Course Catalog 2025
C Period Offerings:
C Period classes take up both periods. Most are field trip-based or offer deeper dives into the topic while on campus.
1. The Author’s Path: Writing and Printing Your Own Book
2. Berkshire MMA Season III
3. Community Service in the Berkshires and Beyond: Housing Insecurity
4. Community Service: Greenagers Invasive Species Removal
5. CPR, AED & Wilderness First Aid
6. Great Berkshire Bake Off!
7. Starting & Running a Foundation: A Study with Penny’s Flight
8. A Study Of and On the Hudson River
A Period Offerings:
1. Air Disasters: The Accidents That Shaped Air Travel Safety
2. The Art of Tea Making
3. Behind the Scenes at the Jack: A Study of Systems, Operations & Logistics
4. Business and the Internet Revolution
5. Community Service through Partnership & Philanthropy
6. Conspiracy Theories: Exploring Origins & Impact on Society
7. The Creator’s Game
8. Developmental Psychology: Working with Undermountain Child Care Center
9. Fitness for Life
10. Fly Fishing, Flytying & Culture
11. Food Writing & Media
12. The Healing Arts: Meditation, Sound Bath & Yoga
13. The History of the Cookie: An Experiential History Class
14. How the Dead Survive
15. Kindness: A Study in Community Engagement
16. Knitting & Crochet: An Experiential Arts Study
17. Manifesting 101: Using Neuroscience to Train Your Brain for Success
18. Mountain Time: An Ecological Study of Place
19. The U.S Criminal Justice System: A Study of Policing, Criminals, and the Law
20. Paddle Tennis: A Study of the Game
21. Pickleball: A Study of the Game
22. Public Speaking: Confident Self-Expression, Body Language, and Storytelling
23. Race, Class & Gender
24. Sports Media Productions: A Study With Bluegill Media
25. Squash: An Introductory Study of the Game
26. The Test of Time: Harry Potter and Society
B Period Offerings:
1. Are We Alone? Astrobiology and the Science of Alien Life
2. The Art of the Dinner Party with After-Hours Dining
3. Bears on Ice 2.0
4. A Brief History of Time
5. Chess: Tactics, Strategy, and Tournament Competition
6. Climate Change & Society: The Game “Daybreak”
7. Culinary Exploration of the Philippines
8. Culture & Food: The Stories Behind the Food We Eat
9. Community Service: The Greenagers Woodbank
10. Harmonica: History & Music
11. Hype Tag: A Strategy Card Game as Ruthless as Recess
12. Japanese Culture: History, Food & Art
13. Motivational Speeches: Lessons for Life from Coaches and Teams
14. The Mystical Art of Tarot & Astrology
15. Mythology & Culture: Paganism, Polytheism, and the Psyche
16. Psychology & Film: A Study of Attention Spans & Movies
17. Putting the FUN in Fundraising
18. The Repurpose Project: Art & Collaboration
19. Rock Climbing 101
20. Rube Goldberg: The Art of Complexity
21. Soccer: History, Culture, Play
22. Tap Dance: History, Culture, Practice
23. Taste & Create: A Journey Through Chinese Art and Tea Culture
24. The Technology Behind Augmented Reality
25. Wearables & Data Analytics: A Study with WHOOP
26. Wes Anderson and Jogging: A Film Studies Course Using Exercise for Reflection
C Period - Single Class Options
The Author’s Path:
Writing
and Printing Your Own Book
Jessica Tingling, Jes Holdredge ’06
This course is designed to guide students through the exciting journey of creating a book, from the initial spark of an idea, all the way to bringing it to life. By the end of the course, students will not only have a clear and well-developed book concept, but they’ll also gain practical skills and insights into the world of publishing. Along the way, students will build confidence and learn how to navigate the book industry in a way that feels authentic and achievable. Through a mix of creative exercises, hands-on learning, and mindset shifts, this course will help students turn their personal stories into books they can be proud of.
