Course Catalog 2024
C Period Offerings: 12:30 – 4:00 p.m. C Period classes take up both periods. Most are field trip-based or offer deeper dives into the topic while on campus. 1. 2.
Baking with the King Arthur Flour Company Berkshire Food Co-op: Local Food & Community Service 3. Berkshire MMA Season II 4. Children's Books: An Experiential Study of this Literary Form 5. Community Service in the Berkshires and Beyond 6. Curling: An Experiential Study of the Game 7. Farm to Fork: Understanding Local Food Sourcing 8. Food Insecurity to Food Justice 9. Knitting & Crochet: An Experiential Arts Study * 10. A Taste of Jamaica 11. Telluride’s Mountainfilm Festival: Celebrating Film for a Better World * * Offered both as a full C Period class or just for A Period.
A Period Offerings: 12:30 – 2:00 p.m. 1. 2. 3.
American Serengeti: Ecological Studies Appreciation for Songwriting Architecture: A Study of Design, Drawing & Perspective 4. Barbie (the film): A Study of Intersectional Feminism, Patriarchy, and Joy 5. Be the CEO of Your Life: Invest in Girls (Open to all female-identifying students) 6. Behind the Scenes at the Jack: A Study of Systems, Operations, & Logistics 7. The Benefits of Problem Solving 8. Chemistry: A Study in How Not to Blow Up the Lab 9. Conquering the Fear of Public Speaking 10. Dining Hall Food & The Fundamentals of Cooking 11. Fitness for Life 12. The History of the Cookie: An Experiential History Class 13. How the Dead Survive 14. The Evolution of the Gay Best Friend in Romantic Comedies 15. Knitting & Crochet: An Experiential Arts Study 16. Latin Cuisine: A Cultural Studies Course
17. News, Design & Media: Showcasing Berkshire’s History through the Archives 18. Some Assembly Required 19. Tech/Life Balance 20. Introduction to Sports Data Analytics 21. Paddle Tennis: A Study of the Game 22. The Psychology of Color: An Exploration of the Impact of Color in Our Daily Lives 23. SEED Seminar: Creating Conversational Communities that Drive Change (Open to current SEED participants) 24. Son of Man: What Does It Mean to be Human in the Bible? (An Intro to Religious Studies) 25. Telluride’s Mountainfilm Festival: Celebrating Film For a Better World B Period Offerings: 2:30 – 4:00 p.m. 1. 2. 3.
Bears on Ice 2.0 Black Experience Through Food Chess: Tactics, Strategy, and Tournament Competition 4. Crystals: A Study of Positive Energy and Well-Being 5. Culture & Food: The Stories Behind the Food We Eat 6. Current Events and Politics 7. Flavors of Asia: A Cultural Studies Class through Food 8. Reality TV and Society 9. Greenagers: Community Service at the Woodbank 10. Health & Well-Being at Boarding School 11. Hype Tag: A Strategy Card Game as Ruthless as Recess 12. Introduction to 3D Printing 13. The Future is Now: An Introduction to AI and Its Impact 14. Kitchen Kraft 15. Mindfulness in the Forest 16. Modern Economic Growth 17. Pickleball: A Study of the Game 18. The Physics of Sound 19. The Psychology of Play & Nutrition 20. Tap Dance: Learning the Fundamentals 21. Tarantino and Jogging: A Film Studies Course Using Exercise for Reflection 22. Tarot Card Reading 23. Team Building & Team Culture through Multiplayer Online Battle Arena Games 24. Video Games: History, Ethics, Possibilities
C Period - Single Class Options Baking with the King Arthur Flour Company Susie Beattie, Eva Yuranich For this baking course, enjoy two days on campus and two days off campus. First, journey to the King Arthur Baking Company in Vermont, where you will be guided by expert chefs in their state-of-the-art kitchen classroom, to learn how to make sweet apple crumb crostata and savory empanadas. After a night in nearby Hanover, NH, and some fun exploring the local shops, restaurants, and the Dartmouth College campus, return to Berkshire for two days of baking and working with sourdough and finish by making sourdough buttermilk pancakes which we’ll enjoy in Berkshire’s Sugar House.
