Electives Week, Spring 2009

Electives Week, Spring 2009, takes place from Monday, May 4th, through Friday, May 8th.


FULL DAY COURSES

In Heaven the Clouds are Made of Whitewater*
This course takes place in raft country of northern Maine. The overall goal of this course is to use rafting and the experience of guiding a boat through significant whitewater features to build character, further develop self-esteem, and inspire students to be a part in a life-long adventure activity.
Brian Sullivan & Paul Dzurec
Credit: 0.5 Adventure
*This course carries a substantial fee to cover lodging, food, and equipment rentals (estimated cost:$290/student)


Weird New England
This course will explore weird happenings, sites, and stories around New England as they pertain to natural science cultural history, and local legend.
Mike Sallade
Credit: 0.25 Adventure & 0.25 Social Science



MORNING COURSES

A Taste of the World
In this course we will travel the world without leaving the Oliverian kitchen. Each day we will study the cuisine and culture of a different continent. Our work will culminate in the production of a meal from a different continent each day, which we will serve to the community for lunch. We will also use lunchtime as an opportunity to teach the rest of the community some elements of the language and culture of that part of the world.
Jonna Book & Abby Hood
Credit: 0.25 Stewardship


Jam Band**
The goal of this course is for students to produce/perform a short set of songs with large improvisational sections. Led by the instrumental stylings of Billy and Tom, students will learn basic chord progressions, musical key, major scale, minor scale, relative keys, modulation, and modes. And they will jam…
Tom Barth & Billy Moran
Credit: 0.25 Art


Magic Mind
In this course students will discover the power of the subconscious to effect positive change in their lives. Students will be taught a three part self-hypnosis technique and become proficient in its use. In addition, the course will present a general overview of modern hypnosis and the roots of its acceptance as a therapeutic option.
Jay Destroismaisons
Credit: 0.25 Social Science


Writing as Art: Creative Writing
Students will read selections from various image-evoking literary materials ranging from poetry, non-fiction and fiction, and then create artwork inspired by said pieces.  In the reverse, students will create their own written or spoken word pieces based on the creations of their peers.  Focus on close literary analysis and explication.  Heavy reading homework and strong discussion based component. 
Erika Hoddinott
Credit: 0.25 English or 0.25 Art


Geocaching and GPS Technology**
Students in this course will learn about how latitude and longitude lines are overlaid on the earth, and the GPS system and its mathematics. In addition, they will use the GPS system to locate coordinates in the physical world by taking part in geocaching. By the end of the course, you will be designing your own geocaches and placing them around campus.
Carl Stagg
Credit: 0.25 Math or 0.25 Adventure



AFTERNOON COURSES

XX-rated: Women in Society
This course will examine women’s issues through time and across borders. We will cover a wide range of topics, including women in sports, presentation of self through fashion and media, gender roles, sexuality/the body, and relationships. The course material will include lectures, readings, movies, presentations, and video clips.
Carrie Curtis & Ruth Peterle
Credit: 0.25 Social Science


Rustic Furniture Making**
In this class students will learn the basics of rustic furniture making, including how to select appropriate materials, how to joint pieces together using basic hand tools and simple power tools, and how to preserve the furniture. Students who want to earn stewardship credit will work on a project that will stay at the school, such as an outdoor bench.
Bessa Axelrod & Ben Churchill
Credit: 0.25 Art or 0.25 Stewardship


Making a Change
In this class, students will develop their own personal interest in communal growth and global impact. The course will expose students to leaders that have made a difference. Students will come up with solutions to issues we feel are negatively impacting ourselves, the community, and the world. “Be the change you wish to see in the world.”
Lauren Estebanell & Logan Whitacre
Credit: 0.25 Stewardship


Adventure Grab-Bag
Let’s go out, enjoy the spring, and play hard! This adventure course will be responsive to the interests of the students and to the whims of Mother Nature. We might paddle; we might hike; we might climb; we might play field games. Who knows? We might do all of the above and more.
Rick Gaukel & Matthew Brown
Credit: 0.25 Adventure


Rock Band
This class is for musicians with some experience who want to take their rockin’ to a whole new level. Students will learn to work cooperatively as they do all things a band does. They will write and arrange songs. Oh… and did I mention they’ll rock?
Brett Wanner
Credit: 0.25 Art


Exploring the Evolution of Wes Anderson
This class will explore the growth of movie producer Wes Anderson in the context of his five major films as well as pre-production shorts. We will examine the role of scale, perception, and cinematography in his stories. We will complete daily assignments based on sections of film and complete the week with a project.
Matt Beckwith-Laube
Credit: 0.25 Art


**These courses carry a small lab fee due to additional equipment or guest instructors (estimated cost: $20-30/student)