, objects and inheritance
as you gain understanding of the keywords and
constructs of the Java language.
325. Programming C++ Honors
Combine major concepts to produce a game of
your own design, suitable for multiple players.
NOTES:
• STUDENTS MUST HAVE ACCESS TO A WINDOWS
OPERATING SYSTEM.
• STUDENTS NEED A C++ COMPILER;
INFORMATION ON FREE COMPILERS AVAILABLE
ONLINE IS INCLUDED IN THE COURSE SYLLABUS.
World Languages
326. Latin I Honors Wheelock
This rigorous curriculum covers the first
22 chapters of Wheelock’s Latin Grammar
and the accompanying Workbook and Latin
Stories. Begin to master classical Latin by
studying basic grammar and vocabulary
as you read selections by some of the best
ancient authors.
327. Latin II Honors Wheelock
Continue the work started in Latin I
Honors Wheelock.
PREREQUISITE: LATIN I WHEELOCK OR
328. Latin I Honors Ecce Romani
Stories about the Romans, their mythology
and historical characters help reveal the
structure of the Latin language and provide
the basis for rich vocabulary development.
The application of grammatical knowledge to
Latin stories is emphasized, enabling you to
translate Latin conversations. English classical
etymology, Roman history and ancient culture
are integrated throughout.
329. Latin II Honors Ecce Romani
Continuation of Latin I Honors Ecce Romani
PREREQUISITE: LATIN I ECCE ROMANI OR
For Credit

14
330. Latin III Honors: Literature
This translation-based survey course of
Latin prose introduces the wisdom found in
unabridged Latin texts including those written
by Caesar, Cicero and others. Consideration of
grammatical, syntactical and semantic usages,
in all their variant forms, encourages application
of critical thinking skills to produce structurally
accurate and fluid translations.
PREREQUISITES: LATIN I II: WHEELOCK OR
ECCE ROMANI OR INSTRUCTOR’S PERMISSION
331. Chinese I Honors
The four language skills of listening, speaking,
reading and writing are developed as students
participate in activities, engage in guided
conversation and writing, utilizing familiar
vocabulary and structures in this introductory
course in Mandarin Chinese language and culture.
332. Chinese II Honors
Expand your knowledge of the Chinese
language and culture gained in Chinese I.
PREREQUISITES: CHINESE I HONORS OR
333. Chinese III Honors
Advance the skills learned in Chinese II.
PREREQUISITES: CHINESE II OR
334. Spanish I Honors
Guided by the standards of the American
Council on the Teaching of Foreign Languages
(ACTFL), Spanish I focuses on the core skills of
listening, speaking, reading and writing.
Participate in conversations and written
activities that include a comprehensive cultural
approach to the Spanish-speaking world
incorporating the arts, literature and food.
NOTE: ADDITIONAL LAB FEE OF $50 IS REQUIRED.
335. Spanish II Honors
Continue development of listening, speaking,
reading and writing skills gained in Spanish I
Honors.
PREREQUISITES: SPANISH I OR INSTRUCTOR
PERMISSION
336. Spanish III Honors
Become more proficient in the Spanish
language through rigorous “immersion.”
Upon successful completion, students
may plan to take the AP®
Spanish Language
or Literature exam.
PREREQUISITES: SPANISH II OR INSTRUCTOR
PERMISSION
For Credit

15
English and Writing
401A. AP®
English Language
Composition
Read an array of fiction and non-fiction
to strengthen your critical literacy skills.
Expository, analytical, and argumentative
writing skills, that form the basis of effective
communication, are emphasized.
NOTE: GRADED WRITING SAMPLE REQUIRED
FOR ADMISSION.
401B. AP®
English Language
Composition for STEM-focused students
Designed to align with the AP®
English Language
and Composition learning outcome objectives
while appealing specifically to students
interested in pursuing careers in STEM-related
fields, a substantial subset of assigned
readings will focus on topics related to science
and technology, and a major project within
the course will support students in writing an
article according to publication standards for
a science research journal.
