ESP Biography

Ever suspected that computer science was more than just programming? Ever been excited by this suspicion? Ever wonder about the basic, fundamental building blocks that go into computer science, from graph theory to bit-shifting to recursion to logic gates? Never heard of these concepts before, but think they sound cool? Come join us to dive into these intriguing computing fundamentals! Inspired by the Written computer theory questions on the American Computer Science League tournament questions, we're going to be exploring some of these fundamental concepts that will no doubt show up again if you plan to pursue computer science as a field of study (in more places than you'd expect). These concepts might sound daunting and complicated on the surface, but they can actually be really fun and accessible when you look at them from the right angle. That's what this class is for! We're assuming no background in these concepts at all, and only ask that you bring a curiosity to learn. :)

Ever suspected that computer science was more than just programming? Ever been excited by this suspicion? Ever wonder about the basic, fundamental building blocks that go into computer science, from graph theory to bit-shifting to recursion to logic gates? Never heard of these concepts before, but think they sound cool? Come join us to dive into these intriguing computing fundamentals! Inspired by the Written computer theory questions on the American Computer Science League tournament questions, we're going to be exploring some of these fundamental concepts that will no doubt show up again if you plan to pursue computer science as a field of study (in more places than you'd expect). These concepts might sound daunting and complicated on the surface, but they can actually be really fun and accessible when you look at them from the right angle. That's what this class is for! We're assuming no background in these concepts at all, and only ask that you bring a curiosity to learn. :)

Are you curious about language? Have you ever wondered about what we say and why we say it the way we do? Do you want to learn more about headlines like “Gator attacks puzzle experts”, whether a “stone lion” is really a lion and a “fake gun” is really a gun, and why “get well soon” isn’t a command? In this course, we’ll take a look at fun and humorous case studies of different kinds of linguistic occurrences. Through in-class experiments and group discussions, we’ll dive into the science (and art) of linguistics together. This class is about you and what you’re interested in, so bring your opinions to the table. We hope you’ll walk out of here excited about language and its quirks and amazed at the intricacies of the way we communicate regardless of the language we speak!

Are you curious about language? Have you ever wondered about what we say and why we say it the way we do? Do you want to learn more about headlines like “Gator attacks puzzle experts”, whether a “stone lion” is really a lion and a “fake gun” is really a gun, and why “get well soon” isn’t a command? In this course, we’ll take a look at fun and humorous case studies of different kinds of linguistic occurrences. Through in-class experiments and group discussions, we’ll dive into the science (and art) of linguistics together. This class is about you and what you’re interested in, so bring your opinions to the table. We hope you’ll walk out of here excited about language and its quirks and amazed at the intricacies of the way we communicate regardless of the language we speak!

Ever suspected that computer science was more than just programming? Ever been excited by this suspicion? Ever wonder about the basic, fundamental building blocks that go into computer science, from graph theory to bit-shifting to recursion to logic gates? Never heard of these concepts before, but think they sound cool? Come join us to dive into these intriguing computing fundamentals! Inspired by the Written computer theory questions on the American Computer Science League tournament questions, we're going to be exploring some of these fundamental concepts that will no doubt show up again if you plan to pursue computer science as a field of study (in more places than you'd expect). These concepts might sound daunting and complicated on the surface, but they can actually be really fun and accessible when you look at them from the right angle. That's what this class is for! We're assuming no background in these concepts at all, and only ask that you bring a curiosity to learn. :)

Have you ever wondered what makes good music sound...well, good? Have you ever wanted to make your own music, but don't have a music background? Don't you worry! Come to this class to learn all about it from a music composition aficionado and an a cappella singer. We'll discuss the fundamentals behind the language of music, harmonization, and composition and put them to use in your own pieces (which you'll get to make in class)!

Ever dreamed about being on Broadway? Together we will refine our technique in rhythm, musicality, and muscles you never knew you had voluntary control over. This workshop will focus on the skills necessary to sing a cappella. Learn how to sing A Cappella with Stanford O-Tone! No experience required :)

Are you curious about language? Have you ever wondered about what we say and why we say it the way we do? Do you want to learn more about headlines like “Gator attacks puzzle experts”, whether a “stone lion” is really a lion and a “fake gun” is really a gun, and why “get well soon” isn’t a command? In this course, we’ll take a look at fun and humorous case studies of different kinds of linguistic occurrences. Through in-class experiments and group discussions, we’ll dive into the science (and art) of linguistics together. This class is about you and what you’re interested in, so bring your opinions to the table. We hope you’ll walk out of here excited about language and its quirks and amazed at the intricacies of the way we communicate regardless of the language we speak!

Do you want to take really awesome (perhaps even…Insta-worthy?) photos, but don't know where to start? Wondered what goes into a good photo? Want to use those cool, bulky cameras but feel a bit intimidated? Do you just need a new profile picture?? In this class, you'll get an informal, hands-on, and fun introduction to photography. As a beginner in the photography learning process, you'll be exposed to different photography styles and basic concepts like framing, lighting, exposure, aperture, and shutter speed, and how you can tweak all those knobs to crank out some amazing photos. After discussing the basics of photography and taking some practice shots indoors, we're going to go on a walking field trip around Stanford's breathtaking campus to take some awesome shots of your own to bring back with you. Whether you're interested in portrait, nature, still-life, abstract, black-and-white, landscape, or wildlife photography, or just want to explore, there's a place for you in this class! Cameras will be provided, but if you have your own DSLR camera from home, PLEASE bring it with you!! That way, you'll have practice with the camera you have regular access to, which is a huge bonus and makes it easier to take photos at home again next time.

Imagine a world in which machines can read, speak, write, and listen. Could they extract important meaning from all sorts of texts, from novels to online reviews to song lyrics? Could they translate languages real-time? Could they make judgments about sentiments of tweets or generate captions for images? Could they intelligently hold a conversation with you? In some ways, that world is already here. Come with us to learn about many different applications of natural language processing, and analyze the sentiment of your own piece of text through our workshop! Please bring your own laptop if you have one!

Love TEDx talks but shy on stage? Want to do debate but intimidated by the format and pace? Wherever you are in your public speaking journey - whether trying to conquer stage fright or hoping to refine your presentation and delivery - we will teach you tricks for success. By the end of the session, you'll acquire effective skills for public speaking, debate, and argumentation and useful lifelong skills for everyday communication in a small and casual classroom setting. This class is for everyone! Make it yours.