Pro vita catalog 2015

Pro Vita 2015 Course Listing

A week to explore the roots of our Berkshire community: Diversity, Sustainability, Sense of Place, Philanthropy, Global Studies and, last of all but most fundamental, Learning for Life.

Art/Design A PERIOD PUT ON YOUR DANCING SHOES CHRIS ALLEN Dancing with the Stars, Silver Linings Playbook, Mad Hot Ballroom ... Ballroom dancing is enjoying a revival; this is your opportunity to get in on the action! Students will learn to dance waltz, foxtrot, and tango while learning about the styles of and history behind these dances. The class will master the basic steps of several of the most popular ballroom dances while, at the same time, understanding that dance reflects the culture, history and society of the times.

BUCKETS, BONGOS AND BEATS CLIVE DAVIS and TASIA WU For those pencil tappers and foot stompers, here is a class for you. Learn to make music from every day, simple household items and percussion instruments. Students will learn various drumming patterns and simple compositions. While reading rhythms, learning pitches, and improvising with plastic buckets, tone chimes, congas and djembes, we will work daily to create music for a final performance at the end of the week. All levels are welcome!

BERKSHIRE’S KING OF COMEDY DAVE OLSON So you think you’re funny? Prove it over Pro Vita week in this course that will look at the art of stand-­‐up comedy. Humor has been a part of performances for ages, but relatively recently in history it has developed into an art form of its own. We will look at many of the great comedians of the past century, study the techniques they use, and develop our own stand-­‐up acts. Students will foster their public speaking skills and exercise a great deal of creativity in the process. The best acts may be shared with the School on Saturday morning. No matter what, this class is sure to leave you rolling in the aisle.

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MAKE YOUR OWN JOURNAL NADINE LLOYD Imagine recording your thoughts, ideas and personal stories in a handcrafted one-­‐of-­‐a-­‐ kind book. This class will explore the art of bookbinding and journaling. While using a variety of papers and materials to create one or more unique sketchbooks, journals or scrapbooks, students will learn a variety of techniques to make their books personal and unique. This is a hands-­‐on class, so get ready to have fun!

RUBE GOLDBERG SETH COHEN Defined as a comically involved, complicated invention, laboriously contrived to perform a simple operation, Rube Goldberg contraptions satirize the numerous machines around us. This class will make the simple complex and the mundane exciting as students work collaboratively to physically create a machine that will perform an easy task in as many steps as possible.

MATH: CARD COUNTING TO KNOT THEORY TIM LANCE While you might not always realize it, there is so much more to mathematics than proofs and problems. After a historical overview, we will quickly move into modern day classic math games such as Sudoku and Kakuro and also develop some of our own puzzles. We will examine the intersection of mathematics and art from the tessellations in Islamic tiling to the work of M.C. Escher and create our own tessellations. Finally, we’ll explore how math has been used to cheat the system, including counting cards. The class will finish with an analysis of solvability. Math is everywhere, and we will explore some of its many uses and the beauty it creates.

B PERIOD

SO, YOU WANT TO BE AN ARCHITECT...

GEOFFREY BRAY ‘64 and ANDREW D’AMBROSIO Have you always dreamed of building a skyscraper or designing a dream house? Here is your chance! Students will learn about the basics of architecture and design from architect and alumnus, Geoffrey Bray, principal of Bray Architects. This is a unique opportunity for students to examine the life of an architect and discover how art, engineering and business unite to produce a building that makes life better for the people who live or work in the space. The class will study Rovensky Student Center and Benson Commons and will work on drawing new architecture plans that address the current problems or challenges of the dining hall, Shawn’s Place, post office, day student lounge and school store.

EXQUISITE CORPSE: THE GAME OF THE SURREALISTS LISA WARREN and LINDA BELLIZZI In the 1920s, a group of Surrealist painters (a collection of artists who believed in the blending of dreams and reality) sat around Parisian cafes and played Exquisite Corpse, a

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game in which a collection of images is haphazardly assembled to create a greater whole. Unleash your collective creativity like Duchamp and Miro! Each class will begin with the Surrealist game where, with the roll of the dice or a draw of a card, students will artistically create a section of the body to then combine all the pieces into a surprisingly illogical collage called the “Exquisite Corpse.” The piece will be displayed at the Pro Vita assembly.

WRITING FOR THE SILVER SCREEN ED WOODYARD ‘66 and KIM COOPER Are movies your life? Did you ever wonder who is behind all the action, the drama, and the romance? Now’s your chance to work with a professional writer and learn about the basics of screenwriting and dramatic construction. While watching and discussing two acclaimed films, High Noon and The Third Man, students will learn how to turn a creative idea into a competitive, professional business, and as a team, they will collaboratively craft a script for the big screen.

CLAY, THE JAPANESE WAY KATO HIROSHIGE and BRANDI DAHARI Come throw on the potter’s wheel with Hiro-­‐san, a Japanese master potter. The class will create a series of bowls by throwing “off the hump,” a traditional Japanese technique that allows you to quickly make many forms. Students will also explore Japanese slab-­‐mold techniques to make plates. This is a great opportunity to work with a master potter, learn about pottery techniques and explore Japanese culture at the same time. No experience necessary.

MUM’S THE WORD: MIME/PHYSICAL THEATRE NICK JOHNSON ‘72 and BRITT PLANTE Can you communicate without words? With the body as the vehicle, the art of mime, like all performing arts, demands that the performer have strong self-­‐expression and awareness of his or her body on stage. Beyond the common conception of whiteface, the class will address the development of individual voice, coordination and isolation, illusion and improvisation. As a bridge between dance and theatre and a performing art in it’s own right, mime explores both the physical body and the actor as a cohesive moment. Learn to reach beyond illusion while examining the poetry and depth of human gesture.