FOR ADMISSION.
402A. AP®
English Literature
and Composition
Increase awareness of how writers use
language to evoke emotional response
by reading examples from a variety of
genres and historical periods and record
your insights in writing.
FOR ADMISSION.
402B. AP®
English Literature and
Composition for STEM-focused students
Designed to align with the AP®
English
Literature and Composition learning outcome
objectives while appealing specifically to
students interested in pursuing careers in
STEM-related fields, a substantial subset of
assigned readings will appeal to students with
interests in science and technology.
FOR ADMISSION.
Humanities
Social Sciences
403. AP®
U.S. History*
From the first European explorations of the
Americas to current events and trends, this
college-level course provides an opportunity to
master analytical skills required to understand
and assess American history.
*Approval Pending
FOR ADMISSION.
404. AP®
European History
Use primary sources, works of art and of
literature to develop and sharpen your skills
to analyze, interpret and evaluate historical
materials from the western hemisphere.
PREREQUISITE: A GRADED WRITING SAMPLE
405. AP®
World History
Use primary and secondary sources to
examine the impact of interactions among,
and within, world civilizations and societies
throughout the ages.
FOR ADMISSION.
406. AP®
Government Politics:
U.S. Comparative (2-Part Course)
Examine the sources of U.S. government
authority and political power, as well as the
role of nationhood, civil rights, civil liberties,
public policy and the court system. Learn about
comparative politics, based on an exploration
of the political frameworks of other nations.
NOTE: STUDENTS MAY ELECT TO TAKE ONE
OR BOTH COURSES.
Course 406A–U.S.
(one high school semester credit)
Course 406B–Comparative
407. AP®
Economics: Micro Macro
(2-Part Course)
Microeconomics examines the behaviors of
individuals and businesses while macroeconom-
ics analyzes the economy as a whole. Topics
include supply and demand, the role of labor,
fiscal and monetary policy. Students examine
government regulations and the impact they
have on individual choice, standards of living,
competition and world trade patterns.
OR BOTH COURSES.
Course 407A–Microeconomics
Course 406B–Macroeconomics
408. AP®
Human Geography
Geography generally focuses on the question
of “Where?” Human geography tries to answer
the question, “Why there?” Examine the basics
of cultural change, regionalism and political
organization in this multi-faceted approach to
understanding world geography.
409. AP®
Psychology
Understand various theories of behavior and
cognition, participate in research exercises and
study the current practices of psychology in
various contexts. The course culminates in an
experiment that includes the collection,
interpretation and evaluation of data.
FOR ADMISSION.
Mathematics
A graphing calculator is required
for all AP®
Mathematics courses.
410. AP®
Calculus AB
AP®
Calculus AB includes analytic geometry,
functions, limits, continuity, the derivative
and its applications, and the integer and
its applications.
PREREQUISITES: ALGEBRA II/TRIGONOMETRY
GEOMETRY OR PRE-CALCULUS
411. AP®
Calculus BC
AP®
Calculus BC includes advanced applica-
tions of integration techniques, infinite series,
conics, parametric equations, polar coordinates
and the calculus of vector-valued functions.
PREREQUISITES: CALCULUS AB OR
412. AP®
Statistics
An introductory, non-calculus based college-
level course that emphasizes understanding
and analysis of statistical studies, and the
AP®
Courses
Grades 9–12
One and two semester
high school credit courses
with the option to complete
at an accelerated pace.
See Eligibility Requirements
on page 19.
For Credit

16
development of an intuitive sense of
statistics and probability.
PREREQUISITES: ALGEBRA II
Science
413. AP®
Biology
Develop both practical and analytical skills
by investigating biological phenomena via
a combination of readings, tutorial lectures,
discussion, homework assignments and
both hands-on and virtual lab activities.
