JanTerm19 Course Catalog

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COURSE CATALOG

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JanTerm 2019 features 49 courses, including 16 new courses and 16 involving travel. This course catalog contains the course names and descriptions, teachers, students’ eligiblility, and any overnight, evening, or weekend obligations involved in a class. Students must register for a course they have not previously taken.

Student-athletes playing a winter sport, please note: • For basketball, students must select a JanTerm course with no overnight travel or a course that has flexible travel for athletes. In the case of flexible travel courses, the athlete will stay on campus while the course travels and have an alternate assignment.

• For other sports (squash, swimming and diving, wrestling, and cheerleading), students may select a short travel course (three days or less), as long as any absences fit within the team’s participation requirements and receive approval from the head coach of that program prior to registration.

• If an athlete signs up for a course with evening obligations, it is with the understanding that he or she will arrange to fulfill the obligations at an alternate time if the course conflicts with athletic commitments.

Denotes local courses with no overnight travel

Denotes courses that require overnight travel (may have flexible travel for athletes)

Altruistic Fashion: Using Creative Thought to Empower the World Ms. Diaz and Ms. Ellis

9, 10, 11, 12 While the fashion industry is a relatively new concept, it is a multibillion dollar global industry, a powerful economic force. From haute couture to budget brands, from economically sustainable to technologically savvy products, we will examine the history, the art, the craft and the business of the fashion design world. We will then investigate how fashion and design can also be used as a tool to empower impoverished communities by developing self-sustaining businesses. The focus will be primarily on sewing and how to use fashion design to help a group of women in Kenya establish themselves in an American market. There will be several guest speakers from different areas in both the fashion and sustainable business industries. The class will visit a few local places of business and each student will be expected to create a product (business plan, portfolio of designs, etc.) as his or her final assessment. The goal of the course is to create a product that will be implemented in Kenya and sold in America to help a group of women prosper in their community and break the cycle of poverty and exploitation. Unite with us in this worthy cause.

Art & Science of Violin Making

Denotes courses with international travel

Animal Science

Dr. Kaufman and Dr. Small

9, 10 Through labs and field trips, students will explore a variety of fields related to animal science including: veterinary medicine, conservation biology, livestock production, animal behavior and training, and more. Students will learn underlying scientific principles and research skills. Students will strengthen communication skills as they develop creative multimedia projects to communicate learning in ways that highlight important animal science issues in compelling ways.

AP Chemistry

Mr. Chen, Ms. Ishaqui, and Mr. Hendrix

10 Requirement: Currently enrolled AP Chemisty students The College Board recommends that AP Chemistry be taught as a second year high school chemistry course. Since Westminster offers the AP Chemistry course to sophomores without prior Chemistry experience, it is necessary for the course to be taught through JanTerm. Additionally, the immersion time that JanTerm facilitates allows a deeper look at some topic areas and allows an opportunity for more lab work and field trips.

Art & Science of Violin Making Mr. Boomer

9, 10, 11, 12 Working in teams, students will assemble and finish a violin that will be donated to a local string music program. Hands-on activities include application of ground, color and varnish, fitting of pegs and bridge, and installation of the saddle, sound post, tailpiece, endpin, nut, and strings. Labs will explore and reinforce the science of vibration and sound in both unfinished violin parts before assembly and finished instruments. A field trip to a local luthier shop is planned. Homework will consist of scientific readings and journal writings. Assessments will include graded 2

JAN ‘ TERM journal writings, short quizzes on readings, and the quality of work on your fiddle.

Atlanta Icons Dr. Vigil and Mr. Breite

9, 10 This course will examine Atlanta’s iconic people, places, and events. Iconic Atlanta people will include musicians (Outkast, The Black Crowes, John Mayer, and Gucci Mane), actors (Ed Helms, Jane Fonda, Tyler Perry, Julia Roberts), athletes (Hank Aaron, Cam Newton, Chipper Jones, Matt Ryan), political figures (Jimmy Carter, Martin Luther King, Jr., Maynard Jackson), business leaders (Asa Griggs Candler, Robert Woodruff, Ted Turner), and literary figures (Margaret Mitchell, Flannery O’Connor). Iconic events might include the building of the Terminus Train station, the Battle of Atlanta, the Great Debate between Booker T. Washington and W. E. B. Dubois, the Civil Rights Movement, and the Olympics. Iconic places might include the World of Coke, Fox Theatre, Centennial Olympic Park, The Varsity, CNN, Mercedes-Benz Stadium, and the set of Stranger Things. We will explore these topics through guest speakers, literature, history, art, music, movies, and frequent field trips. Students will have the opportunity to help shape the content of the course and will choose their topic for a final presentation on an Atlanta icon.