CRYPTOGRAPHY RICHARD GILES C any; our E. ADT his?... From the days of Caesar’s empire to current “secure” credit card transactions, encryption has enabled only permitted individuals to understand encoded messages. Yet encryption can be deciphered. The Allies were able to intercept and decode Enigma machine messages from the Third Reich during the Second World War. More recently, over 100 million credit card numbers were “skimmed” from a data processing center without anyone’s knowledge. Using mathematics, pattern

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recognition, and elemental ciphers, students will learn more about cryptography and its rich history, and finish the week generating and attempting to crack their own codes.

GAME DESIGN: LIFE AT STATE U GEN GRIFFIN and AMY SHEN Live in a dorm? Interested in game design? Here’s your chance to put the two together.

This class will beta-­‐test two game prototypes, and students will step into the shoes of the design team to evaluate the effectiveness and playability of each one. The games are part of a social entrepreneurship program that enables high school students to better understand university life—navigating roommates, negotiating new-­‐found independence, considering Greek life, and balancing academic and social life—as they enter the next phase of independence in their lives: college. Playing the games and then delving into the situations and scenarios that are so important to the games will give students a front row seat to possible transitional needs ahead such as communication, balance and priorities. Are you ready for life at State U? TWIST IT: RUBIK’S CUBE JASPER TURNER Sometimes referred to as the genius cube and often placed on a pedestal as one of the most complex puzzles imaginable, the Rubik’s Cube has proven elusive for many.

Students in this class will learn to overcome any fears of this garish, puzzling square. The class will explore and apply a specific algorithm to solve the cube for the first time, and then the students will modify a collection of cubes to create an art installation. This course is designed for first-­‐time cubers and will culminate with a group-­‐ solve on stage Saturday morning. You may even finish with an opportunity to qualify for a world ranking!

Sense of Place A PERIOD

PREP SCHOOL PICTURES DANA and DONALD ANSELMI Boarding schools have always fascinated people and Hollywood executives are no exception. Some of today’s great actors and actresses had their most well-­‐known or first movie roles while portraying boarding school life. In their representations, did these actors improve or damage the reputation of prep school? In this course, students will not only watch and discuss movies portraying boarding school life, but the class will also make a clip about how Berkshire would (and should) be depicted if there were a movie made about its students and culture.

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MAPLE SYRUP PRODUCTION PATRICK DONOVAN From identifying and tapping sugar maples to hanging tubing lines and collecting sap, students will “run the rig,” draw off and filter syrup, and can the finished product.

Students will learn what it takes to make pure maple syrup and become part of a storied Berkshire tradition. Finally, students will meet with commercial producers to learn how technology has improved maple syrup production.

B PERIOD

BERKOPOLY, ANYONE? JASON KEEFER Berkshire Hall as Park Place? Solar fields as the Electric Company? When it originally debuted, Monopoly was a board game created to teach business skills. Almost a hundred years later, how can we adapt the classic Parker Brothers game to teach about Berkshire? In this course, students will study the strategy and competition common in several classic board games including Monopoly, Risk, Yahtzee and others. Then through problem-­‐solving and collaboration, students will use the 3-­‐D printer to design and construct a new game board and original pieces for Berkshire’s own Monopoly.

THE BIG CHEESE MAURA MACKENZIE If the stinking, gooey wonders of spoiling milk equate to your idea of gastronomic bliss, then this is the class for you. We will not only sample literally dozens of cheeses but also visit local cheesemongers and cheesemakers as well as make our own fresh cheese. By examining the biological processes that make cheese possible, we will master the techniques of purchasing, serving, and storing it. Become an aficionado in the history and international political intrigue— really—of this strange, delectable food. (Not for the lactose intolerant.)

Sustainability

A PERIOD

WHO AM I? JASON GAPPA Do you know that you are the sum of all your ancestors? Your grandmother’s choices, your great-­‐grandfather’s risks, and your great-­‐great-­‐grandmother’s adventures are your foundation. Find out why you live where you live; discover where your name comes from; delve into the history of your past. Perhaps you will discover that your ancestors emigrated from Russia via Canada, that your great-­‐aunt was the first woman to run a bank, and your grandmother was part of planning the Columbian Exhibition of 1893.

Using online and local resources, we will discover ancestors’ occupations, household

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status, property ownership, native language, and country of origin. Discover the parts of your history to make them a part of your present.

PLASTIC SHMASTIC II AMANDA MORGAN Why is Illinois forbidding the sale of some kinds of face wash? Why is California considering a ban on plastic bags? In the Pacific Ocean, an island of plastic the size of Texas shelters fish and sea birds who think the tiny pellets are nutritious food. Additionally, over five trillion pieces of plastic float in the North Pacific; there are more bits of plastic in our oceans than there are stars in the entire Milky Way galaxy.

The class will investigate the role of plastic in our lives and how it affects the world. Students will produce a short audio-­‐visual presentation of the class’s findings with the hope that our community will consider how we use and dispose of plastic.

HISTORY OF CHRISTIAN MUSIC SYDNEY SATCHELL From rock and hip hop to gospel and negro-­‐spirituals, Christian music takes many forms. In this course, students will analyze Christian music and its many genres from a historical perspective. The class will dissect and discuss this rich history and the impact of Christian music on contemporary society. Using lyrics as a foundation, students will understand the relationship between music and religion and the relevance of this music genre to Western history.

SAVING THE SEASON: THE HISTORY AND CHEMISTRY OF FOOD PRESERVATION STEPHANIE TURNER and KRISTINA SPLAWN Since 12,000 B.C., humans have been preserving food. Civilization itself depended upon this ancient practice as society needed to harness the abundance of food during the growing season to weather shortages. Emperor Napoleon Bonaparte called for a new method of food preservation to supply his army and canning was invented. No matter where or how it occurred, the goal of food preservation has always been to eliminate or slow the micro-­‐organisms that cause food to spoil. We will learn about a multitude of ways to achieve this (some ancient and others very modern), the science behind each, and try our hand at preserving several different types of food. We will also visit a local farm that grows crops to use for their own vegetable fermentation!