Berkshire MMA Season III
Tony Amolo ’13, Noboru Tsuru ’25, Edwin Castro
This class will expose students to the basic and intermediate skills of mixed martial arts. We will spend the week working with the staff at Southeast Kettlebell in Pittsfield. This full-body fitness class will help students learn the art of self-control, discipline, and self-care through Thai boxing, Jiu Jitsu, and boxing. Students will be charged a fee of around $200 that will cover boxing gloves and shin pads; hand wraps will be provided for students to keep.
Community Service in the Berkshires and Beyond: Housing Insecurity
Stella Demmert ’25, Sofia Esposito ’25, Dave Collopy
This course aims to develop leadership skills, teamwork, and practice Berkshire’s core values in our community and with neighboring communities. Community service serves as a structural bridge between academic learning and real-world experiences that can bring students outside their comfort zone and allow them to gain hands-on experience that will broaden their worldview This class will be partnering with local organizations addressing housing insecurity in the Berkshires, engaging in different relationship-building, leadership, and communication skills.
Community Service: Greenagers Invasive Species Removal
Chris Rokous, Elia Del Molino
This class will partner with Greenagers and the Norfolk Land Trust, two non-profit organizations in the Berkshires, to contribute to an ongoing invasive species clearing project at Elles Crane Park in Norfolk, CT. Students will learn about ecology, invasive species, and will be cutting and extracting exotic invasive honeysuckle, bittersweet, and barberry that are negatively impacting the Elles Crane ecosystem.
CPR, AED & Wilderness First Aid
Kathryn Barnhardt
Accidents happen. People get hurt, sick, or lost. The temperature drops, the wind picks up, and it starts to rain. Would you know what to do? Many backcountry emergencies are preventable, and even when bad things happen, sometimes the wrong care can make things worse. By learning a few basic skills, you can make the difference between a good outcome and a bad one and maybe even save a life. Students in this course will learn useful skills and work towards CPR, AED, and WFA certifications.
Great Berkshire Bake Off!
Sarah Pitcher-Hoffman, Tess Hardcastle ’06
Get inspired by The Great British Bake Off and bake simple recipes such as scones, quick breads, and cookies. Each day, students will make a new recipe that will be judged by guests of the class. Students will also learn some best baking practices (weigh your flour!) that can help you with any recipe and experiment with some baking “hacks” to see if they really help. In addition to time in Berkshire’s kitchen, the class will spend a day at The Lost Lamb patisserie in Stockbridge, MA, with owner Claire Raposo, a graduate of Le Cordon Bleu. During the visit, students will sample some of her specialties and learn about Raposo’s culinary career. This course is for “star bakers” and novices alike, so even if you’ve never wielded a whisk or cracked an egg, there’s a spot in the tent for you!
Starting & Running a Foundation: A
Study
with Penny’s Flight Gemma Fox ’26, Kate Doerge, Kevin Soja
Kate Doerge will introduce students to the Penny’s Flight Foundation, a non-profit organization raising awareness of Neurofibromatosis and related disorders. Gemma Fox will join Kate to teach students how to start, promote, and facilitate a non-profit. Along the way, students will learn how Kate turned pain into purpose in a positive way
A Study Of and On The Hudson River
Lena Smith ’26 and David Dahari
This class will explore the environmental science, history, and culture of New York’s Hudson River through a lens of stewardship. The class will partner with Hudson River Sloop Clearwater, a non-profit organization founded by legendary musician Pete Seeger, to create engaging field trips and hands-on activities, including work aboard the sloop Clearwater. Students will learn about the ecology of the river environment, including the negative impacts of industrialism and pollution, test water quality, and study wildlife on the river.
A Period
Air Disasters: The Accidents That Shaped Air Travel Safety
Captain Stephanie Miller ’08
From the Miracle on the Hudson to the deadliest aviation accident in history, the Tenerife airport disaster, students will explore accidents that have shaped air travel safety regulations today. Students will learn basic aerodynamic concepts and be able to identify the moment an aircraft is put in an undesirable state. The class will analyze various flight scenarios to determine if a loss of control was avoidable or not, and if the flight crew made the right decisions. Ultimately, students will learn how the aviation industry moved forward from these accidents. No aviation experience is necessary.