Berkshire Food Co-op: Local Food & Community Service Katherine Simmons, Devorah Sawyer, Joseph Scully This class will partner with the Berkshire Food Co-op to learn what a food co-operative is, and what systems and relationships go into making one optimally operate. We will visit farms and talk with farmers who partner with the Co-op. Throughout the week, we will cook food with the Co-op and sell what we cook at their store to raise money for the People’s Pantry, a food pantry in Great Barrington. We will also spend a day at the People’s Pantry volunteering! Berkshire MMA Season II Tony Amolo ’13, Edwin Castro, Danny O’Brien ’24 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 $200-$300 that will cover boxing gloves and shin pads; hand wraps will be provided for students to keep. Children's Books: An Experiential Study of this Literary Form Jen Tuleja, Jen Gaenzle Smith Children’s picture books hold a special place in our hearts. Everyone remembers which books they read when they were little. If you would like to spend the week reading children’s books and visiting local museums and libraries to learn about children’s book
writers and illustrators, and spend some time with a children’s librarian at a local library, this Pro Vita experience is the class for you. We will also spend time examining the children’s picture book collection at the Geier Library, reading to children from Undermountain Child Care, and making an exhibition of our favorite children’s books. Community Service in the Berkshires and Beyond 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. Through partnering with local organizations, we will engage different relationship-building, leadership, and communication skills. Curling: An Experiential Study of the Game Jonathan Zwick, Yefferson Julio Auza Have you ever wanted to try curling? This is your chance! Members of the Norfolk Curling Club will lead a group of students in an introductory week of curling. Students will travel to Norfolk each afternoon and will be given an introductory curling class, play in competitive matches, and finish the week with an abbreviated tournament. Please join us in discovering what it really means to be a skipper! Students will be charged $100 for four full days of professional-level coaching and facility use. Farm to Fork: Understanding Local Food Sourcing Heidi Woodworth, Chris Perkins Farm to Fork will expose students to the ways that their food is sourced, emphasizing the abundance of our local area. On Monday, we will visit a local farm to understand their operations around food production (and will enjoy some of their products!). On Tuesday and Wednesday, we will do two outdoor cooking (and eating!) demonstrations. We will finish out the week visiting (and dining at!) another local institution. Food Insecurity to Food Justice Nancy Lyon Have you ever heard of the phrases “food justice” or “food desert?” Do you know that approximately 23.5 million people in America live in food deserts? Nearly half of the people who live under these conditions are low-income people, families, and
neighborhoods. This class will explore what these terms mean, why they exist, and what can be done to help. We will travel off-campus to learn what people in the local community are doing to address these issues, connect with local food producers, and explore how we can make a difference. Knitting & Crochet: An Experiential Arts Study Pat Bush, Mandy Morgan Join us to learn a lifelong skill that can be practiced anywhere and anytime you have a few free minutes to sit: 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 produce a warm scarf for the chilly Berkshire winter. This class will be offered as a C Period option for those who want to work on a larger project, and as an A Period class for those who choose to work on a smaller project and take a different B Period course. A Taste of Jamaica Michkael McKenzie ’25, Penny Powell, Valentina Stetson, Angella Grandison-Ried This class will engage in all things Jamaica! We will explore the Jamaican diaspora through cuisine, dance, music, and history. The goal of the class is to develop an overall sense of this deep island culture through experiences, research, and reflection. Guest speakers will visit class, and we will have ways of sharing our learning and experiences with the greater Berkshire community, too. Telluride’s Mountainfilm Festival: Celebrating Film for a Better World Glen Seelenbrandt The Mountainfilm festival, “brings together a community of filmmakers and change makers, showcasing documentary films that celebrate adventure, activism, social justice, environment and indomitable spirit.” This Pro Vita class will serve as the planning and organizing committee for hosting a Mountainfilm festival at Berkshire in the spring of 2024. Participants will work directly with the Mountainfilm organization on everything that goes into hosting an event like this and explore some of the challenges and successes of past film fests, as well as determine how we can work together as a team to host a filmfest at Berkshire this spring. This class will be offered as a C Period and an A Period option.
