Academic Majors: 2006 Missouri Scholars Academy
African-American History Through the Stages
What can drama teach us about history? Aren't plays a reflection of societal issues, attitudes and events? How do our own beliefs
influence and make history? This major is not only a history class, but also a theatre experience. Beginning with anti-slavery plays of
the mid 19th century, scholars will learn African-American history not from historians but from the greatest cultural voices and
creative movements that have reflected and shaped the culture. They will perform and analyze plays, research historical periods and
create their own live action “museum” piece on African-American history in Missouri. Slavery, emancipation, Jim Crow, the Civil
Rights Movement, integration, hip hop music, and leadership will be guiding themes in the scholars' creative and intellectual pursuits.
This class aims to challenge notions of where "we" learn history, and it will teach us how to write creatively about actual events and
people, and to appreciate our nation's diversity by acknowledging its ugliest and most beautiful moments.
Creation and Analysis of the Music Video
Creation and Analysis of the Music Video Fashion photographer David LaChapelle has said, "Today's art gallery is the refrigerator
door." We are immersed in art on a daily basis whether it is in magazines we read, on the cover of CDs we listen to, or even in the
advertisements we are moved by. This course goes a step further and examines one of the most easily accessible art forms of our time.
Music videos have come a long way since Elvis Presley gyrating on a stage. They¹ve become a multi-million dollar industry in which
world famous photographers lead the viewer into sophisticated story lines that are told in about three minutes. The elements and
principles of design are ever-present. A video is limited only by the scope of what the director wants to accomplish. In this course we
will not only examine talented directors but try our hand at making videos worthy of analysis.
Education Renovation
Dare to rethink education in this major—to redream, redesign, redefine, remove, readjust, renew, or preserve any or all aspects of our
nineteenth century system of education. This major is not for the educationally complacent or faint of heart. Be part of the vanguard
who, while aware of the history and purposes of education in the USA, now shape its future. Think outside the usual boxes of
classrooms, buildings and districts. We will make new metaphors for the learning process and in the process, create our own
educational system. We will mesh the past and present with the future to create new meaning. What an adventure awaits those willing
to embark on this journey.
Got Religion?
Do you have ultimate questions, too? If so, that probably means one thing: You’re human! This course will look at how humans
through place and time have been (and still are) religious. From Indigenous Traditions to Hinduism to Islam to even Atheism, we’ll
take a broad look at the Major World traditions and explore some underlying concepts behind the thing we call “religion.” By
studying religions of the world, you’ll not only get a better understanding of religion, but you’ll also gain perspective on just about
every type of person in the world. You’ll also be surprised by the amount of world history we’ll learn in the process. Religion deals
with life, death, war, peace, money, poverty, culture, language, politics, sex, music, and, well…just about everything! Ever wondered
if capitalism is a religion? Ever questioned your own religion? Ever wondered how people can kill in the name of God? Ever
witnessed humanity at its finest within religion? If so, then bring your questions and insights to this class where we’ll cover
theoretical ideas like “myth”, “ritual”, and “time,” and get our hands dirty by diving into each tradition to get a responsible and
informed picture of how people orient themselves in the sometimes crazy, always complex world of religion.
Introduction to Philosophy: Great Thoughts Worth Thinking
What are great thoughts? Why are they worth thinking? Should you think about them? What is metaphysics, epistemology, and
aesthetics? Philosophy attempts to answer these questions — mainly by providing more questions. Come and question everything you
have ever been told. Discussions, seminars, meditations, plays, and journals will be used to reflect on questions we, as human beings,
face. We will also attempt to apply these grand thoughts to everyday problems through ethics. We will delve into various thinkers,
from Aristotle to Henry Rollins, Ayn Rand to Wallace Shawn. Come and see why it is important to question everything!!!
It’s a Mad, Mad, Mad World
This "global issues" major will deal, among other places and topics, with Iraq and insurgency, the wolf as an endangered species, the
Middle East and Iran, China/US trade relations, energy, Africa, North Korea and weapons proliferation, human rights—and these are
just the starters! Along the way, we'll use regular and English debate, large and small group discussions, such simulations as "Get
Lost", "2-cents worth", "Think, Share, Learn", videos, and interaction with other MSA majors. Scholars do not have to be on a debate
team at their school or to have had any formal debate experience. Rather they are to have an open mind, an eagerness to participate in
discussion with other scholars, and a willingness to have their views of the world challenged.
