PSCS Summer Program 2009 Offerings
• Schedule
• Course Descriptions
• Instructor Bios
PSCS is offering a summer program this year for middle & high schoolers interested in participating. The program is modeled on the school's very successful concept of Intensives Week in which specific week-long courses are offered, topics in which students participate for 6 hours each day for a M-F school week. We are excited to announce the following offerings (see below). Note, for you high schoolers it is very possible, even likely, to earn .25 state credit for participating in an intensive this summer.
The cost for participating is $375 per week. If that makes it difficult for anyone interested, please let us know and we'll see what we can work out. In other words, please don't let the cost dissuade you from investigating further.
Also, be aware that the offerings below are assigned to specific weeks but most can be moved to accommodate interested students. Let us know any offering in which you are interested AND let us know the weeks you are available.
To sign up, to provide feedback, or to request more information, please email pscs@pscs.org.
Schedule
Click title or instructor name for more information.
JUNE 29 - JULY 3
• Everything to Know About Bikes! (Dan Harm)
• How to Write Your Life Story: A Memoir-Writing and Personal Essay Retreat (Victoria Fann)
• Painting Wearable Art and Photographing Your Passion (Shannon Kringen)
• Knitting a Scarf (Riana Hensel)
JULY 6 - JULY 10
• The Art of DJing (Dan Harm)
• Astrology for Beginners (Victoria Fann)
• Spanish Immersion (Riana Hensel)
JULY 13 - JULY 17
• The Art of Music Production (Dan Harm)
• Five World Religions in Five Days (Victoria Fann)
• Make Music (Liana Green)
JULY 20 - JULY 24
• The Story of the Duwamish River (Trina Willard)
• School of Rock: Beatles Geekery (Liana Green)
• The End of America (Riana Hensel)
JULY 27 - JULY 31
• Everything to Know About Bikes! (Dan Harm)
• Civil Liberties (Nic Warmenhoven)
• Jazz History (Liana Green)
• Seattle History (Riana Hensel)
AUGUST 3 - AUGUST 7
• Day Hiking Around Puget Sound & The Cascade Mountains (Trina Willard)
• Organic Agriculture (Nic Warmenhoven)
• Let's Make a Newspaper (Riana Hensel)
AUGUST 10 - AUGUST 14
• Microeconomics (Nic Warmenhoven)
Course Descriptions
THE ART OF DJING -- DAN HARM
"Disc Jockey" is a very broad term. People can DJ any type of music through a vast array of methods in a many situations: from your friend's house, to the radio, to stadiums filled with thousands of dancing people. In this class we'll start with the basics: two turntables and a mixer. With these two fundamental tools we will learn how to "mix" from song to song, and how to "beat-match" (a.k.a. playing two songs perfectly synced at the same time.) We'll learn about basic musical rhythmic theory. We'll go record digging to find
that rare song for which you have always been looking and learn legal ways to get the newest digital tracks. We'll go to KEXP and talk to the long-time radio DJ, Stevie Zoom, and listen to his stories about the radio world. We'll visit some local Music venues to see actual live sound systems that many famous DJs play on and, if we're lucky, practice our new DJing skills on. This class welcomes music lovers from all genres. What makes music so wondrous is how limitless its creative potential is. Let's explore this together.
THE ART OF MUSIC PRODUCTION -- DAN HARM
In this class we will learn about music production via Computer software applications, specifically, Ableton Live an Logic Pro 8. We will have access to a state-of-the-art Sound Studio, also known as a DAW (Digital Audio Workspace) that we can use at PSCS for the week. We'll meet many local music producers and learn from their stories and experiences within the music industry. We'll explore some of the local studios where some of the biggest bands have recorded! We'll learn musical theory from the very basics and build our musical confidence together. Due to the technical requirements of this class, it would be helpful if students owned a Macintosh laptop, but this is by no means mandatory for enrollment. And depending on the popularity of the class The Art of DJing, this class could be offered as a continuation of the exploration of live music.