The Art of Tea Making
Tasia Wu Davis and Clive Davis
This introductory tea class is designed for tea enthusiasts who want to deepen their appreciation and understanding of the art of tea. Participants will learn about the history, flavors, and proper brewing techniques for a variety of teas, including white, green, oolong, pu'er, matcha, black, and herbal teas. The class will explore traditional brewing methods such as the Chinese Kong Fu Cha, Japanese tea ceremony, English High Tea, and East Frisian tea, providing a hands-on experience to master the nuances of each. The class will visit the local Harney & Sons tea factory, where students will gain insight into modern tea production processes. Whether you're new to tea or a seasoned drinker, this class offers a comprehensive and immersive way to discover the world of tea.
Behind the Scenes at the Jack: A Study of Systems, Operations & Logistics
Craig Whiting
Discover the inner workings of the Jackman L. Stewart Athletic Center. Students will tour the facility’s mechanical rooms while learning how the ice is made, maintained, and removed. For anyone who’s ever said, "I want to ride the Zamboni!" you’ll get to experience that thrill. Plus, learn the secrets to sharpening skates! Keeping the themes of systems, operations, and logistics, the class will also experience a behind-the-scenes tour of the equipment, athletic training, mail, and bookstore spaces.
Business and the Internet Revolution
Michael Cohen
How did companies like Airbnb, Amazon, Apple, Google, Netflix, and Spotify harness an emerging internet to disrupt the industry and create new categories of culture and commerce? What management decisions led to the early demise of once-dominant businesses? In this class, students will engage these questions, develop frameworks for understanding Internet-driven businesses, and create arguments for solving complex business problems. Each class will introduce a new case study that presents a company’s story with historical industry analysis and students will be asked to take a position to solve complex problems.
Community Service through Partnership & Philanthropy
Makena Mudd ’26, Lily Herzig ’26, Rory Perkins ’26, Andrea Bowler
Students will engage in meaningful activities to support women survivors of violence and homelessness in Massachusetts through “beaUtybundles.” Over four days, participants will learn about the importance of advocacy, write letters of encouragement, and create care bundles filled with essential supplies. The course will help foster connections with local organizations and encourage reflection about their impact on our greater community.
Conspiracy Theories: Exploring Origins and Impact on Society
Stella Schafer ’25, Elysia Shively ’26, Georgia Perkins ’26, Taylor Rathbun
Students will explore the cultural phenomenon of conspiracy theories and the impact they’ve had on society over the years. The class will review case studies, conduct research, and engage in discussion and reflection. By the end of the week, students will develop strategies and skills to engage with conspiracy theories at an individual and societal level.
The Creator’s Game
John West
This course delves into the rich cultural heritage and spiritual significance of lacrosse, often called "The Creator's Game." Students will explore the origins of this sport, examining its role as a sacred tradition, a means of resolving conflict, and a celebration of unity and wellness. Through readings and discussions, the class will uncover the history of lacrosse, its evolution into a modern sport, and its enduring cultural importance. Additionally, all students will string their own traditional wooden lacrosse stick sourced from the Akwesasne Mohawk reserve. By the course's end, students will gain a deeper appreciation for the cultural roots of this enduring game and the values it continues to represent.
Developmental Psychology: Working with Undermountain Child Care Center
Mohammed Hetraf, Tammy Wysocki
Explore the introductory topics of developmental psychology: play, creativity, communication, community, and sense of place. Students will work with children and teachers at the Undermountain Child Care Center to explore these topics experientially The class will learn about skills and teaching practices and then plan activities with childcare center students. Students will produce a slideshow of pictures and highlights from the experience to share what they learned through the week.
Fitness for Life
Brie and Tim Cary
Students will engage in a hands-on workout, primarily learning how to incorporate lifting weights into a fitness program. We will explore the importance of warm-ups, cool-downs, and proper lift techniques, utilizing the major muscle groups of the body. Lessons will culminate in a full-body workout that students will customize and can take with them into the future. This is an introduction/instructional level course for all genders.