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It’s pHun. It’s a Gas. It’s Chemistry!
Chemistry is all around us. It’s in the food we eat, the air we breathe, the homes in which we live. Chemistry is in us! This course will
take scholars on a journey from atoms to acid, from enthalpy to electrolysis, from ions to indicators, and from the nature of gases to
the gases in nature. Although each topic will evolve rapidly from fundamental to theoretical, this course will appeal to students who
have no experience, or a very limited experience, with chemistry. Throughout the course, special emphasis will be placed upon the
link between chemistry and the real world. Scholars enrolled in this course should be prepared to experience chemistry through
challenging, exciting, and fun activities designed to show the underlying edict of chemistry: Chemistry is everywhere!
Japanese Language and Culture
The United States and Japan are two of the largest economic superpowers of the world, and together are responsible for 45% of the
world’s GNP. The economic relationship between the two countries is so closely intertwined that there is a tremendous need for
people who possess expertise on Japan. In fact, knowledge of Japan—including its language and culture—will be a key to
advancement in business, industry, law, and government in the next century. Today’s youth should focus attention on the “Century of
the Pacific” and be ready to be in the forefront of building bridges to the East because top “Asia Hands” will be called upon to help
make important policy decisions. This course is designed to be more than the traditional foreign language course of reading, writing,
and speaking. While scholars will study the language, they will also be provided with a broad exposure to the culture, customs,
religion, economy, arts, and educational system. Beyond that, the tension between Japan and the United States is mounting due to lack
of mutual understanding. Young people have the responsibility to be well informed and must not be misled by stereotypes and
misinformation. This class will therefore also examine the dynamics and dimensions of confrontation, competition, and cooperation
that have characterized the relationship between Japan and the United States.
Marine Biology
Even though oceans cover three-fourths of our planet, Missouri scholars are about as far away from the earth’s oceans as possible.
That doesn’t mean we aren’t interested and don’t want to know more. In this major we will begin by learning about the geological,
physical, and chemical processes that affect oceans. Then we will explore some of the ocean’s organisms that vary in size from
microscopic plankton to the largest animals that have ever lived on earth. We will look at the ecology of oceans and learn about types
of human activities that are degrading our oceans. When you finish with this major, you will want to rename our planet from Earth to
Ocean.
On Trial—Different Places, Different Times
In this course, scholars will investigate and reenact trials as they might be conducted in different countries today and at different times
in history. The historic criminal cases might include the trial of Socrates, Galileo, John Scopes, World War II war criminals, or the
Gang of Four. Another trial will be one based on the future using projected social problems created by new technologies. In the trials,
the class will discuss divergent definitions of justice as well as differences in cultural contexts.
Puzzles, Games and Problem Solving
This major introduces scholars to the techniques of both mathematical and non-mathematical problem solving. Scholars will discover
these methods through working with puzzles, games, and non-traditional problems in such areas as number theory, geometry,
probability, logic, physics, engineering, and statistics. Non-mathematical problems explored in the class will come from various
disciplines. Emphasis in the class will be on developing methods for finding solutions rather than simply finding answers or learning
“tricks,” and on teaching scholars to appreciate the elegance and beauty often found in these solutions and the paths leading to them.
Religion, Speech and Crimes: The Constitution in America
This course explores the basic principles of American Constitutional law through an examination of the United States Supreme Court,
focusing on civil liberties and the development of social policy. Topics covered include: freedom of religion, freedom of speech, and
the rights of the criminally accused. Students explore the implications of the Constitution through questions such as: Should schools
permit religious student groups to use school facilities? May a city display a religious display, such as a menorah? What punishment
is appropriate when police unlawfully obtain evidence against a criminal suspect? The goal is to develop students’ critical thinking
skills regarding the role of Constitutional law in American society.