ASTROLOGY FOR BEGINNERS -- VICTORIA FANN
In this you will develop all astrological language necessary for understanding how to interpret a birth chart. Using the book, Parker Astrology, we will learn about the planets, the signs, the houses and aspects that reflect your unique personality including strengths,
complexes, and potential. Together we will create an astrological blueprint that gives you self-awareness, validation, and perspective. We will study our own charts both inside and outside of class as well as the charts of friends and family members thus bringing the
information alive, and giving you real life examples. We will also have at least two astrologers come and speak to the class.
CIVIL LIBERTIES -- NIC WARMENHOVEN
You know that the US Constitution supposedly protects some sort of freedom. Or something. Spend a week going in-depth into the Bill of Rights, looking at themes like freedom of expression, the right to privacy, the rights of prisoners, student rights, and much more. We'll debate the appropriate limits on these freedoms, and learn some of the
history of how our modern interpretations of these principles evolved. We'll also listen to and read some actual cases from the US Supreme Court. Wanna grow up to be a lawyer? An elected official? How about just an informed voter? This course is for you.
DAY HIKING AROUND PUGET SOUND & THE CASCADE MOUNTAINS -- TRINA
WILLARD
We'll travel to and hike Mount Si, Cougar Mountain, Vashon Island, Bainbridge, and one long day out to Index, near Steven's Pass. Not only will the scenery be stupendous, but the conversation promises to intrigue as well. Let's get to know each other while we get to know nature.
THE END OF AMERICA -- RIANA HENSEL
This intensive will explore Naomi Wolf's book The End of America. She compiles her exhaustive historical research of several government's transitions from Democratic to Fascist, including Hitler, Mussolini and Pinochet. She outlines the ten steps that these governments had in common in their transitions. Her work also analyzes the loss of personal liberties under Bush and compares her historical findings with the current state of our nation.
EVERYTHING TO KNOW ABOUT BIKES! -- DAN HARM
There is more to riding your bike then just moving the pedals. Whether you bike to school, race, or do huge cliff drops on a downhill bike, there are tons of tricks and techniques that can make you a more efficient and agile rider. The objective of this class is to teach you
about bike repair, bike building, bike racing, bike commuting, bike sub-cultures, and all the different types of bikes that are out there and what they are used for. You'll go to local bike shops and learn fundamental bike maintenance and how to build you own bike from the ground up. You'll meet a professional frame builder who welds his own utility bicycle right here in Seattle. You'll visit the largest bicycle advocacy foundation in the Northwest, The Cascade Bicycle Club, and meet the people who are dedicating their lives to making our cities more accessible and safer for all cyclists. You'll watch a local bike race and learn about all the complicated tactics involved in bike racing. You'll go to a bike messenger hub and learn where many bike fashion sub-cultures spawned. Of course, to get to all of these
cool bicycle establishments we'll be using bikes! After all, we have to experience the best part of being on a bike: freedom! Freedom to use our bodies to bring us anywhere we please in a healthy and efficient manner. Note, if you don't have a bike or a helmet, don't
let this stop you. Dan, the facilitator, can easily acquire a helmet and a bicycle for you to borrow for the week.
FIVE WORLD RELIGIONS IN FIVE DAYS -- VICTORIA FANN
There are five world religions that have a combined membership of 3 1/2 to 4 billion people or about 80 percent of the world's total population. What impact has religion had on history? Politics? The arts? Relationships? Family? Education? In this class we will explore
Judaism, Christianity, Islam, Hinduism and Buddhism, one each day, in a quest to gain understanding and insight into the role of religion in our world and in our lives. There will be a hands-on component to this class that will include field trips, guest speakers and films, along with in-depth discussion.