A Period American Serengeti: Ecological Studies John West This course offers an in-depth exploration of the diverse and dynamic landscapes of North America’s Great Plains and American West. The class will engage with the central themes of "American Serengeti," delving into the historical and ecological forces that have shaped the region's unique biodiversity. From the majestic herds of bison to the elusive predators that once roamed freely, students will gain a comprehensive understanding of the intricate relationships that have defined North America's natural history. The course hopes to connect with scientists and environmental advocates for the protection of biodiversity. Appreciation for Songwriting Tasia Wu, Lydia Wu Davis ’21, Izzy Maher ’18 This course is designed to illuminate the profound influence and expression inherent in songwriting, exploring its impact on our daily lives, personal experiences, and societal dynamics. Through engaging workshops led by Berkshire alumni songwriters, students will gain valuable insights into the art of songwriting and its transformative power as a means of expression and societal reflection. Architecture: A Study of Design, Drawing & Perspective Robert Rose In this class, we will explore the multiview, paraline, and perspective drawing techniques used to depict a three dimensional space on a two dimensional surface. In particular, we will focus on perspective drawing, including how to set up and execute a scaled two-point perspective drawing. Students will have the opportunity to create their own architectural drawings, and each student will create their own series of two-point perspective drawings of objects and buildings—maybe even of some here on campus! We hope to welcome a local architect to work with us, and get a tour of the construction happening in the student center renovation. Barbie (the film): A Study of Intersectional Feminism, Patriarchy, and Joy Caddie Jackson The power of Pink! This class will participate in a screening of the 2023 film, Barbie, directed by Greta Gerwig. Students will engage with works by Bell Hooks, Angela Davis,
Gloria Steinem, Myisha Hill, and more, to discuss ways the film dissects patriarchy, and utilizes, or doesn't, intersectional feminism to convey messaging around toxic masculinity and capitalism. We will also use the film’s soundtrack to process and understand various themes. If you like analyzing films and need a fun outlet to talk about all things patriarchy, this is the class for you! Be the CEO of Your Life: Invest in Girls Elleke Haggerty P’24, April Burch Be the CFO of Your Life is an opportunity to learn how to manage your money and feel confident making financial decisions. Teenage girls can build their financial knowledge and confidence through engaging, instructor-led workshops, setting young women up for success in life. Participants will complete the official Invest in Girls (IIG) curriculum for both Be the CFO of Your Life and Be the CIO of Your Life, and be eligible to participate in IIG’s other programs including the Mentorship Program and summer internships. This course is open to all female-identifying students. Behind the Scenes at the Jack: A Study of Systems, Operations, & Logistics Craig Whiting Discover the inner workings of the Jack. Included in this course will be a tour and explanation of all mechanical rooms. How is the ice made, maintained, and removed? How does a Zamboni work? What are the secrets to sharpening skates? We will review and demonstrate the answers to these and all of your questions. And for anyone who’s ever said, "I want to ride on the Zamboni!" you’ll get to experience that thrill. Keeping the themes of systems, operations, and logistics, the class will also visit behind-the-scenes in the equipment, athletic training, mail, and bookstore spaces. The Benefits of Problem Solving Mike McCabe Don’t get puzzled! In this class, you will have the opportunity to learn the skills of different types of puzzles––crosswords, sudokus, kakuros, kenkens, and more––and the benefits of completing them. There are numerous cognitive and emotional benefits of solving puzzles and the process of solving puzzles, and you will experience the benefits in this class. Snacks will also be provided to help enhance a stimulating and engaging learning environment.
