beacon summer academy 2013

Beacon Summer Academy

Contact203.409.0066

[email protected]/summerwww.beacon-ct.org/summer

2013 Course CatalogBEACONA Greenwich Education Group School

44 Commerce Road, Stamford, CT 06902

Our Mission: To challenge, develop thinking skil ls,

foster creativity, ignite intel lectual curiosity and promote joyful learning.

The Beacon Summer Academy offers a customized,

renaissance learning experience for intellectually motivated students

entering grades 2-12. With an equal emphasis on academics,

technology, and the arts, we construct each student’s schedule to

reflect his or her passions. Students may select from a variety of core

and elective courses or design their own course to create a program

that meets their needs.

The Summer Academy is a rigorous yet responsive learning

environment steeped in the educational philosophy of Beacon,

where teachers respect their students, help them develop their tal-

ents, and encourage self-direction and self-advocacy.

Explore the following pages or contact us for more info at

[email protected] or 203.409.0066..

Contact203.409.0066

[email protected]/summer

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CalendarFirst Term Monday through Friday, June 10–June 28

Second Term Monday through Friday, July 8–July 26

Daily ScheduleClass 1: 10:00 - 11:00Class 2: 11:00 - 12:00Lunch: 12:00 - 1:00Class 3: 1:00 - 2:00Class 4: 2:00 - 3:00

BSA students design their own schedules; they can take one class, par-ticipate in the full-day program, or anything in between. Class sections will be scheduled based on demand and enrollment. Please include your schedule preferences in your application and course selection form. Students may enroll for one or both 3-week terms.

Lower and Middle School students’ schedules will include a struc-tured recess block during their lunch hour, and breaks will be added as needed for our youngest Beacon scholars. PE options on site and at Chelsea Piers are also available upon request.

Customized schedules and extended day programs are also available (9:00 – 5:00) with individualized classes or proctored study hall. Please inquire for more details at (203) 661-1609, option 2, or summer @beacon-ct.org. Please inquire for more details at (203) 661-1609, option 2, or [email protected].

TuitionLower & Middle SchoolPer class: $550Full-Day (4 classes): $2200

Upper SchoolPer Class: $600

Full-Day (4 classes): $2400

uDesign 1:1 ClassesPer Class: Additional $100

Tuition DiscountsEarly Enrollment (before March 15): 10% off

Sibling Discount: 10% off second student

Beacon Students: 20% off

Credits & GradingAll Beacon Summer Academy students receive narrative report cards at the end of the summer term. Upper School courses may be taken for credit or enrichment; students taking courses for credit will receive grades and a transcript indicating conferral of credit. Each intensive course is worth .25 credits.

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Lower School Classes Page 9

Middle School Classes Page 17

Upper School Classes Page 27

Special Full-Day Programs

Beacon Summer Stock!This year, the Beacon Summer Academy is opening the curtain on a

new summer stock program. Students will develop their theatrical and

technical skills while having fun and making new friends. Under the

guidance of Beacon’s expert music, drama, and design teachers, stu-

dents will collaborate according to their individual interests and stage

an authentic production at the end of the term. Whether students

excel on the stage or behind the stage, in set design or costume design,

as musicians or technicians, there will be a role for all—from beginners

to advanced theater students looking for a challenge. Programs are

available for lower, middle, and upper school students. The summer

stock program tuition is $1800 per term.

Summer in the City: NYC ImmersionDiscover the city next door in this experiential course as you tour the

cultural, historical, and commercial landmarks of New York City. With

a dynamic teacher as their guide, students will expand their knowledge

of American history, art history, music, political science, and pop culture.

Days will be spent exploring the city’s many neighborhoods, visiting

museums and other NYC fixtures, and sampling diverse cuisines. Each

class is limited to ten students. Programs are available for middle and

upper school students. Please inquire about opportunities for groups

of upper elementary students. Tuition is $2400 per term, including

lunch and transportation.

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Welcome to the Beacon Summer Academy! Over the following pages, you will find detailed

descriptions of the diverse array of courses

available during our summer terms. And remember,

if you’re looking for an individualized one-on-one

course, you can always design your own!