B PERIOD

ZEN AND THE ART OF BICYCLE MAINTENANCE DANNY IVES ’15 and ANDREW BARTER “Sometimes it’s a little better to travel than to arrive,” states Robert Pirsig’s narrator in Zen and the Art of Motorcycle Maintenance, an undeniably philosophical tome. Students will explore fundamental life questions asked in Pirsig’s novel with a slight twist: a focus on the bicycle, one of the most efficient modes of human transportation for traveling short to moderate distances. Students will examine how a bicycle works and the reality

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of tuning imperfectly shaped parts to create a two-­‐wheel vehicle that allows one to effortlessly roll across campus safely and reliably. By engaging in a very mechanical activity, we will hopefully be able to deduce the intersection of rationality and artistry.

WHAT’S YOUR STORY? GWYNETH CONNELL and JESSE HOWARD Human beings have been telling stories since they lived in caves. But some people are better at it than others… Why can some people tell you what they had for breakfast and have you hanging on their every word, while others can put you to sleep even when describing their most recent intergalactic space battle? In this class, you will listen to master storytellers, practice methods that will engage your audience, and find a story of your own worth telling. Finally, the collected stories of the group will be recorded as a podcast a la The Moth and This American Life. Live performances of selected stories will be included in the closing assembly on Saturday morning.

URBANIZATION: CART TO CAR, TRAIL TO TOLLWAY GAIL and ROBERT KARN and MICHAEL MCCABE The majority of the world’s population now lives in metropolises. As the world’s geography becomes increasingly urbanized, how do we create sustainable cities and limit our carbon footprint? Gail and David Karn, founders of the International Center for Sustainable Urbanism, will guide the class through their background in architecture and sustainability. Using a 19th century Parisian design strategy—en charette—students will work in teams to plan, design, and build a model, sustainable city while addressing urban issues such as density, traffic, open spaces, and building fabric. Be prepared to work quickly...time is running out!

EBOLA, DISEASE OR PLAGUE? ANN PHAN ‘16 and ANITA LOOSE-­‐BROWN Nobel awarded philosopher Albert Camus once said: “There have been as many plagues as wars in history; yet always plagues and wars take people equally by surprise.” In the wake of the Ebola crisis, this course provides students with a broad survey of plagues throughout history from the Black Death of 1815 to the more recent Spanish flu and HIV/AIDS pandemic. We will examine these diseases and how science, history, society's customs, new technologies, and even chance and fate, impact the spread of disease.

Students will interpret the evidence left by previous epidemics to determine if Ebola’s characteristics make it a twenty-­‐first century plague.

SPORTS AND POLITICS BILL GULOTTA Jesse Owens, Jackie Robinson, Joe Louis, and the Miracle on Ice: What do these major athletic figures and events teach us about the social and political climate of their time?

In this course, we will examine various periods of U.S. history through the lens of major athletic events. Joe Louis’ victory over the German, Max Schmeling, in a turbulent pre-­‐ WWII era; Jesse Owens’ Olympic triumph in Hitler’s 1936 Berlin Olympics; the defeat of

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the Russians by the U.S. men’s hockey team at the height of the Cold War. These events, and others, provide unique insight into our nation’s history.

Diversity

A PERIOD

FROM THE CLOSET TO THE SCREEN—BIG & SMALL A.J. KOHLHEPP Given the prominent role that issues of sexuality identity and sexual preference occupy in society – same-­‐sex marriage statutes have been debated in multiple states, Modern Family won the most recent Emmy for best comedy, and Macklemore had a hit with Same Love– you might think that Americans have always been open about these topics.

Think again. Even Hollywood, which tends to be on the forefront of progressive causes, has had a complicated history in its representation of gay, lesbian, bisexual and transgendered characters over the past century. Working from the groundbreaking study The Celluloid Closet, this class will investigate the various ways in which sexual minorities have been portrayed in film and consider the ways in which contemporary media portray sexual minorities today.

B PERIOD

UNCONSCIOUS BIAS ANSLEY FLANAGAN ‘09 and JEAN MAHER Modern feminists, in the form of Beyoncé, #yesallwomen, Malala Yousafzai, and Emma Watson’s “He for She” campaign, continue the fight for female equality in the United States and around the world. This course will be fueled by discussions on defining feminism, the waves of previous generations, and how oppression still affects women today. The class will dive into Sojourner Truth’s And Ain’t I A Woman?, clips from A League of Their Own, Sandra Lee Bartky’s application of the “panopticon,” Taylor Swift, and wage gaps. Feminists strive for a voice; let’s discover the motivations that make them heard.

Philanthropy

B PERIOD

RIPPLE EFFECT, RANDOM ACTS OF KINDNESS LISSA MCGOVERN and CANDY DEARBORN Pay it forward; one good deed deserves another; a small act of kindness, even a smile, can change someone’s day. The class will investigate why some philanthropic organizations are more successful than others and look closely at the latest trends in

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non-­‐profits. Each student will study an organization of his or her choice to learn about its roots, organizational structure and philanthropic model. In both individual as well as on a group scale, students will create, plan and execute acts of kindness and community spirit. What will the class do this year to say, “Thanks,” “Have a great day,” and “We care?”

