Pre-College/Youth Programs
ACADEMY
Course Descriptions 2008
Session A June 15-21, Grades 5 and 6
Session B June 22-28, Grades 5 and 6 (Session B classes are listed below Session A)
NOTE: Classes offerings subject to change. Course selections for each session will be sent out with the acceptance packets.
Session A Classes
COMMUNICATION / LANGUAGE ARTS
JOURNALISM 101
Deliver of all the latest and greatest news and learn what makes a newspaper tick. Have fun learning the various jobs on a newspaper team and work on articles, comic strips and advice columns. By the end of the week students will put together a newspaper. Instructor: Cynthia Hewitt has a bachelor’s in social ecology/child development from U.C. Irvine and has taught workshops and seminars throughout the valley.
UNTOLD STORIES
Become an expert writer by creating character and back story and by playing games such as “status and blabbing”, “comic strip”, “dictionary” and “write in place”. Take part in this class before your little sister drives you crazy saying, “What are you reading? Thinking? Playing?” If she only knew the unwritten story in your head . . . Instructor: Terri McMahon has been an actor and teacher for the Oregon Shakespeare Festival for over twenty years and teachers Shakespeare Studies at SOU.
VISUAL ARTS
WILDLIFE ILLUSTRATION
Learn how to observe birds and mammals in their environment and then translate those observations into professional illustrations. Working from biological specimens and live animals on "live animal model day" you will complete projects in scratchboard and pencil as well as learn how to keep a field journal. No previous drawing experience is required. Instructor: Hillary Hulen is a graphic designer and the communications manager for the Southern Oregon Humane Society. Her published work has appeared in many gardening and wildlife magazines including Audubon’s American Birds.
ART AND CULTURE OF JAPAN
Study Japanese art and culture through musical instruments, Shuji (writing Japanese characters with a brush and ink), Origami (paper folding art work), clay work and the Japanese language. Broaden your cultural horizons while having fun! You will also be introduced to Japanese cultural traditions such as bamboo flutes and rice ball making. Instructor: Wataru Sugiyama is an international sculptor and native of Japan. He has exhibited his work throughout the United States, England, Switzerland, Germany and Japan.
CARTOONING AND MANGA MADNESS
Welcome to the world of Toon Town! Build your art skills by drawing cartoons, Manga characters, animals and faces. You will experience art indoors and outdoors and challenge your imagination as you invent new ways to express your artistic talents. Instructor Craig Honeycutt has a master’s in art education and is a local artist and art educator with more than twenty years teaching experience.
ANATOMY OF A MONSTER
You will study the "where, why and how" of the great monsters of all time. Get to know Orcs, fairies, dragons and all of your favorite monsters. Create your own creatures based on your insight and personal vision while learning new drawing techniques. Instructor Craig Honeycutt has a master’s in art education and is a local artist and art educator with more than twenty years teaching experience.
CLAY SCULPTURE
Experience the art of Japan while you learn how to sculpt beautiful oranina (Japanese clay flutes), creative dishes, garden sculptures and traditional Japanese pieces. Take home many beautiful creations that have been fired and glazed. Instructor: Wataru Sugiyama is an international sculptor and native of Japan. He has exhibited his work throughout the United States, England, Switzerland, Germany and Japan.
PERFORMING ARTS
FUN WITH FENCING
En guard -- ready -- fence. Safe inside a mask and jacket you will be introduced to the exciting sport of fencing. Learn the skills of "touching" (scoring on) your partner while avoiding being scored on and learn the respect, ethics and comradery involved in this sport. Instructor: Ron Kilby is a nationally certified fencing instructor, recognized by both the U.S. Fencing Coaches Association and the U.S Fencing Associates. He is a business owner/instructor at Southern Oregon Fencing Center has trained the last two summers at the U.S. Olympic Training Center in Colorado.
MAD HOT BALLROOM
Wow your friends and family by learning the coolest and most popular ballroom dances -- Tango, Salsa, Waltz, and Swing. Do you have what it really takes to dance at your school dances, parties or just while hanging out with your friends? You will learn step pattern variations and the lead and follow technique of these very popular dance forms. Instructor: Cori Grimm is an accomplished and enthusiastic dance instructor with twenty years of dance experience. She is currently the office manager of the Evergreen Ballroom.