Course Overview

Core CoursesCore Courses are designed for students who want to develop

advanced academic skills, get a head start on demanding courses,

keep their minds sharp over the summer, or go further than their

school curriculum allows.

Elective CoursesWhy wait until college to study truly interesting topics and satisfy

your intellectual curiosity? Sharpen your critical thinking skills, expand

your knowledge base, and explore new topics in the Beacon Summer

Academy’s Enrichment Courses.

uDesign CoursesIf you are looking for a class that is not listed in our course catalog,

Beacon invites you to design your own 1:1 course to investigate an

emerging interest or cultivate a serious passion. There are virtually

no limits on course selection for uDesign courses in academics, arts,

and technology. Tuition for 1:1 programs varies depending on credit

hours. Please contact us for more details at [email protected] or

203.409.0066.

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for students entering grades 2-5

Lower School

9

BEACONA Greenwich Education Group School

Math ChallengeIn the BSA Math Challenge course students are placed by ability

into small-group classes to develop advanced math skills under the

guidance of the Beacon mathematics faculty. Math Challenge opens

new doors for gifted students who have been bored during the school

year, or helps bright students feel more confident entering challenging

math courses or jumping from a standard to an honors track. A place-

ment test is required to determine curricular levels.

Elective Courses

Fairy Tales & FantasyJoin us for a journey through fantastic new worlds in this creative

course. From ancient castles to outer space, from Sleeping Beauty

to Harry Potter, students will learn how authors use fairy tales and

fantasy to express key themes and explore the human condition. They

will also compose original works within the fantasy genre and learn how

to develop plot, character, setting, and more.

Marine ScienceIn this course, students will explore marine ecosystems and learn about

their inhabitants, from plants and algae to fish, sea birds, and marine

mammals. Students will also learn about diverse oceanic habitats such

as reefs and deep-sea trenches. Emphasis will be placed on the inter-

dependence of life in the oceans, as well as the important role that

oceans play in our world.

Lower School 1110 Lower School

Note: Multiple sections of each course will be created to accommo-date different age groups. The curriculum for each section will be modified to ensure that every student is appropriately challenged, regardless of age and ability.

Core Courses

Writing ChallengeIn the BSA Writing Challenge, students are placed by ability into small-

group classes to develop composition skills under the expert guidance

of Beacon teachers. The development of foundational writing skills is

essential during the lower school years. However, students often do not

receive the intensive guidance and direct instruction they need during

the school year, especially if they struggle with perfectionism and writer’s

block. At Beacon, teachers work closely with students to help them learn

to express themselves with confidence and overcome common obstacles

and anxieties. A placement test is required to determine curricular levels.

Reading ChallengeThe BSA Reading Challenge gives students the opportunity to read and

discuss literature on a high level while building their skills in textual study,

reading comprehension, and elementary literary analysis. Following the

Junior Great Books curriculum, and guided by experienced Beacon

English teachers, students will grapple with sophisticated concepts and

philosophical questions in response to classic texts. They will also learn

critical skills such as identifying key information, making predictions and

inferences, understanding narrative arc and plot components, analyz-

ing authorial intent, and mastering literary devices. A placement test is

required for this course to determine curricular levels.

StorytellingWhat makes a story a good story? The course will expand students’

powers of observation, imagination, and communication as they explore

this guiding question. Students will learn the fundamentals of creative

writing and storytelling while strengthening their grammatical fluency,

word choice, and self-expression. They will investigate setting, plot,

character development, narrative arc, and voice by reading the works

of famous storytellers and crafting their own stories. They will also

investigate oral traditions and end the summer term with a public

reading of their best work.

RoboticsThis course will introduce students to the basics of modeling, design-

ing, planning, and controlling robot systems. Students will also gain

a basic understanding of engineering and logical thinking in relation

to robotics. Through the medium of LEGO Mindstorms, students will

apply this knowledge to construct and program their own robots.

Creative CollageDo you enjoy making art out of everything? Then this is the course for

you! Students in Creative Collage will use magazines, photographs,

newspapers, drawings, paints, glitter, and almost anything else they can

think of to create personally meaningful collages. Each week students

will be challenged to create a collage based on a different theme, such

as family and friends, nature, or music.

Garden ClubSome people say that you’re born with a green thumb, but at Beacon

we think you can grow one! If you’re interested in plants, ecology,

botany, horticulture and gardening, then this is the class for you.