Fly Fishing, Fly Tying & Culture
George Stetson, Glen Seelenbrandt, Will Lillard, Gus Chong ‘26
This course will tackle some of the most interesting aspects of fly fishing. Students will be given an introduction to fly tying and casting with a fly rod, as well as the biology and etymology of fly fishing. This class will learn about the environmental and cultural implications of fly fishing. Depending on the weather, we hope to do at least one day trip
to the local streams and rivers so that students can experience fly fishing for themselves. The class will work with Will Lillard from Lillard Fly Fishing, who will provide a deep understanding of the many fascinating aspects of fly fishing in New England and the rest of the world.
Food Writing & Media
Blaze Casdin ’26, Sheri Mahoney
Students will learn the fundamentals of food writing (blogging, reviewing, and critiquing) while engaging in meals together at local restaurants such as Juju’s, Baba Louis, Agave, Race Brook Lodge, No Comply, and GB Eats. The class will make food blogs (video and written) as they learn the skills associated with food writing and media and meet with professional chefs, food critics, and industry leaders in an effort to fully understand what is behind a published review
The Healing Arts: Meditation, Sound Bath & Yoga
Jen Gaenzle Smith, Whitney Saunders
All individuals benefit from self-reflection, self-knowledge, and developing skills to reduce stress, relaxation, and greater connection with the self. Students will be introduced to the practices of meditation, sound bath, and yoga by trained professionals. Exploring these forms of ancient healing will allow students to potentially find a method they can further explore and develop that serves them best.
The History of the Cookie: An Experiential History Class
Nancy Lyon, Kathy Dougherty
What are the stories behind popular cookies around the world? Where did the recipes come from and how have they evolved? What is it like to bake cookies for over 500 people? This class will engage these questions while baking cookies for the whole community. Students will research and discuss the stories behind this popular dessert form and work with FLIK baker, Kathy, to learn about professional baking and working in a commercial kitchen.
How the Dead Survive
Kevan Bowler, Stuart Miller ’97
From the 1960s until the 1995 death of guitarist and band founder Jerry Garcia, the Grateful Dead played roughly 2,300 concerts. Even Garcia’s death could not stop the band from touring and its legendary “Deadheads” from following their favorite music.
This course will explore the history, music, and culture that surrounded the Grateful Dead. Special attention will be given to the effects that the band had on the cultural scene of the United States and how their music influenced and evolved rock and roll, country, blues, and folk music. The class will also study what has enabled the Dead to be such a lasting force, even today.
Kindness: A Study in Community Engagement
David Perrachia ’26, Sunita Yashavant
This class will explore the psychology and practice of kindness, particularly through the lens of community engagement and school spirit. Students will examine the impact that kindness has on people’s mental health, for both the giver and the recipient, and learn about research related to kindness and community building. Ultimately, this class will engage in a number of different activities with the intention of contributing to a greater sense of belonging for all within the Berkshire School community
Knitting & Crochet: An Experiential Arts Study
Pat Bush, Mandy Morgan
Join us to learn a lifelong skill that can be practiced anywhere and anytime: knitting and crocheting. When you practice these hobbies, they reward you with a tangible thing that you can wear, use, or gift to a friend or to someone in need. We'll teach basic cast-on and knit stitch, or single crochet stitch. Even with just these basic stitches, you can learn how to produce a warm scarf for the chilly Berkshire winter
Manifesting 101: Using Neuroscience to Train Your Brain for Success
Ruthie Sommers P’25,’28, Susie Valverde
This class will dive into the science of how your brain works and ways of rewiring your brain to think, feel, and act in ways that help you create the life you want. Over four days, you’ll learn how your brain forms habits; how to break the ones that don’t serve you; and how to replace them with powerful new patterns. Using techniques like visualization, gratitude, and value tagging, you’ll train your mind to focus on opportunities instead of obstacles.
Mountain Time: An Ecological Study of Place
Justin Torre ’07
This class will be utilizing the Mountain and Berkshire’s 400 acres of land as the classroom. Each day students will be introduced to a different part of the Mountain and learn about land history, ecology, and the wildlife that calls this ecosystem home. The class will engage in wildlife trail cameras, reading and journaling, and learn from local trackers and field experts.
