JANUARY
TERM Course Catalog 2024
STATEMENT OF PHILOSOPHY
January Term enables our community to live the mission and core values of our school by exploring new passions, interests, and interdisciplinary ways of learning about the world and ourselves. Through a modified schedule and course offerings outside of the regular curriculum, January Term provides teachers and students a space for experimentation, investigation, and reflection.
PROGRAM STRUCTURE AND SCHEDULE
January Term consists of two 8-day sessions. Each day includes three 90-minute blocks scheduled around homeroom, community time activities, and lunch. Classes meet in a single block (90 minutes), double block (3 hours), or all day. Classes meet for a single session (8 days) or a double session (16 days) School arrival and dismissal times are consistent with other terms of the year.
COURSE DESCRIPTIONS
90-MINUTE, 8-DAY CLASSES
ABSTRACT PAINTING
Caroline Santa
Non-representational art allows the artist to communicate in personal or alternative ways. In this course, we will look at a variety of abstract artists throughout history, including present day. Students will create their own abstract paintings with acrylic paint. All levels of experience are welcome.
ACTING FOR PERFORMANCE: DIVERGING PLOTLINES
Campbell McCormack ’25 & Jake Miller
A great opportunity for actors! In this class, students will be acting in a pair of performances for Campbell McCormack's Junior Project, which will study the impact of endings on audience understanding of a plot line. Campbell will direct students in two short pieces of theater which will follow identical plotlines before diverging into different endings Then, the audience's understanding of each will be polled and analyzed The culminating set of performances will take place during community time, so please don't sign up if you don't want to perform!
ALL A-BARD! A CRASH COURSE IN SHAKESPEARE PERFORMANCE
Sean Close
Though reading Shakespeare alone is a worthwhile endeavor, in this class we’ll seek to delve deeper into his words by looking at it as an actor would, ascribing to the belief that Shakespeare’s texts achieve their most essential and potent form when given life in performance Over the course of a workshop-style class, students will receive the tools to break down the structure and music of Shakespeare’s texts and discover what is really being said. We will watch masterclasses and employ their techniques. We’ll read selections from plays and stage scenes, complete with actors on their feet and scripts in hand. By the end of our time together, students will have the preliminary methods that will allow them to transcend an English student’s understanding of Shakespeare and graduate to that of a Shakespearean actor.
ANOTHER WORLD IS POSSIBLE
Geo O'Donnell
This course will examine and apply practices, institutions, and ideas that exist outside of capitalist norms, with a focus on sustainability and building community. Community gardens, tool libraries, co-ops, mutual aid organizations, and more. In the first week of the course, we will receive visits from guest speakers, venture out into the community, consider some texts, and listen to podcasts as we dive into radically dreaming a new way forward How do we reach consensus in diverse groups? What strategies are effective in bringing about positive change? How do we make our communities richer for all members? In the second week, students will work in small groups to develop project proposals for how to enhance community life at GFS around sustainable practices Faculty will be available to support the implementation of these projects a er the course has ended As the Zapatistas say, another world is possible! This course will empower all participants to play vital roles in creating a just future in which life can flourish
THE ARMCHAIR STRATEGIST
Peter Ilyin ’24, Leo Katowitz ’24 & Casey Hedstrom
The Armchair Strategist class will delve into modern and historical military thought while utilizing critical thinking to create effective battle strategies The aim of the class is to teach the students on the historical context of board games while allowing them to devise a strategy that will best serve their desired goals, promoting them to employ a plan of action and strategic methods through playing board games. Moreover, playing board games is fun!
ART AND POLITICS OF HAIR
Michelle Palmer
This course is all about teaching students with varying hair textures how to manage their hair and keep it healthy. Some of the topics that will be discussed are Hair Politics, Hair Texture and Porosity (the Science of Hair), and Personal Hair Experiences & Journeys. Key activities will include visiting a natural hair care salon, visiting a hair supply store, participating in a demo of NaturAll hair care products, viewing films and clips related to natural hair and mental wellness, and possibly visiting a barbershop
THE ART AND SCIENCE OF INTERIOR DESIGN
Sarah Kappel, Meg Cohen Ragas & Isabelle Spaniel ’24
Do you enjoy drawing floor plans, styling your bedroom, or experimenting with materials, textures, lighting, and colors? Do you have strong opinions about throw pillows and other room decor? Do you think that interior design is all art and no science? If you answered yes to any of these questions, come explore The Art and Science of Interior Design This course will consider the interplay of form and function in interior design while teaching the essential skills and techniques needed to get started in this creative field Through visits with professional interior designers, field trips to local design facilities, and hands-on design projects, students will learn how to critically assess the design of a room and use their design skills to create interiors that inspire visual as well as emotional connection We’ll create sketches and moodboards to layer colors, patterns, fabrics, textures, lighting, furniture, decor, and other design elements, as well as experiment with applying various interior design styles from historic to contemporary and learning to mix them in artistic ways.
THE ART OF CODING: PROCESSING WITH PYTHON
Alex Doraszelski ’24, George Davis-Diver ’24 & Matt Zipin
Have you ever heard of processing, the graphics-oriented programming language? Maybe not, but you can do amazing things with it, from drawing basic shapes to manipulating every pixel in your favorite music video! We’ll learn the basics of the processing language and explore its vast possibilities with lots of mini-projects. The course will culminate with an open-ended project that students can work on either individually or in groups, that can focus on anything from mathematical equations to graphic design to video game animations Best of all, no previous programming experience is required (although it won’t hurt)!
ARTISTS AND WRITERS
Becky Lu & Caroline Santa
The creative processes of visual artists and writers have always gone hand in hand Think of your favorite painter--I guarantee you they have a literary text that they always return to for inspiration Entire eras/movements of literary aesthetics have been built on ideas first explored by visual artists In this course, we'll make art in response to literature, and vice versa, practicing translating ideas between text and image We'll encourage you to bring in art and poems that inspire you We'll provide the materials and support for you to make art, practice your creative writing, or both! No prior artistic or creative writing experience is necessary.
