J-term Courses 2015

Maine School of Science and Mathematics

A Residential Community of Academic Excellence

J-Term Offerings 20151

January 12 – 23, 20152

Exhibition: February 14, 20153

1 Any fees associated with courses must be paid by January 5, 2015. Please note that some classes, especially travel

classes, may have early payment deadlines. 2 Please note that travel classes and internships may have different dates.

3 J Term Exhibition is required for all students as it serves as the “final exam” for J Term courses.

*Any and all fees need to be made payable to: MSSM and submitted to Danielle in the Academic Dean’s

Office

September 2015

Dear MSSM Community,

It is with great enthusiasm that I share our 2015 J-Term schedule with you!

The January Term (J Term) is a time where students and faculty get to share common interests during two

weeks of intensive study. Students will be able to explore their artistic side with courses in Geometric Art,

Quilt Making and Play Production. They may also stretch their math muscles with algebraic structures and

metamathematics. Not sure any of those are for you? Sign up to debate instead or just take a break from it all

while learning about Korean culture. The possibilities are endless!

Traditional J-Terms such as Organic Chemistry will be offered and our off-campus offerings are just as

exciting as those on campus. Students will continue to partner and intern with industry and business

throughout the state, the country and possibly the world. As always, MSSM’s partnership with the Cape

Eleuthera Institute in the Bahamas continues to be a strong opportunity for students to perform actual

environmental research with scientists in the field.

Needless to say, it will be a fun and refreshing two weeks for the MSSM community! Please enjoy reading

through our J-Term offerings as sign-ups will begin the week of September 15th.

From one penguin to another,

Nancy C. Richardson

Academic Dean

Any fees associated with courses must be paid by January 5, 2015. Please note that some classes, especially travel

classes, may have early payment deadlines.

Please note that travel classes and internships may have different dates.

J Term Exhibition is required for all students as it serves as the “final exam” for J Term courses.

*Any and all fees need to be made payable to: MSSM and submitted to Danielle in the Academic Dean’s

Office.

On Campus

Debate Madness: Current Issues and Rhetoric OR

**Advanced Debate: Mr. Daniel Melega

Course Overview:

As a national and global community, we face an ever increasing number of decisions to be made on

controversial topics. More often than not, these issues have two sides (if not more) with individuals

passionately arguing for both. In this course, students will become well versed in a variety of the more

pressing issues of our time. Once students have acquired a content mastery, they will charge up their

intellectual batteries for battle on the debate floor. The task will be to convince their peers of their position,

but simple facts will not be enough. Students must be ready to perform and use a variety of debate tactics and

devices to not only win the debate, but to win it with style. Student input on debate topics will be welcomed

and encouraged. In addition to debate, students should also be prepared to participate in a mock trial and/or a

mock legislative session.

Costs*: $0

Maximum Enrollment: unlimited

Special Notes: Students who have taken previous debate classes during prior J-Terms are welcome to sign up

again. Our exploration of issue topics varies from year to year.

**Students in Advanced Debate will be expected to take on more of a leadership role in class activities and

events. These students will also be required to perform additional tasks and work that students in Debate

Madness will not be expected to do. Prerequisite: Debate Madness: Current Issues and Rhetoric, any

previous debate course, or approval of the instructor.

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Galois, Zariski, and Somer: Mr. Mark Rhodes

Description: Do not be fooled by the title! This intense and amusing J-term course will introduce you to

algebraic structures such as groups, rings and fields, while simultaneously exploring the extraordinarily

beautiful connection between these algebraic objects and sets of points defined by systems of polynomial

equations. In short, you will be introduced to Galois Theory(Evariste Galois) and Algebraic Geometry(Oscar

Zariski). William Somer will certainly make several appearances in the afternoons!

Pre-requisites: While knowledge of Calculus is not needed, you should jump into this course only if you

satisfy two traits. 1) You have a sincere interest in mathematics. 2) You have a genuinely courageous mind.

In other words, the prerequisites are simultaneously less than none and more than can be reasonably

expected.

Prerequisites: None

Costs*: Hopefully none; there may be a minimal cost if binders need to be purchased.

Maximum Enrollment: 20

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Games, Puzzles and Geometric Art Projects: Mr. Pete Pedersen

For the first week of J term, we will create a number of hands-on math/art projects in the morning and

explore the art of card and game playing in the afternoon. In the second week, we will create a three,

dimensional inflatable from scratch. This includes a miniature model and the final project. In the past, we

have created an 18-foot penguin, a killer whale and her baby, the planet earth and a chess board.

Prerequisites: None

Costs*: none


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The Hunger Games, Power, Youth, and Authority: Ms. Sarah Goletz

We will read and discuss the entirety of the Hunger Games trilogy in terms of post-apocalyptic

literature, dystopia, heroic journeys, feminism, rebellion, power dynamics, and social commentary.