The
U.S. Criminal Justice System: A Study of Policing, Criminals, and the Law
Jason Gappa
This course will study the criminal justice system in the United States. Students will learn about the federal system of law and explore what makes the American system unique. There will be a focus on the Fourth and Fifth Amendment rights of the accused. Students will end the week by performing a mock Supreme Court case to better understand those Constitutional protections. Students will get the chance to role-play either being a lawyer or a justice in the simulation. In addition to the classroom component, we will try to meet with a local police officer to better understand the rights of citizens when they are seized and visit a local courthouse to get a better sense of our justice system.
Paddle Tennis: A Study of the Game
Elizabeth Perkins, Michael Bjurlin
Paddle is a racket sport that can best be described as a cross between tennis and squash. It is a fast-paced, social sport that is easy to learn and suitable for all ages. Paddle is more about strategy and cooperation between you and your partner, than just power. Join us to learn the history of the game and how to play this fast-moving sport. No experience is necessary. Games will be played on Berkshire’s Shaw Family Paddle Tennis courts.
Pickleball: A Study of the Game
Evan Regan ’25, Wilson Miller ’25, Brian Rodriguez ’16
Pickleball is one of the fastest-growing sports in the world. It is a fast-paced, social sport that is easy to learn and suitable for all ages. Pickleball relies on strategy and cooperation between you and your partner. This class will explore the roots and the future of the sport: What is the history behind the game? Where is it most popular
today? What are the most important skills in the modern game? What tournaments and leagues are out there? And of course, we will learn and play the game each day!
Public Speaking: Confident Self-Expression, Body Language, and Storytelling
Tyler Schoudel ’26, Troy Monte ’25, Brooke Depelteau
The fear of public speaking is the most common phobia––more common than the fear of spiders or heights! Students will develop skills that support both the For School and the For Life aspects of Berkshire's curriculum as they work together to overcome the nerves that creep in at the thought of public speaking. Students will practice mindfulness and learn strategies to center themselves when faced with public speaking. Through practice centered on diction, stage presence, and body language, each participant will become more confident and skilled public speakers. This class requires a willingness to step outside of one's comfort zone, and students must be ready to actively engage with the content. Disclaimer: there will be no spiders or unnecessary heights used in the instruction of this class.
Race, Class & Gender Regal Sealy
Students will learn about the social constructs of race, class, and gender from historical and present-day perspectives. The class will examine the ways these social forces work institutionally, conceptually, and how they impact all of us on a day-to-day basis. Together, the group will participate in a number of community engagement activities, which aim to increase belonging and equity for all within our community
Sports Media Productions: A Study With Bluegill Media
Chris Lawhorn, Matt Bode
Students will work with Bluegill Media Productions, Berkshire’s livestream partner, to engage in the full breadth of sports media. Bluegill Productions is a full-service production company specializing in sports and event video production and live streaming. Students will learn specific skills and techniques, while collaboratively contributing to a media project on campus.
Squash: An Introductory Study of the Game
Ben Pitfield
Squash is a racket sport that is comparable to tennis, but is played in an enclosed arena with four walls. Join varsity squash coach Ben Pitfield as he teaches students about the strategy, skill, and power needed to play. Students will also learn about the game's history. Squash is a fast-paced, social sport that is easy to learn and suitable for all ages. No experience is necessary.
Note: This course is not open to students who played squash for Berkshire this past season.
The Test of Time: Harry Potter and Society
Caddie Jackson
Are you aching to dive deep into the wizarding world of Harry Potter and explore how it has influenced a timeless pop culture phenomenon, as well as your own perception of imagination and magic? Throughout this class, students will explore how the magic of the series has impacted generations of readers, maintained its worldwide popularity despite the abundance of spin-offs and cinematic competition, and inspired further creative outlets such as baking competitions. Activities include a group screening of one of the Harry Potter films, a deep dive into a baking contest inspired by “The Wizards of Baking,” and reflection through a creative writing prompt. Along the way, students will explore critiques of the series. If you love all things Hogwarts, Ministry of Magic, and He Who Shall Not Be Named, this class is for you!