PREREQUISITES: BIOLOGY (CHEMISTRY
IS RECOMMENDED)
414. AP®
Environmental Science
Study the scientific principles, concepts and
methodologies required to understand the
interrelationships of the natural world.
PREREQUISITES: ALGEBRA I; ONE YEAR EACH:
PHYSICAL LIFE SCIENCE
NOTE: LAB ACTIVITIES IN THIS COURSE REQUIRE
FIELDWORK.
415. AP®
Chemistry
Topics include the structure of matter,
kinetic theory of gases, chemical equilibriums,
chemical kinetics and the basic concepts of
thermodynamics. A combination of hands-on
and virtual labs builds understanding of
concepts as students conduct both
quantitative and qualitative analyses of data.
PREREQUISITES: ALGEBRA II CHEMISTRY
416. AP®
Physics I II: Algebra-Based
(2-Part Course)
This college-level course prepares the
student to take the AP®
Physics I and AP®
Physics II exam.
HIGH SCHOOL CREDIT: 2 SEMESTERS
OR BOTH COURSES; SEE 416A AND 416B.
Course 416A–AP®
Physics I
(one semester high school credit)
This course is equivalent to a first semester
college course in Algebra-based physics.
With an emphasis on science practices and
inquiry-based investigations topics include
Newtonian mechanics (including rotational
dynamics and angular momentum); work,
energy, and power; and mechanical waves and
sound. It will also introduce electric circuits.
PREREQUISITES: GEOMETRY AND ALGEBRA II
AND PREVIOUS OR CONCURRENT ENROLLMENT
IN ALGEBRA II
Course 416B–AP®
Physics II
(one semester high school credit)
This course is the equivalent of a second
semester college course in Algebra-based
physics. Topics include fluid mechanics;
thermodynamics; electricity and magnetism;
optics; and atomic and nuclear physics.
PREREQUISITES: AP PHYSICS I AND PREVIOUS OR
CONCURRENT ENROLLMENT IN PRECALCULUS
417. AP®
Physics C: Mechanics and
Electricity Magnetism (2-Part Course)
Designed for students with some prior
physics experience who are interested in
majoring in a technical science in college.
PREREQUISITES: PHYSICS PREVIOUS OR
CONCURRENT ENROLLMENT IN CALCULUS
NOTE: STUDENTS MAY ELECT TO TAKE ONE OR
BOTH COURSES; SEE 417A AND 417B.
Course 417A–AP®
Physics C: Mechanics
This college-level course prepares students
to take the AP®
Physics C: Mechanics exam.
PREREQUISITES: GEOMETRY AND ALGEBRA II
AND PREVIOUS OR CONCURRENT ENROLLMENT
IN ALGEBRA II
Course 417B–AP®
Physics C:
Electricity Magnetism
This college-level course prepares the
student to take the AP®
Physics C: Electricity
Magnetism exam.
Technology
418. AP®
Computer Science A
Topics include object-oriented program design,
the development and selection of appropriate
algorithms and data structures to solve
problems, and the AP®
Java subset including
the standard Java library classes. Learn to apply
proper algorithms that utilize Java and to use
readable and efficient code to satisfy problem
descriptions.
PREREQUISITE: ALGEBRA II, JAVA AND/OR
PROGRAMMING C++
NOTE: STUDENTS NEED A JAVA COMPILER
FOR THIS COURSE.
World Languages
419. AP®
Latin
Translate Latin passages and discuss literary
and grammatical features within the social,
cultural, historical, and/or political context of
the period. Read the entire Aeneid and
pertinent passages from Homer’s Iliad and
Odyssey in English.
PREREQUISITE: LATIN II WHEELOCK OR
LATIN III, LITERATURE ECCE ROMANI OR
421. AP®
Spanish Language
Spanish language for active communication.
Enhance your understanding of aural/oral skills,
reading comprehension and composition. Special
emphasis is given to authentic source materials.