HOW TO TURN AN ESTUARY INTO AN INDUSTRIAL WATERWAY: THE STORY OF
THE DUWAMISH RIVER -- TRINA WILLARD
Did you know that the water that you go over when you cross the West Seattle Bridge is a river called the Duwamish? Did you know that Seattle's founders rerouted many rivers and moved lots of earth to create the "waterfront" that we know of as downtown Seattle? Did you know that many people, indigenous to this area, were displaced as a result of these changes made to the landscape and that one of these tribes, The Duwamish, are still fighting to be recognized and compensated by the Federal Government? Did you know that the historic conflict around the Duwamish River and its "harnassing" is still alive today and that there are still many issues of ecology and social justice that need addressing? We will visit different sites along the river to see where it was and where it is now. We will talk with the group leading restoration efforts, Duwamish Alive! We will visit the Duwamish Tribe's new longhouse. We will visit a restored estuary to see what the Duwamish Estuary once was, and we will spend a day working on restoration of the Duwamish River's banks.
HOW TO WRITE YOUR LIFE STORY: A MEMOIR WRITING & PERSONAL ESSAY
MINI-RETREAT -- VICTORIA FANN
Each life is unique; everyone has a story to tell. The secret to a good story is not only the ingredients that go into it, but also the way in which it's told. In this class, we will discuss how to: Take the memories and events from your life and turn them into an interesting story; Decide which memories and events to write about; Do research; Organize your ideas; Make your writing clear and readable. We'll also explore the creative process with writing exercises, readings, and group discussions, and learn what steps to take if
you're interested in getting your story published. At the end of the week, students will design a writing plan complete with goals and a timeline.
JAZZ HISTORY -- LIANA GREEN
During this week, we will watch the entire Ken Burns Jazz series, learn about particular jazz figures in greater depth, and do some listening. This class will cover the history and evolution of jazz, and as a result, will cover 20th Century US History through the lens of Jazz.
KNIT A SCARF -- RIANA HENSEL
This intensive will take us on a trip from the sheep to your neck. We will visit a farm and meet some sheep to see where wool comes from. We will then learn how to spin the wool into yarn that we can use to knit with. We will work with natural dyes to experiment with color. And finally learn how to knit what we have sourced into something we can wear and love. We will take field trips to markets and yarn stores to explore all the different aspects of yarn and needle crafts.
LET'S MAKE A NEWSPAPER -- RIANA HENSEL
What is a newspaper anyway? Where do they get all that stuff they put in it? Is one better than another? Why are newspapers going away? We will explore these questions as we make our own PSCS Newspaper! It will include articles, photographs and opinion pieces.
MAKE MUSIC -- LIANA GREEN
Spend a week being part of a band and working in the studio! We will write, record, and produce some music using whatever resources we have available to us. We'll make a 4 to 5 song EP and through that, get some experience being creative on tight timelines, engaging in the recording/editing/mixing process, and working as a team to accomplish
our goal.
MICROECONOMICS -- NIC WARMENHOVEN
Why do things cost what they do? How do companies make money? What strategies do people use to make decisions about competition and cooperation? Spend a week diving into the basics of modern liberal economics in search of answers to these questions. Using some innovative materials as a text, we'll explore game theory, price theory, and many other aspects of the field. Prerequisite: some algebra, or permission of the instructor.
ORGANIC AGRICULTURE -- NIC WARMENHOVEN
Want to learn how to grow your own food? Spend a week learning hands-on at Oxbow Farm, a small organic operation whose vegetables can be found on the menus of some of the region's finest restaurants. In addition to working directly with the farmers on planting,
cultivating, and harvesting, you'll also be introduced to the science of botany and some of the politics of 21st century local agriculture. Note: this course will begin and end each day at the farm in Duvall; help arranging carpools may be available.