BAD BUNNY 101
Rachel Bradburd
Do you love El Conejo Malo? Confused by him? Curious to know more? Join us to learn more about Benito! In this course, we will discuss Bad Bunny as a musician and cultural phenomenon. We will apply a critical lens to his contributions to popular music and his role and responsibility as a social icon. We will examine his lyrics and music videos We will also explore the history of Puerto Rico and his responsibility (or not) to be a political figure for the island as well as his global impact
BASICS OF FILM SCORING
Andrew Westerhaus & Shawn Hennessey
This course will focus on how music uniquely contributes meaning to audiovisual media, and students will learn how to create their own soundtracks to convey a particular emotion In each class, we will watch several short scenes from films, many of which will be gathered from student suggestions, and the class will discuss the emotional effect that the music soundtrack adds by uncovering specific musical features that support the scene Students will learn about the process of professional film scoring Using the music so ware GarageBand, each student will complete a few brief soundtrack projects of their own to accompany selected visual scenes available under the Creative Commons license. No experience is necessary; students will gain experience with GarageBand. More experienced students may use other music so ware if they choose (such as Sibelius, Logic, SoundTrap, Ableton, FL Studio, Studio One, Hook Pad, Digital Performer, etc.). Class activities will include audiovisual analysis, close listening, group discussion, music creation, and sharing student work
BIOLOGY OF THE SENSES
Bob Lynam
This course will investigate how sensory input is received from the environment and how this information is processed and organized by the brain It will involve both classroom lectures and lab activities in support of these concepts Videos related to class discussions will also be assigned There will be one weekly assignment to be done outside of class
BIOTECHNOLOGY: GMOS
Gen Nelson & Ania Mazurkiewicz-Munoz
Biotechnology is the use of molecular techniques to make products or processes. The field of biotechnology draws on knowledge from many biological sciences, including genetics, molecular biology, biochemistry, cell biology, and microbiology. It also draws on non-biological fields of study, such as engineering, chemistry, physics, and technology Applications of biotechnology are vast and include health care, agriculture, forensics, industry, the military, waste management, and more
BOTANICAL WATERCOLOR
Caroline Santa & Maria Alvarez
Science and art are intertwined in numerous ways, one of which is their connection to observation
Botanical illustrations can be used as a tool for scientific research and they can be appreciated as standalone works of art In this class, we will observe a variety of plants, learn about their properties and anatomy, and practice illustrating them with ink and watercolor This class can be approached from both a scientific and/or an artistic lens You’re encouraged to be creative with your painting process or as pragmatic as you’d like to be We will be discussing basic color, compositions and watercolor techniques All experience levels are welcomed (or no experience!).
BOTANICAL WRITING
Maria Alvarez & Robin Friedman
Science, art, and writing are intertwined in numerous ways, one of which is their connection to observation
Botanical illustrations can be used as a tool for scientific research and they can be appreciated as standalone works of art. In this class, we will observe a variety of plants, learn about their properties and anatomy, and practice illustrating them with ink and watercolor. The poet Mary Oliver writes: “Attention is the beginning of devotion.” The natural world has long been a recurring poetic obsession, in every age and every country How might botanical science inspire our own original poems? How might deep observation and understanding of plants and flowers help us as writers and creators? We will use scientific and visual models as jumping off places for our own poems and mini-poetic collections
C IS FOR CRAFTY
Kayla Ashcro & Devra Ramsey
Let's make cra s! Weave pot holders, embroider a pillow, macramé a plant holder, create a stained glass picture. This is an active class that is about using your hands and exercising your creativity. There are many techniques and mediums to explore.
CAFFEINATED CRICKETS THAT TAKE ACETAMINOPHEN
Tanya Lu ’26, Fiona Abraham ’26 & Bob Lynam
This course is an exploration of chemistry and biology. During this course, students will have the opportunity to learn about the chemical action of caffeine, the synthesis of acetaminophen, and basic experimental procedures. (Note: This course will involve working with live crickets.)
CARDBOARD SCULPTURE
Geo O'Donnell & Jared Wood
Do you like to build things? Do you dig creating sculptures? Would you like to spend some time making something with your hands? Then you should consider taking Giant Cardboard Sculpture! Just how giant are we talking? Well, that’s up to you and the structural integrity of your piece You can expect to make a large-scale work out of cardboard and then possibly cover it in paper mache, possibly paint it, possibly decoupage it, etc This is a course with a singular focus that will hopefully be both calming and generative No prior sculpture or cardboard experience is necessary; remember, in the beginner's mind, there are many possibilities
CHARACTER DESIGN
Colin Pigeon & Maria Alvarez
In this course, students will learn the process that goes into making a character in a video game or book Students will explore how to design a character based on given traits and qualities The class will be structured as discussion-based/independent time Students will learn the basics and fundamentals of a 2D pixel so ware like Pixilart. Let’s bring your ideas to life!
CHATGPT
Alex Doraszelski ’24 & Matt Zipin
ChatGPT-4 and other large language models have created a revolution in information processing, intelligence gathering, image recognition and creation, and so many other aspects of modern life. We will spend time exploring the possibilities and capabilities of ChatGPT-4 and similar tools. Can ChatGPT explain jokes? Can it identify why a photo is offensive? Can it tell you whether to bet or fold in poker? Maybe we can figure this out This is an extremely fast-changing field and we will endeavor to explore the latest tools and concepts This class promises to be fun, exciting, and cutting-edge
CHINESE CINEMA
Yi Li & Ivy Zhao
This course will immerse students in a rich exploration of Chinese culture and history through the work of Chinese-language filmmakers Ang Lee, Jia Zhangke, Hou Hsiao-Hsien, and others We’ll meet gangsters and Chinese mythical deities, and explore splendid scenery and iconic modern cities like Beijing, Shanghai, Taiwan, and Hong Kong, as well as art, music, and Chinese cuisine Our aim is to expose students to a side of Chinese society that they will not have encountered before, and we will consider issues such as inequality, censorship, education, and the imbalance of economic development. Cultural activities, such as kung fu, calligraphy and brush painting, folk dance, as well as some fun quiz shows, will be woven into movies for students to understand and experience the specialties of Chinese tradition.
COMMUNITY TEACHING FELLOWSHIP
Anne Ross
Enjoy working with elementary school children? Want to get to know one of our neighboring schools? Join this course to student-teach at Anna L. Lingelbach school in Germantown! GFS students will be placed with classroom teachers to support reading and math instruction or contribute to good play on the playground Students will learn from the work of classroom teachers, mentor young students, and contribute to the educational and socio-emotional learning goals of the school We will travel to Lingelbach each day, using the transition time to consider the inequality of resources in the United States’ education system and reflect on our experiences
CRYPTOGRAPHY
Elena Quant, Jess Zeldes & Ye Dam Alicea
Ru blf xzm wvxlwv gsrh nvhhztv, gsrh xlfihv ru uli blf!
In this course, we will explore some basic forms of cryptography. We’ll start the first two weeks with simple ciphers and decoders. We’ll post secret messages to each other in public that only we can understand! The second half will be dedicated to a short introduction to number theory and digging into RSA encryption (That’s the encryption your computer uses ) Eventually we’ll be able to send more complicated messages that are close to impossible to break Throughout the course we’ll uncover clues to a master puzzle that hopefully we’ll be able to solve by the end of the course!
CULTS
Jamie Tomczuk
What is a cult and what makes these groups so powerful? This course will seek to answer these questions and analyze how and why cults have risen in prominence at different points in US history We will take a deep dive into 2-3 specific cults in the United States using documentaries and text as our primary sources We will analyze how/why they grew in membership by considering contextual, social-psychological, and individual factors. Students will cra their own definition of a cult and continue to add to, edit, and refine that definition as the course progresses. Students will also research one organization of their choosing to analyze whether or not it fits the criteria, and present their findings in small groups to their peers.