PREREQUISITE: SPANISH III OR
The Accelerated Summer Option (ASO) is an
excellent option for students interested in
completing a one- or two-semester Honors or
AP®
course in nine weeks during the summer.
Check the CTD website in March 2015
for course offerings.
“I greatly improved my
writing skills through
this course. I feel really
accomplished with
my writing and
knowledge of history.”
—European History Student
For Credit
Accelerated
Summer
Option

Quality Instruction
Center for Talent Development (CTD) selects faculty based on
their mastery of subject matter, teaching experience, philosophy
of teaching, ability and enthusiasm to work with gifted students.
GLL is unique in its dedication to creating thought-provoking,
engaging online learning experiences, designed specifically for
academically talented students.
Experienced instructors are just an e-mail or phone call away
throughout the students’ GLL courses. Small class sizes allow
instructors to provide personal attention and differentiate for
each student.
Grades, Evaluations Transcripts
Upon successful completion:
• Participants in the Family Program receive a Certificate
of Participation.
• Enrichment students receive a narrative performance
evaluation.
• Core Essentials students receive a narrative performance
evaluation and letter grade.
• Honors Electives, Honors and AP®
students receive a narrative
performance evaluation, letter grade, and an official transcript
indicating the high school credit awarded. A final grade of C-
or better meets the requirements for successful completion
of a course and allows students to receive credit through CTD.
A pass/no credit option is available for students taking Honors
Electives, Honors or AP®
classes.
• To elect this option, CTD must be notified, in writing, by the
end of the 6th week of the course. Requests should come
from a parent or school administrator.
• Students electing pass/no credit must adhere to all GLL
policies and must have a grade of C- or better in order to earn
a “pass” and course credit.
Accreditation
CTD is accredited as a nonpublic supplementary school by
AdvancEd, which permits CTD to grant high school credit for
its honors and advanced placement courses. GLL has NCAA
approval, as well as College Board authorization for its AP®
courses. The acceptance of credits depends on the local school’s
institutional policies. If you are interested in having your credits
transferred to your local school, CTD strongly recommends
reviewing local school policies with your advisor or administrator
prior to applying for a particular course.
Tuition Fees
GLL tuition includes a non-refundable processing fee of $60.
The full tuition is due with the application, unless applying for
financial aid. All payments, including the processing fee, are
refunded if a student is denied admission or if a financial aid
award is insufficient, thus preventing a student from registering.
• Applications for family classes, enrichment courses or core
essentials, received after the session’s application deadline,
must include a $25 late fee. Students may be enrolled no
later than one week after the start date.
• Applications for honors electives, honors and AP® courses,
received after the session’s application deadline, may be
processed for enrollment in the following month.
• GLL tuition does not cover textbooks, lab equipment or any
additional fees. Students must purchase these separately.
• Textbooks may be ordered from our online bookstore
http://bookstore.mbsdirect.net/ctd.htm.
General
Program
Information
17

18
Financial Aid
• Need-based financial aid is available to GLL students.
–– Submit the first two pages of your tax return.
–– A parent or guardian must complete a Statement of
Need form (www.ctd.northwestern.edu/gll/downloads)
explaining the family’s financial need, not the student’s
academic performance.
• Early application is encouraged as funds are limited and
granted on a rolling basis.
• A $100 (non-credit courses) or $200 (credit-bearing courses)
deposit is required to complete the online application.
Applications are not considered for financial aid or admission
until all documentation is complete and has been received.
This deposit is applied to the overall cost of the course after
enrollment.
• Students may receive financial aid for only one CTD class at a
time. No financial aid is available for the Family Program.
Withdrawals Refunds
Requests for refunds and/or withdrawals must be made in
writing and e-mailed to CTD.
REFUND
BEFORE START
OF COURSE
REFUND
WITHIN 21
DAYS OF
START
NO REFUND
AFTER 21
DAYS OF
START
All GLL
courses
Tuition minus $60
processing fee
50% of tuition $0
• No refunds are granted if a student is dismissed from
the program.
