The intensive classes at GHA are designed for students who have at least some prior knowledge in the subject. Students will attend their intensive class approximately 3 hours per day.
Shakespeare, Slightly Shaken
(This class is designed for students with at least some theatrical experience and/or familiarity with Shakespeare) Most people of today are in the dark about Shakespeare. They think his work is old, outdated, and out-of-touch. Well, that couldn’t be farther from the truth, and we’re going to prove it. Together, we’re going to put Shakespeare in a whole new light – literally – stripping away three centuries of pretense and prejudice to create head-on, full-contact, hard-core, old-school Shakespeare the way it was meant to be done.
Using a condensed one-act edition of Macbeth derived exclusively from the original First Folio text and adapting Elizabethan staging conventions for the modern stage, we will rehearse for just three short weeks before we bring the script to life on stage in a live, once-in-a-lifetime performance at the end of the Academy.
It’s going to be challenging, and you’ll probably work harder than you’ve worked on stage before. It’s also going to be interesting and hopefully you’ll have a lot of fun along the way. In short, it’s going to be Shakespeare like you’ve never seen before (and may never see again).
Are YOU ready for the challenge?
Instructor: John Shirley
John Shirley has been affiliated with GHA professionally since 2000, when he began as a resident assistant. He has also been the administrative intern, and a full-time faculty member. He earned the MFA at Mary Baldwin College where he is now an instructor. John attended GHA and says that the experience truly changed his life.
Steel Drumming
This course is intended to provide an introduction to steel pan. In this class, we will learn to play pan (steel drum music), and investigate the history and evolution of this music tradition. Students will learn two to three steel band compositions. The course will also include a visit Mannette Steel Drums and see firsthand how these drums are made. Students who take this course will learn about the geographic origin of steel drums, and the music traditions that were the antecedents to the modern steel band (tamboo bamboo, non-melody pan, and 1950s-1960’s style pan). In addition students will learn how to realizing a lead sheet for steel band, (i.e., reading chord symbols and applying proper rhythmic accompaniment and basic arranging). Students will also learn basic improvisation skills and experience the various styles of music can be played on steel drums.
Instructor: Gordon Nunn
Gordon Nunn has traveled all over the world in his quest for musical background, having participated in four study trips to West Africa. He has also studied Cuban music and dance in Havana and Mantanzas, Cuba. He is currently the director of the World Music center at West Virginia University. He is an active clinician and performer in world music and classical percussion. He performs with the Azaguno Drum and Dance Ensemble and the WVU African Drum and Dance Ensemble. He has taught at both GHA and GSA.
Get on the zine.
Pen. Paper. Xerox machine. With these basic ingredients, we’ll whip up our own small press. We’ll glance at the history of self-publishing – including pamphleteer Thomas Paine and underground political movements in the former USSR – and look at some fine, fresh samples of self-published zines.
The heart of this class is writing; as such, we’ll read and talk about hallmarks of good poetry and prose. As we consider ways in which form and content complement each other, you’ll be able to showcase not only your skill with text but also with image and design. Consider this a chance to reconnect with the pleasures of print.
We’ll shoot for a zine a week for each student in the class. If time and interest permit, we’ll also take our “underground” publications above ground for a performance event, with a zine as our program.
Get on the Zine and explore the possibilities of design and publishing – high tech, low tech, no-tech. We’ll generate explosive (in a good way) content and configure funky, heat-proof containers for it.
Instructor: Nicole Sheets
Nicole Sheets appreciated the latitude given by her instructors at GHA in 1994, but she also valued their encouragement as they pushed her and her fellow students to try new things, and she brings that experience to her teaching. Whether she is teaching expository writing at the Johns Hopkins Center for Talented Youth, English at WVU or leadership classes in the Peace Corps in Moldova, Nicole presents challenging-but-not-daunting class material. She is currently pursing the PhD in English at the University of Utah in Salt Lake City.
The Greatest Collection of 45 Words in the History of the Planet
The first amendment to the U.S. Constitution comprises a mere 45 words, but those 45 words are brilliantly crafted and much debated. They make America envied around the world and divided at home. They are the cornerstone of our country, yet it is clear most students don’t understand or appreciate them.
