Manhattan University Pre-College Courses and Activities

• MKTG 201.02 - Introduction to Marketing

  This course provides the student with an understanding of modern marketing practice, philosophy, advantage, marketing mix decisions, market segmentation, product positioning and buyer behavior. Computer simulations and cases are used to demonstrate real-life applications.

  Total credits: 3

• BUAN 427.02 - Introduction to Artificial Intelligence (AI)

  In this two-week course, students will begin by exploring the basics of machine learning and AI using easy, no-code tools to build simple models and chatbots, focusing on concepts rather than coding complexity. By mid-course, they’ll transition into writing introductory Python code to replicate and extend what they created with the tools. By the end of the two weeks, students will have both a conceptual understanding of AI workflows and the practical coding skills to continue experimenting and building their own projects.

  Total credits: 3

• MGMT 201.02 - Introduction to Management.

  In this course, students will gain an understanding of management from historical, behavioral, theoretical, and practical perspectives. Through a critical assessment of the classical and alternative approaches to the discipline, students learn the essentials of leadership of contemporary enterprises in a global environment. Moreover, the student will develop relevant communication skills that can be applied within and outside the classroom.

  Total credits: 3

• ECON 203.02 - Microeconomics

  This course explores the behavior of households and business firms in the marketplace, including households as consumers and resource suppliers. Students will also learn about business firms as producers of goods and services and buyers of resources, market structures for outputs and inputs, the role of the government, and free trade vs. protection.

  Total credits: 3

• FIN 301.02 - Principles of Business Finance

  This course provides an overview of modern finance concepts. Topics include basic finance terminology, time value of money, basic financial statement analysis, the structure and functions of financial markets and institutions, bond and stock valuation, and elementary capital budgeting.

  Total credits: 3

• 3D Design, Modeling and Visualization

  This introductory course explores the creation of three-dimensional sculptural and architectural forms, lighting principles, and texture application via AutoDesk 3ds max (Cinema 4D) (Maya). Rendering, animation and output for different media will also be covered.

  Total credits: 3

• Animation

  This course will address core concerts in 2D and 3D animation production focusing on design, storyboarding, character development, movement, and motion graphics using Adobe Animate and After Effects. Students will learn the principles of animation and become proficient in the processes involved in the development of computer animated sequences.

  Total credits: 3

• Computer Science 1

  This course offers an introduction to basic programming concepts and problem solving skills using the C++ language. Topics include flow of control, loops, functions, arrays, strings and files.

  Total credits: 3

• Contemporary Dance Composition

  Introduces principles of contemporary dance and practical methods that explore the craft of choreography. Dance topics include improvisation, Alexander Technique, motif development, randomness and aleatoric dance, movement and language, and the relationship between music and dance. Some dance experience is highly recommended as students are expected to progress quickly throughout the course.

  Total credits: 3

• Criminology

  A survey of varieties of criminal activity, data on crime and sociological explanations of crime and criminality in relation to social structural, institutional, and cultural factors. Traditional and contemporary policies for controlling crime are explored in this course and a critical analysis of the relationship between crime, social inequality and social justice is developed.

  Total credits: 3

• The Culture of Games

  This introductory course surveys the history of the videogame industry from its precursors in pre-digital culture to the present and near future. The course examines video game genres, theories of gameplay, gaming para-texts, careers in the field, and the marketing of games, and it introduces students to divisions of gaming, including design, coding, and narrative.

  Total credits: 3

• Digital Video Art: Editing and Production

  This course focuses on creating works of video art while examining and reflecting upon filmic history. There is extensive instruction in Final Cut Studio Pro and DVD Studio Pro, giving students the skills to begin making video in the first two weeks. Students create conceptual, engaging work that is critiqued at length. While examining video art's historical roots and contemporary video artists, students develop their video projects that build upon ideas and techniques realized from the first video assignment.

  Total credits: 3

• Interactive Narratives

  This course explores the structures of interactive stories, characters, and world-building, including branching, adaptive, and transmedia narratives. Students produce a story model using these principles.

  Total credits: 3

• Intro to Music Reading and Notation

  Intended for students who are new to reading and writing musical notation. Through in-class activities, students will develop an ability to read notes on the staff, execute rhythms, transcribe melodies by ear, and translate written notes into sound.