• Refund processing takes about six weeks, beginning
when a written request is received by CTD.
• For EPGY courses, there is a $35 non-refundable
registration fee.
Gifted LearningLinks in Schools for Groups
To help schools provide flexible opportunities for academically
talented students who need additional challenge, CTD facilitates
Gifted LearningLinks in Schools. Students who meet GLL’s
eligibility criteria may enroll in any of GLL’s online courses.
• Students can work either independently or in small groups
while in school, after school and/or at home.
• Students must have evening/weekend Internet access.
• For students working during school hours, school personnel
will need to ensure access to the appropriate technology.
• It is strongly recommended that school groups be assigned an
in-school liaison who can assist students with the technology,
subject matter and student performance issues, as needed.
NOTE: COURSES MAY NOT BE TRANSFERRED AMONG STUDENTS AT ONE SCHOOL,
IN ONE DISTRICT OR IN ONE HOME SCHOOL COOP OR GROUP.
To Apply for a Group Discount
A 10% tuition discount is available to school districts and home
school groups that enroll 5 or more students for classes with the
same start date.
• Complete the GLL School Application (www.ctd.northwestern.
edu/gll/downloads).
• Upon receipt, a school code will be issued to be used in lieu of
a credit card, check or purchase order at the time of registration.
• Students must apply for their GLL course individually
using the online application.
• The school code is entered on the Certification Page of the
online application in order to bypass payment and submit.
Accessing Gifted LearningLinks
• Prior to the course start date, students receive login
information allowing them to gain access to the learning
management system which houses GLL courses.
• Course access begins on the official start date.
• The GLL experience starts with a virtual online orientation
for all new students (returning students are welcome
to repeat orientation).
• Syllabi, assignments, timelines, discussion boards, links and
more are found on the course site, which is available 24/7.
• Communication with the course instructor and/or classmates
occurs in a variety of ways, determined by the instructor, the
nature of the subject matter and student preference. Sample
tools may include, but are not limited to, the use of discussion
boards, e-mail, phone, online class meetings using Skype,
Adobe Connect, and/or Google apps.
What to Know Before Beginning an Online Program
Students often underestimate the amount of work and rigor
found in GLL courses. Online learning requires just as much,
if not more, work than a traditional class in the same subject.
Before signing up for an online course, please consider the
following attributes that lead to success in online learning.

19
• Computer Literacy – Students in grades 3 through 12 are
expected to be familiar with standard computer operations:
login; creating new documents; copy, cut and paste; sending
and receiving e-mails and attachments; scanning documents;
and navigating the internet.
• Strong Reading and Writing Skills – Most material in an
online course is presented in written form – textbook, e-mail
and course instructions. Students need to be able to read
and follow written directions and communicate effectively
through writing.
• Motivation and Independence – Online learning requires a
greater level of independence and responsibility on the part of
the learner. Although a course is laid out for the student in its
entirety, the student owns the learning and will need to take
responsibility for the work. Internal motivation is key to being
successful.
• Persistence and Patience – Students need to persist through
challenging curriculum, be willing to tolerate technical issues
and ask for assistance when needed. The usual turnaround
time for feedback is 24 to 48 hours, a bit different from asking
a question in a face-to-face classroom and receiving an
immediate answer.
• Effective Time-Management Skills – The flexibility of an online
course is both a benefit and disadvantage. Each course
contains a syllabus and a suggested timeline, but our courses
do not have set class times during which a student must attend.
It is easy to let things go or to put things off. Successful online
students maintain a steady study schedule, and log in to their
course and e-mail regularly. These students generally have, or
acquire, excellent organizational skills.
• Self-Advocacy – Unlike the traditional classroom environment,
the online instructor cannot use non-verbal clues to determine
if a student is confused or needs assistance. In an online class
the student needs to communicate any needs to the instructor
using the various tools made available – e-mail, phone, discus-
sion board. Communication should always be respectful and
courteous.