Atlantic Coastal Ecology & Culture Dr. Wilson and Mr. Vuckovic

9, 10 Overnight travel: January 8-11 Through classwork, coastal fieldwork, and lab studies, students will learn about the estuarine, beach, and maritime forest ecosystems that comprise the Georgia coast. Students will explore the foundations of biodiversity, how it relates to ecosystem health, and the human impact on coastal ecosystems.

Additional study will examine the history of Gullah/Geechee communities and their interactions with the coastal environment.

Students will complete a final project connecting anthropogenic actions with changes in coastal biodiversity. Students will travel for five days to the Georgia coast where we will stay in UGA dorm facilities on Skidaway Island. Daily fieldwork will be conducted outside in natural marsh habitats (i.e., muddy) and on boats, regardless of weather conditions. Average temperatures are approximately 45 degrees, and rain is common.

Broadcast Sports Journalism: Let’s Play Ball!

Ms. Klepper and Mr. Morgan

9, 10, 11, 12 BREAKING NEWS! Join your fellow sports enthusiasts to explore how sporting news is gathered, written, filmed, and presented with input from media entities like ESPN, the AJC, college sports

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information departments, and local news stations. Meet sports reporters, producers, and directors for on-air platforms, and learn the ins and outs of news and information gathering as you tour a variety of sports sources and experience the fast-paced world of sporting news. You will learn from experts in the field on how to write a compelling article for a broadcast segment or an online platform, how to present yourself on air, and how to succeed in a field that is built on keeping the world informed while navigating the quickly evolving landscape of broadcast, print, and online media. Additionally, you will gain a rudimentary working knowledge of video production, writing for TV, interviewing skills, and public speaking.

Business of Sports Mr. Wild and Ms. Eubanks

11, 12 This course emphasizes a variety of sports-related topics including sports management, sports marketing, sports law and negotiation, marketing research and advertising, global sports and entertainment, and entrepreneurship. Students will have the opportunity to visit organizations and venues such as the Atlanta Braves, Falcons, Chick-fil-A, Top Golf, CSE, and IMG. Guest lectures further enhance the experience.

Students will create their own final project in a specific area of interest related to the business Business of Sports of sports.

Chattahoochee River: Politics & Science Mr. McMahan, Mr. Mylod, and Ms. James

9, 10 Overnight travel: January 4-5 and 8-11 Have you ever wondered where the Chattahoochee River got its name or where it begins and ends? The Chattahoochee River, Atlanta’s lifeblood, has a fascinating story to tell. Through experiential and outdoor learning opportunities, we will examine this story from its source, near Helen, Georgia, all the way down yonder to Apalachicola Bay and the Gulf of Mexico. We will learn about water wars, ecology, history, and culture through reading, viewing documentaries, journaling, guest speakers, and even a few games! The majority of this course will take place outside the traditional classroom.

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Civil Rights in Cinema: American Activism & Film Dr. Dwyer, Ms. Osborne, and Ms. Scott

11, 12 Overnight travel: January 10-13 This course will catapult the struggle for civil rights in the United States from black and white into present day living color! Film has long been used as a powerful tool for exploring social and political activism across the globe. From 1915’s silent film, The Birth of a Nation, to 2017’s horror film, Get Out, students will view and critique movies that have dramatized the need and the push for equality. Through classroom discussions, a collaborative final project and field trips, students will learn American history and critical thinking skills, as well as gain a clearer understanding of how to deeply engage with film and one another through the lens of race, class, and gender. The capstone of the course will be a four-day visit to Washington, D.C, and the recently-opened National Museum of African American History and Culture.

Creative Design & Welding Mr. Gibson, Ms. Wentzel, and Mr. Martin

10, 11, 12 Requirement: Parental permission Here’s your chance to learn how to weld! You will design and weld individual projects as well as a large-scale group project that will be permanently installed on campus.

Through field trips and working with a local artist, this course will explore contemporary sculpture focusing on public art and garden installations. You will learn to weld and form metal with a purpose adhering to a particular style and keeping in mind principles of design.

You will also learn to safely operate the power tools in a newly-installed welding Creative Design & Welding center on campus.

Design of Literature and Art History Ms. Patel and Dr. Pace

11, 12 In this writing and reading-intensive course, students will explore poetry, drama, and short fiction alongside sculptures, paintings, architecture, and film in order to better understand the cultural paradigms of both our past and our present. Additionally, we will choose one sample piece in order to briefly study the scientific 4

complexity of art restoration, the allure of art forgery and art theft, and examine how the art market works in terms of valuing pieces.