CULTURAL ANTHROPOLOGY: RITES, RITUALS, AND MAKING THE FAMILIAR STRANGE
Madeline James
Are spirits real? Why do we give gi s? How do we construct and maintain social norms and relationships? And, how do people make meaning out of the world around them? In this class, we will seek to make the familiar strange by interrogating our ways of being in and perceiving the world We will learn about ethnography, observe social spaces, conduct interviews, and you will investigate a social phenomenon of your choosing From food to sports to illness, anthropologists study it all!
DANCE REVOLUTION
Jedi Dudurich & Jared Lazorko
In Dance Revolution, students will engage in an energizing dance fitness class featuring local rhythms and Latin and International music. We’ll take the "work" out of the workout by mixing low-intensity and high-intensity moves for an interval-style, calorie-burning dance fitness party. Students will learn about different rhythms (and their moves) worldwide, such as Flamenco, Bachata, Afrobeats, Salsa, Cumbia, Zamba, Reggaeton, Step, Hip Hop, and more! Every week, they’ll have the opportunity to collaborate in small groups to create their own choreography
DRAWING FROM OBSERVATION
Megan Culp
Using direct observation of subjects, we will explore drawing in a variety of media This class will be centered on the practice of sustained observation and drawing in order to build your technical skills and develop the capacity to attend to visual contexts more closely than ordinary looking requires
EARTHQUAKE WORKSHOP
Meg Cohen Ragas, Sarah Kappel, Leah Cornejo ’24, Luke Lendler ’24 & Sarah Li ’24
Join this hands-on workshop to help put out the winter issue of Earthquake! We will use class time to do editorial work, including reporting and writing, editing and revising articles, layout and production, and art and photography, as well as provide mini-lessons in writing headlines, leads, interview questions, and nut grafs Come learn more about news writing, features, editorials, profiles, reviews, photo essays, and more! This course is highly encouraged for current Earthquake staff and is also open to students interested in getting involved in the student news magazine.
ELEVATOR PITCH
Aaron Preetam
Students in this class will use design thinking to solve a persistent or recurring problem and be able to convey the solution to an investor in 30-60 seconds. Students will learn how to identify and monetize pain points and how to examine and evaluate business plans. Through practicing the art of the elevator pitch, students will learn to present their ideas concisely and respond to questions from potential investors
ETYMOLOGY: THE GREEK AND LATIN ROOTS
IN ENGLISH WORDS
Julie Marren
Would you like to deepen your understanding of English words? Would you like to know the meaning of roots, prefixes, and suffixes so that you can decipher a word that you have never seen before? Would you like an accelerated introduction to or deep review of the Greek or Latin words hiding in English vocabulary? In this class, we'll spend time studying a specific set of roots, prefixes, and suffixes in Latin and in Greek and then apply them to English vocabulary, building a store of useful words and putting them to use in mini-writing pieces We'll also look at larger issues of changes in the meaning of words through historical, geographic, and political forces, the journey of particular words through multiple languages, and an exploration of writers who use particularly rich language In the latter part of the course, students will independently explore an area of etymology and language interesting to them and then present their findings to the class.
EXPLORING AFRICAN AMERICAN MUSIC
Chris Coyle & Nichole Rustin
This course offers an introduction to the vast universe of African American music. Using a wide variety of source material, students will develop a foundational understanding of how and why this music came to exist in the United States. We will piece together musical and cultural timelines and make important connections between styles/artists/events Students will also collaborate in producing a digital journal on topics in African American music history Alone or in pairs, they will choose topics of interest, then research and create writings or graphics for inclusion in the journal, which will be shared and available to all Students can expect fun and eye-opening discussions, joyful group listening, visits from guest artists, and performance demonstrations
THE FIGHT FOR REPRODUCTIVE JUSTICE
Eliza Davison & Eric Aurelien
This course is an expansive dive into the history and impacts of reproductive justice in the United States and how it builds intersectional community and movement work across identity Students will learn about historical trends of reproductive oppression and the 1994 creation of the reproductive justice movement Students will be given the chance to listen to a guest speaker, watch documentaries and do their own research into the intersecting movements such as gender justice, queer justice, environmental justice, racial ~15~
justice, disability justice, prison abolition, and more. Students will be given space to create art, read, listen and research in order to expand their own engagement with the fight for bodily autonomy and healthy communities Each class will end with an opportunity for decompression & intentional self-care By the end of the course, students will work collaboratively to build an artistic visionary future based on the core principles that reproductive justice offers and how it applies to their current and future lives
FILIPINO CULTURE AND TRADITIONS
Eva Porter
In this course, we will dive into Filipino culture through music and dance, language, cra s, and food We will sample popular pastries and beverages and learn frequently used phrases in Filipino We will build bamboo models of traditional Filipino huts, called bahay kubo, and instruments We will also learn traditional weaving techniques to make baskets, hats, and mats Finally, we will listen to popular Filipino songs and learn a traditional dance, called Tinikling.
FILM FESTIVAL WORKSHOP
Sarah Kappel, Paula Busser & Tilda Stace ’24
The sixth annual Philadelphia Youth Film Festival (PHYFF) is a student-run film festival, hosted by GFS and set to run on Saturday, February 24, 2024. This festival is run by current senior Tilda Stace and a dedicated team of student leaders in the club. Students have various roles such as publicity, event coordination, sponsorships, submissions & judging, workshop speaker coordination, etc. This J-Term class is a hands-on, collaborative workshop where student leaders, staff, and faculty advisors work together to plan and execute the tasks needed to make PHYFF a successful event This course is encouraged for all current members of PHYFF and is also open to students new to the club who are interested in participating in this year ' s festival
FORENSIC ANTHROPOLOGY
Ania Mazurkiewicz-Munoz & Mila Munoz-Mazurkiewicz ’23
Forensic anthropology is a subfield of anthropology – the study of human remains – where analysis of the skeleton is used in solving criminal cases In other words, forensic anthropology is the study of bones, “ our last and best witness; they never lie and they never forget” (Dr Clyde Collins Snow) Forensic anthropology is used to identify a corpse when it is too decomposed for a forensic pathologist or coroner to examine In this class, we will learn about the anatomy of the human skeleton, determining the identity of a skeleton (e.g. sex, age, race), and identifying murder weapons via types of trauma to the skeleton (e.g. blunt force,
sharp force, projectile trauma), in addition to performing experiments and labs associated with the material covered in the class
FROM PERCY JACKSON TO MALALA YOUSAFZAI:
CHILDREN AND POWER
Madeline James
Do you do what you ’ re told? Do you have power? What rights do and should you have? Has your childhood ended? Do you, as a young person, have the ability to impact the world? Why are most representations of powerful children based in fantasy worlds? We will consider these questions and more through an examination of the relationship between childhood and power We will explore powerful children in fantasy worlds, including the Marvel Universe and the Percy Jackson series, conduct interviews with children and adults, engage with anthropological and sociological approaches to childhood, and inquire into the rise of and response to powerful young people today.