Chemistry: A Study in How Not to Blow Up the Lab Peter Quilty This course will examine what should and shouldn’t happen in the chemistry prep room. Students will learn about the following: storage and inventory management, waste disposal, waste classification terminology, OSHA laboratory standards, and the proper handling of tools used in the laboratory. In addition to ensuring we are following all of the appropriate protocols in our science laboratories, we will conduct some reactions that demonstrate the unexpected results of mixing chemicals and everyday products that you can find in your home. Conquering the Fear of Public Speaking Brooke Depelteau The fear of public speaking is the most common phobia––more common than the fear of spiders or heights! This class will look at skill development that supports both the For School and the For Life aspects of Berkshire's curriculum as students 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, students will become more confident, 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. Dining Hall Food & the Fundamentals of Cooking Kelley Bogardus, Shawn Burdick, Milton Jones ‘24, Nico Pasquale “24 Do you find yourself in the dining hall not knowing what to eat? Do you tend to eat the same thing, or find the meals a little boring? In this course, we will identify several creative ways to navigate the dining hall for breakfast, lunch, and dinner, whether it is how to make a panini, a burrito, a salad, or other meals, with what is being offered. We will also look to create a YouTube page with videos of how to make the meals. Mr. Burdick will help us with ingredients, creative sauces and dressings, and recipes. 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. The History of the Cookie: An Experiential History Class John Speer What are the stories behind popular cookies around the world? Where did the recipes come from and how have they evolved? How is culture and identity tied to different cookies and how do available ingredients influence this? This class will bake cookies and the learners will research and discuss the stories behind this popular dessert form. Students will share their findings and what they bake with the community. 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. The Evolution of the Gay Best Friend in Romantic Comedies Kathryn Barnhardt Groundbreaking, reductive, subversive—the gay best friend has featured in American films since the beginning of time. Let’s have a kiki and watch some of the most enduring gay best friend portrayals of the ’90s and Aughts. We’ll discuss rom-coms within the socio-political context of the gay rights movement, dissect the troupe, celebrate the power of representation, and debate the necessity of the gay best friend in film in 2024. Films will be selected by consensus with possibilities such as Reality Bites, Camp, Easy A, and Crazy Rich Asians.
Knitting & Crochet: An Experiential Arts Study Pat Bush, Mandy Morgan Join us to learn a lifelong skill that can be practiced anywhere and anytime you have a few free minutes to sit: 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 produce a warm scarf for the chilly Berkshire winter. This class will be offered as a C Period option for those who want to work on a larger project, and as an A Period class for those who choose to work on a smaller project and take a different B Period course. News, Design & Media: Showcasing Berkshire’s History through the Archives Catherine Yan ’24, Bebe Bullock ’86, Jean Maher Berkshire's Archives collection includes a 100-year-old baseball cap, wooden skis from the 1950s that once swooshed down the Elbow Trail, gold football championship charms, a letter jacket, Jack Stewart's (of “the Jack” fame) plaid pants, photographs, maps, and so much more. But how do we display these treasures and, at the same time, tell Berkshire's history? Students will investigate how news, design, and media play a part in showcasing history—especially Berkshire’s history—and “shop” in the Archives collection for items to display in the Fentress Reading Room. On the final day, we will host a grand unveiling of projects. Some Assembly Required Corinne Rywalt, Sam Ortega Unlock the world of craftsmanship and creativity in this immersive course designed to introduce you to the fundamentals of hand tools and power tools. Participants will gain hands-on experience, fostering essential skills that empower them to bring their ideas to life through basic woodworking and other practical applications. We’ll discuss basic hand tools and their uses, putting them to work in small-scale wooden project creation. If you’ve never used a drill before, aren’t sure how to put together your couch for your dorm room, or just want to learn how to use tools for everyday things, this is the course for you! Focusing on safety, proficiency, and confidence building, you need no prior experience; all necessary tools and materials will be provided, but be sure to bring your enthusiasm and creativity. Join us for a week of discovery, skill-building, and fun as we embark on a journey into the exciting realm of hand tools and power tools!