Global Studies

A and B PERIOD

DO YOU HAVE THE STONES? INTRODUCTION TO THE OLYMPIC SPORT OF CURLING MARY FERRETTE OF THE NORFOLK CURLING CLUB, MICHAEL BJURLIN and KELLEY BOGARDUS Ever wanted to try curling? Students will be introduced to the sport of curling; they will learn the basics of the game, a bit of curling history, technique fundamentals, and the physics behind throwing the stones, sweeping the ice and landing the rocks. The class will play competitive matches and finish the week with an abbreviated tournament. Our sweepers will need to capitalize on the five C’s of Berkshire’s curriculum-­‐ communication, community, collaboration, creativity…and curling. The game requires all of these in each and every throw.

A PERIOD

BON APPÉTIT!: JULIA CHILD’S LIFE IN FRANCE ANNA BARTER Bon appétit! Julia Child made these words famous in her PBS specials that taught Americans about French culture and cuisine. Whether she was flipping an omelet or boning a duck, she had a way of making her audience fall in love with not only her food but also with her. In this course, we will study Julia Child’s life as well as the influence she has had on both sides of the Atlantic. We will read excerpts of her memoir My Life in France and discuss its film adaptation, Julie & Julia. The course will culminate with a day in the kitchen in honor of Julia Child and her most famous recipes.

MINDFULNESS, YOGA & THE RELAXATION RESPONSE SUZANNE MAZZARELLI Do you want to improve your ability to handle stress? Learn to modify your sleep patterns? Improve your performance in sports? Be more flexible and adaptable? Are you interested in learning about ancient practices with modern relevance? This course will give an experiential overview of several yoga practices, including asana (yoga postures), meditation, and svadhyaya (self-­‐study). You will learn how to tap into the body’s innate healing power, switch off the “fight or flight” response, improve flexibility and self-­‐knowledge, learn about Hindu mythology, and take part in an Indian feast.

Come stretch your body, expand your heart, and still your mind!

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IT’S A GLOBAL WORLD, AFTER ALL STUART MARSH ‘62 and ANDREW BOGARDUS What do we mean when we say we need to be global? This course introduces students to the concept of globalization as a dynamic process and condition. It asks questions such as: What is globalization? How does it occur? What are the effects? Is it a new phenomenon? Does it create forms of inequality and social hierarchy? This is an inquiry-­‐ based class that looks to answer the economic, political, technological, and ecological dimensions of globalization. Attention is also given to how globalization affects popular culture and daily life through the media. The world is rapidly changing. How will you face the future?

B PERIOD HISTORY OF CUBAN MUSIC ELAINE TOLVO Rumba, Danzon, Son, Cha Cha Cha, Mambo, Conga, Latin Jazz…How do European, African and American history connect with the evolution of Cuban music? In collaborative groups, students will discover the roots and essential characteristics that led to the birth of Salsa. Whether they beat on bongos, click the claves or step out to Salsa, students will discover the cultural and historical roots of the Pearl of the Antilles.

For Life

A and B PERIOD

LET ME IN, LET ME OUT JULIA COHAN and DEMPSEY QUINN What…why…how? Are criminals truly psychotic, or are they victims of poor choices that will forever change their lives? What motivates an individual to commit a violent crime?

Is there hope for non-­‐violent criminals to one day return to their families and live “normal lives?” In an attempt to answer these questions, we will explore the topics of psychopathy and criminal justice through a variety of sources, including face-­‐to-­‐face interviews with incarcerated men and women. We will consider models for lowering recidivism and discuss what can be done to aid in criminals’ return to society. Student enrollment limited to fifth and sixth formers.

A PERIOD GOT NUTRIENTS? DIANE LANCASTER and AMY SHEN You call yourself an athlete, but do you know what you need for peak performance?

Students will gain valuable insight into the roles of carbohydrates, protein and fat in the exercising body. Learn how macronutrients, vitamins and minerals aid performance on

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and off the field, rink, court and track. Understand the significance of hydration and how it contributes to performance. Calculate personal sweat rate to ensure hydration. Learn which supplements, if any, are appropriate for the athlete. Students will finish the week knowing how to fuel, hydrate and properly supplement their bodies to achieve optimal performance.

THE OTHER SIDE OF THE BADGE BILL GULOTTA Each of us may have to depend on a firefighter or a police officer in a moment of crisis in our life. What goes through the emergency responder’s mind in a moment of crisis? This course will introduce you to the training and psyche of these brave professionals. A graduate of Framingham State Police Academy and the Baltimore Police Academy, Mr. Gulotta will present an overview of the skills necessary to become an officer. After initial training, you will explore real-­‐life emergency situations and will undoubtedly renew your appreciation for the great service emergency responders provide our communities.

PRO READ-­‐A! HEIDI WOODWORTH and MICHAEL MCCABE Can Facebook replace Fitzgerald? Will Twitter negate Twain? Statistics show that the landscape of reading has changed radically in the 21 century. Many argue that the wonder of reading for pleasure has been lost by the Millennial generation. What are companies like Amazon doing to reclaim the attention of readers around the country and the world? In Pro Read-­‐A, students will seek to reclaim the lost art of reading for pleasure. Not only will students explore what the reading landscape looks like now in hopes of understanding where it is going, they will also take the opportunity to drop everything and read. As a culminating project, the group will propose a list of books for Berkshire’s summer reading list. st

THE UNITED STATES: GOLIATH OR GOOD NEIGHBOR? R.G. MEADE With the collapse of the Soviet Union, the United States became the world’s sole superpower. This course will examine and assess the current involvement of the U.S. in Latin America, Europe, the Middle East, and East Asia. The focus in class discussions will be on the role of the U.S. in the economic, political and cultural development of a global society in the 21 century. The goal of the course is for students to increase their awareness of the issues confronting the international community, to become better informed about U.S. involvement in these issues, and to enhance their knowledge of world geography. st

CONSPIRACY THEORIES: THE MOON LANDING, JFK’S MURDER, AREA 51, THE ILLUMINATI, AND NSA JASPER TURNER and JASON KEEFER Was a shot really fired from the grassy knoll? Did Neil Armstrong really land on the moon or was it all staged and filmed at a restricted military base in Nevada by the U.S. government to engender greater patriotism during the Cold War era? After exploring

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several contemporary conspiracy theories, some still relevant to our national culture after more than 50 years, students will present collaboratively-­‐researched arguments to support and rebut each theory. In addition to analysis, students will research the psychology behind conspiracy theories, seek to understand a conspiracy’s life cycle, and begin to examine more contemporary issues such as Snowden and the NSA. Shhh...what do you believe?