The culminating project will be the result of a two-night trip to New York to study the collections in the Metropolitan Museum of Art and MoMA. Assessments will include reading quizzes, graded discussions, an essay, and the final project. This final collaborative project presentation will be a capsule exhibition in which students curate pieces of their own choosing, alongside pieces of literature chosen to thematically accompany the visual exhibits.

Discovery: Disaster Management Mr. Spaulding and Mr. Monahan

9, 10 When a fire burns down a family home or a hurricane is only hours from hitting a state, people rely on disaster management to mitigate the causes and consequences of the event. During this class, we will explore how the resources involved in disaster response are organized and managed locally, nationally, and globally. We will learn how relief relies on different forms of leadership to lessen the impacts of disasters, and we will examine the lessons of past events that have affected local Atlanta communities. Students will learn how to turn a school gymnasium into a safe shelter for hundreds of people, train our neighbors in disaster preparedness, become certified in Wilderness First Aid, and orchestrate a realistic scenario that will help our community be ready for the unexpected.

Entrepreneurship: An Introduction Ms. Pangle and Mr. Rondeau

11, 12 Are you an entrepreneur? This course is designed for students who plan to start, are interested in starting, or have already started their own businesses. Students who hold leadership or management positions in the school environment or within a business, who are part of an existing family business, or who want to know what it takes to be successful as an entrepreneur will find real-world applications and solutions to the everyday challenges of owning and running a business. In this course, students will learn the essential attributes of an entrepreneur and the stages one goes through in taking the seed of an idea and growing it into a successful business. Students will also concurrently participate in a small startup by being involved in making key decisions including product selection, design, budgetary considerations, and ultimately, rollout. Of course it takes more than a good business plan and money to succeed— entrepreneurs must understand that all too often, the strengths that helped them succeed as a start-up become liabilities to overcome in order to take their business to the next level. This course provides practical insights on how to be successful at all levels, with an emphasis on the beginning or startup stages.

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Flight, Fight, or Freeze Dr. Ursin and Dr. Chan

9, 10 Skydiving. Public speaking. Spiders. Heights. The dark. This course explores the psychological and physiological components of fear, and guides students through experiments and research focused on the two components. Students will learn how the autonomic nervous system regulates our “fight, flight, or freeze” response, and investigate and practice fear-management skills along with calming practices like meditation, aromatherapy, and yoga. Course activities may include ropes courses, Escape the Room, yoga, scary movies, improvisational theater, self-defense, and so on. In addition to daily journaling and qualitative data collection, students will read articles about current research and technology, converse with professionals working in “high risk” environments, engage in discussion, and take short quizzes.

At the end of the course, students will produce scientific poster presentations on a topic chosen in consultation with the instructors.

world. Students in this course will learn about this indigenous Southern art form through overnight field trips to a civil-rightsthemed outdoor art environment in Birmingham and to the town of Gee’s Bend, Alabama, home of a celebrated quilt-making legacy. In addition, there will be day trips to renowned artist/ musician Lonnie Holley’s studio for an art-making workshop, as well as tours of leading collections, including the High Museum of Art and the Souls Grown Deep Foundation.

Food Chemistry Ms. Allan and Ms. Latham

10, 11, 12 This course is for adventurous, risk-taking eaters! We examine food through a variety of lenses including culture and chemistry.

We investigate the chemical composition and processes involved in cooking food staples including bread, cheese, chocolate, and others. We integrate hands-on cooking techniques, study the agricultural and economic infrastructure of the food industry, and create descriptive food writing. Through the expertise of local culinary leaders, field trips to restaurants and kitchens, and laboratory-based experiments, students will immerse themselves in food culture. The course culminates in a cooking demonstration and a final piece of food writing that incorporates the chemistry, history, cultural, and personal significance of a culinary dish of each student’s choosing.

French Cooking & Culture Dr. Hanson and Mr. Oliver

9, 10, 11, 12

Flight, Fight, or Freeze

Folk Art Mr. Lambert

10, 11, 12 Overnight travel: January 10-13 Working for generations from positions of social, educational, economic, geographic, and aesthetic marginalization—but drawing on extraordinary imaginative and cultural resources— self-taught (or folk, visionary, outsider, vernacular) African American artists in the American South have forged a powerful art movement, often considered the visual equivalent to the blues. With roots in Africa, the antebellum South, and the era of Jim Crow, this tradition survived quietly until the arrival of the civil rights movement in the late twentieth century, when it burst forth with previously suppressed beauty and incisive social commentary. Today, this art is prized by museums around the

Learn to appreciate the multi-faceted French culture here in Atlanta and the southeast. Dive into the preparation, cooking, and tasting of sumptuous French cuisine. Laugh out loud as we bring new and not-so-new characters to life on the stage. Watch as images come alive through epic cinematic French talent.