Tech/Life Balance Jamie Goldsmith This class will take students through a deep dive into what is important to them and how technology supports or hinders this. We will align our legacies and how we want to look back on our lives with how we use our tech on a daily basis. We will work to re-engineer our tech to become a tool to help us achieve our most important goals and to help us live the lives we truly want to live. This is a collaborative course and will require students to be vulnerable at times. If you choose to dig in, it could be a meaningful and life-changing experience. Introduction to Sports Data Analytics Dustin Greene Sports Data Analytics, the intersection of these two dynamic fields, empowers us to dissect, decipher, and derive actionable insights from the wealth of data generated in the world of sports. From player performance and team strategies to fan engagement and business decisions, the applications of data analytics in sports are vast and varied. Whether you're an aspiring analyst, a dedicated sports enthusiast, or a professional in the field, this course will equip you with the knowledge and skills needed to unlock the hidden potential of sports data. 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, rather than power. Join us to learn the history of the game and how to play this fast-moving sport. No experience necessary! The Psychology of Color: An Exploration of the Impact of Color in Our Daily Lives Anastasia Tigipko ’24, Cynthia LaPier During this course, students will explore the power of color to influence us through our emotions. Students will examine how people are influenced by color in artwork, marketing and religious iconography and engage with color through activities during the week including painting, discussing artwork, analyzing marketing campaigns, and a field trip to Fuel Cafe in Great Barrington to observe and take photos of the role that color plays in this small town.
SEED Seminar: Creating Conversational Communities That Drive Change Akilah Edgerton The National Seeking Educational Equity and Diversity (SEED) Project partners with communities, organizations, and institutions in bringing people together to learn through self reflection, build relationships through structured dialogue, and create change through systemic analysis. This year's student SEED group will utilize A Period to continue their learning and relationship building. This class is open to current SEED participants. Son of Man: What Does It Mean To Be Human in the Bible? (An Intro to Religious Studies) Caleb Pérez, Paul MacKenzie Why does Jesus refer to himself throughout the Christian bible as “the son of man,” rather than the “son of God,” or the “son of Mary?” Why were the desert-dwelling people of the Ancient Middle East so obsessed with flood stories? What do the Hebrew word “Tselem,” the English word “image,” and the modern phrase “sell the clip” have in common? Join Son of Man, where we will answer all of these questions, explore the world of religious studies, and question the nature of our own humanity. Telluride’s Mountainfilm Festival: Celebrating Film for a Better World Glen Seelenbrandt The Mountainfilm festival, “brings together a community of filmmakers and change makers, showcasing documentary films that celebrate adventure, activism, social justice, environment and indomitable spirit.” This Pro Vita class will serve as the planning and organizing committee for hosting a Mountainfilm festival at Berkshire in the spring of 2024. Participants will work directly with the Mountainfilm organization on everything that goes into hosting an event like this and explore some of the challenges and successes of past film fests as well as determine how we can work together as a team to host a filmfest at Berkshire this spring. This class will be offered as a C Period and an A Period option.
B Period Bears on Ice 2.0 Julia Echavarria ’25, Brooke Eselunas ‘24, 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 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. Black Experience Through Food Jadyn Kornegay-Murphy ’25, George Stetson This class will be dedicated to studying the ways that African American cuisine has transformed food in America and beyond. The class will learn about and make classic soul food dishes, ranging from sweet to savory. Students will learn about the history of modifications and changes that enslaved people made to their cuisine and how those still impact the culinary scene today. Chess: Tactics, Strategy, and Tournament Competition RunQi Zhang ’26, Kaleb Yoon ’26, Logan Tao ’24, Pieter Mulder 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! Crystals: A Study of Positive Energy and Well-Being Sunny Yashavant This course will provide an introduction and basic knowledge of crystal healing practices. Crystals have been used in many cultures for spiritual healing and well-being. Students will learn about the properties of various crystals, their historical significance,
and practical applications for promoting practices of grounding and a sense of well-being. The course will cover both theoretical knowledge and hands-on experiential learning to empower individuals to incorporate crystal healing into their daily lives. Culture & Food: The Stories Behind the Food We Eat Kyron Stevenson ’24, Sheri Mahoney In this class, students will learn about a variety of cultures through food. We will research and learn about the history behind different recipes and the use of wide-ranging ingredients. We will engage in stories through film and interviews that center on the cultural roots of the past, present, and potential future of different foods. And, we will cook and share food together as we learn through the week. Current Events and Politics Jason Gappa Students will explore current political events in the United States and, to some extent, around the world. They will be asked to educate themselves on what is happening on the political landscape during our time together, and they will have the opportunity to explore events that interest them. We will select some of those events to share with the group and to research from various sources in order to become more politically literate. Given the timing of the presidential primary elections, we will spend some time learning about the electoral system in the United States and the current primary elections. By the end of the week, students will leave knowing more about the political process and also share their interests with the group. Flavors of Asia: A Cultural Studies Class Through Food Angela Pham ’24, Jenny Lee ’24, Diana Fiori, Mohammed Hetraf In this Asian cuisine course, students will explore a diverse range of Asian food through cooking and food experiences. We will dive into exploring the traditional food of various regions of China, Japan, Thailand, India, and Vietnam. Participants will learn the unique ingredients, cooking techniques, and flavor palettes associated with each region. Moreover, we hope to emphasize the cultural significance of food in Asian societies, history, and traditions associated with different dishes.
