Winter 2012 Courses

Winning an Argument: The Art of Debate
Time:  9:00-10:30
Fee:  $50
Minimum:  10 students; Maximum: 20 students

This course will examine both theoretical and practical aspects
of debating. It will include a study and analysis of rhetoric, as well as
provide opportunities for students to practice their debating skills on one
another. It will also include biographical studies of famous orators,
analysis of communication differences between males and females, mock
parliamentary debates, and the watching of video clips of famous debates.
All students will be expected to participate in presenting material and
debating their classmates.


Art History
Time:  9:00-10:30
Fee:  $40

Does art matter when there is suffering in the world? What’s its purpose? Why bother to look at it? How do we look at and evaluate art? What about modern art? Who have been the most influential artists in history? What have they done that we should notice? Why should we care?  These are some of the questions we will explore, as we look at art through the ages of Western Civilization.

This course is not about learning names and dates primarily but will be a discussion- oriented look at art and architecture from ancient to modern. Class discussions will be based on weekly readings and slideshows. Touching on philosophy and worldviews, we’ll explore both the rocky relationship Christians have had with art and the biblical call to put art in its proper place in our lives.  ‘Art Appreciation’ as much as ‘Art History,’ this course’s goal is to foster deeper appreciation for and understanding of the marvelous gift of art.


Gym
Time:  10:45-12:15
Fee:  $30
Minimum: 8 students; Maximum: 16 students

This semester we will be working on European handball and floor hockey.  European handball is a combination of basketball, soccer, hockey, and lacrosse and has been described as "the fastest and most exciting sport in the world." Floor hockey is a variation of ice hockey and students will be expected to bring their own sticks for play.  We will be spending 6 weeks for each sport, learning:
*the origin and history of the game
*rules and regulations
*skills involved
*actual play


Literary Analysis
Time:  10:45-12:15
Fee:  $60
Minimum: 6 students; Maximum: 16 students


We all know a great story when we read one...but what makes it great?  This course will cover the basics of literary analysis, including annotating, identifying literary elements and  devices, creating an argumentative thesis, and writing a literary analysis essay.  Students will focus primarily on short fiction to practise these skills and develop a deeper engagement with and appreciation for the art of literature.


Studio Art
Time:  10:45-12:15
Fee: $125 (including materials)

Art class is not simply a time to make nice pictures (although that’s part of it!); it is a time of exploration, of creative expression, and of hard work as we cultivate our sense of creativity and visual communication. Students will explore what it means to be visual communicators through selected readings, in-class discussions and critiques, and the practice of art. Utilizing the principles of design, basic colour theory, and the examples of past masters students will explore the mediums of drawing, painting, and printmaking as ways of expression, communication, and, most importantly, praise.

Drama
Time:  1:00-3:00
Fee:  $100 for actors and stage managers; $50 for crew (set, props, costumes. lighting, etc)

Production, tech, and acting--students will develop a full understanding of the process of theatre production.  The main goal of this course will be to put on a polished theatrical production.  The actors will receive instruction in practical aspects of theatre as an art form.  Attention will be focused on vocal training, acting styles and techniques, character development, stage movement, creative self-expression, improvisation, and theatre games.  The technical team will learn and be responsible for all backstage aspects of the production including costuming, set design, lighting, sound, and stage management.

Missions
Time:  1:00-3:00
No fee

For those not interested in Drama, an opportunity for missions service will be provided in the afternoon time slot.  The Good Shepherd Centre in Hamilton is able to accommodate a group of teens to help out in their warehouse.  The duties include sorting through clothing, food, and small household goods and repackaging of multi items into individual packages for distribution to the homeless and other clients who are in need. 

In addition to these regular Thursday afternoons, Mrs. Harrison plans to arrange monthly service projects on days other than Thursday, such as to the Ontario Christian Gleaners.  OCG is a Christian, interdenominational charitable organization where many volunteers clean, dice, dry, mix and bag surplus produce such as onions, carrots, peas, broccoli, cauliflower, peppers, beans, lentils, apples, and pears into a nutritious soup mix and fruit snack ready for distribution.  The OCG donates the soup mix to reputable relief organizations with logistics to distribute the food where it is needed. Other service possibilities will be discussed.

Parents of students involved will be asked to assist with transportation when possible.

Ballroom Dance!

Thirteen youthful sophisticates took to the dance floor (aka the gym) this fall to learn the foxtrot, salsa, merengue, and other dances.  Enjoy their end-of-semester performance.