THE STAR WARS LEGACY KEVAN BOWLER and STUART MILLER ‘97 The Star Wars saga is the third highest grossing film series ever. What began in 1977 as a simple tale of good versus evil eventually became a world-­‐wide phenomenon. The idea for these movies was conceived by George Lucas in the 1970s, a time of political upheaval and social unrest related to high oil prices, the Vietnam War, drug use, and the Nixon resignation. This class will study Star Wars: Episodes IV, V, and VI and compare the movies to themes found in literature, mythology, religion, politics and history.

POINT BREAK OLIVIA JANSING ‘16 and KIM COOPER On Captain James Cook’s voyage to Hawaii in 1778, English sailors saw locals “wait the time of the greatest Swell & push forward with their Arms to keep on its top.” One commented, “on first seeing this very dangerous diversion I did not conceive it possible.” What they witnessed was surfing in one of its earliest forms. In this class, student will study a range of topics from the history of surfing and the original techniques and styles used, to the modern style and boards used today. Students will spend time watching film in order to analyze the techniques that make today's surfers successful. When possible, the class will also practice the basics of those maneuvers, simulating the delicate movements on long boards. Lastly, the class will look at the art of competition and how to be successful in that aspect of surfing. Will you be a shredder or a ripper?

MAGIC VS. BIRD JAY CRONZE ‘09 and J.J. JEMISON ‘09 Not only a battle between two of the greatest players of all time and two of the greatest franchises, but also between two men from very different backgrounds, the rivalry between Earvin “Magic” Johnson and Larry Bird reveals much about both the state of the NBA and the state of our society. In this class, we will review the historical context behind this relationship and both players’ unique paths to super-­‐star status. We will also examine the concept of rivalry, where it comes from and who creates it, and how this specific rivalry impacted the U.S. well beyond the realms of the basketball arena. Finally, we will analyze Johnson’s announcement about his HIV status and Bird’s reaction to it, and chart these two icons’ transformations during the twilight of their careers.

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BULLS AND BEARS ON WALL STREET CHRIS PERKINS “Greed is good,” advised Gordon Gecco in the infamous 80’s film, Wall Street. This class will investigate the relevant topics and characters of Wall Street. While the class certainly won’t ignore the entertainment value, students will discuss each of the movies to see if and how they accurately reflect society at that time. Students will develop a more critical eye on the workings of the financial industry and will better understand how these movies reflect the views of a particular group in our culture and how these views have changed (or not changed) over time.

B PERIOD CRIMINAL MINDS: GOOD VERSUS EVIL KATIE STONECIPHER ‘16 and TESS HUTCHINSON Unfortunately, good and evil are not simply black-­‐and-­‐white. From celebrities to politicians, to the nice quiet kid next door, who is good and who is evil from a philosophical standpoint? This class will journey into the minds and behaviors of those who society label as “crazy,” “psychotic,” “sociopathic,” and “evil.” Students will use clinical case studies, neuroscience research, as well as media coverage and interviews related to some of the larger criminal events of the last ten years to look at how psychosis, character, disturbances, trauma, genetics, mental illness, and societal pressures impact and influence human development and behavior.

DELIVERY! EXTRAS! DEANO and ANDREA BOWLER Have you ever thought about the blood, sweat and tears that go into your delivered pizza or the history behind this great American creation? With the help of the legendary Deano himself, students will travel to Deano’s Pizza in Lakeville to learn to make dough, garlic knots, strombolis and pizza. To document the flipping, folding and stretching, students will film the culinary efforts to use in a presentation at the final Pro Vita assembly. Students will knead these newly acquired skills for the rest of their lives.

COPYRIGHT OR COPY CAT? KEVIN BRUEMMER ‘71 and DAVID MCCAULEY Ever thought of starting the next Vineyard Vines? Inventing the new Facebook?

Everyone has great ideas, but who owns them? The entrepreneur? The inventor? The scientist? Small companies start with no appreciation of how to develop and execute an intellectual property strategy to improve the company’s revenue, protect it from litigation, and increase its value. It is imperative that individuals protect themselves from common mistakes on ideas ranging from Instagram and Napster to a small start-­‐ up. Students will each research a public company to see if it owns its trademarks, patents, and copyrights. Then, at the end of the week, they will design their own company and discover how to name products or file a patent. Who knows? Maybe you could be the next Taylor Swift protecting your intellectual property from Spotify.

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COOKING: IT ALL BOILS DOWN TO SCIENCE TYLER MURPHY ‘05 and PETER QUILTY Cooking is an art, but it all boils down to science: the biology of our ingredients, the chemistry of our soups, and the physics inside of our ovens. Words like emulsion, osmosis, and maillard reactions play a significant role in cooking processes, but what do they really mean on the molecular level? Students will study the science of cooking by learning modernist techniques such as sous vide and spherification. They will also experiment with liquid nitrogen. All experiments will yield delicious results.