Socratic Seminars: "Outward Bound" for the Mind
The unexamined life is not worth living, Socrates asserted 2,000 years ago. Modeled after the teachings of the ancient Greek
philosopher, our Socratic dialogues will challenge participants to thoughtfully explore a wide range of complex and sometimes
controversial public ideas and personal beliefs. Scholars will use this dynamic and democratic intellectual search process to ask
probing questions, search for deeper meanings and reflect on and possibly revise their own presumed knowledge of the world.
Seminars will focus on brief, classic and modern texts (stories, essays, poems, quotes, artwork, etc.) dealing with such diverse issues
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as revenge, identity, power, education, scientific hubris, faith, art, religion, reality, beauty, race, knowledge and love. Scholars will
work together to examine hidden assumptions, to explore possible implications, to consider alternate interpretations and to constantly
examine how we know what we think we know. If you are ready to think off the beaten path, Socratic Seminars may be just the
Outward Bound journey for the mind that you’ve been seeking.
Stylistic Signatures: A Writing Experience
In this course scholars will have an opportunity to enhance their creativity through writing short stories, poetry, one-act plays, and
other forms of written expression. Scholars will learn strategies for effective and polished writing through shared experiences with
other scholars. In addition, editors, poets, and published authors will share their experiences and talents with the scholars. An
expanded element of this course will be “service learning,” featuring some time at a local retirement home to share writing
experiences. Finally, scholars can look forward to working with other teachers, classes, and Columbia resources.
Taking a Chance
This course will introduce scholars to the mathematics of the predictable and the unpredictable. We will learn how mathematical
models are developed and used to predict outcomes in politics, contests, advertising, and science. Scholars will be actively engaged in
experiments, surveys, data analysis, and games. There will be an emphasis on problem formulation and problem solving in a
cooperative learning environment.
The ABC's of Physics
What are the "big ideas" in physics and who did they come from? This major will explore the ABC's of Physics: Atwood machines
and Ballistic pendulum, what was the Cavendish experiment and how did the Dolphin catch the fish?
We will not only investigate with hands-on activities, but also gain an appreciation and understanding of the mathematics and the
people who have helped to explain our world with Physics. This major also aims at uncovering deep-seated misconceptions about the
Physics you think you know. Come challenge yourself and discover the ABC's of Physics.
To Infinity and Beyond
We’ll start at zero and we won’t stop until we get there. The concept of infinity pervades so much of mathematics that we will have
plenty to do in this course. What happens when a process is repeated over and over again, changing only a single parameter each time?
Does infinity come in different levels, or is it one size fits all? Is infinity a number or is it something else? How can we prove a
statement about all the numbers without proving it individually for every number? Can infinity be arrived at or can we even get close
to it? Will these questions never end? Take the course and find out.
Trojan.War: An (Ancient) World Wide Web
What we know today of the Ancient Greek myths of the Trojan War comprises multiple sources from different literary genres,
civilizations, and times. Together, they represent a broad sample of Greco-Roman literature, and tell a story central to the Ancient
Greek mindset. Almost all, though, tell only a part of the long story that brought the Greek cities to the Western coast of Asia Minor
in the pre-historic second century BCE. How does one, then, “read” a story told by different authors, at different historical times, in
different languages, that cover different “chapters” in the chronological story? What does this story tell us about the ancient
Mediterranean civilizations that it involved and affected, and how do we go about assigning it a truth value? What does Brad Pitt
know about Achilles, and what does George Clooney know about Odysseus? Pack appropriately, intrepid literary travelers, we’re
sailing for Troy!
True Story
In this class, scholars will become reporters and each other's editors to produce one edition of MSA Today, the academy newspaper.
Fast-paced daily sessions will mirror life in a real newsroom: reporters will cover the events at the academy and farther afield;
interview fellow students, staff, and MSA guest speakers; decide story placement and design pages; examine ethical dilemmas facing
the profession; and enjoy the advice of faculty members from MU's journalism school. Whether you are a news hound, poet,
storyteller, photographer, designer, gossip magnet, or busybody, come ready to get out of the classroom and uncover true stories in the
MSA community and beyond.