B Period
Are We Alone? Astrobiology and the Science of Alien Life
Chris Meehan
From the vastness of space, viewed through the Dixon Observatory's telescope, to the microscopic world of alien-like creatures under our electron microscope, this astrobiology course will ignite your curiosity. Students will analyze real NASA data to hunt for habitable worlds, meet one of Earth's toughest organisms, the nearly indestructible tardigrade, and grapple with humanity's biggest question: Are we alone? Using cutting-edge research and hands-on investigations, you'll develop scientific inquiry skills while contemplating the mind-bending possibility of life beyond Earth. Warning: your view of the universe may never be the same!
The Art of the Dinner Party with After-Hours Dining
Kevin Kelly ’19, Heidi Woodworth, Chris Perkins
In collaboration with local industry leaders, students will go behind-the-scenes to explore what it takes to bring together the modern-day dinner party. We’ll cover everything from creating tablescapes, staging lighting, equipment rentals, event planning, cooking, and ambiance creation in this hands-on course.
Bears on Ice 2.0
Julia Echavarria ’25, Adrianna Echavarria ’25, Sylvia Gappa
Learn to skate (or perfect your skills) during Pro Vita with a student-led, intensive week of skating, designed to help you gain confidence on the ice. This class will engage in skating safety, skating history (Where did skating originate? How did skating develop into sports like hockey and figure skating?), and techniques for learning how to skate more confidently There will be a low student-to-teacher ratio, with individual sessions throughout the week. Students will build confidence in exploring this new experience, and bond with their classmates who are also building that confidence. Overall, students will leave their comfort zones and learn to skate.
A Brief History of Time
Paul MacKenzie
Students will explore what time is, how it has been measured, and how it has been organized across recorded history The class will learn about the physics behind the Big Bang Theory and our expanding universe. Students will explore astronomy (sun, moon, and natural cycles), and different tools to track time, including sundials, clocks, watches, calendars, and schedules. To conclude the class, students will engage and grapple with the concepts of relativity and the possibilities of time travel.
Chess: Tactics, Strategy, and Tournament Competition
RunQi Zhang ’26, Kaleb Yoon ’26, Henry Zhou ’26, Ashok Pillai
The game of chess challenges the mind, connects people of all ages, and is hugely popular in every country of the world. This course will give students the chance to better understand the history, tactics, openings, and strategy of the game, while also providing an opportunity for individual and team tournaments during each class. Whether you are an experienced player with a passionate love for chess, or a beginner interested in learning how to play, you are sure to enjoy exercising your brain and learning more about this great game!
Climate Change & Society: The Game “Daybreak”
Clay Splawn
This class will engage in varied world challenges by playing and learning from the game “Daybreak.” The makers of the game say, “Daybreak is a cooperative game about climate action. Each player controls a world power, deploying policies and technologies to both dismantle the engine of global heating and to build resilient societies that protect people from life-threatening crises.” Students will play the game in small groups, reflect on what they learned in the process, and together analyze the different themes and intentions behind the game structures and outcomes.
Culinary Exploration of the Philippines
Sam Ortega
Discover the rich and diverse culinary traditions of the Philippines in this hands-on cooking class. From adobo, to lumpia, to pancit, students will learn to prepare dishes that make Filipino cuisine so special. As you cook, you’ll learn more about Filipino history, including the impact of Spanish colonization and the beginning of Filipino migration to the US. Through preparing these Filipino dishes, you’ll gain necessary cooking skills like chopping, frying, flavor balancing, and more! Whether you’re an experienced cook or have never held a knife, this class will expand your knowledge and confidence in the kitchen.
Culture & Food: The Stories Behind the Food We Eat
Prodigy Bossele
Do you have a specific dish that means more to you than another? Is there a plate of food that feels like home to you? Let’s share ours with each other. In this class, you will learn basic cooking skills and share your story through food. You will pick a dish that has become part of your identity or your definition of home, and we will make each of the dishes that the participants choose. On the day our dish is made, we will share why that particular dish is so important to us and who we are. We will write our stories and recipes that will be bound into a cookbook for each participant to have at the end of the week.