SPORTS IN SOCIETY SYDNEY SATCHELL Do you dream about a career in sports? Want to understand the sports industry as it was and its changes today? This course will use case studies, videos and short readings to allow students to analyze and think critically about the sports industry in the 21 century. By comparing and contrasting the NFL, NHL, NBA and WNBA’s financial statements and contracts with the top media outlets, the class will investigate real situations to understand and foster awareness of the importance and relevance of this overly saturated industry. st

HOBBES’ LEVIATHAN CLAY SPLAWN Thomas Hobbes (1588-­‐1679) famously concluded that, due to human beings’ essential selfishness, “the life of man is solitary, poor, nasty, brutish, and short.” To remedy this problem, Hobbes introduced the concept of the “social contract” that has all of us agreeing to hand over all of our individual power into the hands of a single, absolute monarch. In this course, we’ll examine Hobbes’ philosophy and look into what lessons we can extract about life in our own century.

STAY CURRENT ANNA BARTER Many people visit the Berkshires to “unplug” and “get away from it all,” but in this course, students will learn the various ways to stay connected to the world. The class will read various newspapers and magazines (The New York Times, The Boston Globe, The Economist, People, etc. watch television broadcasts (CNN, ABC, Fox, Comedy Central, etc.), listen to radio and podcasts (Wait Wait…Don’t Tell Me!, Freakonomics, etc.), and examine blogs and other forms of digital media. Each day, there will be a discussion of current events as well as a comparison between the different ways in which these events are transmitted to modern audiences.

LEARNING THROUGH PLAY: AN EXPLORATION OF CHILD DEVELOPMENT SYLVIA GAPPA Berkshire’s campus is home to a vast and ever-­‐expanding number of kids. How do they learn? What are they capable of at different ages? Students in this class will learn about child care and development with a focus on child interaction through play. They will learn developmental milestones in the areas of speech and language, fine and gross

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motor skills, socialization, and play. They will observe children and be expected to create developmentally appropriate activities for infants, toddlers, and preschool-­‐aged children. Led by a Berkshire mom, this class promises to be a joy for participants and subjects alike.

BEYOND TAPE AND ICE BRIAN LEWTON and MARC WYSOCKI Want to know what athletic trainers really do? This course will give students a better appreciation of how athletic trainers diagnose injuries, establish rehabilitation programs and handle emergency situations on the playing fields. Get to know the educational background and courses required of athletic trainers while getting hands-­‐on experience with all the modalities (whirlpools and electric stimulation units), as well as emergency and rehabilitation equipment.

B! THE TRUE HOLLYWOOD STORY CENCY MIDDLETON The average woman is bombarded with 400-­‐600 gender-­‐targeted advertisements on a daily basis. These messages celebrate youth, beauty, and women as sexual objects.

Although these advertisements only emphasize the ideal woman implicitly, the messages are internalized. According to a Dove study, only 2% of women describe themselves as beautiful. 2%! How can we empower our youth and encourage both men and women to fight back against these archaic ideals? This course will examine the messages that we receive on a daily basis from romantic comedies to Super Bowl advertisements, and explore how to challenge this distorted yet all too common perspective.

MATH IN THE MOVIES KURT SCHLEUNES In Good Will Hunting, Matt Damon, in his role as a janitor at MIT, solves a complicated linear algebra problem left on the chalkboard; you can too, with some guidance.

Students will watch clips from Good Will Hunting, A Beautiful Mind, Twenty-­‐One, The Matrix and The Bank and study the mathematics involved in these classic “math movies.” Topics covered will include probability, graph theory, the Zeta function, the Riemann Hypothesis, and matrices.

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C PERIOD

TO MODEL OR TO BUILD, THAT IS THE QUESTION DONALD ANSELMI Why are we obsessed with the massive becoming the tiny? What is the phenomenon behind six Legolands scattered around the globe with each park attracting millions of visitors annually? In this course, students will work as a team to build a large-­‐scale model of an historic event or important location such as World War II or Washington, DC. After researching the facts of the scene, the class will learn the process of carefully and meticulously putting together a replica. In order to capture the dedication to detail and the finesse of the finicky, the class will film, through time-­‐lapse photography, the process of getting to the final product for the student body.

IT’S TO DYE FOR! AMANDA MORGAN Have you ever noticed Ms. Morgan’s carefully decorated lab coat? In this afternoon class, we will explore several different techniques for tie-­‐dying shirts and other articles of clothing. We will also experiment with other dye art forms such as Batiking, Shibori, and Hausa. Students will have to provide their own articles of clothing to dye or purchase one for minimal cost.

SWING KIDS CHRISTOPHER ALLEN AND ELAINE TOLVO East Coast versus West Coast? Jive versus Lindy? Swing and Salsa to be specific. In Swing dancing, a dance partner often lifts, spins and flips his or her partner. Give your dance steps some style and integrate The Pretzel, The Barrel Roll, and Butterfly into your moves. Be hip; be cool; you too can learn these fun, upbeat dances.

KNITTING FOR EVERYONE ANITA LOOSE-­‐BROWN Have you ever had the urge to learn how to make your own warm and woolly accessories or longed to give a lovely hand-­‐made gift to someone dear to you? Are you already a knitter yearning for some dedicated time to devote to this wonderful activity?

Well, no matter which camp you fall into, join us and get a chance to fulfill those dreams! Beginners will learn how to cast on and will knit a hat (or 2 or 3) using only the knit stitch. Experienced knitters can work on hats or bring in their own project for knitting time and advice. Hats will be donated to Warm Woolies, an organization that supplies orphans with warm clothes.

GET ON THE BALL, AND GET TO THE POINT! CLAIRE NAYLOR-­‐POLLART Relieve stress, unwind knots, and loosen tight muscles with this self-­‐massage trigger point program. Participants will learn how to take care of their own aches and pains while improving strength and flexibility and enhancing performance in sports. The goal

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for this class is to teach students how to efficiently target your painful and tight spots and effectively eliminate them with success! Basic human muscle anatomy will be taught so participants can better understand how to map out pain patterns. Pre-­‐ exercise warm-­‐ups and post-­‐exercise stretching will also be taught for re-­‐education and positive muscle memory. By the completion of this course participants will understand the missing tool in their workouts, a must for any serious athlete!