Engulf yourself in everything French without even speaking the language with this unique and thoroughly exhilarating JanTerm course.

Game Design Mr. Kaplan and Mr. Griest

9, 10, 11, 12 For most of their history, video games have been a unique form of storytelling that allows players to interact with and change the narrative as it unfolds. Early versions of this kind of storytelling, as in Yar’s Revenge (Atari, 1982) were rudimentary, but technological development has allowed for more complex and vibrant narratives to be written for contemporary video games. In this course, we will develop a critical understanding of how video game narratives are designed, requiring us to move beyond seeing video games as mere entertainment. We will 5

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work to expand our critical vocabulary of video game theory and practice through reading about, discussing, and playing a variety of games. This course will culminate in students coding their own narrative video games.

Exploring the Holy Land Through Documentary Film

Global Education: Exploring the Holy Land Through Documentary Film Rev. Charney, Dr. Terry, and Ms. Davidson

11, 12

This course is made possible by the generosity of our donor community through The Donn M. Gaebelein Christian Enrichment Endowment Fund

Overnight travel: January 6-16 in the Holy Land (Tel Aviv, Sea of Galilee, Jerusalem, and points between) Other requirements: Two meetings during the fall semester to discuss readings and our itinerary Students will get a foundation in understanding the geographic and archeological contexts of the narratives in the Bible with a filmmaking component to allow these lessons to be shared with all our students. The students will study biblical narratives and develop short films documenting the specific sites spoken of in the text. Students will be required to learn the historical, geographic, and archaeological background associated with the text; develop scripts for the films; learn filming techniques; travel to the biblical sites in Israel; film their documentaries; and finally, edit video to produce high quality films. After completion of the films, these final projects will be offered for use by the Bible Department in the Old and New Testament courses.

Global Education: Guatemala Mr. Searl, Mr. Chard, and Ms. Economy

10, 11

This course is made possible by the generosity of our donor community through The Lisa and William McGahan Global Service Fund

Prerequisites: Two or more years of Spanish (since seventh grade; current year counts toward total) Overnight travel: January 11-20 Other requirements: Bi-weekly meetings (45 minutes) on campus during October and November; fundraising during fall semester to cover cost of building materials with continued efforts during the spring in conjunction with the July 2019 Guatemala group.

Build, connect, and learn. The Guatemala Global Education program offers an experiential learning opportunity to discover ties between the United States and Guatemala, collaborate to raise funds, build new homes, and connect with the people of Guatemala. Prep work will cover Guatemalan history and demographics, including geography, languages, religion, government, and economics. In Guatemala, using materials purchased through fundraising, Westminster students will work with Guatemalan families and our partner organization, From 6

Houses to Homes, to build houses, making them strong, safe, culturally appropriate, and affordable to maintain. The homes are part of a wider attempt to connect the families with educational, health care, and housing opportunities.

Global Education: Mt. Kenya Exchange Program Ms. Dracos-Tice and Mr. Reese

10, 11 (by application)

This course is made possible by the generosity of our donor community through the Mount Kenya Academy Exchange Program Fund

Overnight travel: January 7-19 (tentative) Are you up for an adventure? Have you always wanted to make friends on a different continent and then welcome them to Atlanta? As a student on the Westminster/Mount Kenya Academy (MKA) Exchange Program, you will spend a week on Westminster’s campus learning about Kenya’s history, ecology, culture, and language as well as current events and challenges. Then, we will travel to our sister school Mount Kenya Academy, a boarding school of about 220 students in Nyeri, Kenya. Students will live in MKA dorms and participate in school life, including classes, sports, service at two local public elementary schools, and chapel services. In addition, we will visit Nyeri sites and go on safari. While in Kenya, students will work on creating a photojournalism project to share with those at home. The JanTerm cohort will also serve as primary hosts in April when six Kenyan students and two teachers visit Westminster.

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Global Education: Québec and First Nation Culture and Immersion Mr. Smith and Ms. Kelly

11, 12

Prerequisites: French 3 Overnight travel: January 9-18 (tentative) The Québec Program will study and visit two of the largest francophone (French-speaking) cities outside of France: Montréal and Québec City, in Canada. The goal of this program is to provide students with real-world opportunities to use their French language skills, as well as to delve into different cultures such as that of the Québecois and the native Canadian population in Chibougamau and Oujé-bougoumou in Northern Québec. Westminster will partner with the Selwyn House School in exploring and learning in Québec City and the villages of Charlevoix. Then the group will travel to the town of Chibougamau where they will work with the Cree Indians at the Oujé-bougoumou reservation—one of the First Nations of Canada—to explore their traditions, myths and their current situation within Canada as well as their fight for further recognition. On campus, the “Français Plus” classes at Selwyn House may include topics related to cultural diversity of American and Canadian natives, sharing experiences as global citizens, which will enable students to become leaders in the community and abroad.