GEOPOLITICS: THE MIDDLE EAST
Mark Dorazelski ’24, Dean DeSeve ’24 & Aaron Preetam
In Geopolitics: The Middle East, students will become diplomats, historians, and world leaders. The course will introduce students to the model United Nations format through an in depth examination of contemporary crises in the Middle East. Students will learn how to view geopolitics through a Quaker lens and work towards nonviolent solutions to armed conflicts. As the class progresses, students will enhance their public speaking skills and become more confident negotiators Students will leave the class with a more complete understanding of geopolitics
GERRYMANDERING WITH MATH
Jess Zeldes & Kate Jones
This problem-solving-based course seeks to explore the mathematics behind gerrymandering, the use of the congressional redistricting process to advantage a political party Through this, we also explore the history of gerrymandering and its role in contemporary American politics We explore different ways of quantifying a gerrymander, and how new mathematical tools are being employed in cases like Allen v Milligan (Alabama Gerrymander) to shed light on illegal gerrymandering
HOW NOT TO BE AFRAID OF POETRY
Alexander Guevarez
What is poetry? And why don't we like it? Can poetry save the world? Can it save us? This J-term course will explore what makes poetry turn ordinary language into something extraordinary, something necessary to our world. It will involve reading poetry aloud, thinking about poetry in its many purposes, places, and forms, and you will be clapping, blogging, creating video and written projects about poetry You'll attend poetry slams in Philadelphia, visit bookstores, make some poetry, and most of all, talk and think aloud about language and its powers
I VANT TO BUILD YOUR SCENERY!
April Tvarok
This class is open to anyone who is interested in learning new skills or wants to practice already learned skills in theatrical scenery work We will learn to use the tools and skills needed to build the scenery for the Upper School musical, “Island of the Undead”
IF YOU GIVE A TEEN A
Devra Ramsey & Behnaz Varamini
FLASHBACK…
This course is an exploration of picture books Students will reacquaint themselves with beloved books and authors from their childhood and explore new and unfamiliar ones We will also explore media inspired by picture books A piece of this course may involve visiting Lower School classrooms and reading with our younger community members
INDEPENDENT PROJECT
Kasey Henderson
Whether you ’ re looking to feed your passion, follow your curiosity, or discover something brand new, completing an independent or group project is a great way to be in the driver’s seat of your education You will receive encouragement, structure, and feedback from a faculty guide, but you will be responsible for communicating your goals, evaluating your own progress, and assessing your results at the conclusion of the course. Projects must be designed to fit into the timeframe of a single J-Term block (90 minutes for 8 consecutive days). If you are interested in completing an independent or group project, email your project proposal to Kasey Henderson for approval Approved proposals will demonstrate depth in at least one of
these design elements: Multidisciplinary Content; Experiential Learning; Global, Local, and/or Human Context; Complexity & Challenge; and Products or Artifacts of Learning
J-TERM WITH FROG AND TOAD
Geo O'Donnell & Ye Dam Alicea
Inspired by Arnold Lobel's Frog and Toad, as well as other similar books, students will write and illustrate children's stories We will then publish our stories, read them to Lower School/Early Childhood students, and donate copies to the library
KNITTING FOR ALL
Gen Nelson & Ye Dam Alicea
This course will teach students the basics of knitting: casting on, knit stitches, and purl stitches Students who have mastered these techniques may choose to begin a project for themselves or to donate to a charity of their choice Interested students will be able to explore basic patterns such as cables and ribbing Learning to knit involves developing patience and persistence, and we will spend time discussing these qualities with intentionality and mindfulness
LASER CUT JEWELRY
Sarah Zwerling & Jillian Ma
Learn how laser cutting can create intricate designs, cut shapes, and etch photographic and drawn images You will learn how to use Adobe Illustrator to design and produce jewelry and decorative objects on wood, acrylic, metal, and fabric This course involves sketching on paper, researching designs for inspiration, and finishing pieces with metal findings, string, cord, and beads. There will be instructions on how to photograph your products and showcase your designs.
LIFE IS A DRAG
Jake Miller & André Lee
Life is DRAG! is an exploration of the history of drag and drag performance - and its influence on society. In this class, we will consider drag's intersection with pop culture, fashion, activism, identity, queer liberation, and more. We will consider the ways drag forces us to accept what we don't yet understand...how it has and continues to be an agent of change and how the art of drag performance intersects with the
personal and communal search for identity. Join us for screenings, guest speakers, live performances, and yes wigs!
MAKE A WOODEN BOWL
Rachel Fuld & John Ceccatti
For this class, you will turn a bowl on the lathe to take home. If there is time, the student can turn a second bowl to donate to the Empty Bowl Dinner at Arcadia University, an event to raise money to alleviate food insecurity and homelessness No previous experience with turning is necessary You will learn how to set up and adjust the lathe for each step of the turning process: shaping with the scraper, sanding the exterior with four different grits of sandpaper, hollowing out the interior with the scraper, sanding again, and finally finishing with either shellac or oil
MAKE YOUR OWN FANNY PACK
Kate Garrity, Becky Lu & Vandita Sinha
No matter what you call it - fanny pack, sling bag, hip bag - they're back in fashion and a great way to carry your things in style! In this course, you will learn the basics of bag-making and create your own functional statement piece Students in this class should have prior sewing experience and have taken "Sewcialism for Beginners" or a comparable introductory sewing class and be ready to work with heavier-weight textiles and learn how to install zippers. Students will also have the opportunity to shop the class's scrap fabric collection to create additional simple bags of all sizes!