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Academic Minors: 2006 Missouri Scholars Academy
Acting for Non-Actors
This will be a drama performance class for the Academy scholar with little or no acting experience. Scholars will explore and perform
original, traditional, and classical theater pieces.
American Popular Music—Roots and Development
This course will trace the origins of American popular music from the early twentieth-century parlor song and blues to modern styles;
with an emphasis on the socio-economic reasons behind this development. Through literature, film, and recordings, students will
discover the internal and external forces that shaped the history of American popular music and obtain a better understanding of
society's influence on music and of music's influence on society.
Awash in Words: A Poetry Writing & Publishing Workshop
"Poetry is a way of taking life by the throat," says Robert Frost. Scholars in this workshop-style creative writing course will sample
from a wide array of contemporary poetry and compile a portfolio of original poems. Writers will respond to a variety of prompts,
provide each other with feedback of their work and learn how to submit their poetry to professional publications and national writing
contests. In addition, writers will have the chance to celebrate the written (and spoken) word by organizing a Poetry Coffeehouse
(reading) and/or Poetry Slam (contest). Scholars in this course will also work together as editors to select the best artistic work from
the entire Academy and to assemble artistic and written materials as part of the 2006 MSA DVD.
Forensics
The subject of Forensics is one of the most popular topics for television programming today. In this minor we will explore some of the
facts and fiction of forensics. What is forensics and what do forensic scientists really do? What are some of the facts regarding
forensics, and what are some fallacies? We will complete experiments with fingerprints, blood spatter, and dismembered limbs.
Through video, we will meet some of the most notorious criminals in history and learn how forensics played a role in tracking them
down and sending them to court.
From Suffragists to Feminists to Riot Girls: Profiles in Women’s History
This course is an introduction to the interesting and extensive field of women’s history. Using biographies, plays, primary documents
and documentaries, we will explore some of the unsung heroes in the fight for voting rights, educational equity and equal rights. This
course will also answer basic questions about feminism, gender, and women’s political and social leadership in the United States.
Special attention will be placed on young women’s roles in shaping and changing history, as well as the leadership styles of women
pioneers.
Got Religion?
This condensed version of the major with the same title will introduce scholars to major religious traditions of the world. We’ll take a
look at everything from Buddhism to Islam to Christianity. We’ll even consider questions like “is the Super Bowl a religious event?”
In this brief survey of world religion, you’ll learn about world cultures, history, theoretical concepts of religion, and, most importantly,
how people from every corner of the world deal with life, death, war, peace, and just about anything else you could imagine. No
answers needed here…just bring your questions and an open mind to this major minor!
Introduction to Philosophy: Great Thoughts Worth Thinking
An abridged version of the major with the same title, this minor will introduce scholars to why it is important to question everything.
What are great thoughts? Why are they worth thinking? Should you think about them? What are metaphysics, epistemology, and
aesthetics? Philosophy attempts to answer these questions — mainly by providing more questions. Come and question everything you
have ever been told. Discussions, seminars, meditations, plays, and journals will be used to reflect on questions we, as human beings,
face. We will also attempt to apply these grand thoughts to everyday problems through ethics.
Introductory Psychology: The Search for Meaning
Humans have long been on a quest to better understand themselves and their environment. How does the human mind work? Why
and how do we remember things? What do dreams mean? What shapes a person more – nature or nurture? In this course, through
discussions, contemporary readings and articles, independent and group research, and films such as A Beautiful Mind, Children
Underground, and others, we will tackle many important questions and topics related to psychology. If you are interested in
psychology, then this is the class for you! Bring your questions and curiosity!
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Mathematical Investigations
Sometimes, the best mathematics problems are the hardest ones. In fact, that is usually the case. Sometimes, the most enjoyable
mathematics problems are solved as a group. In fact, that is usually the case. Take this course if you like finding the hardest
mathematics problems, discussing how best to solve them and not letting go until we completely understand them. If you like
challenge, if you like discussion, if you like mathematics, you're in for a great time.
Mathematical Mazes for the Mind
This mini-course is designed to cover a variety of topics with an emphasis on an appreciation of the elegant nature of mathematics.