Eligibility Prerequisites
Family Program Course applicants have no eligibility
requirements. Parents should consider their own availability
as well as their children’s level of interest in working on the
thematic projects presented. Family Program courses are
for children in Kindergarten through grade 3.
Enrichment/Core Essential/EPGY courses require
ONE of the following:
• Recent (no more than two years old) nationally normed
standardized test scores greater or equal to the 90th
percentile in the subject for which they are applying;
• Participation in Northwestern University’s Midwest
Academic Talent Search (NUMATS);
• If test scores are not available or do not meet the score
requirement, students may submit an Admission Portfolio
consisting of two teacher recommendations and a recent
grade report.
Honors, Honors Electives AP®
For most courses, applicants in
grades 6 through 9 are required to meet the minimum EXPLORE®
,
PLAN®
, PSAT®
, ACT®
, or SAT®
requirements as Talent Search
participants (tests taken above grade level*).
Students in grades 10 through 12 who do not have talent
search scores require nationally normed test scores at the
95th percentile or higher in the subject area they wish to take
a class. Test score requirements are available online in each
course description.
An alternative is to submit an admission portfolio, consisting
of two teacher recommendations and a recent grade report.
Evidence of prerequisite(s) and/or a graded writing sample
may be required.
*ABOVE GRADE LEVEL EXAMS ARE OFFERED THROUGH ACADEMIC TALENT SEARCH
PROGRAMS. MORE INFORMATION REGARDING THE NORTHWESTERN UNIVERSITY’S
MIDWEST ACADEMIC TALENT SEARCH (NUMATS) PROGRAM CAN BE FOUND AT
WWW.CTD.NORTHWESTERN.EDU/NUMATS.
Computer Technology Requirements
Recommendations
All GLL courses use a learning management system, which
students must be able to access and utilize.
• A computer with broadband Internet access is mandatory.
• Students are required to have their own e-mail accounts.
GLL can provide e-mail accounts to students upon request.
It is also recommended that parents of GLL students have
e-mail accounts. Difficulties in communication will adversely
impact student success in the course.
• Both Mac and Windows platforms are compatible with
our learning management system. Many courses use
Adobe Connect web conferencing software for real-time
sessions. Adobe Connect requires a computer with speakers
or headphones. Adobe Connect works in the Web browser of
desktop and laptop computers with Flash version 11.2 or above
installed. Installing a free dedicated app is required to
participate in Adobe Connect sessions using an iPad or
Android tablet.
• For some courses a scanner and/or digital camera may
be helpful. Specific requirements can be found in the
course descriptions.
• The most recent version of Mozilla Firefox or Google Chrome
is recommended for GLL courses. Some courses may use
Java-based sites and applications for certain course activities.
The student’s browser should allow cookies and pop-up
windows on the course site.

20
Course Extensions Course Transfers
For information on course extensions and course transfer
options visit www.ctd.northwestern.edu/gll-tuition. Certain
criteria must be met and certain fees apply.
Application Procedures
Background
Center for Talent Development’s eligibility requirements
are based on published research about the validity of
various predictors for success in CTD classes.
CTD welcomes new applicants with qualifying test scores,
returning applicants and admission portfolio applicants.
Determine your applicant type from the three described
below. Minimum requirements are listed here, but you may
be asked for additional documentation.
Application Types*
• New Applicant with Qualifying Test Scores
–– Student has qualifying talent search (EXPLORE®
,
ACT®
or SAT®
) test scores.
–– Student has new talent search scores qualifying the
student in additional content areas.
–– Student has qualifying scores on a nationally normed
test in the subject for which the student is applying
(Enrichment/Core Essentials only).
• Returning Applicant
–– Student is applying for a course in a subject area in which
student has successfully completed comparable CTD
coursework.
–– Student has taken prerequisite courses through CTD with
GLL, the Summer Program or the Saturday Enrichment
Program.