Community Service: The Greenager Woodbank
Finn Gibbons ’26, Dan and Dory Driscoll
In Berkshire County, there are some families that cannot afford to heat their homes regularly through the cold months. Greenagers, a non-profit organization located less
than two miles up the road from Berkshire, is working to address this problem head-on through their “Woodbank.” Volunteers collect, split, stack, and deliver cords of firewood to families who would benefit from this community aid and outreach program. Participants in this class will travel to Greenagers each afternoon to work at the Woodbank and contribute towards this local initiative.
Harmonica: History & Music
Sarah Genovese ’27, Lucy Woodhouse ’27, Katherine Simmons
Students will be guided through an exciting journey into the world of harmonica playing. The harmonica was invented around 1825, and its beautiful and distinctive sound has united people worldwide. You’ll learn about the history of this small yet powerful instrument, engage in group discussions, and learn to play We are excited to dive into our creativity and make beautiful music together!
Hype Tag: A Strategy Card Game as Ruthless as Recess
Chidera
Okeke ’26, Jesse Howard
If Magic: The Gathering and Uno had a baby, that game would be Hype Tag, a new strategy card game designed and developed over the last several years by Mr Howard. Hype Tag is a return to the joy (and the pain!) of the school playground where you become a snarky, hipster kid engaged in a cutthroat game of tag. Unique game mechanics, humorous art, and hidden strategies make this game infinitely replayable, challenging to learn, and extremely fun to master Members of the class can win copies of the game in a mini-tournament, and we will also spend time learning about how the game was designed and produced with potential visits from the artist and graphic designer as well.
Japanese Culture: History, Food & Art
Akari Ikeda ’25, Brandi Dahari
Students will be introduced to Japanese home cooking and culture through experiential learning. The class will cook cultural dishes, learning about Japanese history and culture along the way. Students will also explore the sudden rise in popularity of Japanese culture and what aspects remain underrepresented in the media, with the aim to bring more interest in intercultural learning to Berkshire.
Motivational Speeches: Lessons for Life from Coaches and Teams
Coach Ken Gammill P’16,’19,’20,’22, Mike McCabe
This course will explore famous speeches that coaches have delivered to teams in moments of challenge and adversity. Some of the questions the class will explore include: What caused specific speeches in history? What were the results? How did language, tone, and delivery resonate with players before, during, and after the event? Why do we still talk about them today? Students will then work together to think through what has influenced them, what might influence others, and how to deliver their own motivational speeches to their classmates.
The Mystical Art of Tarot & Astrology
EJ Collins and Laura Smith
This is a dynamic, immersive course designed for students curious about the mystical arts of tarot and astrology Through an engaging blend of art history, mythological exploration, and hands-on practice, students will dive deep into the symbolic world of tarot cards, learning to interpret their rich imagery and understand their cultural significance. The program includes a field trip to Crystal Essence to purchase personal tarot decks (optional), a comprehensive day dedicated to astrological studies, and interactive sessions that teach practical reading techniques, allowing students to develop skills in personal reflection and intuitive interpretation.
Mythology & Culture: Paganism, Polytheism, and the Psyche
John Palmer
This course will explore how ancient civilizations attempted to explain natural phenomena and the human condition via supernatural explanations. The class will dive into the universal archetypes across different global mythologies and the implications of their presence. There will be an emphasis on the analytic lens of Jungian psychoanalysis of dreams.
Psychology & Film: A Study of Attention Spans and Movies
Addie Whitman ’26, Charlotte Davenport ’26, Tyler Smith
This class will explore the intersections of psychology and movie watching, particularly how attention span and focus impact a viewer's experience. The class will explore how different surroundings and settings play a role in the focus of a movie watcher, along with the ways themes, characters, and plot development are targeted for different audiences. The class will ask students to reflect and experiment with the ways that
different technologies (phones, computers, watches, etc.) have impacted their movie-watching habits. We will also meet with local theater owners and managers to discuss their experiences related to these topics.