Particular attention will be paid to its classification as YA literature and its youthful main characters

(e.g., Why do they HAVE to be teenagers? How is youth constructed in the texts?)

If there is interest and time, we may try reading intertextually with another rebellious, post-

apocalyptic, heroically-themed text aimed at young people: Adventure Time.

Pre-requisites: Must have completed at least one semester of an MSSM literature course; must

have read at least the first book in the Hunger Games trilogy by the beginning of J-Term.

Costs*: Must buy or borrow copies of second and third books (Catching Fire and Mockingjay) in

trilogy (copies of first book are provided, but students are encouraged to bring their own if they

have them).


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J.R.R. Tolkien, The Hobbit, and the Art of World-building: Mr. Mike McCartney

Professor Tolkien (who you may or may not have heard of) was one of the world's leaders in the Anglo-

Saxons and their world. However, he is now most famous as the father of modern fantasy literature. His

foundational theories on the subject were described as Sub-Creation or the art of world-building. In this

course, we will look at some of the most famous modern fantasy worlds and how they were created. During

J-Term, students will read, write, watch, and create a great deal as they build their own fantasy worlds.

Various design processes will be welcome, including written, drawn/painted, sculpted, or digitally created.

This class will require some pre-reading (Tolkien's Farmer Giles of Ham and Smith of Wotton Major) and

open-minded discussion, may include a trip to see The Hobbit: The Battle of the Five Armies, and may

require a small expenditure on the student's part associated with any necessary art supplies.

Costs*: $10


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Korean Culture: Ms. Jessica Vaudreuil

Are you interested in all things South Korean? Join us for 2 weeks of Korean cultural nuggets! Some areas of

Korean culture to be explored in this class are: food and cooking, martial arts demos and practice, music,

language, weddings, eating habits and places of interest in South Korea.

Costs*: none


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Learning to Quilt: Mrs. Jessica Bartlett

For centuries, people have made quilts to keep warm, decorate homes and display as artwork. Over the

course of two weeks, students will study the history of quilt making, learn sewing skills and assemble their

own picnic sized quilts (roughly 64'' x 64'') based on a pattern chosen for the class. No sewing experience is

required, although it will be very helpful. Students will need to provide their own machines and purchase

their own materials (from a provided list) prior to the class.

Costs*: Approximately $150 (scalable depending on student fabric selection) - Students will keep the quilts

they make!


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Minds, Machines, and Metamathematics: Taking Gödel, Escher, Bach Out for a Joyride: Dr. Clint

Givens

Description: The nature of the human mind. The possibility of artificial intelligence. The fundamental limits

of mathematical reasoning. These topics and themes are at the heart of Douglas R. Hofstadter's Pulitzer

Prize-winning book Gödel, Escher, Bach: An Eternal Golden Braid. Now celebrating its thirty-fifth birthday,

the work remains a fascinating tour de force, revealing connections among mathematics, cognitive science,

language, genetics, computer science, art, music, and more. We will read parts of the book and explore its

ideas through a variety of activities, puzzles, and discussions, building towards a robust understanding of

Godel's (First) Incompleteness Theorem and its significance to mathematics and the mind.

Warnings: (1) Be prepared to stretch your analytical thinking skills to the breaking point (or past it); not

surprisingly, this includes covering some mathematical content (especially logic and elementary number

theory), but most important is that you like to play around with challenging and complex systems of ideas. If

the thought of covering a lot of mathematical and philosophical ground quickly sounds daunting or is just not

your cup of tea, you might want to consider a different course. (2) There will also be a significant (but

reasonable!) amount of reading, including an initial assignment over Winter Break, some in-class time, and

possibly reading homework in the evenings. Still not sure if it's for you? Talk to me, we'll figure it out!

Costs*: $0


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Organic Chemistry: Mr. David Dougan and Dr. Sarah Bernard

This course is an experimentally based introduction to organic chemistry. A one hour lecture will be

followed by an experiment involving synthesis or isolation of a compound. This is a very hands-on J-term

requiring at least a B average in the first semester of honors chemistry or an overall average of a B for

students that have completed a year of honors chemistry. Techniques that will be explored include: thin layer

and gas chromatography, use of a separatory funnel, fractional distillation, refluxing and micro scale

synthesis. Lab reports are required as well as a PowerPoint presentation. This is an excellent course for

students with an interest in medical careers, chemical engineering and chemistry.

Prerequisites: You must have a B average in honors chemistry or permission of the instructor.

Costs*: None


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Play Production: Mr. Lee Rose

Mounting a theatrical production is one of the most complex activities in the world of art. Under the

guidance of a few or even a single person, individual theatre artists work apart on a wide range of tasks, then

in unison to bring their individual projects together to create a single work of art. The best way to learn about

theatre production is to actually participate in the mounting of a play. From conception to performance and

breakdown, students in this class will create a production of David Auburn's “Proof,” a play about math,

family and gender relations, and trust.