MEDICAL TERMINOLOGY
Vandita Sinha
Medical Terminology is an introductory course to teach the language used in healthcare. This will provide the basis for further exploration of careers in health care and the basis for communication/engagement with healthcare providers The course typically includes learning prefixes, suffixes, root words and their combination to form medical terms We will apply this knowledge to reading case studies and will also have invited speakers
MINDFUL FUN
Greta Ham
Are you interested in mindfulness but struggle to just sit still, let alone meditate? This course will explore different activities that are useful for mindful engagements. We will sample a different one each day (e.g. paint by number, crocheting, jigsaw puzzles) so that students may find one that works for them. We will also explore some of the science behind the benefits of mindfulness
OUR FILMS, OURSELVES
Adam Hotek & Annie Fleming
When we watch a film, how does it change our perspective of the world and ourselves? We will explore this question by looking at how a variety of "auteur" filmmakers portray such things as love, tragedy, joy, race, gender, the body, and space We will also examine how animated features (such as Pixar movies) depict these concepts Some filmmakers we may consider include Julie Dash, the Coen Brothers, Spike Lee, Jordan Peele, Andrei Tarkovsky, Miranda July, and Terrence Malick
OUR RECORD COLLECTION
Alex Levin, Elise Meslow-Ryan & Nichole Rustin
What record would you choose if you had to choose one album to share with your friends? In this class students will be invited to present a favorite record album to their classmates We will spend some time preparing to listen by inviting you to create a listening guide for the recording you choose to bring to the group You will research how the album was recorded and some of the challenges the musicians overcame to make their artistic statement. We hope to encounter some classic records as well as records from the past few years. While we listen, we can journal, draw, sketch, and write freely. We will also track our expectations of the record and how the practice of deep listening supports or contradicts our preconceived notions of a recording or a musical artist We will publish our listening guides on a class website that we will share with the GFS community We hope you will join us!
PHYSICS OLYMPICS FOR SENIORS
Tracey Spinka & Bob Lynam
This course is an opportunity for seniors who missed this seminal experience during their freshman year because of the pandemic Students will work in teams to design and construct various contraptions to
compete in a "Physics Olympics." They will be provided with design specifications, materials, and information about how each event will be evaluated Students will apply their understanding of physics to build cars, trebuchets, towers, and/or gliders The devices built by each team will be put to the test by engaging in some lighthearted competition to see which team gets the gold for each event!
PICKLEBALL
Tracey Spinka & Aaron Preetam
This course will introduce students to the game of Pickleball Students will gain a comprehensive understanding of the game, its rules, and the unnecessarily complicated scoring system, along with the fundamental skills needed to enjoy this delightful hybrid of ping pong and tennis Whether you are a complete beginner or have some experience, this course will help you enhance your pickleball skills and hopefully, have fun while doing it (Students signing up for this class should be aware that we will be playing outdoors - in January).
PLANNING OUR LUNAR NEW YEAR CELEBRATION
Yi Li, Penka Slavova & Cong Ji
This course aims to let students learn the skills to organize a school-wide event As a real-life experience, students will organize and prepare for the Lunar New Year Celebration and Assembly. They need to work collaboratively and individually to ensure the event runs smoothly.
PLAYS NEW & OLD: A READERS THEATRE
Jake Miller & Alex Levin
From the newest, most recent plays to some of the most ancient, students in this course will have the opportunity to read a number of plays out loud. As we read, we will enjoy the humor, tragedy, and humanity contained within the texts, and we will consider how reading plays from various historical moments enriches our understanding of ourselves and our current lived experiences We invite you to come play along with us!
POSITIVE MASCULINITY
Randy Mower & Eric Aurelien
In this class, we will use the text from “For the Love of Men,” “Untamed,” “Man Enough,” and “Patriarchy Blues” as guides to help students examine masculinity in today's world We will utilize passages from the ~22~
books, as well as examine other forms of media, such as videos, podcasts, and social media, to dissect contemporary masculinity During class, students will work introspectively and have time to journal as well as work in small groups that will lead to full class discussions The goal of the class is for students to have more depth and breadth in what masculinity means in the modern world and how they can be better equipped to navigate positive masculinity The class is open to students with all gender identities
THE POWER OF SPORT
Mike Lintulahti & Matt Sheehan
Sport impacts the world well beyond the boundaries of the field of play In this class, students will be exposed to selected readings and documentaries, and engage in meaningful conversations Additionally, guest speakers will provoke a better understanding of the role sport plays in society Topics will range from integration, race and class, immigration, and Title 9, as we investigate the role of social justice in the landscape of sports. Whether you play or watch sports, this class will give you a different perspective on some of the moments that changed sports forever.
PUBLIC FORUM DEBATE
Andrew Li ’26, Luke Zhong ’26 & Adam Hotek
This class is designed to take a deep dive into public forum debate. We’ll learn to present written cases, give a rebuttal speech, and do research on a predetermined topic. Students will be able to think on the spot and present ideas coherently under a time crunch. They will learn how to adapt to different audiences and important strategies to use when persuading, all while collaborating with team members. This class will teach public speaking, cross-examination, and conclude with discovering how to effectively apply debate skills to policy advocacy and raising awareness of important issues There will be opportunities to compete against other schools Students do not need to be part of the Debate Club to sign up for this course
QUAKERISM: PAST, PRESENT, AND FUTURE
John Ceccatti
In this course, students will explore how the Religious Society of Friends (aka Quakers) have made an impact in the area of social justice from the 17th century to the present, including advocating for political, gender, and racial equality, promoting peace and reconciliation in global conflicts, and fostering environmental stewardship Through film, videos, texts, and discussions, students will gain a deeper understanding of how Quaker ideas and practices have been utilized in the past and continue to mobilize those seeking to better their community and the world. Part of this course will be devoted to planning the
Quaker Youth Leadership Conference (QYLC), which is being held at GFS and Penn Charter at the end of January, but is open to all who are interested in learning more about Quaker social activism
RUBE GOLDBERG AND THE STUDY OF SIMPLE MACHINES
Jared Lazorko & Mark Levenstien
American cartoonist Rube Goldberg was an accomplished artist, but he is most known for the creative and complex machine designs featured in his cartoon strips In this class, we will start small and work our way to constructing a large (and hopefully working) Rube Goldberg machine By first learning about simple machines and how they work through hands-on activities and demonstrations, we will use the six simple machines to create a masterpiece!
RUGBY: AN ACTIVE ANALYSIS OF GENDER AND SPORT
Maggie Sawyer & Randy Mower
In rugby, the rules are the exact same for men and women Why isn't this true for all sports? How do gender and sex impact different people's experience with athletics? In this course, you will study the history of athletics and how gender and sex have affected people playing sports of all kinds We will spend time learning in both the classroom and the gym we might even go outside if the weather is nice! Through low-impact physical activity, students will get hands-on experience and training essential rugby skills. Specifically designed drills will be fun but will also encourage you to recognize how different factors affect someone ' s ability to participate in sport. We also will discuss and reflect on our own experiences playing sports. Finally, we will ask: what do we want the future of athletics to look like as different organizations' understanding of gender evolves? No prior experience playing rugby is required Get ready to ruck!