Putting the FUN in Fundraising
Janna Holmes
Fundraising can sound scary or seem far removed from your Berkshire experience, but this class will allow students to understand the importance of philanthropy and how it can be FUN! Students will get an inside look into the role the Annual Fund plays in their daily lives as current students. They will have the opportunity to connect with Berkshire alumni to network and learn how to make “the ask.” This group will also play an important role in making our upcoming “One Day for Berkshire” a success within the greater Berkshire community
The Repurpose Project: Art & Collaboration
Zelina Blagden
This course will explore the ways different artists are repurposing packaging materials before they go into the waste stream. Students in this class will transform what is considered trash into art, furniture, and textiles, collaboratively building a functioning object within our community The class will explore and collect available materials, collaborate on a design, and then engage in a building process.
Rock Climbing 101
Nick Pohl
Have you ever dreamed of scaling towering cliffs? This intro to rock climbing class is the perfect way to turn that dream into reality. Learn essential climbing techniques, proper belaying, and safety protocols from experienced instructors. No prior experience is necessary. All equipment is provided. Whether you're a beginner or looking to refresh your skills, this class offers a fun and supportive environment to build your confidence. Sign up today and unlock a world of adventure!
Rube Goldberg: The Art of Complexity
Dan Cooper, Checie Li
Dive into the whimsical world of Rube Goldberg machines, where creativity meets engineering! In this hands-on course, students will plan, design, and construct a chain reaction machine that accomplishes a simple task in the most elaborate and
entertaining way possible. Along the way, participants will sharpen their skills in teamwork, problem-solving, and iterative thinking. From brainstorming ideas to troubleshooting misfires, you’ll experience the excitement of engineering and the satisfaction of seeing your contraption come to life. Prepare to think critically, communicate effectively, and embrace the joy of trial and error.
Soccer: History, Culture, Play
Darryl Hage ’26, Emmanuel Marmolejo ’26, Mack Wilmore ’26, Yefferson Julio Auza
Soccer is not only about the physical aspects of the game, it is about the togetherness of the team, and the trust and collaboration between eleven individuals who come together as one thing larger than themselves. This class will introduce students to the history of soccer, foundational strategy, and the ways that different cultures around the world have influenced the game. The class will comprise four small groups, or teams, that will focus on specific cultures deeply tied to soccer, and play in a weeklong tournament with those teams.
Tap Dance: History, Culture, Practice
Kay Nelson ’27, Madison Bagby
This class will explore the rich culture behind tap dancing, particularly how the art form has been used for cultural expression through times of oppression. Students will learn basic tap skills, while also gaining a stronger sense of musicality Whether you have danced before or this is a brand new experience, this class is a space for you to find confidence in movement and rhythm. The course will culminate in students learning a short routine showcasing the different steps they have learned.
Taste & Create: A Journey Through Chinese Art and Tea Culture
Sherlock Dong ’27, Susie Beattie
This class will learn about and experience different parts of Chinese culture through the Pro Vita week. Students will get to practice the traditional and beautiful art form of calligraphy, while also learning about the complex procedures for making Chinese tea. The class will examine the roots of these cultural practices and the ways they shape society today.
The Technology Behind Augmented Reality
Junwoo Lim ’27, Brett Herleikson
This class will explore the fundamentals and future of artificial reality (AR) and virtual reality (VR) technology, helping students understand their potential and applications. Students will engage in hands-on projects where they design their own AR glasses. This class will provide an opportunity for students to explore innovative technologies, develop teamwork skills, and engage in a real-world application of engineering and computer science principles.
Wearables & Data Analytics: A Study with WHOOP
Mimi Miller ’26, April Burch
This course will take students through a deep dive into the data of 24/7 wearable devices, specifically WHOOP Throughout the course, we will explore different effects on recovery, strain, and other data many users don’t know how to read. Students will take a field trip to WHOOP headquarters to further gain insights on the insides of a wearable device and learn tips about how best to benefit from the data. If you are a WHOOP wearer or just interested in the analytics of a device like this, this course is for you!
Wes Anderson and Jogging: A Film Studies Course Using Exercise for Reflection
Ben Pitfield
Wes Anderson is a giant of film. In this class we will dive into one of his movies, pairing it with jogging! Moderate exercise will cultivate reflection and sharpen our impressions of this auteur's work. This will be a film studies course, however we will challenge the traditional modes of reflection and analysis found in most traditional academic settings. We will observe film, engage in exercise, and work together to process the art through writing, discussion, and creative mediums.