Although it starts with a discussion of the math portion of the ACT, SAT, Level I/II Achievement Tests, and AHSME, scholars will
investigate and explore unusual, yet enriching mathematical and non-mathematical problems for enjoyment and challenge. The course
will have a daily “mind massage” to build up powers of analysis and to hone deductive skills by using rebuses, puzzles, brain busters,
and interesting visual materials. The class will be flexible enough to pursue some topics in depth, if necessary, and mini-practice
sessions will be provided for those who desire to improve mathematical prowess.
People You Should Know
Many of the same ideas from The ABC's of Physics will be explored in this minor. Special emphasis will be on the history of Physics
and the role that great physicists have played in explaining our world. Scholars will also be challenged with investigating the many
Physics misconceptions they currently swear by.
Portrait of the Artist
Goodbye clean hands! Hello pencils, charcoal, ink and paint! Come to this class ready to imagine, brainstorm, and experiment with a
range of materials and visual art techniques. Through discussion of the work we produce and reference to other artists, we'll learn to
become more communicative artists and more observant, sensitive viewers. Please bring an old oversized button-down shirt to use as
a smock. Other materials provided.
Puzzles, Games, and Problem Solving
This is a short course on the techniques of both mathematical and non-mathematical problem solving. Scholars may expect to discover
problem-solving methods through working with puzzles, games, and non-traditional problems in such areas as number theory,
geometry, probability, logic, physics, engineering, and statistics. Non-mathematical problems explored in the class may come from
varied disciplines. Emphasis in the class will be on developing methods for finding solutions rather than simply finding answers or
learning “tricks” and on teaching scholars to appreciate the elegance and beauty often found in these solutions and the paths leading to
them.
Short
Stories about meaning—of relationship, character, struggle, and confrontation—created by such writers as Updike, Crane, Garcia
Marquez, Boll, O’Connor, Mann, Faulkner, Melville, Kafka, and Welty. Together we will delve, through discussion, into the way
great minds succinctly and precisely pose important questions about various meanings of life through the use of such tools as
ambiguity, point of view, tone, and archetype. As a result of our studies, we will become closer, more creative readers.
Smart Art
So what is so great about a Campbell¹s soup can? How about that guy who chopped off his ear? Are you interested in art but afraid to
draw? Take this class! Over the three weeks at the academy students will research an artist, artwork or an important art event then
present their findings to the class with a Power Point presentation. In this class scholars will have the opportunity to explore art
history without the pressure of being an artist.
The Che”mystery” Club: Science Sleuths
In this course, scholars will help the bungling detective, Herlock Sholmes, and his brilliant assistant, Tess Toobe, solve mysteries
using chemistry principles and the scientific method. The Mysterious Mishap, Roll Out the Less-than-full Barrel, and Oh Where, Oh
Where, Oh Where has my Little Dog Been? are just a few of the mysteries that scholars will solve. Scholars enrolled in this course
need not have an extensive background in chemistry; they will learn the needed chemistry concepts as the mysteries unfold. It is
important, however, that scholars have a willingness to experience chemistry as the challenging, intriguing, and fun science that it is!
The Supreme Court: Cases, Controversies and Chaos
Scholars will carefully examine landmark Supreme Court decisions and their impact on the country and on OUR lives. Issues of race,
sexual orientation, federalism, religion, and marriage will be among the topics. So, too, will be the fights over who is on the Supreme
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Court itself! Scholars will go where most Americans fear to tread--to look at the cases which have generated and still generate the
most controversy in our society today.
Time ‘N’ Writing: Fact, Fantasy, Poetry, Philosophy and Fiction. Does anybody really know what time it is?
This interdisciplinary minor will address the question of time from various points of view. Clips from Stephen Hawking, Madeline
L’Engle, Laurence Sterne, Allan Lightman, Stewart Brand, Dylan Thomas, T.S. Eliot and Marcel Proust, as well as various films, will
enhance and enrich discussion in this timely minor. We will also study man’s various means of measuring and coping with time:
chronometers, calendars, candles, clocks. We will investigate Yeat’s gyre, philosophers Kant, Augustine, Hume, et al. and talk about
anything else that time brings to mind—memory, for instance. Create new time worlds and find worlds of time. Timing is everything.
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