Global Education: Running Through History Dr. Combest and Mr. Tribble

11 (by application, cost for summer travel) Overnight travel: June 3-30 Quebec and First Nation Culture and Immersion

and research assignments in January, in conjunction with onsite visitations the following summer, engage and instruct the students with the aim of increasing both their knowledge and appreciation of the past through experiential, interdisciplinary learning. Students travel throughout Europe—England, France, Germany, Austria, Italy, and Switzerland—visiting museums, historical sites, and other points of interest. Additionally, the course requires students to participate in morning runs/walks that afford a unique view of rural and urban settings.

Happiness Ms. Moore, Ms. Trask, and Ms. Davis

9, 10, 11, 12 This class is fashioned after the most popular class ever offered at Yale: Psychology and the Good Life. We will explore positive psychology—the characteristics that allow people to flourish— and behavioral change, or how to live those lessons in real life.

Topics include happiness, self-esteem, empathy, friendship, goal setting, love, achievement, creativity, mindfulness, spirituality, and humor. If you have ever wondered what the secrets of happiness are, this is your chance to learn some ways to increase your own levels of personal fulfillment. In addition to investigations and experiments, students will read articles about current research and technology, meet with leaders who have incorporated positive psychology in the workplace, engage in discussion, participate in field trips, and complete a “Hack Yourself Project” a personal self-improvement exercise that they will practice for two weeks of JanTerm.

History & Physics of Flight Running Through History includes both a JanTerm course and summer travel.

This course examines specific European historical topics from antiquity through the 20th century.

Classroom presentations, discussions,

Mr. Watkins and Mr. Souza

9, 10 Overnight travel: January 10-11 This course offers students an overview of the history of flight, focusing on the cultural, social, and military impacts that this exciting field has had on history. Integrated into this class is the science of flight, where students explore the physics behind flight through interactive and hands-on experiments. Students have the opportunity to build model rockets and airplanes, fly these models, and conduct experiments examining drag, lift, and thrust. Off-campus experiences include visits to a university flight laboratory and flight time with model airplanes at the Atlanta RC club. Students will also take an introductory pilot’s training course and get actual flight time with an instructor. In addition, the course will include an overnight trip to an aviation museum.

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A History of Computer Hardware and the Impact of Technology on Society Mr. Hare and Mr. Labouchere

9, 10, 11, 12 It is well-known that computers and computing technology have radically disrupted and forged our modern society and economy. This course seeks to explore the history and impact of these technologies while gaining practical experience from subject matter experts. Students will gain intimate knowledge of computing by building their own device and working alongside local leaders in the computing field. A main goal is for students to partner with the Computer Museum of America as they develop new content. Students will also explore how computing has dramatically impacted all areas of our lives and contend with the net benefits and trade-offs for society. From the punch card computers of the past to the gig-economy of today, students will research the dramatic rise of technology, plot its indelible impact on our lives, and investigate predictions of where we are headed in the future.

History of Sports Through Film Ms. Good and Mr. Berry

9, 10, 11, 12 Students will explore the significance of sports in history primarily from an American perspective as portrayed through film. Themes of the late 19th, 20th, and 21st centuries of American culture and society including civil rights, nationalism, global politic and the American dream will be examined as they are played out in sport. Students will have the opportunity to view and reflect on films in school and/or at home, go on local field trips and engage with guest speakers. Working in small groups, the course will culminate with a final project.

Holocaust Mr. Geeza and Mr. Munday

11, 12 How did the Holocaust happen? How could some people commit such heinous crimes, while others remained bystanders, and still others risked their lives to save innocent people? The course will attempt to answer these and other questions as we examine the Holocaust from the viewpoint of the human capacity for good and evil. We will examine and discuss the role of human behavior, as well as the religious and historical sources of anti-Semitism, as background to the events of the 1930’s and 1940’s. In addition, the curriculum will expand into the discussion of other 20th- and 21st-century genocides. The class will visit various Holocaust resources in Atlanta—including the Breman Jewish Heritage and Holocaust Museum, the Museum of History and Holocaust Education at Kennesaw State University, and the National Center 8

for Civil and Human Rights. This curriculum is student-centered and inquiry-based; that means that you students drive the course!

Be prepared: the movies, documentaries, and memoirs that we will study display or describe graphic scenes and troubling questions.