Students in this class will learn about the biology and life cycles of

different kinds of plants, the role of plants in our global ecosystems,

and techniques used to grow and nurture annuals and perennials, trees

and shrubs, grasses and mosses, and more. Even better, they will have

the opportunity to get their hands dirty by planning and planting their

own gardens.

PuppetryLearn how to create puppets and how to use these creations for

narration, creative expression, and dramatic performance. By investi-

gating the puppets of diverse cultures, from Noh theater to the

Muppets, students will also explore the ideas of identity, emotion, and

communication in the arts. Students will work together to construct a

puppet theater and perform for the Beacon summer community.

All About LabsYoung science lovers will enjoy this lab-based course in which they

will perform challenging, thought-provoking experiments in chemistry,

biology, and physics. Students will also learn the fundamentals of the

scientific method by testing their hypotheses and analyzing their

results. No previous lab experience necessary!


Eggciting EggsperimentsHow many eggsperiments can your egg survive? Anyone who cannot

answer that question should take this course! BSA eggsperimenters will

design, develop, and take part in experiments of force, acceleration, pres-

sure, and buoyancy–all relating to eggs! From viscosity to velocity, from

engineering to physics, students will learn fundamental scientific concepts

in a one-of-a-kind course. This is one seriously eggciting opportunity.

uDesignIf you are looking for a class that is not listed, Beacon invites you to

design your own 1:1 course to investigate an emerging interest or culti-

vate a serious passion. There are virtually no limits on course selection

for uDesign courses in academics, arts, and technology. Tuition for 1:1

programs varies depending on credit hours. Please contact us for more

details.

Number TheoryIn this course, students will learn how to reexamine typical math con-

cepts in a more intuitive way. The class will explore the nature of inte-

gers, place value, and bases through hands-on, investigative units from

Project M3: Mentoring Mathematical Minds. This course will also intro-

duce students to the history of number theory in different cultures, the

beauty of numeric patterns, and the concept of pure mathematics.

Book ClubDo you just love to read? If so, the BSA Book Club could be the perfect

place for you to share your love of literature with other students. Stu-

dents read a challenging but engrossing novel and short stories chosen

for each group based on its interests and ability level. The book club

model also provides students with the opportunity to engage in round-

table discussions of the text on a deeper level and develop advance

literary skills under the guidance of a Beacon English teacher. A place-

ment test is required to determine sections and curriculum. Please

note: this course may also help students meet their independent sum-

mer reading requirements—with a bit more fun!

Art StudioYoung artists will enjoy the opportunity to hone their studio skills in this

mixed media visual arts class. Instruction will focus on the principles of

design, the creative process, and skills and techniques in a variety of

media. Students will examine the work of famous artists and develop

their own original pieces in 2D and 3D media.



Middle School


17

Math ChallengeIn the BSA’s Math Challenge course students are placed by ability into

small-group classes to develop advanced math skills under the guid-

ance of the Beacon mathematics faculty. Math Challenge opens new

doors for gifted students who have been bored during the school year,

or help bright students feel more confident entering challenging math

courses or jumping from a standard to an honors track. A placement

test is required to determine curricular levels.

Foreign Language AccelerationStudents are placed by ability into small-group classes to develop

advanced conversational, written, and grammatical skills under the

guidance of the Beacon faculty in Latin, French, Spanish, and Mandarin.

A placement exam is required to determine curricular levels.

Elective Courses

Forensic ScienceThis course will teach students how the application of forensic science

is used in criminal investigations and courts of law. Students will learn

how to collect and analyze evidence and will put their skills to use in

mock crime scenes. Based on their knowledge of forensics and critical

thinking skills along with DNA analysis and case studies, students will

be challenged to solve the crime.

Note: The curriculum for each section will be modified to ensure that

every student is appropriately challenged, regardless of age and ability.

Core Courses

Writing ChallengeStudents are placed by ability into small-group classes to develop

advanced composition skills. Writing development is critical at the

middle school level, but students often do not get the guidance and

direct instruction they need in large classes during the school year.

At the BSA, teachers conference with students daily and push them

to take their writing to a higher plane. A placement test is required to

determine curricular levels.