This course is a natural for students interested in law, political or journalism careers. We will include discussions of the history and current debate on many issues such as separation of church and state, privacy, free expression and free press. We will, of course, examine Supreme Court cases as they relate to the First Amendment.
I won’t tell you what to think, but I will make you think. I foresee a lot of interesting class debates, so come armed with your opinions.
Instructor: Dan Hollis
Dan Hollis, a tenured professor at Marshall University, teaches several journalism and broad casting classes. He also supervises the class that produces MU Report, Marshall’s award-winning student TV newscast. He developed the first cross-media news class on the Marshall campus that incorporated print, broadcast and online journalism. Professor Hollis has taught at the Governor’s Honors Academy since 2002.
Genius, Madness, and a Big Bad Dome
The Man: Fillippo Brunelleschi
The Resume: Architect: Designed a structure that still stands today.
The General: Changed the course of a river during a siege.
The Inventor: Developed unheard of tools to accomplish impossible.
The Poet: Routinely smote his enemies with a well-placed sonnet.
The Class: This class will study a genius by becoming the genius. Students will be given a series of hands-on challenges much like those faced by Brunelleschi. Students signing up for this class should ask themselves some hard questions: Can I move past the mundane thoughts of every day life? Can I sheathe my sword and beat back enemies with the power of my words? Can I survive a traditional Florentine architecture contest? Can I master the forces required to build…the dome?
Genius, Madness, and a Big Bad Dome will appeal to any student with an adventurous spirit. Writers, artists, scientists, and mathematicians are encouraged to apply. New activities for 2008!!
Instructor: Roger M. “Mike” Burr
Mike Burr returns to GHA for the sixth consecutive year. A public school teacher in California, he is a graduate of Marshall University. He attended GHA as a student in 1996. Mike describes his reasoning for choosing Filippo Brunelleschi as a topic for study: “I think it would be beneficial to show students that a talent for math does not exclude one from being a poet. I believe that all thought is essentially problem solving, and that someone painting a portrait is problem solving in much the same manner as a construction worker erecting a building or an engineer planning a bridge. …I want my students to become thinkers across disciplines, unafraid to attempt something because of a perceived lack of talent.”
WHAT A WONDERFUL WORLD IT WOULD BE: An Introduction to the Utopian Ideal
For as long as people have organized themselves into communities, social critics, philosophers and dreamers have tried to create the Ideal Society. Probably the most famous vision of such a community is Thomas More’s classic work, Utopia.
Students taking this course will read Utopia in its entirety and discuss it in detail. They will read and discuss shorter works on various visions of the Ideal Community throughout history.
Finally, the students in this class will develop their own vision, reaching consensus and sharing their experiences and insights to create their own ideal community.
Reading about various Utopian social experiments and studying treatises on the Utopian ideal lead to fruitful discussions about important issues of morality, individual rights, aesthetics, and justice—in short, about what values hold people in a community together.
Instructor: Xavier Garcia
Xavier Garcia is a public school teacher in Marion County. He currently teaches English, Spanish, drama and speech. He has been affiliated with the Governor’s Honors Academy for nine years, teaching for eight of them. Two years ago, he served as GHA’s assistant dean. Finding that his real love is teaching, he returned to the GHA classroom last year.
Sacrifice, Witchcraft, Reincarnation, etc.:
The Fifteen Most Fascinating Topics in Religious Studies
Cannibalism. Human Sacrifice. Snake Handling.Crucifixion. Rumspringa. Reincarnation.
Just to name a few.
These topics and others will guide you around throughout the world’s religions as each class meeting focuses on a different, strange and fascinating religious practice or belief. In a whirlwind tour of Religious Studies themes, key concepts and current questions you will engage a variety of rituals, rites and devotional practices from Appalachia to India, Greece to Polynesia, and Mexico to China. Focusing on practices from Christianity, Buddhism, Hinduism and native traditions of the Americas and the South Pacific, we will examine the importance of “exotic” religious activities in their context and reflect on the reasons for our own fascination. Warning: Enroll at your own risk.