Imagined Cities Mr. Causevic, Ms. Johnson, and Mr. Carvajal

9, 10 In this course, students will explore imagined cities: tradition versus innovation. Examining various aspects of a city in movies such as Black Panther, TV shows, and literary genres, students will contemplate how an author’s imagination defines, limits, and frees a character and its individuality within the space and time of a city. To that end, three essential questions will be analyzed: What shifts in consciousness, experiences and life are imagined?

How do the relationships in an imagined city advance and/or detract from attitudes and interconnectedness? How are gender and inclusion imagined? Students will visit various places in and around the city of Atlanta; for example the Margaret Mitchell House, various parts of the Beltline, socio-historically significant neighborhoods, buildings, and (infra) structures, as well as take day trips to the outskirts of Atlanta.

Innovation Space: Campuses and Communities Mr. Steele, Mr. Clemmons, and Dr. Addcox

11, 12 Overnight travel: January 10-14 Have you ever thought to yourself “someone should do something about that”? Most people have no trouble identifying things around them that don’t work as well as they would like or that could be improved. However, in this class we will take the time to explore and cultivate creative solutions to problems, helping students strive to be innovative participants in their communities. In our first week, we plan to explore SCAD, the Beltline, and Westminster’s campus, all of which are spaces designed to solve specific problems and to achieve specific goals. Next, the class will travel to New York to work alongside Ennead Architects, learning how to create innovative solutions for campuses and communities through building and space designs.

Finally, students will develop professional proposals designed to offer innovative solutions to a specific part of Westminster’s campus.

Internships Ms. Major, Ms. Solomon, Ms. Merchant, and Ms. Tosello

11, 12 (by application) Students interested in pursuing an internship during JanTerm should submit a proposal to the JanTerm Internship Committee.

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Internships should be designed to provide experience in an area of deep interest and should serve the organization hosting the student. Students will be evaluated based on the following: a reading list submitted by the student that will complement the experiential component of the internship, daily journal reflections on the readings and experiences, weekly meetings at Westminster, and a final project/product that will be presented to the committee and other students participating in internships.

Interested students should see Ms. Merchant, Ms. Solomon or Ms. Major to get the details of preparing a proposal. Applications will be evaluated on a rolling basis, with a deadline of September 18. Enrollment is limited to 35 students. Note: Once 35 students have been approved, we will no longer accept proposals.

Literature and Ecology of Fly Fishing

Law & Order: Understanding the Legal System

Mathematics of Fantasy Sports

Mr. Oliver and Ms. Boozer

Mr. Justice

9, 10 This course will consider the fiction of Zane Grey, Ernest Hemingway, Caroline Gordon, and Norman Maclean, with particular interest in what their writings about fly fishing tell us about our understanding of ourselves in relationship to the natural world. We will explore basic trout biology, ecology, and conservation with field trips to trout hatcheries and instruction about the basics of fly tying and fishing. Our work will include designing in-stream structures to improve trout habitat.

Mr. Stodghill and Dr. Salimi

9, 10, 11, 12

10, 11, 12

Watch hearings in federal and state courts, visit a law firm, interact with highly accomplished attorneys and local and federal (FBI) law enforcement guest speakers, explore laws and Supreme Court rulings, and learn how it all works. The law affects you, all of the organizations around you, and general society, every day – it doesn’t need to be a mystery. Topics will include federal laws such as civil rights, capital punishment, immigration, securities law (the stock market), intellectual property (patent, trademark, and copyright), and health care, as well as state laws that influence business and entertainment contracts and criminal Law & Order: Understanding proceedings. the Legal System

In this course, students will explore sports data and design mathematical models that enable them to maximize the number of points that their fantasy sports teams can earn. Students will create leagues and teams using sports currently in season and compete against each other throughout the course. Students will also learn some of the principles behind sports analytics, such as regression to the mean, aging curves, value over replacement, and positional scarcity. Students will use games to simulate sports such as football and baseball, applying the principles they have learned in order to create better teams. Finally, students will meet with members of Atlanta’s professional teams and hear how they make decisions in real-world situations.

Leadership 101 Mr. Evans, Ms. Cowan, and Mr. Batcheller

11, 12 Do you think of yourself as a leader? Do you hold a title on campus but you’re struggling to figure out how to lead? Do you want to learn more about “what it takes” to develop as a leader but don’t know where to start? If so, come join us as we pursue answers to these questions through a course featuring a remarkable speaker series (hosted by Mr. Evans!), academic readings and case studies, and experience-based “leadership labs.” We will see leadership in action as we connect with leaders on our campus and throughout Atlanta, but we will also explicitly consider how these examples of “Living Leadership” relate to your daily experiences at Westminster.