Reading ChallengeStudents have the opportunity to read and discuss literature on a

high level while building their skills in textual study, reading compre-

hension, and literary analysis. Following the Great Books curriculum,

students will grapple with sophisticated concepts and philosophical

questions in response to classic texts. They will also learn critical

skills such as identifying key information, making predictions and

inferences, understanding narrative arc and plot components, analyzing

authorial intent, and mastering literary devices. A placement test is

required to determine curricular levels.

Middle School 1918 Middle School

Cooking with ChemistryWhat makes an egg fry, why does milk curdle, and what’s the difference

between baking soda and baking powder anyway? Students will learn

the answers to these questions and more in Cooking with Chemistry.

Students with an interest in food science, culinary arts, or just plain

eating will enjoy this hands-on class and learn real kitchen skills and

chemical principles. They will also gain an understanding of the farm-to-

table process and the journey of nutrients from stars to soil to plants to

animals (including humans!). Join us for a whole new look at food.

Book ClubDo you just love to read? If so, the BSA Book Club could be the perfect

place for you to share your love of literature with other students.

Students read a challenging but engrossing novel and short stories

chosen for each individual group based on its interests and ability lev-

els. The book club model also provides students with the opportunity

to engage in roundtable discussions of the text on a deeper level,

and develop advance literary skills. A placement test is required to

determine sections and curriculum.

Birding 101Bird lovers, take flight! Under the expert guidance of Beacon’s in-house

environmental scientist, you will learn about bird identification, vocal-

ization, habitat, anatomy, and behavior as well as seasonal trends and

recent bird news. You will also venture into the field at local nature

sites to witness avian behavior in action and practice identifying birds

by their appearance and their calls.

Jewelry MakingIf you dream of being a jewelry designer, or simply want to have fun

making beautiful pieces to wear and share, this is the course for you!

Students will learn the basics of accessory design as well as beading,

appliqué, and metalwork. They will also learn aesthetic approaches

from different cultures, and appreciate the work of master craftspeo-

ple. All students will leave the course with several finished pieces to

show off to friends and family.

Mathematics of the Natural WorldStudents will discover the fascinating process by which mathematical

principles were and are derived from the natural world via hands-on

activities and proofs. Students will have the opportunity to hone their

geometry skills while exploring universal patterns in nature, the history

of pi, the Fibonacci Sequence, the Golden Ratio, symmetry, proportion,

and even biomimicry. Together we will explore ancient and modern

math in the real world using low-tech and high-tech tools.

Painting & DrawingYoung artists will enjoy the opportunity to hone their studio skills in this

2-D visual arts class. Instruction will focus on the principles of design, the

creative process, and skills and techniques in a variety of media. Students

will examine the work of famous artists and develop their own landscape,

still-life, portrait, and abstraction pieces. This course will culminate in an

art show and online publication of each student’s masterworks.


Advanced LabsStudents will go beyond the standard middle school science curriculum

in this fun, lab-based course and experience the scientific method first

hand. Experiments in chemistry, biology, and physics will teach students

to apply scientific concepts to scientific practice and improve their abil-

ity to make hypotheses, analyze data, question their assumptions, draw

conclusions, and reason inductively and deductively. For students with

an interest in science, this class, taught by an advanced science teach-

er, will give them a chance to act as practicing professionals in the field.

Poetry & ArtIn this course, students will read and write a wide range of poetry and

explore the link between images and words. Using famous works of art

as a launch pad for creative experimentation, students will engage in

automatic writing, free writing, and structured creative writing exer-

cises. They will also have the opportunity to illustrate their own original

compositions. Emphasis will be placed on word choice, sound, rhythm,

imagery, poetic devices, and creative expression. Students will learn

how to manipulate words in unexpected ways, find inspiration within

and without structure, and use language and images to communicate

their emotional and experiential insights.

Woodworking & ConstructionStudents who enjoy working with their hands and building new things

will love the BSA’s Woodworking & Construction course. From 3D

drawing and technical sketches to hands-on building and carpentry

techniques, students will learn to bring their ideas to life. This course

is especially well suited for students with strong spatial reasoning

skills who would benefit from applying these skills in the context of an

authentic field. All students will leave this class with a finished piece to

share with friends and family.