SAMIZDAT! PUBLISHING PAST THE CENSOR
Kate Jones & Casey Hedstrom
This course will explore the creative underground measures that artists, musicians, and writers used to circulate anti-establishment works despite the strict enforcement of government censorship in the Soviet Union and Eastern Bloc Students will examine how lessons from this period can inform our modern ability to explore and share independent thought Participants in this course will have the opportunity to create or revise individual works as they explore how methods of publication influence the process of artistic revision
SAPPHO'S FRAGMENTARY LOVE POETRY: BROKEN HEARTS AND THE WRITTEN ARTS
Maggie Sawyer & Becky Lu
Sappho… most people know a little about her, but why does so much about this famous writer remain a mystery? How do we study a poet whose work has (literally!) fragmented so much over time? Half exploration into ancient literature and half creative writing course, in this course you will read Sappho’s poetry and examples of its reception, then you will create your own blackout poems, memory books, and love poems that we’ll “fragment” by ripping up! Plus, NO Greek or Latin is knowledge required everything will be offered in English translation (though if you do know either ancient language, we will offer some enrichment opportunities) All Classics enthusiasts, romantics, writers, and wonderers alike are welcome!
THE SCIENCE OF SELF-CARE
Caroline Fosnot, Cristina Campos ’24 & Chelsea Silver ’24
Have you ever wondered what ‘Self-Care’ actually means? This course will examine the scientifically proven seven pillars of self-care which include topics like mindfulness (psychological), homemade organic skincare (learning new skills), haircare science (applying knowledge to everyday practices) and how personal nutrition (nourishing your physical body) affects one ’ s overall sense of well-being. Hands-on exercises such as organic product formulation and ingredient queries, haircare science and chemical reactions that occur to change the appearance of different types of hair and mindfulness exercises will be introduced through textbooks, lectures, lab time and discussion Come to this course if you want some much-needed winter self-care skills!
SEWCIALISM FOR BEGINNERS
Kate Garrity, Becky Lu & Vandita Sinha
Want to learn how to sew and make your own clothes? Longing to spend time in community with other makers? In this course, students will learn the basic concepts of clothing construction and will create a simple pair of pajama pants with pockets Topics covered include:
- How to select patterns good for beginning sewists
- Identifying qualities of various types of fabric
- How to select the correct fabric for your pattern
- Various ways to obtain fabric (online, thri ed, re-purposed, in person)
- How to read a pattern, lay it out, and cut it out ~25~
- The basics of setting up and operating a sewing machine
- Constructing a basic item to wear
- Community resources for sewists (podcasts, Instagram accounts, etc )
- Diversity initiatives within the maker community
SHOW, NOT TELL: A FICTION WRITING WORKSHOP
Greta Ham
Are you an aspiring fiction writer? Want to discuss your cra with other writers and improve your writing? Class time will be divided between short writing exercises to help you improve description and exposition (how to show, not tell), free writing time to work on your own project, and reading each other’s work and workshopping together (honing our feedback skills) We will also explore the difference between story and plot, some universal narrative story patterns, and some technological resources for writing and selling your writing.
SOUND WORKS
Sarah Zwerling & Andrew Westerhaus
In this class, we will invent individual kinetic gadgets that produce sounds and musical moments Our collaborative design and construction of sound objects will develop from simple to complex, small to large scale, and it will involve both individual and group efforts. Sounds we create will range from atmospheric noise to actual musical tones. The sound gadgets that we build will rely on natural elements such as gravity, wind, human involvement, liquid, and air. Construction will utilize found materials, including broken instruments, scrap metal, wood, wire, string, hardware, tape, pipes, elastic, bamboo, hobby motors, and magnets No studio experience is necessary We encourage students to bring a sense of curiosity and playfulness to their work
STORIES FROM THE NEW YORKER
Joe McGeary
This is a course for folks who love creative writing and love to read stories, especially stories about the city
Students will read selected short stories from the New Yorker from the 1930s to the present, with an eye to the way these stories reflect cultural changes in the U S and also reflect innovations in the short story
Students will also do various creative writing exercises with the goal of producing a completed short story
Included will be such authors as John Cheever, Ann Beattie, Zadie Smith, J D Salinger, Yi Yin Li, and many more.
TAKING HITCHCOCK SERIOUSLY
Alexander Guevarez & Adam Hotek
In this blast course in the filmwork of Alfred Hitchcock, we will take account of his status as a master auteur and classic, meta-classic, and post-classic Hollywood filmmaker par excellence. In addition to discussion of key films, some consideration will be given to readings drawn from the extensive secondary literature about Hitchcock and the significance of his work
THERE AND BACK AGAIN: HOLLYWOOD AND TOLKIEN
Finn Jamieson ’24, Julian Mills ’24 & Elena Quant
This is a literature and film class that contrasts Tolkien's written works and his film adaptations. We will critically examine how Tolkien's experiences in WWI and the industrialization of England influenced his writing and whether his ideas are preserved in the bombastic film adaptations
(THIS CLASS IS) THE ICING ON THE CAKE
Neeta McCulloch
In this hands-on course, students will learn buttercream piping techniques to use on cakes and cupcakes We’ll start with beginning skills, such as dots, lines, shells, rosettes, and ruffles, then move on to more advanced techniques like flowers, succulents, spatula painting, and embroidery Each class will begin with a short instructional video or demonstration before we pick up our piping bags and try out what we ’ ve seen We’ll spend most of our time practicing on parchment paper and cupcakes, but the class will culminate with students learning to fill and frost a six-inch cake, then using their new skills to decorate it Please note that students are expected to bring in undecorated cupcakes on at least two days of the class.
THE TRAILS OF THE WISSAHICKON
Michael Koehler & Mark Croxford
This class will focus on learning and experiencing the different trails of the Wissahickon. Students will have the opportunity to walk, photograph, and write while being submerged in the beauty of the park. We will visit different park landmarks and learn about their historical significance. An aspiration for the class is that students learn how to navigate the park while developing a deep relationship with the natural environment and beauty
UKE JAM
Anne Hess, Hayley Varhol & Miku Shiota
A Jam Session is a gathering of players who love to create music together. This is a class for those who LOVE to play ukulele and want to jam. Join us as we explore the power and fun of communal musicking! We will take a look at and learn to play and sing different songs - modern, classic, originals, etc. We may also improvise some songs as well! Several mini-performances (coffeehouse style) and sing-alongs are planned throughout the session This class is intended for people who have at least some experience playing If you know a handful of chords and are willing to learn, you are ready to jam This is a ukulele-based group, but other instruments (cajon, tambourine, kazoo, etc ) are welcome, with skill levels from beginners to advanced Ukuleles are provided
WATERGATE AND ITS LEGACY
Joe McGeary
This class will examine Watergate, the political scandal that caused the downfall of Richard Nixon, the only American president ever to resign from office Re-examining this material now will, it is hoped, give students an enhanced understanding of recent events in the U S Our main text will be Bob Woodward and Carl Bernstein’s book, “All The President’s Men.” We will also watch scenes from the film based on this book starring Dustin Hoffman and Robert Redford, documentary and newsreel footage from the Watergate hearings, and scenes from the Steven Spielberg film, “The Post,” which offers a different perspective on Watergate, centering on Daniel Ellsberg's leak of "The Pentagon Papers" to The New York Times and, subsequently, to the Washington Post The course will examine whether distinctions can and ought to be made between the “high crimes and misdemeanors” of the Nixon White House on the one hand and, on the other hand, acts of civil disobedience by ordinary citizens who were morally opposed to the Vietnam War It will appeal to anyone who likes great journalism, great documentary film, and great political intrigue
WE'RE RECORDING AN ALBUM
Sam Sullivan
Bring your bandmates or come alone! In this course, we will work through the process of writing and recording a song To build group connection, students will agree on a loose theme at the start of the workshop Each student (or group of collaborators) will then work to write and record a song somehow related to that theme Instructors will support students through this process, and songs will be recorded using Garageband The final product will be a collaborative “album” of songs on the group ’ s chosen theme Musical experience is certainly advantageous, but not required. Instructional activities will include:
• Lyric and melody-writing exercises and techniques
• Song deconstruction/careful listening
• Lots of support and feedback from instructors and classmates alike
WITCHES: HISTORICAL VICTIMS OR EMPOWERED FEMINISTS?
