Course Descriptions
All humanities students take one of the following seminars which meets weekday afternoons.
SH-01 The NYC 60s: Andy Warhol
Facilitated by Adam Booth
Let s explore New York in the 1960s through the happenings of Andy Warhol. We will listen to the Velvet Underground, discuss celebrity superstars, critique pop art, digest the A fad, think about fashion (yes, even the mods), screen some underground films, become part of the downtown counterculture, and go to some parties. Our times will be superficial, everything, big apple, nothing, and pop.
SH-02 Filters Are Only for Coffee
Facilitated by Christina Vranian
Words have the power to revive us when other real-world origins of power fail. In this class we will re-remember what it means to be human and how to form words to capture moments and evaluate relationships. We will examine many forms of written text song lyrics, letters, diary entries, poems which act as messages for the things we may be afraid to say.
SH-03 Religions of the World Roundtable
Facilitated by David Howell
Christian, Jew, Muslim, Hindu, Buddhist, Sikh . What are the practices of different religions of the world? What do they believe? What stories do they tell? What holidays do they celebrate? How do they worship? How do they organize themselves into communities, or do they practice their faith as individuals? Join in a discussion-based exploration of different world religions. These religions of the world could be the religions of your neighbors.
SH-04 Wanna Dance?
Facilitated by David Naccari
Wanna dance but afraid to try? Two left feet and a stick in your eye? Learn to Swing, Cajun Dance, too, Ballroom steps, and the Chicken Dance, too. Don t need no partner, don t need spiked hair; sign up for this course and you ll be Fred Astaire... or Ginger Rogers. Couple dancing s what it s all about. Great practice for the dances so don t be left out! Hosted by the Nac aka Smooth Dave direct from New Orleans.
SH-05 How to Make an American Quilt
Facilitated by Diana Ellis
Learn the history behind quilt making and view some different styles of quilts from different cultures (e.g. Amish, African). Bring a washed item of clothing that represents who you are. Note that the item will not be returned to you in its entirety. Participate in making a quilt for Governor s School to donate to the community.
SH-06 Criminology 101
Facilitated by Ed Motley
This seminar will be a basic introduction to the criminal justice system in America. Topics covered will include: the history of law, criminal investigation, trial procedures/rules of evidence, court decisions, and societal punishment. Activities will include interrogation techniques, interaction with guest speakers, interpreting court decisions, writing case briefs, and viewing selected video material.
SH-07 Documania
Facilitated by Harvey Stone
Lights, Camera, LIFE!! Gone are the days when documentaries are just monotone voices describing poorly filmed footage. A well made documentary can take you places you have never been and introduce you to people you have never met. Documentaries are a great way to gain insight into situations that might be unknown to you. In this class we will view and discuss documentaries that will raise issues of social awareness about the world in which we live and our place in it.
SH-08 A Complete Guide to Art History (Abridged)
Facilitated by Heather O'Toole
Do you know how to tell a Manet from a Monet? An Impressionist painting from an Expressionist work? Can you identify an artist s use of chiaroscuro or an outstanding example of trompe l oeil? If not, then this is the course for you! By studying key artists, major movements, and basic art terminology, you will begin to explore the magnificent world of art history, an essential realm of study for any true humanist.
SH-09 An Affair of the Heart
Facilitated by Jeffrey Baumgartner
Wears his heart on his sleeve; the Purple Heart; Braveheart; American Heart Association; in my heart of hearts; Sacré Coeur; Sgt. Pepper s Lonely Heart s Club Band. The heart, muscle and concept, is present and pervasive in our arts, literature and popular culture. We will examine the dynamics and nature of love and relationships from different mediums and perspectives including such works by George Bernard Shaw, Shakespeare, as well as plumbing popular music and lyrics. Exercises include diagramming a love sonnet, diagramming the heart as muscle and organ, and investigating the text of Hamlet.
SH-10 What If Your Song Told a Story?
Facilitated by Jeff MacGuinness
In this course we will write songs. We will write songs that tell a story based on the past, the present, and the psychological or social issues of the here and now. We will study various singer-songwriters and whether they are worthy of our praise or derision. We will look at various films, listen to music, and create our own CD (including the album art) for a final project. Throughout the course we will write and collaborate, and have fun making music and sharing ideas. Bring guitars, mandolins, banjos, ukes, and other instruments that allow you to create music.
SH-11 Life of Leisure
Facilitated by Jim Collison
All work and no play might make a dull person... but who decides when we get to have our time off? And what exactly makes something "leisure" anyway? From the musings of Socrates through the weekend warriors of today, we'll use history, literature, theory, and the arts to explore leisure through the ages and dive into the world that happens outside of 9 to 5.
SH-12 Negotiating a Revolution?
Facilitated by John Hawes
To what degree is it possible, in the midst of today s global revolutions, to design and negotiate effective new institutions and arrangements that will protect the interests of this and other nations into an unknown future? How do we even structure the negotiating agenda, as change accelerates in the distribution of world political power, economics, technology, and the environment? Do you want a seat at the table?
SH-13 Master of My Domains: Charting Identities on Visual Territories
Facilitated by Manuel Perez Tejada
In this class, we will discuss how visual images contribute to the processes that shape our understanding of identities. How are stereotypes contested or reinforced through media representations? What labels do various media present to talk about a community or an individual? We will examine the visual representation of identities through photographs, films, and other media and will elaborate a multimedia (mis)representation of their identities.
SH-14 Careful! Somebody s Watching (Eavesdropping)!
Facilitated by Rick Seyford
The cinema is uniquely suited to exploring secret surveillance, from voyeurism to spying. After all, movies are made with cameras and microphones. We will study great films that deal with violating privacy as we examine the philosophical, legal, and moral issues involved. This class will be in-depth and challenging not for the casual film-goer.
SH-15 The Times They Kept a Changin'
Facilitated by Steve Earle
Explore the social changes in America from the Depression era to the death of disco through the music of Woodie Gutherie ( Dance Around My Atom Fire, Revolutionary Mind ) and Bob Dylan ( Knockin on Heaven s Door, Like a Rolling Stone, Lonesome Death of Hattie Caroll ). What made these singers icons? How did they capture the pulse of their generations? Who did they influence and who provides this voice for us today? Load your iPods! We may even write our own songs, so bring your juice harps, banjos, guitars and spoons!