Non-Fiction LiteratureNot all students enjoy fantastic stories and invented dramas, so why not

design a class just for them? What’s more, not all fiction lovers have been

introduced to engaging non-fiction literature, which is critical to their

intellectual development, so why not design a class for them as well? The

BSA’s Non-Fiction Literature course indulges both ends of the spectrum

of young readers—and everyone in between—by engaging them in cre-

ative and critical approaches to the study of nonfiction, from the earliest

travel writers and essayists to the most recent memoirists and science

writers. Students will have the opportunity to understand and interpret

nonfiction through critical analysis, imitation, and composition. Come

explore the strategies and structures of nonfiction with us!


Fashion DesignIf you’re a thrift store diva or a designer devotee, if Project Runway

makes your Thursday nights worth living, or if you just love getting

dressed creatively in the morning, you may have a future in fashion!

Learn how to design, construct, and create fashion-forward garments in

this fun, hands-on course. How we dress influences who we are, and stu-

dents will develop their own sense of style, in addition to learning critical

skills such as conceptual design, pattern making, and construction.

Introduction to CalculusMany parents struggle with how to provide mathematical enrichment

to advanced students in middle school in order to keep them engaged

and challenged without making them even more bored next year. Why

not jump ahead to the heart of math and provide them with a concep-

tual introduction to the study of calculus, the mathematical underpin-

nings of our world? This class is designed to introduce students to

foundational concepts of calculus in a way that will enrich their under-

standing of the world, bolster their love of math, and give them a leg

up on the classes they will later encounter in high school. A placement

exam is required for this course.

uDesignIf you are looking for a class that is not listed above, Beacon invites

you to design your own 1:1 course to investigate an emerging interest

or cultivate a serious passion. There are virtually no limits on course

selection for uDesign courses in academics, arts, and technology.

Tuition for 1:1 programs varies depending on credit hours. Please

contact us for more details.

PhotographyIn this course, students will explore the art and science of photography.

In addition to learning the technical aspects of film and digital photog-

raphy, students will study aesthetics, composition, visual communica-

tion, and the language of photography. Throughout the course, they will

apply their knowledge by shooting photo series and utilizing both the

darkroom and the computer to bring their images to life.

Computer ProgrammingHave you ever wanted to make your own iPhone app or design your own

program? Do you ever wonder what goes on “behind the scenes” in your

computer? This course will teach you the basics of computer program-

ming with a hands-on approach. Students will start with Scratch, a pro-

gramming platform that teaches the core concepts of computer language

and enables beginners to design interactive stories, games, music, and

art. From there, they will progress to more advanced applications and

will take on individual projects based on their experience and ability.

Topics in PhysicsWhy wait until high school to learn how to unlock the secrets of the

physical world? Topics in Physics introduces students to concepts

beyond their middle school textbooks, drawing from subfields as

diverse as astrophysics and particle physics, electricity and magnetism,

sound and light waves, and the theory of relativity. This course is

recommended for students with advanced mathematical skills.

Proficiency in algebra is suggested, but not required.



Upper School


27

Foreign Language AccelerationStudents are placed by ability into small-group classes to develop

advanced conversational, written, and grammatical skills under the

guidance of the Beacon faculty in Latin, French, Spanish, and Mandarin.

A placement exam is required to determine sections and curriculum.

Elective Courses

Apocalypse NowFrom the science of biochemical warfare to the strategy of how to

survive a zombie apocalypse, this interdisciplinary course examines

the human species’ fascination with its own demise. By exploring fields

as diverse as astrophysics, art, epidemiology, philosophy, literature,

psychology, popular culture, and millennial religious studies, students

will gain an appreciation of the complexity of the human mind and hone

their critical thinking abilities. They will also be challenged to improve

their reading comprehension, verbal expression, analytical skills, and

written composition in preparation for college seminar courses.

Mastering the MindFor students summer is a time to relax and avoid the stress of the “race

to nowhere”. But before we know it, fall is here again. This class helps

students develop tools to maintain a relaxed and creatively productive

state of mind while gaining an in-depth understanding of the psychol-

ogy and philosophy of stress management. Students will learn and

practice mindfulness, yoga, and good nutrition in order to better

sustain themselves as young adults in a challenging world.