• Admission Portfolio Applicant** Students who lack the
specified test scores, but who believe they are likely to succeed
in GLL courses, should submit an Admission Portfolio consist-
ing of the following materials:
–– Current report card.
–– Current standardized test scores, if available.
–– Two teacher recommendation forms from teachers familiar
with the student’s work in the relevant content area.
GLL Recommendation Forms are available online at
www.ctd.northwestern.edu/gll/downloads/.
–– Documentation that demonstrates the student is
working 1.5 to 2 years above grade level.
–– Other required admission materials specified by course.
Check the GLL Course Description online for specific test score
and prerequisite requirements.
Apply online at www.ctd.northwestern.edu/gll/apply/.
The Admission Committee reviews applications on an
individual basis. Applications must be paid in full and all
supporting documentation must be received prior to
review. An e-mail will be sent upon acceptance or denial
of the application.
* There are no test scores or further documentation required for
participation in the Family Program. The best criterion to
ensure success is that the child has an interest in the topic and
at least one family member has time to work with the student.
** Homeschool students, please note, we welcome homeschool
student participation in GLL, a program that can be uniquely
suited to serving home learners. Homeschooled students
who lack the required test scores should access our website at
www.ctd.northwestern.edu/gll/apply/portfolio/#home for a
description of what should be included in the Admission
Portfolio.
International Applicants
International students applying for honors or AP®
courses should
have taken the SAT®
or ACT®
test and need to submit TOEFL or
TOEFL Jr. scores if English is not their first language. Students for
whom English is not a first language may also be asked to submit
a graded writing sample.
For information about TOEFL or TOEFL Jr. tests contact
TOEFL/TSE services at www.ets.org.
It is strongly recommended that students who are not currently
living in North America open a free Skype account in order to
ensure the best communication possible with their instructors.
To download this program, see www.skype.com.
Future Communication from CTD
As a program participant, you will receive notifications of other
programs and services provided by CTD. We hope you enjoy
hearing about other opportunities. If you do not wish to receive
e-mail messages promoting programs or services from CTD
contact us at 847/491-3782 ext. 4 to request that your name be
removed from our e-mail lists.
Northwestern University Policy
Students associated with Center for Talent Development are held to all responsibilities
of members of the Northwestern University community. Northwestern University
and Center for Talent Development reserve the right to change without notice any
statement in this brochure concerning, but not limited to, rules, policies, tuition,
fees, courses, and faculty.
Northwestern University does not discriminate or permit discrimination by any
member of its community against any individual on the basis of race, color, religion,
national origin, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, gender expression, parental
status, marital status, age, disability, citizenship, or veteran status in matters of
admissions, employment, housing, or services or in the educational programs
or activities it operates.
For advice or assistance regarding this policy, contact the Office of
Equal Opportunity and Access, 720 University Place, Evanston, Illinois 60208-1145.
Phone: 847/491-7458

21
Dynamic pathways
for gifted learners.
Northwestern University
617 Dartmouth Place
Evanston, Illinois 60208-4175
Phone 847/491-3782 ext.5
E-mail gll@northwestern.edu
Fax 847/491-3394
Power Up!
Northwestern University’s Center for
Talent Development has been accredited
as a nonpublic supplementary school by
the North Central Association Commission
on Accreditation and School Improvement
(NCA CASI) since 1994 and the National
Collegiate Athletic Association (NCAA)
Since 2011.

22
617 Dartmouth Place
Evanston, Illinois 60208-4175
Follow Us
facebook.com/GLLatCTD
twitter@CTDatNU
Gifted
LearningLinks
for Gifted Students
Northwestern University
617 Dartmouth Place, Evanston, Illinois 60208-4175
Phone 847/491-3782 ext.5
E-mail gll@northwestern.edu
Fax 847/491-3394

Gifted LearningLinks Online Course Catalog 2014-2015

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