Instructor: Molly Bassett
Molly Bassett graduated from Marshall University as a Yeager Scholar, attended Harvard University for her Master of Divinity, and is currently working on her Ph. D. in Religious Studies and is a teaching assistant at University of California. This will be her 4th year teaching at GHA.
Secondhand Symphony
Trying to balance school, work, family, friends, leadership responsibilities, and an extra-curricular activity (or several) become almost impossible in high school. With so many responsibilities, do you ever have the time to explore the possibilities? Secondhand Symphony looks at successful organizations to learn how the best of the best run their organizations. If you take the class, I’m going to equip you with the basic skills in communication, leadership, and organization. Then, you will equip yourself with advanced skills in communication, leadership, and organization. From brainstorming to execution, Secondhand Symphony looks at the building blocks of organization development for the future generation.
Instructor: Henry "Hank" Hampton
Hank Hampton graduated from Bethany College in 2006 with a focus in organizational development. While at Bethany, he was student government president in 2005 and his honors include Gamma Sigma Kappa (scholastic society for highest cumulative GPA), Psi Chi (national honor society for Psychology), and Bethany Kalon (senior society to recognize constructive leadership).
Demystify the Dragon - Chinese language and culture
Is Chinese the most difficult foreign language? Are we learning the same Chinese language spoken by Chinese people three thousand years ago? How were the Chinese characters created? This short-term course on Chinese language and culture has two components. The language component focuses on the teaching of Mandarin Chinese pronunciation, the pinyin system (Romanization), basic conversations, and reading, writing and typing Chinese characters. Students will learn to perform various tasks in Chinese, ranging from meeting people, speaking about family, school life, shopping, talking about weather, one’s hobbies, dating, etc. A total of 150 to 200 characters will also be taught. The culture component includes lectures on Chinese history and civilization, and cultural activities such as Chinese folk songs and dances, Chinese calligraphy, making Chinese dumplings, martial arts practice, etc. Important Chinese customs and holidays will also be introduced. This course is intensive, productive and fun!
Instructor: Juan Yu
Juan Yu is a Phd student in Music Education at West Virginia University. She is from Hunan province, China and is interested in traveling, skiing, Jazz, fashion, cooking. Before coming to the US, Juan Yu worked as a TV reporter.
Questing, Questioning, Questionable
Egypt rose and fell. Rome rose and fell. England rose and fell. What may happen in the future may have already happened in the past. Is it a glitch in the Matrix? Or is it just dejavu all over again? Go on a QUEST to find civilizations that were cool beyond their eons. Check out places and events from times past and look beyond the headlines. QUESTION what made some cultures rise and shine for a thousand years. Then look again to see what made them drift back into obscurity. Does it all seem familiar? Do you see patterns? Will history repeat itself (again)? Our QUESTIONABLE future may be seen by looking at the past. Create your own crystal ball to explore the world’s possibilities and become the oracle you've always wanted to be.
Instructor: Kristine Bybee-Finley
Kristine Bybee-Finley currently teaches World History 1900 and Physical Science at Hurricane High School. She was encouraged to teach at GHA by her daughters, both GHA alumni and says, "I have an enthusiasm for ideas; I like discovery; I like sharing new frontiers with anyone who can appreciate the wonder of invention and innovation and involvement."
Get Caught In A Wave Of Energy
Students will explore various forms of energy through hands-on experiences, learning about the nature of different kinds of waves with an emphasis on astronomy and communication. Activities may include the construction of a spectroscope, motor, infrared transceiver, and individual projects. Topics of inquiry include the fundamentals of energy, radio astronomy, electromagnetic waves, optical astronomy, and the principles of communication. All students are encouraged to “Explore the Possibilities” around them.
Students will learn basic electronics including how to read circuit diagrams and how to design and make circuit boards. Students will also build one or more projects of their own choice and design. For example, past projects have included: sundials, planispheres, solar trackers, flashing lights, remote sensors, intercom, amplified speakers, pulsating lights, Decimal to Binary converter, and AM radios.
Instructor: Joe Boutwell
Mr. Boutwell returns to GHA in 2008 for his 10th summer. A high school teacher, he has been selected as a Christa McAuliffe Fellow, the Barbour County Teacher of the Year and as a finalist as WV Teacher of the Year. Retired from Barbour County Schools, he currently teaches in Virginia.