  Total credits: 3

• Introduction to Psychology

  This course provides a critical examination of the field of psychology, which concerns itself with the scientific study of the brain, mind, and behavior. This course provides a general overview of the science of psychology by introducing basic principles, theories, research, and scientific techniques that psychologists use to describe, explain, predict, and change human behavior and mental processes. The course surveys selected concepts, such as development; memory; learning; personality; social psychology; and mental health.

  Total credits: 3

• Summer Dance Intensive

  This pre-college dance course will introduce students to the art of dance through creative methods that explore the world of dance choreography. Classes will include daily physical practice based on principles of contemporary dance technique that support a fluid functioning body, core strength and flexibility exercises, and movement exploration that will contribute to the making of student dance projects. This pre-college program aims to foster a creative outlet for students through expression, physicality, and elements of design. Students will develop dances of their own guided by course content and expand into interpersonal group work. Dance topics include improvisation, motif development, randomness, practical structures, artistic analysis, and the relationship between music and dance. Students will also learn about great historical choreographers of modern dance and view a live professional dance performance in Manhattan.

  This summer course is open to dancers and non-dancers alike, the class is designed to guide beginners, enhance ability for those with previous dance training, act as a physical complement for athletes, and provide an enriching experience for anyone who is interested in the arts and enjoys movement.

  Total credits: 3

• Special Topics in Theater: Musical Theater in NYC

  This pre-college study in New York City offers students an unparalleled opportunity to explore the artistry, history, and production of Broadway and Off-Broadway musicals. Through a combination of classroom discussions, workshops, live performance experiences, and hands-on training, students will gain a comprehensive understanding of how music, lyrics, choreography, and performance come together to create this uniquely American art form. A key highlight of the program is a special collaboration, where Broadway performer Thayne Jasperson (original cast member of Hamilton) will lead students in mounting a choreographed performance from the groundbreaking musical. This exclusive workshop will provide firsthand experience in the professional rehearsal process, culminating in a student performance that showcases their growth and artistry. Students will attend live productions, engage in talkbacks with industry professionals, and analyze influential musicals that have shaped the landscape of American theater. Through script and score study, vocal and movement exercises, and critical discussions, participants will develop a deeper appreciation for musical theater's creative and technical demands. No prior theater experience is required—just a passion for performance and an eagerness to learn from the heart of the industry.

  Total credits: 3

• The Universe and You: A hands-on experience in Astronomy and Astrophysics

  If you have a love of the stars and a desire to explore, join our team of professional astrophysicists and Cosmologists to learn more about the profession and the Universe above us! In this two-week intensive you will explore black holes, dark matter, exoplanets and many other aspects of the Universe. Students will get hands-on experience with our telescopes, while learning how to collect and analyze live data on our solar system and beyond.

  As with all stargazing, much of it is weather dependent. Students should be prepared for at least one late night and a flexible schedule. However, the sample schedule below illustrates the many subjects we will study together.

  • Day 1: Our Cosmic Address
    • Lab activity: Finding your way in the Night Sky
  • Day 2: Eclipses and the Calendar
    • Lab activity: Measuring the Earth and Moon
  • Day 3: Planetary Motion
    • Lab activity: Mercury’s orbit
  • Day 4: Solar System Grand Tour
    • Lab activity: Detecting exoplanets
    • Evening stargazing (weather permitting)
  • Day 5: Light and Telescopes
    • Lab activity: Starlight Detectives
  • Day 6: Life and Death of Stars: Red Giants, White Dwarfs, Neutron Stars and Black Holes
    • Lab activity: Taking the temperature of stars
  • Day 7: Field trip to the Rose Space Center and Hayden Planetarium
  • Day 8: Life, the Universe, and Everything
    • Lab activity: Hubble’s Law and the age of the Universe

  Students will have the opportunity to visit the Hayden Planetarium and the Rose Center for Earth and Space in Manhattan with an astrophysicist who will discuss the most recent discoveries and trends in the field.
  
  This is a non-credit program. No college credits towards a degree would be provided as part of this course.
  
  
  

  Total credits: 0 (Non-Credit)

Optional Activities with Residential Add-On