Core Courses AP Head Start Get a leg up on AP exams and make your school-year course load more

manageable by previewing the curriculum and mastering the fundamen-

tals you need to succeed in the most challenging AP courses. Students

are eligible for AP Head Start if they are enrolled or planning to enroll

in the corresponding AP course this fall, unless special exception is

granted by Beacon’s Department Head or Head of School.

Writing ChallengeIn the BSA’s Writing Challenge, students are placed by ability into small-

group classes to develop advanced composition skills under the expert

guidance of the Beacon English faculty. Sophisticated writing is an es-

sential skill for students entering competitive high schools and colleges,

but students often do not receive the individualized attention they need

in large classes. At the BSA, our teachers will conference with students

daily and push them to take their writing to a higher level. A placement

test is required for this course to determine sections and curriculum.

Math Challenge In the BSA’s Math Challenge course, students are placed by ability into

small-group classes to develop advanced math skills under the guid-

ance of the Beacon faculty. Math Challenge can open new doors for

gifted students who have been bored during the school year, or help

bright students feel more confident entering challenging math courses

or jumping from a standard to an honors track. A placement test is

required to determine sections and curricular levels.

Upper School 2928 Upper School

The Science of Space: Astrophysics & AstronomyGo beyond standard high school curriculum and explore the science of

space, from the Big Bang to the end of the universe, under the guidance of

an expert teacher. In this course, you will focus on three main units: the his-

tory of space exploration, the role of astrophysics in solving the mysteries

of the universe, and stellar astrophysics–the classification, structure, and

evolution of stars. Topics will include Newton’s law of universal gravitation,

Kepler’s laws of planetary motion, the Doppler effect, Rutherford-Bohr’s

model of the atom, Kirchoff’s rules of spectral analysis, Maxwell’s theory of

electromagnetic waves, Planck’s formula of a photon energy, blackbody

radiation theory, nuclear fission and fusion, Einstein’s theory of relativity,

and inverse-square law for light luminosity. Students will have the opportu-

nity to do first-hand research at local observatories for an extra lab credit.

Fiber Arts: Knitting, Stitching & MoreHave you ever watched someone magically transform a ball of yarn

into a chic scarf and wondered, “Why can’t I do that?” The answer is

yes, you can, with the help of Beacon’s resident expert in the fiber arts.

From knitting and crocheting to needlework and weaving, this class will

give students the skills they need to create and embellish their own

textiles in a relaxed, friendly atmosphere. No previous experience or

equipment needed. Just bring a positive attitude and a willingness to

learn. You will be knitting in no time!

Breaking News: Current EventsThe study of current events is both interesting and essential, especially in

this era of 24-hour news cycles, social media, and globalization. Using all

types of media (including Internet, newspaper, magazine, television, film),

we will analyze ideas and opinions that shape our personal choices, our

community, our nation, and the world. Sometimes, in the process of

discovering and developing our ideas and opinions we find that there are

no “clear” or “right” answers. Students will develop the skills and knowl-

edge necessary to interpret events, make informed decisions, communi-

cate those decisions clearly, identify bias, and understand all sides of an

issue. This class will use presentations, debates, discussions, and writing

to help achieve the goal of becoming informed citizens. We will explore

the history of some issues and learn to distinguish fact from opinion.

Class discussion and blogging are important components of this course.

I Robot: Artificial IntelligenceThis course introduces students to fundamental concepts in the field of

philosophy and explores how emerging technology impacts on tradi-

tional theories of mind. Students will gain an in-depth understanding of

key philosophical concepts such as dualism, materialism, functionalism,

identity theory, and ethics, as well as psychological concepts such as

empathy, emotion, consciousness, and the “uncanny valley” phenom-

enon. Readings will range from Aristotle, Descartes, and Hume to Isaac

Asimov, Philip K. Dick, and Stephen Hawking. This unique philosophy

course helps students develop logical analysis, ethical reasoning, and

creative abstraction at the intersection of tradition and technology.