PEACEFUL YOGA
Integrate your mind and body as you participate in independent and group activities that expand your physical strength, emotional balance and self-confidence. You will integrate traditional yoga poses, flowing sequences, breathing exercises, deep-relaxation and meditation techniques. Come gain a deeper understanding of the physical and philosophical side of yoga. Instructor: Lindagrace Wilhem is a registered yoga teacher and currently teaches at the Ashland Yoga Center.
SHAKESPEARE SHENANIGANS
Explore the stories and language of Shakespeare through theatre improvisation games and activities. Through the use of rhythm exercises and textual analysis you will exercise your creativity and your imagination while engaging in spirited action! Students will work with scenes from Shakespeare's greatest hits. Instructor: Terri McMahon has been an actor and teacher for the Oregon Shakespeare Festival for over twenty years and teachers Shakespeare Studies at SOU.
SING AND STRUM
Do you want to learn a few basic chords on the guitar that will allow you to accompany yourself while you sing your favorite songs? Come sing and strum folk, pop, country, and even some classic rock and roll songs. Beginners and advanced guitar players are welcome! You will use student-sized acoustic guitars and will be provided and a songbook with all the songs you learn. Instructor: Wendi Stanek is an elementary music specialist at Jacksonville and Ruch Elementary schools. She is also the director of the Britt Festival’s annual spring musical production. She specializes in guitar and vocal instruction and has been teaching music for eighteen years.
ME, MIMESELF AND I
Be loud and be quiet! In this class your will learn about the silent, fun world of mime and the crazy world of improvisation. You will paint your face and work with imaginary props and invisible people. Wow your friends and family after you have learned the basics of mime and improvisational comedy. Instructor: Herb Heiman has been a professional actor on stage, in radio/TV, and mime performer. He teaches and performs at local schools.
SOCIAL STUDIES
21st CENTURY COBBLER
People say that the secret to life is comfortable shoes. You might think that Nike and Adidas have the comfortable shoe market cornered, but now is your opportunity to beat the kings at their own game. You will design, produce and engage in a flashy marketing campaign to sell your brand new, state-of-the-art athletic shoe. You'll begin to understand the competitive world of advertisement, supply and demand, and the goal that drives all shoe companies' profit. Instructor: Peter Voskes is a former ACADEMY student and counselor who teaches eighth grade U.S. History at Hedrick Middle School. He is also the cross county coach at North Medford High.
ORDER IN THE COURT!
Take part in the exciting process of the American judicial system. Learn what it takes to become the judge, jury, prosecutor, defender or witness. Learn to organize facts, develop your speaking and questioning abilities, and understand the concepts of justice through jury deliberation. This will be a courtroom drama you will never forget. Instructor: Cynthia Hewitt has a bachelor’s in social ecology/child development from U.C. Irvine. She has over thirty years of teaching experience and currently works with the home-school population.
SHOW ME THE MONEY!
Do you have what it takes to live a financial free life as you get older? Learn how to reap the benefits of smart money management by learning goal setting techniques and how to save money effectively. You will also learn tips on how to be a smart consumer by reading between the lines and learn how to create a budget that works. Be introduced to the basics on credit and the advantages and disadvantages. Instructor: Kerrie Davis is the special services manager at Rogue Federal Credit Union and has taught financial education to young people for eight years.
SCIENCE
FANTASTIC FORENSICS
Become a forensic scientist as you analyze the evidence of a fictional crime scene. You will conduct fake blood tests, identify and process fingerprints, analyze handwriting, take hair and fibers samples and create mystery powders. Work together, gather clues and vote whether to convict the suspect in a mock jury. Instructor: Paul Hampton has two masters and bachelors degrees. He teaches AP and Honors Chemistry and Physics, and is currently teaching at South Medford High.
HYDRO-ROBOTICS
Have you wondered how car brakes work, or how a back-hoe lifts a load? In this workshop based class you will investigate hydraulic principles and construct a robotic arm that uses fluid to transfer power. Be ready to work in a shop and gain engineering skills. Instructor: Paul Hampton has two masters and bachelors degrees. He teaches AP and Honors Chemistry and Physics, and is currently teaching at South Medford High.
MOUSETRAP ENGINEERING
You will be challenged to use your creativity and construction skills to design and build a vehicle which will attempt to travel thirty meters powered only by the energy of a mousetrap. Advanced designs and speedier cars will be possible for those willing to exceed the challenge. Instructor: Paul Hampton has two masters and bachelors degrees. He teaches AP and Honors Chemistry and Physics, and is currently teaching at South Medford High.