Jamie Tomczuk
This course will examine the ways that the image of the witch (and witchcra ) has been used throughout history as a mechanism for oppressing women, as well as the ways that women have sought to reclaim this term as a tool for feminist empowerment We will examine case studies of historic witch hunts in Europe and North America, considering the political and social causes and effects of these events We will also explore the image of the witch in art, film, pop culture, and politics, including in recent movements of political protest.
COURSE DESCRIPTIONS
3-HOUR, ALL-DAY & 18-DAY
CLASSES
DESTINATION GERMANTOWN
Penka Slavova & Jared Lazorko
Immerse yourself in the vibrant history and culture of Germantown In this course, we will explore the neighborhood on foot, learning about the history of Germantown and GFS in Germantown, getting to know community institutions and leaders, and discovering the culture outside the school’s fences. Students will create a project inspired by the long, rich history and present day culture of Germantown. This is an 8-day, 3-hour course.
HIDDEN PHILLY
Robin Friedman, Sam Sullivan & Jared Wood
Over the course of nine full days, we will venture out into the City of Philadelphia and explore its hidden corners, nooks, and crannies. We will meet with activists, politicians, musicians, theater-artists, changemakers, refugees and immigrants, scientists and professors, public workers, and chefs to more fully understand this place we call home, learning what makes it tick, its contradictions, and its majesty We will travel by bus, train, foot, bicycle, and perhaps horse We will see art, make art, and eat delicious food along the way This is an 8-day, all-day course
EMBRACING THE CITY THROUGH FITNESS
Tom Myran, Ted Oxholm & Rob Hewitt
This advanced physical education course will include a variety of fitness activities the city of Philadelphia has to offer Activities may include ice skating, hiking on the Wissahickon trails, indoor rock climbing, yoga (with bare feet!), bowling, CrossFit training, and spinning class, among others Students of all fitness levels are encouraged to sign up but must be prepared to give their best effort in all activities This is an 8-day, 3-hour course
ENGINEERING AND DESIGN CHALLENGES
Tracey Spinka & Mark Levenstien
In this class, we will learn by building stuff There will be a variety of design challenges, and, for each challenge, you will be given some background for context as well as parameters that include design specs (maximum or minimum dimensions, weight restrictions, etc.), permitted materials, and how the product of the challenge will be tested and evaluated. You will work in small groups to design and build your projects, then we will gather as a class to test them and perhaps even have some competitions. We will also do a “post mortem” debrief on the projects to see what lessons we can learn about the strengths and weaknesses of our various designs Accept the challenge! This is an 8-day, 3-hour course
EQUESTRIAN STUDIES 101
Elena
Quant & Gavi Gilbert-Trachtman ’24
What is an equestrian? It describes something of, relating to, or featuring horseback riding! Have you always wanted to try horseback riding but haven’t had the opportunity? If so, this class is for you! In this
course we will learn about horses, horse care, equestrian careers, and the basics of horseback riding. We will be hosted by Monastery Stables in the Wissahickon where we will get hands-on lessons in the barn and beginner riding lessons with an experienced trainer This is an 8-day, 3-hour course
EXPLORING AND DOCUMENTING WATERWAYS FROM GFS TO THE ATLANTIC
Michael Koehler & Mark Croxford
By van and by foot, this class explores waterways from Philadelphia to the Delaware Bay and on to the Atlantic Ocean. We will learn about the structure of the waterways themselves as well as the attendant ecosystems, culture, and history. We will return to absolute gems while hoping to find new ones - this includes the tidal marshes in the John Heinz National Wildlife Refuge, the wetlands of South Jersey bordering the Delaware Bay, and the lakes and creeks adjacent to the Delaware River. We may venture to a Quaker settlement on the Rancocas Creek or a meeting house on the Cohansey River or eat seafood at a diner on the edge of a reedy marsh This is an 8-day, all-day course
THE OUTSIDERS
Matthew Young & Elijah Ames ’24
In this course, students will propose, plan, prepare, execute, and debrief a significant three-day outdoor adventure (e g , hiking, climbing, biking, etc) This is an 8-day, all-day course
ROCK CLIMBING, VISUALIZATION, AND PEAK PERFORMANCE
Brian Bersh
Visualization is a skill that can improve performance in many ways across disciplines Whether preparing for public speaking, athletic performance, a music audition, conflict management, or a negotiation, visualization and mental training can help people to practice skills, prepare for performance, cope with and reduce anxiety, and build confidence This course will provide practical skills and coping mechanisms to visualize performance, reduce anxiety, and improve perceptions of self-efficacy. Rock climbing will be used during some of the classes as a tangible shared experience to develop a series of skills and a process that will then be transferred to contexts specific to student interests (e.g., public speaking, athletics, music, etc.). This is an 8-day, 3-hour course.
TEACHING COMPUTER SCIENCE IN SCHOOLS
Colin Pigeon
In this course, students will teach computer science and robotics to 8th graders at Saint Martin de Porres Independence School. Students will learn how to prepare and teach a lesson to a class. This is a great opportunity for students looking for teaching experience or those interested in sharing their computer science knowledge This is an 8-day, 3-hour course.