The French RenaissanceStudents will explore the innovations in art, language, philosophy, and

religion that arose from the French Renaissance. Join us as we explore

castles and myths, meet knights and ladies, and engage with the ideas

and events that shaped modern France, from the Black Plague to the

voyages of discovery, from the Greco-Roman Revival to the new optics

of cultural relativism. Students will learn the answers to fascinating

Renaissance trivia: Why is the Mona Lisa at the Louvre? What is the

origin of Sleeping Beauty? And where can one go to find working

models of da Vinci’s fantastic inventions? This course is ideally suited

for intellectually curious students who want to take a deeper look at

history, art, poetry, culture, and the evolution of ideas.

Philosophy SeminarStudents will encounter the study of philosophy in this challeng-

ing course by exploring four critical traditions: Ancient Greek, Early

Chinese, Existentialist, and Contemporary Philosophy. The purpose of

this course is not to provide students with a systematic survey of these

philosophical traditions, but rather to introduce them to diverse think-

ing systems, develop their skills as philosophers, and explore essential

questions. This is a class for students who enjoy deep thought and are

willing to challenge their own assumptions. Key questions include, what

is the nature of mind? The nature of existence? What is knowable?

Unknowable? And how can we define the good life for ourselves?

Readings will be drawn from the works of various philosophers, in-

cluding Heraclitus, Plato, Aristotle, Kong Fuzi (Confucius), Zhuangzi,

Nietzche, Camus, Singer, and others. This course is taught by Beacon’s

Head of School, Meredith Hafer.

Creative WritingThe art of creative writing takes both inspiration and hard work. This

class will teach students to harness their innate creativity through textual

study, writing exercises, and original composition in poetry and short

fiction. Students will engage in free-writing, read representative works,

and then use those works as a jumping-off point for their own personal

writing. Class critiques and an examination of the writing process will

help young writers hone their skills and put their imaginations to work.

A Brief History of MusicHave you ever wondered where music comes from and how the music

of today evolved from the music of yesterday? Students will explore the

history of music, from fossilized flutes to iTunes, with a focus on music

history from the 19th century to the present day. Throughout the course,

students will learn key themes and figures in music history, become

familiar with fundamental concepts of music theory, and gain an under-

standing of how the history of music is integral to art, literature, politics,

and society. This course is ideally suited for musicians and music lovers

who want to hear history and contextualize the music of today.

Forensic ScienceThis course provides an introduction to forensic science and forensic

psychology, covering topics from blood-spatter analysis and forensic

serology to eyewitness testimony and the psychology of mass murder-

ers and serial killers. We will discuss the basic principles and uses of

forensic science and forensic psychology in the American system of

justice. In addition, case studies illustrating the topic of each class will

be discussed.


GeopoliticsGeopolitics is the study of geographical or spatial dimensions of inter-

national relations. Students will seek to understand the spatial conse-

quences of contemporary political dynamics, in particular the globaliza-

tion of politics in the post-Cold War world. Some theorists argue that we

are all currently living in an era of a global civil society: that governance

by intergovernmental, non-governmental organizations and corporations

has superseded the operations of the nation states, that international

co-operation trumps national self-interest, and that humanitarianism has

changed the relationship between developed and less developed states.

Yet on the other hand, the United States continues to be the dominant

world power. What is the function of a nation state in a globalized world?

What is the role of the citizen in global politics? Are we all global citizens

or are we members of individual nation states? Students will explore

these questions and more in this advanced, innovative course.

Moving Images: An Introduction to Film StudiesStudents will explore the fundamental question “What is cinema?”

Through readings and viewings from the seminal to the strange,

students will engage in discussion and writing about the language of

moving images. Students will explore the technical side of cinema,

learning the vocabulary and techniques associated with 20th and 21st

century film production. The elements of film will be explored through

viewings selected from Georges Méliès to Sergei Eisenstein to Alfred

Hitchcock, as well as modern works of cinema and television which

engage with these theories. This course is highly analytical, including

theoretical works of André Bazin, and focuses on the art of the image

and the visual language created by the moving images.

PsychologyThe study of psychology, from the anatomy of the brain to origin of

neuroses, has fascinated inquisitive students since the days of Freud

and Jung. This course introduces students to the fundamentals of

psychology, from intelligence, memory, and states of consciousness to

abnormal psychology, psychoactive drugs, and the science of emotion.

