SI Courses

List of 7 frequently asked questions.

• Computer Science

  AP Computer Science A
  Engage in creative problem-solving while modeling real-world situations through a hands-on approach to coding

  • Partner with data scientists to participate in real-world application of computer science
  • Receive a microcredential from SMU’s Data Science department

• English

  Civil Discourse
  Develop practical, real-world knowledge to communicate ideas in ways that foster dialogue and maintain openness across differences

  Apply skills to be problem solvers in diverse situations, both now and in the future 

  Partner with peers and community members to practice civil discourse

   

  Disability in Literature
  Explore Disability Pride as a meaningful identity shaped by culture and community. Using literature, film, and real-world experiences, examine how stories both reflect and challenge assumptions about ability.  

  Engage with inclusive design through visits to an adaptive playground and an alumna-founded art studio supporting artists with disabilities as working professionals  

  Propose public-facing projects designed to enact change and increase inclusivity

   

  Leadership in Literature
  Explore how leadership is portrayed in literature and the relationship between communication and leadership

  Apply studied and learned written communication skills to aid our local partner organizations

• Fine Arts

  Chamber Orchestra
  Apply musical knowledge and skills to design and perform musical programs for local public elementary schools without access to a music education and broader Dallas community. 

  Inspire future musicians

  Share the benefits of music through thoughtful and relevant musical programming 

   

  Hockaday Dance Theater
  Share the joy of dance throughout the Dallas community with performances and projects with partner elementary schools

  Serve as the principal performing ensemble of the dance program at Hockaday (selected through audition)

  Design, choreograph, and perform synthesis dance pieces

   

  Intro to Theater
  Apply theatrical knowledge and performance skills to share theater with local public elementary school students

  Explore theater for social change by inspiring future thespians

• History

  U.S. Government
  Participate in a civics-based class that features lecturers from city, state, and federal government

  Identify a local, national, or world issue and draft a bill to create change, applying working knowledge of democracy

  Propose mock legislation to local government officials and use advocacy skills to take action

   

  Global Issues
  Collaborate in a current events seminar and grapple with major socio-political issues facing our world today. 

  Understand global events in their historical and international contexts to become better-informed citizens and leaders 

  Raise awareness of contemporary world events and how they impact local communities by identifying and implementing concrete action in the community to address a global issue

  
  

  Social Entrepreneurship
  Participate in a class based in economic principles and the incubation of a business

  Engage in real-world learning from co-teachers who are Hockaday alumnae and industry leaders

  Develop and pitch a culminating socially conscious business plan that addresses a current world issue and compete
  for funding

• Mathematics

  Applications of Pre-Calculus
  Build a stronger mathematical foundation and enhance problem solving and critical thinking 

  Buy stocks and learn the math behind it while trying to maximize profits

  Understand the principles and calculus behind games of chance, create a game to run at the social impact bazaar to raise money for a local nonprofit social impact partner

   

  Integrated Math II/III
  Develop the ability to explore and solve mathematical problems, think critically, work cooperatively with others, and communicate ideas clearly  

  Create real-world versions of Math Walks for community partners including the Dallas Zoo. 

  Work with elementary school students to bring geometry concepts to life in everyday objects like playground equipment and the classroom.

   

  Introduction to Financial Accounting
  Learn how financial statements interact with each other, understand forecasting and valuation, including time value of money and net present value

  Gain advanced Excel skills, such as advanced formulas, modeling, pivot tables, and macros

  Partner with Biolabs to learn about building business plans for biotech companies

   

  Linear Algebra
  Explore how basic linear algebra operations form the basics of AI technology 

  Work with an Artificial Intelligence startup to design the beginnings of large language models that aid in company productivity and impact

  Learn from industry professionals working with large language models and machine learning

   

  Statistics, Public Health, and Community Collaboration

  Develop statistical skills and public health knowledge to create a meaningful and impactful change within their community 

  Address public health disparities through data collection, visualizations, analysis, and interpretation to develop the tools to raise awareness and instill empathy 

  Work alongside peers and a community partner to identify a health inequity and develop and implement a solution 

• Science

  Advanced Genetics
  Learn techniques used to understand the human genome, including CRISPR, and how they are used to help those with inherited disorders

  • Explore the nature of inherited diseases and connect with researchers and clinics to learn first-hand about new techniques, build empathy in new contexts, analyze data on environmental impact on gene expression
  • Find solutions to challenges patients and clinicians experience-especially those related to epigenetic phenomena
  • Learn how to translate scientific and medical terminology into accurate everyday language to help more people better understand the factors that make us who we are.

   

  Biology, Impact, and the Zoo 
  Engage in a biology class and learn the similarities and differences between living organisms

  Collaborate and apply design thinking to solve environmental issues in partnership with experts from the Dallas Zoo 

  Produce a culminating pitch to area industry leaders in a “shark tank” setting that addresses an identified environmental problem and competes for funding

  
  Chemistry SI
  Learn and apply chemistry in the context of societal issues

  Engage in laboratory investigations to learn proper procedures and data analysis for real-world application

  Conduct field research to design a solution to an environmental problem applying chemistry knowledge

  
  AP Environmental Science
  Analyze the role of food and food systems in our world

  Consider how the nature of a particular environment impacts access to food and identify the food issues currently impacting our community 

  Engage in a yearlong impact study focused on creating and implementing change within native species at Trinity River Audubon Center

  
  Neuroscience
  Delve into how the brain’s 86 billion nerve cells organize themselves into functional circuits enabling us to think, feel, move, and perform complex behaviors and what happens when the brain malfunctions or is in a diseased state.

  Complete a synthesis project while creating an impact on the greater community

  Work with a cutting-edge biotech company on a real-world project

   

  SPARK
  Cultivate innovation, critical thinking, and leadership in STEM, and prepare students to navigate challenges and opportunities in an era of unprecedented scientific and technological progress 

  Synthesize knowledge of scientific advancements and critically evaluate their societal impact through hands-on labs, emerging research techniques, ethical debates, and discussions with industry experts

• World Languages

  Spanish in the Community

  Help the Dallas Spanish-speaking community through practicum work in education, geriatrics, and healthcare  

  • Analyze and address issues specifically related to healthcare access within the Spanish speaking population
  • Enhance your own language fluency through community engagement