SEW WHAT? SUE DEMOLINO IVES It’s fun and easy to make fabric postcards that you can stick a stamp on and mail to family and friends. In this class, students will explore quilting as a method of artistic expression. Students will learn a brief history of quilting, basic methods of construction, how to use the color wheel and how to operate a sewing machine. Each student will make at least two fabric postcards–one from a pattern and the second from their own design. Each postcard will be as unique as the individual who creates it.

SWING, BATTER, SWING! JASON GAPPA Some say that it is the toughest thing to do in all of sports—to hit a three-­‐inch wide ball coming in at 90 mph. From the moment the pitcher releases the ball, the batter has less than a half of a second to decide to swing. It takes great timing, hand-­‐eye coordination, and mechanics to hit the ball consistently at a high level. Through critical thinking and collaboration, this course will explore the essential components of a successful swing and attempt to perfect each student’s stroke. In addition, students will study the mental approach to hitting and explore what mindset will work for them in pressure situations. The problem is simple: how do I hit the ball consistently? However, the solution is elusive and mysterious.

THE CULTURE OF TEA CHENG-­‐CHIA WU and CLIVE DAVIS This course examines the importance of tea in Chinese, Japanese, Indian, Thai, and English culture. We will focus on one culture per day, discussing tea selection, brewing, aroma, and tasting of tea. We will supplement the lecture and demonstrations with readings, videos and other materials. Tea will be made each day and a trip to Harney & Sons Tea Company in Millerton, New York will cap off the week.

DISCOVERING THE MOUNTAIN KEVAN BOWLER and EVAN NIELSEN Designed for outdoor novices and experts, this course revives Berkshire’s Mountain Passport Program. Originally created by the Ritt Kellogg Mountain Program as a guide to aid students in exploring the mountain, the passport will lead us to South Pinnacle, Black Rock, the Appalachian Trail, the Telephone Trail, and the Reservoir, all in an effort to visit as many different and perhaps undiscovered sites on the mountain as possible.

Students will need sturdy hiking boots for this course.

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CHESS OPENINGS AND END GAMES KURT SCHLEUNES This course is open to students who are already familiar with the basic moves in chess.

We will study famous sequences of opening moves such as the Ruy Lopez and the Sicilian. We will also work on end games—the final moves of a game which occur when one player has an advantage. Boards and pieces will be provided. In addition, time will be allotted for students to play games with one another for speed and to determine Berkshire’s Grandmaster.

CROCHET: DON’T JUDGE TIM LANCE Unlike other textile handiwork, crochet’s history is much more ambiguous. Regardless of its past, it’s become a popular tradition in America for both men and women. In addition to learning to use the tools of crochet, you will use a pattern to crochet your own scarf. No previous experience needed.

WHAT? NEVER HEARD OF SOCCERSQUASH? ANA ALVARENGA ‘15 and ANDY HOLLNAGEL Soccer, played on grass with feet, and squash, played in a court with racquets, are polar opposite sports; however, their combination gives way for an exciting game that integrates agility, talent and fun! This fast growing sport is ideal for players who like to combine ball control, tricks and shooting techniques. Besides these aspects, SoccerSquash is a mental, conditional and above all, tactical sport as well. Imagine you and an opponent in a court kicking the Soccersquash ball against the walls, returning serves and drives without letting the ball drop more than once? Prior experience in either sport is not required, but it will certainly help you master the game.

BLADES OF GLORY DAN DRISCOLL and SYLVIA GAPPA Have you always wanted to glide effortlessly across the ice? Come learn the basics of ice-­‐skating from the head boys and girls varsity hockey coaches. Designed for students with no prior skating experience, student will learn how to start, stop, turn, and most importantly, have fun on the ice. Come learn how to navigate your way around the rink in the Jack!

ACOUSTIC GUITAR FOLK BLUES RICHARD GILES Students will be introduced to the iconic artists behind North American regional folk blues through the life and playing styles of Huddie Ledbetter, better known as Lead Belly, and Sonny Terry. We will study their specific techniques and learn to copy their energetic blues-­‐style with our own instruments. Students will need an acoustic guitar for each class.

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THE ART OF THE DEAL R.G. MEADE and DARY DUNHAM What can one do with a pack of cards? Learn the intricacies of Texas Hold ’Em, Omaha, Cribbage, Hearts, and Oh, Hell. These are lifelong skills sure to serve you well if ever stranded in a snowy cabin in the mountains. Did you know that President Clinton loves Oh, Hell, as does Oscar de la Renta? Harry Truman loved poker. Learn the rules and grasp the nuances of five important card games. You will walk away with an appreciation of the amazing range of what a deck of cards can do for entertainment and social gatherings.

ELEMENTARY SCHOOL GAMES CENCY MIDDLETON and STUART MILLER ‘97 Come let us take you back to the days before Facebook and video chat when the highlight of the day was the recess game of SPUD or freeze tag. You’re never too old for a game of Four Square or Dodgeball. Mastering these skills is not only necessary for success on the playground, it will also serve you well in life.

PADDLE TENNIS PAUL MACKENZIE, AJ KOHLHEPP and ELIZABETH PERKINS Ever driven through a country club or sports complex and seen a shrunken tennis court surrounded by chicken wire? Well, that mini-­‐court is home to a fantastic sport called paddle tennis. Played for over a century, the game is adapted from tennis though it features a different ball, hard racquets, a smaller court, and a lower net. All of these factors combine to create a fast and reaction-­‐based game. Join us as we travel to surrounding schools to play for an hour each afternoon.