Greenagers: Community Service at the Woodbank Dan and Dory Driscoll In Berkshire County, there are a number of 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. Health & Well-Being at Boarding School Brandi Dahari, Natalie Heldfond ’25, Eloise McDonough ’25, Serena Smallhorn ’25, Laura Smith This class will explore different practices that can lead to health and well-being in a boarding school setting. Yoga, mindfulness, water coloring, nutrition, and outdoor activities will be introduced and practiced throughout the week. Students will reflect on what activities they might implement (and how they might go about it) to improve their own health and well-being in the spring trimester and moving forward. Hype Tag: A Strategy Card Game as Ruthless as Recess Jesse Howard, Sam Forouzan ’25 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. The game was funded on Kickstarter in 2022 and the final product finally arrived on Mr. H's doorstep last December. 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. Introduction to 3D Printing Alden Nisi ’25, Corinne Rywalt Students in this class will engage in a wide range of topics related to 3D printing. We will learn about the basics of 3D printing, how the machines work, and the various
applications of 3D printing in the world today. We will use a website called Tinkercad for design and implementation of a variety of designs and ideas. If you are interested in experiencing every part of the 3D design and printing process, this class is for you. The Future is Now: An Introduction to AI and Its Impact Chris Meehan, Jason Epstein, Elizabeth and Jeffrey Spaulding P’26, Whit Rawlinson P’26, Hila and Moshe Barak P’25 Embark on an exciting exploration of AI, covering its applications in science, technology, and even fashion. Engage with AI tools such as Google Gemini, Teachable Machine, Dall-E, and more, through interactive projects. We will also have the unique opportunity to connect with top industry experts, providing a rare glimpse into the professional world of AI. But don’t just take our word for it, ChatGPT says, “Unleash your creativity and future-proof your skills in this exhilarating AI universe where your boldest dreams ignite, fusing with cutting-edge AI tools and insider knowledge, propelling you to become a tech visionary shaping the marvels of tomorrow!” Latin Cuisine: A Cultural Studies Course Josephine Nicholson In this course students will research and learn about the history and diversity of Latin cuisine. We will prepare different recipes that are associated with Latin spices, ingredients, and tied to varied communities. We will also visit a Latin restaurant in our local area to hear what it means to cook Latin food in the Berkshires. Kitchen Kraft Mike Dalton This hands-on course is designed to allow students to become familiar with woodworking tools by constructing simple kitchen implements, like a cutting board, wooden spoon, or spatula. The course will meet in the woodshop in the basement of de Windt, and there is a nominal fee for supplies. Mindfulness in the Forest Jim Norton Doesn’t it sound appealing to learn how to tune out some of your daily stresses while having an authentic experience in nature? Studies have shown that spending time outdoors as well as mastering the art of being present are two ways in which we can take care of ourselves. This course will explore the connection between nature and
mindfulness by having experiences in both realms. We will go on hikes no matter the weather and simultaneously engage in mindfulness practices. Modern Economic Growth Eric Ofori Have you ever wondered why some countries are rich and others poor; and why are differences in standards of living among countries so large? Do you ponder why some countries produce so much more output per worker than others? Whether measured by national income, level of happiness, health, or material possessions, the differences in living standards between rich and poor countries in the world today are simply astounding. In this course, we will explore the key drivers of modern economic growth. Economic growth contributes to higher living standards, reduced poverty, and increased employment opportunities, thus promoting the overall welfare of a country’s citizenry. We will explore some of the challenges developing countries face in promoting long-run economic growth. We will also discuss the contributions of political institutions, culture, and religion in promoting economic growth. Pickleball: A Study of the Game Trevor Perkins ’24, 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 is more about strategy and cooperation between you and your partner, rather than power. 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! The Physics of Sound Rita Zhou ’24, Clive Davis, Dan Cooper Did you ever wonder how a speaker works? How can a small box transmit sound? This Pro Vita class will explore how to turn magnetism into electricity. Also, we will explore how lasers can transmit audio data. We will be building a number of different devices including a sound visualizer and a simple speaker.