COMPUTERS/VIDEO
EXTREME TECH
Come and learn the latest and greatest in technology while using state-of-the-art equipment. Learn how to publish your own website, delve into programming and video and audio content creation for web delivery. Combine these skills to deliver your own Podcast. A "taste of tech" will wet that techno-artistic appetite using current tools in the industry like DreamWeaver, Flash, Adobe Photoshop and many more. Instructor: Robert Luaders is a SOU graduate and energetic computer guru who blends technology with the artistry of life. He is an award-winning vocalist, film composer, and song writer.
GPS GALORE
Come explore the world of Global Positioning Systems (GPS) and its modern day use in search and rescue to navigation. Know where you are on the planet by using problem-solving skills in finding landmarks and pin-pointing locations of hidden treasures on the SOU campus in a fun practice known as "Geocaching". This is hands-on training at its best. Instructor: Robert Luaders is a SOU graduate and energetic computer guru who blends technology with the artistry of life. He is an award-winning vocalist, film composer, and song writer.
MATHEMATICS/LOGICAL THINKING
ARE YOU CLEVER ENOUGH?
Enter the world of mental greats such as Sherlock Holmes, Gandalf and Dumbledore. You will be challenged as you puzzle out solutions to amazingly fun mental puzzles such as Griddlers, Sudoko, Cryptograms, and logic puzzles. Invent your own board games and discover the world of logical reasoning, probability, and time in a lively, fun-and-games format. Instructor: Shawna Huggins has a master’s in sociology and is a master teacher. She teaches throughout southern Oregon.
IT’S YOUR MOVE
Learn tactics and strategies, for beginners to advanced players, for one of the world’s oldest and most exciting board games. Through competitive play and Swiss-style speed tournaments, you will develop chess skills based on the principles used in the popular movie, Searching for Bobby Fischer. Learn about pins, forks, skewers and sacrifices! Lots of traps and tricks will be introduced with plenty of time to use these techniques in play. Instructor: Rick Shaw is a teacher at Ashland Middle School. He teaches video production and chess classes.
WHAT'S YOUR PROBLEM?
Have you ever been in a math class and asked yourself Why do I need to know this? When will I ever use this in real life? In this class you will participate in fun hands-on group activities that show real world uses for geometry, probability, and algebra. You will collaboratively investigate challenging and rewarding problems from number theory, group theory, fractions, and other areas of mathematics. You do not need to be a math whiz to take this class. Instructor: Shawna Huggins has a master’s in sociology and is a master teacher. She teaches throughout southern Oregon.
Session B Classes
COMMUNICATION / LANGUAGE ARTS
JOURNALISM 101
Deliver of all the latest and greatest news and learn what makes a newspaper tick. Have fun learning the various jobs on a newspaper team and work on articles, comic strips and advice columns. By the end of the class students will have put together a newspaper. Instructor: Cynthia Hewitt has a bachelor’s in social ecology/child development from U.C. Irvine and has taught workshops and seminars throughout the Rogue Valley.
UNTOLD STORIES
Become an expert writer by creating character and back story and by playing games such as “status and blabbing”, “comic strip”, “dictionary” and “write in place”. Take part in this class before your little sister drives you crazy saying, “What are you reading? Thinking? Playing?” If she only knew the unwritten story in your head . . .Instructor: Terri McMahon has been an actor and teacher for the Oregon Shakespeare Festival for over twenty years and teachers Shakespeare Studies at SOU.
VISUAL ARTS
ART AND CULTURE OF JAPAN
Study Japanese art and culture through musical instruments, Shuji (writing Japanese characters with a brush and ink), Origami (paper folding art work), clay work and the Japanese language. Broaden your cultural horizons while having fun! You will also be introduced to Japanese cultural traditions such as bamboo flutes and rice ball making. Instructor: Wataru Sugiyama is an international sculptor and native of Japan. He has exhibited his work throughout the United States, England, Switzerland, Germany and Japan.
CARTOON AND MANGA MADNESS
Welcome to the world of Toon Town! Build your art skills by drawing cartoons, Manga characters, animals and faces. You will experience art indoors and outdoors and challenge your imagination as you invent new ways to express your artistic talents. Instructor: Craig Honeycutt has a master’s in art education and is a local artist and art educator with more than twenty years teaching experience.
ANATOMY OF A MONSTER
You will study the "where, why and how" of the great monsters of all time. Get to know Orcs, fairies, dragons and all of your favorite monsters. Create your own creatures based on your insight and personal vision while learning new drawing techniques. Instructor: Craig Honeycutt has a Master’s in Art Education and is a local artist and art educator with more than twenty years teaching experience.