Mathematics: Dealing With Data
In every aspect of our lives we have to deal with information of a quantitative nature. In this course we will collect, analyze, equate, and project data of various forms. Students will collect data both mechanically and through the use of technology, to process using computers, graphing calculators, and good old pencil and paper. Investigations will include gravity and free falling bodies, the greenhouse effect inside a car sitting out in the hot sun, related rates using liquids and/or sand moving through created shapes, beetle power, deflating balloon thrust, rocket thrust and more. We will develop fractal art and listen to fractal music as well as find fractals in nature. Ideas will be entertained on a daily basis.
The academy provides an opportunity for classes to demonstrate what has been accomplished, through an expo. This class will have a large collection of information in notebook form, video taped experiments, computer generated work, and live demonstrations to share with other students from the academy. Students will also have some insight and preparation for the AP calculus exam.
Instructor: Tim McCartney
Tim McCartney can remember when he did not teach at GHA. Barely. In 1984, when the Governor’s Honors Academy opened its doors, Tim walked through, and he has been part of the faculty ever since. He IS the institutional memory of the Academy, and his math courses have continued to challenge students through the decades. Tim teaches at Parkersburg South High School.
“Butterflies, You light up my life!” With LED’s?
This course will focus on new scientific findings and recent discoveries about LED’s and nanotechnology. This all started with a butterfly! LED’s are modeled after the natural scales of the morpho butterfly, it is highly reflective as light bends and bends within the microscopic scale to intensify its value. Students will explore how. We will discuss major implications of this new technology and explore the possibilities of life changing completely for us. To name a few implications, lighting we use, make up we wear, laser surgery, and other medical procedures. The students will have an opportunity introduce their own possible uses for this new technology and be a part of a project contest which may be submitted directly to a scientific journal. What are the implications for the butterfly? We will explore the pros and cons and critically examine them. Students will view the morpho butterfly themselves under a microscope and learn about light refraction. Videos may be shown for visual tools on understanding light refraction and nanotechnology. How long has this been known? Who discovered it? How does it work? These are just a few questions that will be answered. The students will be knowledgeable on the latest scientific break-through research that has the potential to change the way the world operates today.
Instructor: Heather Ness
Heather Ness has been studying and conserving butterflies since 1974, is the founder of WV Monarch Butterfly Day, and is the creator of the WV Monarch Butterfly State Festival. She is excited to be teaching this year at GHA because she says her first experience with GHA as a resident assistant in 1986 was a "life changing experience"!
West Virginia, a land of beauty, a land of environmental problems
Most of us appreciate clean air to breathe, water that won’t make us sick, and foods that we can feel safe eating. All of these are normally taken for granted, yet all of them come from the environment, a place we as a society have been neglecting to care for.
In this course, students will be presented with a few of the principal ecological services provided by the natural environment. Students will be asked to look at how resource utilization within the state fits into providing West Virginians with the food, water, space, and energy they need on a sustainable basis.
The major environmental problems of the area including the mechanisms of cause will be discussed. Students will learn how these local issues are degrading the environment on a regional as well as international scale. Student teams will participate in the development of feasible alternatives to protect the environment and human health while promoting the local and regional economy. Finally students will put together a report of recommendations to be sent to the West Virginia Legislature outlining recommendations for legal changes, and possible incentives programs.
Course Instructor: Patrick Raney
Patrick Raney attended Bethany College as an Environmental Science major, recieved his MS in Environmental Management from Samford University in Birmingham, Alabama, and is currently working on his PhD in Forest and Natural Resource Management at State University of New York
What Newton and Leibniz invented and how it changed the world
Did Newton and Leibniz know what they unleashed when they invented the Calculus? Come learn about the history surrounding its development and apply its rigor to engineering, economics, business, music and art. Try to envision a world without innovations made possible by the invention of the Calculus. Bring your own graphing calculator if you own one.
Instructor: Robert Kefferstan
Robert Kefferstan currently teaches at Waynesburg College and Walen University. He has been awarded Outstanding Teacher by the US Department of Education, is listed in Who's Who Among American Teachers, and was selected Favorite Educator for 2 consecutive years at GHA.