Students who are curious to learn more about the human mind will

enjoy this engaging class with its interdisciplinary connections and real-

world applications. This course also provides a critical head start for

students taking AP Psychology in the fall.

Journey through JournalingSummer provides a time for quiet self-reflection. This course helps

students take advantage of this seasonal “breather” and journey to-

wards a deeper self-knowledge through journaling and mindfulness. By

reading the private journals and published poetry of prominent writers,

and engaging in meditation, free-writing, sensory immersions, asana,

wordplay, and other creative exercises, students will unlock new levels

of imagination and insight. They will learn the how to keep a personal

journal that chronicles, clarifies, and codifies their lives—and, at times,

even raises the mundane to the level of art. More freeform than our

Creative Writing class, Journey through Journaling can be combined

with other advanced classes in English, taken on its own, or used to

complement courses of study in math, science, and the humanities. No

writing expertise is necessary. This class is taught by a gifted team of

Beacon teachers specializing in advanced literature, creative writing,

bibliotherapy, yoga, and mindfulness practices.


Portraiture: Capturing The Human FormCapturing the human form in 2D media can be one of the greatest chal-

lenges that young artists face. This course teaches students to create

more realistic portraits and to develop personal styles of portraiture,

from realism to abstraction. By studying a wide range of works from

master artists and creating original works from live models, students

will hone their technical skills, especially line, contrast, color, balance,

composition, and texture. Students will complete several finished

pieces to build their portfolios and will learn to enjoy the process of

making their art come to life.

20th Century Short FictionThis seminar-style English course will focus on short story writers of the

20th century, including Fitzgerald, Poe, Bradbury, Updike, Oates, and

others. Through these readings, we will investigate figurative language,

plot structure, stylistic devices, and major themes such as gender,

power, the age of technology, and the human nature. Students will be

invited to share their own interpretations of the stories that we read

and to discover new theoretical lenses through which to view short

fiction. This course is designed for the serious English student who

wants to discuss literature on a higher level, hone his or her writing and

reading skills, and explore the world of ideas through the vehicle of

short fiction.

How to Write a Children’s BookStudents will compare several well-known children’s literature authors

and illustrators, learn the components that make a good children’s story,

and write and illustrate their own original children’s books. This course

invites beginning as well as veteran writers to explore the creative pro-

cess of writing and illustrating for children. No experience is necessary.

In fact, we will learn how to create a beautifully illustrated children’s

book without an exceptional amount of writing and artistic talent!

Ceramics by HandFrom Jomon pots to modern day planters, ceramics have served as

a vehicle for cultural and individual expression throughout the ages.

Now, BSA students have the chance to explore the basics of clay hand-

building. Throughout the class, students will be introduced to different

methods of constructing clay by hand, such as pinch, coil, and slab.

These techniques can be used to make functional pots as well as

sculptural forms. Students will also learn about different clay hand-

building tools along with firing and glazing processes.

Video Game Theory & DesignThis summer, BSA students have the opportunity to unleash their

creative genius in the virtual world of video games. Students will work

with programs like Visual Basic, C++, and even Flash to create unique

video game designs. This course will serve to develop problem-solving

skills, strengthen focus, and enhance imagination. The curriculum and

software will employ a multi-player environment, promoting collabora-

tion and team-oriented gameplay.


Italian Through Songs”When the moon hits your eye / Like a big-a pizza pie / That’s amore.”

What better way to learn a new language than through song? Students

in this class will sing Italian karaoke together, swing their hips to the

music, and learn to speak Italian (including direct and indirect pro-

nouns; the conditional, imperfect, and present indicative tenses;

and even idiomatic expressions). This class is aligned with a creative

language learning initiative coordinated by La Federazione Nazionale

Insegnanti Centro di Iniziativa per l’Europa (FENICE; based in Naples,

Italy), which is part of the international Grundtvig Learning Partnership.

“Vuoi imparare l’italiano? Vieni a cantare con noi …”

uDesignIf you are looking for a class that is not listed above, Beacon invites

you to design your own 1:1 course to investigate an emerging interest or

cultivate a serious passion. There are virtually no limits on course selec-

tion for uDesign courses in academics, arts, and technology. Tuition for

1:1 programs varies depending on credit hours. Please contact us for

more details.

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beacon summer academy 2013

Documents