WILDLIFE ILLUSTRATION
Learn how to observe birds and mammals in their environment and then translate those observations into professional illustrations. Working from biological specimens and live animals on "live animal model day" you will complete projects in scratchboard and pencil as well as learn how to keep a field journal. No previous drawing experience is required. Instructor: Hillary Hulen is a graphic designer and the communications manager for the Southern Oregon Humane Society. Her published work has appeared in many gardening and wildlife magazines including Audubon’s American Birds.
PERFORMING ARTS
CONGO ALL THE WAY
Come be a part of this rhythmic ride while learning the fundamentals of traditional Afro-Cuban drum rhythms through games and experimentation. Learn conga hand drum techniques and music concepts while you let your musical side out. Instructor: Sue Lundquist is a professional musician and teacher who has taught folkloric rhythms and songs of the Afro-Cuban tradition for over fifteen years.
THINK YOU CAN DANCE?
Explore your capacity, physical ability and creativity through the art of movement. Learn how to move in new and exciting ways. Discover what is meaningful to you and how to express those ideas through dance. You will realize your potential as a performer, creator and collaborator. Instructor: Peggy Paver is the founder and Co-Director of the Dancing People Company and has worked for more than fifteen years as a dancer and choreographer.
FUN WITH FENCING
En guard -- ready -- fence. Safe inside a mask and jacket you will be introduced to the exciting sport of fencing. Learn the skills of "touching" (scoring on) your partner while avoiding being scored on and learn the respect, ethics and comradery involved in this sport. Instructor: Ron Kilby is a nationally certified fencing instructor, recognized by both the U.S. Fencing Coaches Association and the U.S Fencing Associates. He is a business owner/instructor at Southern Oregon Fencing Center has trained the last two summers at the U.S. Olympic Training Center in Colorado.
ME, MIMESELF AND I
Be loud and be quiet! In this class your will learn about the silent, fun world of mime and the crazy world of improvisation. You will paint your face and work with imaginary props and invisible people. Wow your friends and family after you have learned the basics of mime and improvisational comedy. Instructor: Herb Heiman has been a professional actor on stage, in radio/TV, and mime performer. He teaches and performs at local schools.
NEW PLANET WALKS
If the earth were a bowl of tomato soup how would you get to school? If you could become a superhero from one of the four elements--air, water, earth, and fire--what talents would you have? Take part in this very physical theatre improv class and stretch your minds limits and your body’s possibilities to the max.
PEACEFUL YOGA
Integrate your mind and body as you participate in independent and group activities that expand your physical strength, emotional balance and self-confidence. You will integrate traditional yoga poses, flowing sequences, breathing exercises, deep-relaxation and meditation techniques. Come gain a deeper understanding of the physical and philosophical side of yoga. Instructor: Lindagrace Wilhem is a registered yoga teacher and currently teaches at the Ashland Yoga Center.
SHAKESPEARE SHENANIGANS
Explore the stories and language of Shakespeare through theatre improvisation games and activities. Through the use of rhythm exercises and textual analysis you will exercise your creativity and your imagination while engaging in spirited action! Students will work with scenes from Shakespeare's greatest hits. Instructor: Terri McMahon has been an actor and teacher for the Oregon Shakespeare Festival for over twenty years and teachers Shakespeare Studies at SOU.
SOCIAL STUDIES
21st CENTURY COBBLER
People say that the secret to life is comfortable shoes. You might think that Nike and Adidas have the comfortable shoe market cornered, but now is your opportunity to beat the kings at their own game. You will design and produce and engage in a flashy marketing campaign to sell your brand new, state-of-the-art athletic shoe. You'll begin to understand the competitive world of advertisement, supply and demand, and the goal that drives all shoe companies' profit. Instructor: Peter Voskes is a former ACADEMY student and counselor who teaches eighth grade U.S. History at Hedrick Middle School. He is also the cross county coach at North Medford High.
ORDER IN THE COURT!
Take part in this exciting process of the American judicial system. Learn what it takes to become the judge, jury, prosecutor, defender or witness. Learn to organize facts, develop your speaking and questioning abilities, and understand the concepts of justice through jury deliberation. This will be a courtroom drama you will never forget. Instructor: Cynthia Hewitt has a bachelor’s in social ecology/child development from U.C. Irvine. She has over thirty years of teaching experience and currently works with the home-school population.