Music & the Movies Dr. Stewart and Mrs. Vesey

11, 12 Overnight travel: January 10–14 Prerequisites: A basic level of music knowledge including listening familiarity with orchestral instruments; basic proficiency in at least one instrument or voice.

Music & the Movies

This course explores the role of music in film, television, and video games, surveying music from the silent film era through the present, with an emphasis 9

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on feature-length Hollywood films. Students are expected to demonstrate high level skills in writing, reading, research, critical listening, and analysis, all in the context of the historical study of film music. The course will also examine music for cinema from several other perspectives: technology and history, aesthetics and culture, and economics and business. This class concludes with a written and presented capstone project. Travel to Los Angeles will include visits with composers, studios, and other elements of the industry.

created a juggernaut industry. In studying these Broadway shows, we will be studying some of the major issues of the 20th century, such as racism, immigration, the AIDS crisis, and inequality/struggle for economic equality. In addition to a final research project, there will be a performance component but no experience is necessary because we will all be learning! We will be touring several theatres in the area and seeing a professional show. We will be speaking with major musical theatre guest artists and current Broadway professionals from New York, London, Atlanta, LA, and more.

Music, Society, and Culture

Physics of Sports

Mr. Gough and Dr. Walters

Mr. Malmberg, Mr. Romberg, and Mr. Joel

9, 10, 11, 12

9, 10

Music is a powerful art form that has shaped humanity across cultures and throughout history. We will look at music through the work of Daniel J. Levitin, who has characterized music into six types of songs: Friendship, Joy, Comfort, Religion, Knowledge, and Love.

As music influences individuals, individuals impact society. From Billie Holliday to John Lennon to Bob Marley to Public Enemy to Beyoncé, musicians craft songs that may influence society and the way in which society approaches challenging problems. From Civil Rights to same-sex marriage, music can speak to the world as a type of vehicle for those who struggle to be heard.

This course is designed for students who are interested in investigating the physics behind a wide variety of sports. We will see how concepts such as force, momentum, and energy give us a deeper understanding of the mechanics of human motion and how to better train for sporting performance. Investigations will take place around Westminster, with some field trips and guest speakers, including coaches and trainers.

Musical Theater History Ms. Morgens, Mr. Maynard, and Ms. Wilson

9, 10, 11, 12 Requirement: One evening commitment Have you ever been caught belting out showtunes? In this course we will be exploring the historical context of Broadway for the past 120 years, delving into the composers, actors, and shows that have

Science and Design of Cars and Racing 10

Post-Newtonian Physics Mr. Lovell and Mr. Pullen

10, 11, 12 Overnight travel: One night. Alternative assignments will be given for winter athletes who cannot travel.

Our world is filled with remarkable technologies based on the post-Newtonian principles of quantum physics and Einstein’s relativity—who knew? Technology based on quantum physics includes computers and all digital electronics, lasers, nuclear energy, MRI, and even automatic doors at grocery stores.

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Technology based on relativity includes GPS, PET scanners, and even old CRT televisions. However, high school science classes offer very little, if any, discussion of these crucial modern physics ideas. This class introduces you to the underlying concepts behind these exciting technologies. You will use advanced laboratory equipment to investigate the physics beyond the Newtonian worldview. If you aspire to major in engineering or physical science, you will get a head start on counterintuitive concepts you will encounter in college. Field trips include Georgia Tech quantum physics labs and the Oak Ridge National Laboratory. The course is mainly conceptual, with math limited to algebra, and culminates in a final project and presentation.

Emerge from your Newtonian cocoon!

Science and Design of Cars and Racing Mr. Wellford and Mr. Adkins

9, 10 Are you a good driver? Think you can outdrive a computer?

Maybe you’ve wondered how your car gets you so comfortably and safely from point A to point B? But what if something happens along the way? Can you change a flat tire? Jump a dead battery? Check the oil? This course aims to explain and demonstrate the forces behind and the inner workings of the modern car. Projects include a dragster (and/or electric car) building competition as well as hands-on experience with practical automobile maintenance. We will look closely at safe driving principles and examine the latest, race-inspired automotive technology. Local field trips will include racetracks, universities, and businesses within the automotive and motorsports industries.