The Psychology of Play & Nutrition Bette Imhoff, Bailey Luts ’25, Mirabelle Meredith-Jones ’25 From young to older ages, humans are drawn to playing games, problem solving, and finding joy in free play and healthy nutrition. This class will explore the psychology behind these. In other words, what is the science behind recess and snacks? The professional world is not immune to building these conditions for their employees, too. How are companies like Google increasing opportunities for employees to take active mental breaks and have access to healthy food through the work day? Through the week, small groups will write proposals to Berkshire School leadership on different topics engaged in during the class. How might the Berkshire School community learn and benefit from what the science says? Reality TV and Society Tess Hardcastle ’06 Reality television is now a ubiquitous staple on broadcast television and streaming services, but that wasn’t always the case. In this class we will look at the social and cultural conditions that allowed these shows to emerge, and consider why they remain so enduringly popular. We will interrogate and explore the degree to which they present “reality” and explore the ethical dimensions of this form of entertainment. Through viewing and analyzing shows, we will consider how they present a mirror to society and culture at large, impacting the way we see and relate to one another. We will also play with the genre ourselves, conceiving of shows that reflect our current moment and affect social change. Tap Dance: Learning the Fundamentals Madison Bagby Have you ever wanted to learn to express yourself through dance? Whether you have danced before or this is a brand new experience, tap class is a space for you to find confidence in movement and rhythm. Students will learn basic tap skills, while also gaining a stronger sense of musicality. We will also dive into the history and culture of tap dance. The course will culminate in students learning a short routine showcasing the different steps they have learned.
Tarantino and Jogging: A Film Studies Course Using Exercise for Reflection Ben Pitfield Quentin Tarantino 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, talking, and creative mediums. Tarot Card Reading EJ Collins At its heart, the tarot is a storytelling device, a deck of symbols and narratives that can spark conversations, inspire ideas and reveal new perspectives. Students in this course will learn about the history and current practices of tarot card reading. Team Building & Team Culture through Multiplayer Online Battle Arena Games Leonard Xia ’24, John Palmer How do communication, leadership, defined roles, and feedback influence a group of people's ability to build team culture and growth? Multiplayer Online Battle Arena (MOBA) games have been a growing piece of the gaming industry for some time. MOBA games require strong communication skills and on-the-spot, in-game response. Ultimately a study in team dynamics, this course aims to help students develop stronger teamwork, communication, and leadership skills that translate from an online game setting to real-life collaborative situations. Video Games: History, Ethics, Possibilities Clay Splawn In video games, the simplicity of Pong has given way to realistic, open-world environments where players–through their characters on-screen and online–can engage in very human behaviors. These behaviors range from kind and generous to murderous and savage. How did we get here? And what does it all mean for the humans on the business end of the controller? This course will engage students around the history of video games (we’ll play some of the all-time greats), the ethical implications of video games (both for players and manufacturers), and considerations about where it will go from here.