SCIENCE
ECO FRIENDLY DISSECTIONS
Join us in the fascinating world of internal anatomy as we study science through nonanimal dissection. With the use of BioLEAP’s 3D plastic models of pigs, frogs, starfish and software programs you will have a hands-on experience in dissection techniques and mechanisms. This is a "must" for future doctors, veterinarians, and biologists. Instructor: Sarah Swanson has a master's in teaching from SOU. She has worked several years with our popular Sea Camp of Oregon and is currently teaching biology and Chemistry at Crater High School.
FANTASTIC FORENSICS
Become a forensic scientist as you analyze the evidence of a fictional crime scene. You will conduct fake blood tests, identify and process fingerprints, analyze handwriting, take hair and fibers samples and create mystery powders. Work together, gather clues and vote whether to convict the suspect in a mock jury. Instructor: Paul Hampton has two masters and bachelors degrees. He teaches AP and Honors Chemistry and Physics, and is currently teaching at South Medford High.
GREEN SCIENCE
You will learn all about green and healthy living, biodiversity and protecting our natural resources. Explore solar energy, alternative fuels and how to make a difference by protecting our planet and its resources. Instructor: Kristy Healy teaches science at Ashland Middle School.
HYDRO-ROBOTICS
Have you wondered how a car's brakes work, or how a back-hoe lifts a load? In this workshop based class you will investigate hydraulic principles and construct a robotic arm that uses fluid to transfer power. Be ready to work in a shop and gain engineering skills. Instructor: Paul Hampton has two masters and bachelors degrees. He teaches AP and Honors Chemistry and Physics, and is currently teaching at South Medford High.
MOUSETRAP ENGINEERING
You will be challenged to use your creativity and construction skills to design and build a vehicle which will attempt to travel thirty meters powered only by the energy of a mousetrap. Advanced designs and speedier cars will be possible for those willing to exceed the challenge. Instructor: Paul Hampton has two masters and bachelors degrees. He teaches AP and Honors Chemistry and Physics, and is currently teaching at South Medford High.
WHAT'S COOKING?
Step into the kitchen and learn a variety of cooking techniques. Learn the science behind cooking with quick and easy ideas and recipes from cuisines enjoyed around the world. You will measure and mix ingredients and use a variety of cooking tools and machines, not to mention taste the results. Instructor: Marilyn D. Moore is a Culinary Institute-Le Cordon Bleu Graduate and a Certified Culinary Educator for the American Culinary Federation. She is the owner of Creative Organic Catering.
COMPUTERS/VIDEO
EXTREME TECH
Come and learn the latest and greatest in technology while using state-of-the-art equipment. Learn how to publish your own website, delve into programming and video and audio content creation for web delivery. Combine these skills to deliver your own Podcast. A "taste of tech" will wet that techno-artistic appetite by using current tools in the industry like DreamWeaver, Flash, Adobe Photoshop and many more. Instructor: Robert Luaders is a SOU graduate and energetic computer guru who blends technology with the artistry of life. He is an award-winning vocalist, film composer, and song writer.
GPS GALORE
Come explore the world of Global Positioning Systems (GPS) and its modern day uses from search and rescue operations to navigation. Know where you are on the planet by using problem-solving skills in finding landmarks and pin-pointing locations of hidden treasures on the SOU campus in a fun practice known as "Geocaching". This is definitely a get-out-and-use-your-hands kind of class. Instructor: Robert Luaders is a SOU graduate and energetic computer guru who blends technology with the artistry of life. He is an award-winning vocalist, film composer, and song writer.
MATHEMATICS/LOGICAL THINKING
IT’S YOUR MOVE
Learn tactics and strategies, for beginners to advanced players, for one of the world’s oldest and most exciting board games. Through competitive play and Swiss-style speed tournaments, you will develop chess skills based on the principles demonstrated in the popular movie, Searching for Bobby Fischer. Learn about pins, forks, skewers and sacrifices! Lots of traps and tricks will be introduced with plenty of time to use these techniques in play. Instructor: Rick Shaw is a teacher at Ashland Middle School. He teaches video production and chess classes.
WHAT'S YOUR PROBLEM?
Have you ever been in a math class and asked yourself, Why do I need to know this? When will I ever use this in real life? In this class you will participate in fun hands-on group activities that show real world uses for geometry, probability, and algebra. You will collaboratively investigate challenging and rewarding problems from number theory, group theory, fractions, and other areas of mathematics. You do not need to be a math whiz to take this class. Instructor: Shawna Huggins has a master’s in sociology and is a master teacher. She teaches throughout southern Oregon.