During an introductory session at the end of Fall Semester, students will learn about each area of theatre

production including scenery; lighting; costumes; sound; properties and management, and hold auditions for

our play that will be staged at the end of J-Term. Once you commit to working in one of those capacities, you

will gain the information and the practical experience necessary to function as a member of a production

team. You will learn to appreciate the collaborative nature of such work, the protocols of the professional

theatre, the interconnections between all the arts and their audience, and how to improve your

communication; organizational; and study skills.

Costs*: None


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Science Fiction in Cinema: Mr. Jim Torruellas

In this course we will explore the genre of Science Fiction as depicted in the media of motion picture. We

will view a select group of films, from a wide period of time, titles and categories suggested by the instructor

as well as the students. After each viewing, we will, as a group, verbally discuss, comment, critique and

evaluate what we have seen. At the end of the day, each student will make a presentation of his/her favorite

movie.

The course will culminate in each student creating an original, written work of Science Fiction. One of these

original works will then be chosen to be presented as a video production, created, directed, staffed and acted

totally by class members. This video presentation will then be published in the MSSMVision, You Tube site.

NOTE: There will be no “R” rated movies shown. Further, all movies that are shown will be screened by the

instructor for propriety in all aspects.

OBJECTIVE: engage in collective enjoyment, expand our knowledge and understanding of this genre, have

a positive outlet to express our emotions and creativity via writing, acting, leadership, technical expertise,

and getting to know each other better.

Prerequisites: A liking of Science Fiction in film, a liking of writing and reading, and a liking of

verbal/social engagement and discussion

Costs*: None

Maximum Enrollment:12

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Ukulele Building and Music Theory: Dr. Brian Sullivan

In this course each student will build a soprano ukulele from a kit (a birch Wolfelele kit made in Quebec by

Wolfgang Kater). The course will cover how to play both chords and finger picked melodies with repertoire

ranging from the renaissance to Radiohead. Playing the uke will be taught in conjunction with music theory.

The theory component of the course will include techniques to identify chord progressions in songs you

hear, use of chord progressions in composing new songs, part writing rules of the common practice period

(1600-1900) in western music, and harmonic analysis of music from a variety of traditions. Prior experience

with reading or playing music is not a requirement.

Prerequisites: none

Costs*: None


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Off Campus

Internship: Mrs. Deb McGann, Coordinator

The opportunity to complete J-Term Internships is one of the most unique and exciting opportunities that the

Maine School of Science and Mathematics provides. During the two-week J-Term period, participating

students are paired up with mentors in a job shadow environment which allows these students to delve into

the fields of their own choosing. Not only does this provide invaluable experience in at least one area of

potential interest, it also identifies the student as having a passion for learning that goes beyond the

classroom.

The MSSM is pleased to offer suggestions and assistance in pinning down arrangements, but students and

their families are responsible for the bulk of the logistics, including locating an internship site, a mentor

sponsor, transportation, and lodging.

Inclusive Dates: Monday, January 12 through Friday, January 23, 2015 (Alternative dates may be

available upon request.)

It is expected that students will participate in their internships from 9:00 am through 3:30 pm each weekday

with a break for lunch. However, it is understood that some internships may require flexibility regarding

these hours. In this case, students will be required to have their approximate hours approved by Mrs.

McGann prior to the start of J-Term. Students interested in completing additional hours are more than

welcome to do so. This could include starting before 9:00 or ending after 3:30 each day, adding extra hours

on the weekend in between the two weeks of J-Term, or beginning the internship anytime after the end of the

fall semester and prior to the official start of J-Term. While spending as much time as possible on site is

extremely beneficial and strongly encouraged, it is important to maintain the integrity of the official hours

of 9:00 am through 3:30 pm each weekday.

Purpose of the offering: To provide invaluable information in preparation for college major and career

decisions as well as an increased awareness of career, social, and communication skills in a workplace

setting.

Student Prerequisites: An exploratory spirit. Minimum sophomore standing.

Enrollment Cap: None

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Tropical Ecology and Sustainability: Mr. Greg Hamlin

Spend J-Term 2015 at the Island School and Cape Eleuthera Institute on the Bahamian island

of Eleuthera learning about tropical ecology (past projects have included work on invasive

lionfish, sea turtles, thermal stability of creek fish, and site fidelity of juvenile lemon sharks)

and how technology can be used to create a sustainable presence in an area with little freshwater

and soil for agriculture. Participants will work on a research project with CEI scientists and

MSSM faculty. If you’re looking for an adventure that combines natural science, mathematics,

sun, water, great food, and physical activity, then this is the J-Term for you! We must have a

minimum of 8 students in order for this trip to run.

Students must obtain a valid passport prior to departure (if they don’t already have one).

For more information visit www.ceibahamas.org.

Dates: Jan. 7-21 (different than on-campus J-Term)

Costs*: approx. $2500, which includes everything (transportation, room, board, etc.) – payment

must be received by Nov. 1 to reserve your space.

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J-term Courses 2015

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