Food, climate change, and creative writing are the subjects that middle- school and high- school students will explore during Scholar Weekend Nov. 22- 23 at the University of South Carolina.

The two days of intensive study are open to students in grades eight to 11 who have participated in the Duke TIP Talent Search or the summer 2008 Carolina Master Scholars Adventure series. Scholars can enroll in one class that typically covers material not included in their school curricula.

The courses, designed by the South Carolina Honors College, are "Ethics of Food," by Dr. Kevin Elliott; "Global Climate Change," by Dr. Greg Carbone; and "Creative Writing," by Dr. Mark Sibley- Jones.

The university will offer its spring Scholar Weekend Feb. 21- 22, 2009. The courses will be "Law as a Tool of Social Evolution," "Alternative Energy," and "Super Bowl Commercials."

For information or to apply for the courses, contact the university's Office of Academic Enrichment and Conferences at 803-777-9444 or visit http://saeu.sc.edu/adventures/ duketip.