The Science and Psychology Behind Crime Scene Investigation Ms. Cox and Ms. Justice

11, 12 Starting with crime scene investigation, this course will explore the various scientific tools used to assemble information and solve crime. Hands-on laboratory investigations, real-life case studies, and discussions with professional crime scene analysts will be used to teach both evidence collection and analysis of fingerprint, footprint, weapon impressions, blood spatter, time of death determination, DNA fingerprinting, hair and fiber identification, entomology, serology, and toxicology. Students will also be introduced to the psychology behind criminal trials, learning about witness and victim testimony, as well as courtroom procedures from the perspectives of all involved. Potential field trips may include trips to the Georgia Bureau of Investigation (GBI) and the Atlanta Police Department (APD). The class will culminate with students successfully processing a crime scene, analyzing the evidence, and testifying in a mock trial.

Science Fiction and American Historical Context Ms. Szolodko and Ms. Whitesides

11, 12 This course will consider popular culture—specifically, science fiction film and television—and its reflection of American anxieties, aspirations, and ethical dilemmas between the 1950s and the present. Of particular focus will be the ethical considerations of advanced technology such as artificial intelligence (AI). Films and readings (short stories, cultural criticism, historical background, contemporary reviews, etc.) will spark class discussions on the significance of science fiction materials in various contexts and on the ethical dilemmas posed by robot technology, advanced computer programs, and even the controversies surrounding preservation of individual “digital footprints” beyond our lifespans. Field trips include a film tour to science fiction film locations in Atlanta and/or a film screening at a local theater. Routine written reflections, individual research work, and a final project are required.

Scientific and Medical Ethics: The Impact of Race & Culture Ms. Harless and Ms. Bailey

10, 11, 12 This interdisciplinary course examines scientific discoveries in the context of racial, political, and social climates. Scientific/ medical ethics and cultural/racial issues will be the focus of the course. The story of Henrietta Lacks will provide the foundation and architecture for the course. This class will include several field trips without overnight or evening obligations. Field trips potentially include Tuskegee, Alabama (the site of the Tuskegee Syphilis Study), the Human Bodies Exhibit in Atlanta, a local university to review the process of human subjects research, the MLK Center in Atlanta, and the Center for Civil and Human Rights in Atlanta. Students will keep a journal over the course of our studies in which they include reflections, current events, and responses to readings. There will be regular reading checks and a final project.

Sports Medicine Ms. Carter and Ms. White

9, 10 This course is designed for students interested in sports medicine here at Westminster and beyond. Topics will include the basic concepts of athletic training as a profession, human anatomy, mechanism of injury, and administration of athletic training. Students will demonstrate a basic mastery of how athletic injuries occur, how they are treated, and how they can be prevented. Project-based learning about various athletic injuries will take place. The Westminster training room will become our 11

JAN ‘ TERM laboratory. Guest speakers will include professionals such as various doctors, physical therapists, trainers, chiropractors, and nutritionists. Students will travel to hospitals and research labs, including Emory, UGA, and Georgia Tech.

Stress: Name It to Tame It Ms. Monroe and Dr. Miller

11, 12 School! Extracurriculars! Parents! Friends! AAAGGGHHHH! Stress from every direction! Did you know that there are actually four types of stress? How about the fact that YOU have the ability to make stress your friend or your foe? Students in this course will explore stress as a complex phenomenon from multiple perspectives, including physiological, psychological, emotional, cognitive and intrapersonal/ interpersonal aspects. It will inform students on causes and sources of stress as well as stress management techniques and treatment. Students will gain insight into themselves and their unique responses to stress through self-assessments, a stress awareness log, and a variety of local field trips.

What’s On My Plate?

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Using MARTA and BeltLine systems students will investigate traditional and urban growing practices that are in the Atlanta food system. On campus, groups will work through activities of real world growing challenges. Field trips for the course will include visiting King of Pops, Atlanta Community Food Bank, Jim Adam’s Farm to Table Restaurant, Cafe 458, and other community partners that foster growth in our community and add flavor to the city of Atlanta.

Women Writers and Feminism Dr. Hunter and Ms. Heald

10, 11, 12 What made J.K. Rowling who she is? How did Beyonce become Beyonce? In this course, we will explore stories and scripts that have shaped women’s lives and continue to shape our lives. We will interact not only with each other, but also with local female leaders who have cultivated meaningful lives in our community.

We will look to history, literature, film, and music to reflect on both the traditional cues that direct women’s lives as well as women’s efforts to break out of scripts that confine them. Through writing, reading, and conversation, each student will create her own story, choosing elements of memoir, creative non-fiction and/or poetry.

Ms. Horne and Ms. Drewicz-Ewing

9, 10, 11, 12 Food is a basic need for all human beings, and finding that food has been a drive in human innovation and societal growth in our city. Atlanta is a city that has strong ties to food. In this course we will explore the world of food that we eat, and reflect on what that food means. The class will have opportunity to cook food and share collective experiences that tell a unique story, and discover what access we have to fresh/sustainable produce in Atlanta.

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