ELECTIVE CLASSES

ART APPRECIATION – ART FRAUD DETECTIVES

9th-12th grades - FALL ONLY

In this one semester class, students will use the book, Art Fraud Detective, to study famous paintings found in the National Gallery in London, comparing copies of the originals with potential fakes. In this fictional book, the “Museum of Art” has gotten a tip that some of their priceless works of art have been stolen and replaced with forgeries. Students will study over 35 different paintings, looking for signs of forgery, in order to figure out which paintings are fakes, and which criminal on the list of possible forgers is guilty. It’s a fun mystery to solve that encourages students to really look at the details in the paintings. Students will learn facts about the specific paintings, the artist who painted it, what period it comes from (Impressionist, Romantic, Modern, etc), as well as become familiar with art terms and techniques. Beyond paintings, we’ll study mosaics, stained glass, statues, iconography, and the elements of art/principles of design. We’ll talk about the Monuments Men and the importance of beauty and art and why it’s worth saving. The final project is an art show where students take on the role of an art curator and find art around the world that fit their chosen theme.

No prerequisites. No art skills necessary.

This class is worth ½ credit for Fine Arts.

Textbook: This class will use Art Fraud Detective which will be loaned to the student and must be returned at the end of the semester in good condition.

Tuition: $30 per month for 4 months ($90 per semester after registration deposit)

Supply fee: $15, which includes the magnifying glass, homework folders, a resource folder, food for an “art show” at the end of the semester, and printouts each week

Class size: minimum 4, maximum 10
Required supplies:

Tutor: Kim Ellerbrock

MUSIC APPRECIATION

9th-12th grades - SPRING ONLY

In this one-semester class, students will be exposed to a quick overview of Western music history, famous composers, and identifying instruments in an orchestra. Then we will focus on the types of music that tell a story: tone poems, descriptive music, oratorios, musicals, operas, movie scores, etc. Students will learn how to actively listen to music – to hear the different layers and textures in order to figure out what the composer is trying to say in the story. This class will require time spent outside of class listening to assigned music and and writing in a music listening journal. Occasionally additional homework will be assigned. Students will make a music video for their final project.

No prerequisites.

This class is worth ½ credit for Fine Arts.

Tuition: $30 per month for 4 months ($90 for the semester after registration deposit)

Supply fee: $15, which includes homework folders, resource folder, weekly printouts, and food for a

movie party at the end of the semester
Class size: minimum 4, maximum 10
Required text: None, though access to the internet for listening purposes is required
Required supplies:

Good quality speakers or headphones.
A computer to listen to the music via YouTube links
Pen

Tutor: Kim Ellerbrock

SAT/ACT PREPARATION FOR THE MATH SECTION

9th-12th grades - SPRING ONLY

During this class, students will learn tips and tricks for scoring well on the digital SAT math section. Students will be required to complete and score practice tests and work problems from Khan Academy at home and come to class with a list of questions to discuss. Students can expect about 30-45 minutes of work per day outside of class.

Tuition: $40 per month ($120 for the semester after registration deposit)

Supply fee: $10

Class size: minimum 3, maximum 10

Required materials: College Board and Khan Academy accounts (both are free)

Tutor: Sondra Mullan

SAT/ACT PREPARATION FOR THE READING & WRITING SECTION

9th-12th grades - FALL ONLY

During this class, students will learn tips and tricks for scoring well on the digital SAT and ACT reading and writing sections. Since English classes rarely focus on test-taking skills, they will gain confidence and experience with this course. Students will be required to complete and score practice tests and work problems from Khan Academy at home and come to class with a list of questions to discuss. Students can expect about 30-45 minutes of work per day outside of class.

Tuition: $40 per month ($120 for the semester after registration deposit)

Supply fee: $10

Class size: minimum 3, maximum 10

Required materials: College Board and Khan Academy accounts (both are free)

Tutor: Sondra Mullan

SPEECH/PUBLIC SPEAKING

9th-12th grades

“There are only two types of speakers in the world. Number one, the nervous, and number two, liars.” – Mark Twain

The goal of this one-semester course is student improvement in writing and delivering interesting and compelling speeches with less anxiety, and perhaps, even have some fun!

Course Objectives:

Ease students’ fears of speaking to groups, enabling them to deliver thoughts and opinions with increased confidence.
Equip students with skills used in introducing themselves and others, interviews, conversations, and phone calls.
Improve delivery by increasing awareness of volume, speed, tone of voice, breathing, vocal pauses and other important considerations.
Provide a safe place to practice public speaking and receive positive, uplifting comments which can help each student to improve.
Teach students to analyze peer speeches and provide kind and useful feedback.
Peer feedback is a primary tool in this class. Peer evaluations will develop each student’s skills of analysis and listening and student feedback will be provided regarding content, delivery and effectiveness of peers’ speeches.
Assignments include preparing and giving various types of speeches including a self-introduction speech, and narrative, expository, persuasive and impromptu speeches. Students will also gain experience in small group interaction, overcoming difficulties in conversation, and job interview techniques. Homework for this class will require 1 to 3 hours of time outside of class per week.

Required Text: Introduction to Public Speaking, a resource created by Andrew Pudewa of the Institute for

Excellence in Writing (IEW), is the backbone of the course which features demonstration speeches by students with informational instruction by Andrew Pudewa. Videos will be used for a small part of classroom time, and will be augmented by group discussion, presentations, and other materials provided by the instructor. Each student will be provided with IEW Introduction to Public Speaking Student Notebook (124 pages in a binder) which is included in your supply fee.

Tuition: $35 per month for 4 months ($105 for the semester after registration deposit)

Supply fee: $40 covers IEW Introduction to Public Speaking Student Binder and copies of other classroom materials

Class size: minimum 6, maximum 15

Tutor: Justy Brubaker