MAGIC: THE GATHERING JESSE HOWARD and ALEX DORNEMANN ‘15 Magic is a collectible card game created by Seattle mathematics professor Richard Garfield in 1993. With approximately six million players worldwide in over 70 countries, Magic has become the world’s most played trading card game. The premise of the game is straightforward: play cards that represent spells, tricks, creatures and artifacts to get your opponent’s life total down to zero before getting killed yourself. The catch? Each player designs his or her own deck from the thousands of cards that have been printed through the years. The course will cover the basics of this complex and multi-­‐layered game and culminate in a tournament.

PRO VITA…NO REALLY! DORY DRISCOLL and SKIP BOWMAN A classroom education will carry a person far in life, but what happens when classroom skills and life skills don’t overlap? This course aims to close that gap by examining the everyday skills involved in the art of life. What happens when you get a flat tire in the middle of nowhere? Power’s out and you’re wondering how to use that majestic looking fireplace for the first time? Ever find your white athletic shorts have turned pink after

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you did a load of laundry? This course will give you the hands on experience to help you solve these important everyday questions.

WORD WARS ANDREW BARTER and AMY ROWLAND ‘15 Michael Cresta, a carpenter who lives in Massachusetts, earned 365 points in one turn for playing the word quixotry in an official Scrabble tournament. If you find this fact intensely impressive, then this course is for you. Scrabble, the popular crossword board game, is both fun and challenging. In this course, you will learn the rules of the game and some tips on simple strategy, all while preparing to play in the inaugural Berkshire School Scrabble Tournament. In addition, we will watch Word Wars, a documentary that explores the obsessive world of competitive Scrabble. Do you have what it takes to be the Berkshire Scrabble Champion? Take this course to find out!

YOGA: FROM WARRIOR ONE TO DOWNWARD DOG STEPHANIE TURNER and NADINE LLOYD Led by a Kripalu-­‐certified local yoga teacher, this course will serve as an introduction to the practice of yoga. Each day will focus on a different part of the body or yogic philosophy including breath, gaze, mindfulness, and meditation. The classes will be physically challenging but appropriate for beginners and experienced yogis alike. Omm!

RUGBY: A GAME FOR RUFFIANS, PLAYED BY SCHOLARS LEWIS GRASSIE ‘16 and BILL BULLOCK Devote your afternoon to the great game of rugby, whose history dates back to 1823 when William Webb Ellis, on the grounds of the Rugby Boarding School in Warwickshire, England, first had the notion to advance the ball by running instead of kicking. The class will not only study the history, trace the popularity and learn the rules of this great game but will also take to the pitch to practice the key elements of the game from the ruck, the maul and scrum to the finer points of kicking, passing and formations. We will even practice and perform some of the traditional rugby songs. Rugby's popularity continues to grow across the globe, especially on college campuses where women and men play intercollegiate matches. Come join the Rugger Revolution!

CLIFFHANGER SETH COHEN and DANNY IVES ‘15 Have you ever looked up at Black Rock and wanted to scale up its steep and craggy face?

Come experience the thrill of rock climbing. Students will learn bouldering and rope-­‐ climbing techniques both in the gym and on boulders on the Mountain. Challenge yourself and be inspired by the Mountain underneath which you live.

SOUL FOOD, JAPANESE STYLE KATO HIROSHAGE and BRANDI DAHARI Japanese cooking is well-­‐known for its health benefits and beautiful presentation, but let’s get beyond sushi and delve into authentic Japanese cuisine. Come explore Japanese home-­‐style cooking with Kato Hiroshige, a Japanese potter and chef. In this class,

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students experience the social aspect of Japanese home-­‐cooking as they cook, eat and chat their way through delicious, healthy and easy to prepare meals. The class will also discuss Japanese pottery and food presentation as it sets the table accordingly for each meal. You’ll never see a bowl or a plate in the same way again.

GODFATHER GOURMET LUCIA MULDER “Leave the gun, take the cannoli.” Never before has an Italian pastry become so famous in film. This classic line from the movie The Godfather illustrates in a single sentence the importance of food to Italian culture. In this class, students will use the Best Picture Oscar-­‐winner as culinary inspiration. The class will screen scenes from the movie and discuss its portrayal of one culture’s immigrant experience in the U.S. Then they will head to the kitchen to create some signature dishes from the film. Students will make their own pasta, taste-­‐test olive oils off campus, and learn an old Sicilian family secret for an out-­‐of-­‐this world tomato sauce. It’s going to be an offer you can’t refuse!

MAKE IT FROM SCRATCH LISSA MCGOVERN and MAURA MACKENZIE Do you enjoy cooking? The class will make dishes completely from scratch. Pizza? Grind the grain for flour, mix and knead the dough, make the mozzarella cheese—get the picture? Students will make food from the basics with no help from the frozen food aisle or the ready-­‐made section of the grocery store. No cooking experience is necessary as long as students are willing to get their hands in some gooey dough or soggy cheese.

Don’t forget, we will have to taste!

GARAGEBAND DAVE OLSON While professional musicians stand on grand stages with stacks of amplifiers around them and thousands of dollars of equipment at their fingertips, basic instruments can be crafted out of simple materials easily found in the house or with a quick trip to the hardware store. This course will explore various ways to build homemade musical instruments and actually play them. Once the crafting process is done, the class will play their instruments in simple arrangements and will be well on their way to self-­‐made stardom at the Saturday morning performance!

FARM TO TABLE SHELLY PELTZ and CHEF ERIC PERCY Do you know where your food comes from? Is it from a farm or a factory? Most food travels 1,500 miles to end up on the dinner table. However, there is a new movement towards the preference of local, sustainable foods which involves the whole community and allows diners to eat organic, natural and fresh foods. In this class, students will learn farm-­‐to-­‐table practices, and they will finish with a delicious, local, self-­‐prepared meal.

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