PAINTING WEARABLE ART & PHOTOGRAPHING YOUR PASSION -- SHANNON KRINGEN
In this class participants will paint in the morning and take photos in the afternoon. Shannon will provide a demo of both based on the exciting work she has done. Wearable art includes things like shoes, purses/hats/backpacks, or any fabric wearable item students bring to paint. Photography-wise, you'll learn the basics of composition and
creating powerful photos, and be encouraged to photo what you love. Some examples include: self portraits, portraits of classmates, animals, urban decay, traffic, city scenes, close up/macro abstract pics of texture/water puddles/plants/trees/buildings. In class we'll
have discussions about your work. You'll need: 1) a digital camera; 2) waterproof "sharpie" markers in your favorite colors; 3) fabric paint in jars or acrylic paints and brushes and plastic containers for water; 4) an item made of light-colored fabric (white or beige or light grey) like canvas/suede/nylon/leather (fake and real leather both work) to paint onto.
SCHOOL OF ROCK: BEATLES GEEKERY -- LIANA GREEN
Spend a week studying the Beatles music and learning to play some Beatles tunes. In addition to playing music, we will learn some Beatles history, probably watch some Beatles documentaries, etc. If you sign up for this intensive, please be prepared to play and/or sing in the band.
SEATTLE HISTORY -- RIANA HENSEL
We will explore Seattle's History through William Speidel's book Sons of the Profits. This is our chance to learn about Seattle through a book by the creator of the Underground tour, someone who loved Seattle and worked hard to preserve historical areas of the City when they were threatened. Field trips will enhance our understanding as we explore Pioneer Square through the Underground tour and other walking tours.
SPANISH IMMERSION -- RIANA HENSEL
We will spend a week working on our Spanish! Spanish Immersion will allow participants at any level to increase vocabulary and comprehension. We will engage in different hands on as well as multimedia activities, games and field trips to improve Spanish.
Facilitator Bios:
VICTORIA FANN is a published writer with over ten years experience
as a coach and twenty years as a teacher and facilitator of groups for
children as well as adults. Most recently, she's taught classes for UW
Women's Center, Discover U, Women of Wisdom Foundation and at PSCS.
LIANA GREEN is a member of the PSCS teaching staff. She holds a
Masters degree in Trumpet Performance & Orchestral Studies from the
New England Conservatory of Music, and thoroughly enjoys helping young
people discover the joy of music.
DAN HARM started working at bikes shops at age 14 due to his
obsession with downhill mountain bikes. Six years later he started
racing road and track bikes, and eventually raced internationally as a
professional for two years. For a span of seven years biking was his
sole mode of transportation. Dan says, "Bikes are my passion and I
hope they are yours too!" Additionally, for the past ten years Dan has
been a DJ who frequently plays live in the Seattle Art and Fashion
scene. He has been a very popular volunteer at PSCS.
RIANA HENSEL is a Teaching Staff Intern at PSCS this year.
Originally from California, she first came to the Pacific Northwest to
go to the Univeristy of Puget Sound in Tacoma and stayed. There she
studied Spanish Literature and Sociology combining her love for
travel, communication and analysis. She has worked in New York for
Democracy Now!, promoting and translating the Spanish broadcast of the
program.
SHANNON KRINGEN is a multi-media artist who has been painting shoes
and other articles of clothing for 20 years. She has fun teaching
others the techniques she has developed. She has also learned a lot
about photography and thoroughly enjoys finding ways to express
herself through pictures.
NIC WARMENHOVEN has been teaching at PSCS (both as a staff member
and volunteer) since 2001. His lifelong passions include politics,
food, community, and humor. A Seattle native, Nic received his B.A.
from Reed College (1996), and has furthered his education in
environments as diverse as Mel Levine's All Kinds of Minds Institute
(2005); Landmark Education's Curriculum for Living (2002); the Burning
Man festival (1999-2006); and playing with his toddler son Japhy
(daily).
TRINA WILLARD is a Celebrator of Life and Jill of Many Trades who
currently teaches at the Phinney Neighborhood Cooperative Preschool.
She is a student and teacher of music, human development, social
ecology, aikido, compassionate communication, and other integrative
disciplines that support health and well being.