TIME FOR PLAY
Maryanne Rawlings & Rob Goldberg
“It’s the things we play with and the people who help us play that make a great difference in our lives ”
–Fred Rogers (aka Mister Rogers)
Using the community and campus as tools and laboratories, students in this interdisciplinary course will explore the culture and psychology of childhood in our society from teething age to teenage We will spend time with infants and their parents from our community We will ramble in spaces around the city designed for children And we will make frequent visits to our Early Childhood classrooms on campus to join young children in their everyday lives and learning. While we will study the ideas of different philosophers and theorists about children and childhood, a significant time will be spent at play with EC kids, with toys and dolls, on the playground. How is play the work of children? How have researchers studied children and to what end? How does the world of children’s media and popular culture represent and impact children and their lives? These are some of the questions we will explore as we (re)discover the wonder of childhood together This is a 16-day, 90-minute course
INTERNATIONAL TRAVEL
Designed to support exploration and interdisciplinary ways of learning about the world and ourselves, January Term supports a suite of cultural and language immersion travel courses for students in grades 9-12. Participation in each of the following courses is o en competitive and determined by advanced application and committee decisions Each program carries a separate fee and financial assistance is available to qualified applicants Students enrolled in winter sports are advised that participation in January Term travel may impact playing time and/or the ability to use the winter season to fulfill Athletic requirements
Costa Rica: Science and Community
Students will spend nine days in the rain forest of Alajuela Province designing and executing original experiments under the supervision of university faculty and also engage in community activities with high school students from our partner school, Liceo Rural Valle Verde Then the trip will shi to two sea turtle research sites on the pristine Pacific coast, where students will be immersed in ongoing community-based university research collecting data on several species
France: Intensive French Language and Culture Discovery
A three-week intensive French language course at the Institut de Touraine and homestay experience with local French families The Institute offers courses for every level of French student from absolute beginner to advanced; all students studying French are eligible for the experience Daily cultural activities and excursions will enrich the experience
South Africa: GFS-ALA Program
African Leadership Academy (ALA) and Germantown Friends School are excited to resume their partnership through a learning experience based on ALA’s signature Entrepreneurial Leadership curriculum This experience will develop leadership skills and foster an entrepreneurial mindset in participants through carefully cra ed learning experiences both on and off the ALA campus With an emphasis on social entrepreneurship, the program will be enhanced by historic and cultural activities across the Johannesburg area. Students will reside on the ALA campus, engage in human-centered design labs, attend classes and other ALA programs, and interact with ALA students and teachers to expand their networks and develop lasting relationships. An excursion to Cape Town will add rich cultural and historical experiences to complement students’ experiences in South Africa.
Tlaxcala, Mexico: Mexico Exchange
Students travel to Tlaxcala, a provincial capital and a safe and prosperous city of 90,000, about 75 miles east of Mexico City. They will visit long-standing partner school Escuela Secundaria Técnica No.1 "Xicohtencatl
Axayacatzin" and stay with host families for one month. Participant families serve as homestay families in Philadelphia when Mexican students from the same school visit GFS during the month of April
Winchester, UK: Winchester College Exchange
Germantown Friends School and Winchester College established an international travel exchange for students and faculty in 2013. While the exchange had been paused during the pandemic, we were excited to reinitiate the program in the 2022-23 school year. This year we will continue the program and anticipate that four GFS juniors or seniors will travel to Winchester College in England while four Winchester College students will visit GFS
SCHEDULE OF ALL CLASSES
Course Requests: Students will request their top choice for each block in the Schedule of All Classes, noting one or two backups. Students will be placed in their top choice unless that course is overenrolled; overenrolled courses will be enrolled by lottery. Courses typically overenrolled are marked with an asterisk.
Session 1 (Jan 3-12)
P1
*Abstract Painting
Another World is Possible
Biology of the Senses
*C is for Cra y
Character Design
Cryptography
Cults
Cultural Anthropology
Filipino Culture and Traditions
*Knitting for All
*Our Films, Ourselves
Plays New & Old: A Readers Theatre
Positive Masculinity
Rube Goldberg and the Study of Simple Machines
Samizdat! Publishing Past the Censor
*Sewcialism for Beginners
Sound Works
Stories from the New Yorker
The Science of Self-Care
*Time for Play (16-day Course)
Session 2 (Jan 16-25)
*Abstract Painting
Biology of the Senses
*C is for Cra y
Cardboard Sculpture
Character Design
Cults
Cultural Anthropology Earthquake Workshop
Filipino Culture and Traditions
*Knitting for All
*Make Your Own Fanny Pack!
Public Forum Debate
Quakerism: Past, Present, and Future
Rube Goldberg and the Study of Simple Machines
Samizdat! Publishing Past the Censor
Sound Works
Stories From the New Yorker
The Science of Self-Care
*The Trails of the Wissahickon
There and Back Again, Hollywood and Tolkien
*(This Class is) the Icing on the Cake
*Time for Play (16-day Course)
*We're Recording an Album
P2 Acting for Performance: Diverging Plotlines
Art and Politics of Hair
Biotechnology: GMOs
*Botanical Watercolor
Community Teaching Fellowship
Elevator Pitch
From Percy Jackson to Malala Yousafzai: Children and Power
How Not to Be Afraid of Poetry
I Vant to Build Your Scenery!
*Laser Cut Jewelry
Medical Terminology
Our Record Collection
Rugby: An Active Analysis of Gender and Sport
The Armchair Strategist
The Fight for Reproductive Justice
The Power of Sport
The Science of Self-Care
All A-Bard! A Crash Course in Shakespeare
Performance
Artists and Writers
Biotechnology: GMOs
Botanical Writing
Caffeinated Crickets
Cryptography
Dance Revolution
Etymology: The Greek and Latin Roots in English
Words
From Percy Jackson to Malala Yousafzai: Children and Power
How Not to Be Afraid of Poetry
I Vant to Build your Scenery!
*Laser Cut Jewelry
Life is a DRAG
Medical Terminology
Our Record Collection
Pickleball
Show, Not Tell: A Fiction Writing Workshop
The Power of Sport
The Science of Self-Care
Watergate and its Legacy
*We're Recording an Album
Witches: Historical Victims or Empowered
Feminists?
P3
Basics of Film Scoring
Chinese Cinema
*Drawing from Observation
Film Festival Workshop
Forensic Anthropology
Geopolitics: the Middle East
Gerrymandering with Math
If You Give a Teen a Flashback
J-Term with Frog and Toad
*Make a Wooden Bowl
Sappho's Fragmentary Love Poetry
Show, Not Tell: A Fiction Writing Workshop
Taking Hitchcock Seriously
The Art of Coding: Processing with Python
Uke Jam
Witches: Historical Victims or Empowered
Feminists?
P2 + P3
All Day
Destination Germantown
*Equestrian Studies 101
Engineering and Design Challenges
*Exploring and Documenting Waterways
*Hidden Philly
Bad Bunny 101
Basics of Film Scoring
ChatGPT
Dance Revolution
*Drawing from Observation
Exploring African American Music
Forensic Anthropology
Gerrymandering with Math
If You Give a Teen a Flashback
*Make a Wooden Bowl
Mindful Fun
*Physics Olympics for Seniors
Planning Our Lunar New Year Celebration
Sappho's Fragmentary Love Poetry
Taking Hitchcock Seriously
The Art and Science of Interior Design
Watergate and its Legacy
Witches: Historical Victims or Empowered Feminists?
*Embracing the City Through Fitness
Teaching Computer Science in Schools
Rock Climbing, Visualization, and Peak Performance
The Outsiders