J-Term offers opportunity for study and service
FOR RELEASE: Thursday, January 3, 2002
Huntington, Ind. "Starting on January 7, a few Huntington College students will take a step back in time to explore the roots of civil rights while others will travel to Hollywood to examine the role of the entertainment industry in shaping popular culture. Still others will immerse themselves in the heart of urban Chicago while others teach environmental science at a rural camp in Michigan. These are just a few of the unusual opportunities for study offered by Huntington College during January Term 2002. Huntington's intensive three-week interterm includes a wide variety of courses that are offered both on- and off-campus. A total of 38 different classes will be offered, including several courses that integrate academic study with Christian service.
For example, several HC students will live in dormitory-style facilities at the Olive Branch Mission in the heart of Chicago. They will experience the urban community first-hand and examine issues of poverty, racism, sociology, community development and social justice through the lens of Christian faith.
Further afield, students will join chemistry professor Bill Bordeaux at Camp Michindoh near Hillsdale, Mich., as he teaches a course in Outdoor Environmental Education. HC students will serve as teachers, counselors and mentors to sixth-graders from Toledo, Ohio public schools. For many of these urban children, it will be their first opportunity to explore science and ecology in a hands-on, outdoor learning center.
Dr. Norris Friesen and Mr. Jesse Brown will lead a course that takes an in-depth look at the life of Martin Luther King, Jr., and the influences that led him to adopt a theology of non-violence. The class will explore the personal and social responses of reconciliation. After one week of study on campus, the class will travel to Tennessee, Alabama and Georgia to visit historical sites of importance to the Civil Rights movement.
Other students will travel with Dr. Don Rainbow to Hollywood to examine the role of the entertainment industry in shaping popular culture. Activities include meetings with agents, actors, producers and studio executives. Students will participate in studio tours, auditions and location filming and studio taping.
On-campus courses offered during the three-week interterm will afford Huntington College students an opportunity to examine interesting topics or explore subjects outside their major concentration. Unusual course titles include:
Are You Really Just a Cosmic Accident?: Discussing the issues of life along with some thoughts about why the whole universe seems to be astonishingly fine-tuned just to allow life on one planet.
Abracadabra, Shazham and Presto!: Teaching students how to prepare and perform illusions to demonstrate biblical truths for children of primary and middle school ages.
Stink & Bang Chemistry in the Home: Making spectacular displays of color and sound using common chemicals and household products.
I'm ready for my Close-Up, Mr. De Mille : Exploring, designing and practicing basic two-dimensional stage and film make-up.
According to Our Recent Poll: Examining the use of statistics to inform or mislead us made publicly by newsmakers, public figures or organizations.
Sachmo and Company: Tracing the development of the jazz idiom through Blues, Ragtime, Bop, Cool Jazz, Funk, Rock, and Fusion, examining some of the major players and historical events along the way.
See It Made in Indiana: Exploring Indiana business enterprises and gaining insights concerning job potential, salary range, working conditions and impact of industry on the local community.
Grits, Collards, and Clyde Edgerton: A Perspective on Religion in the South: Focusing on Southern author Clyde Edgerton and his commentary on religion, including the shortcoming of Christianity as demonstrated in misperceptions of Christian issues in Southern culture.
Nature's Nasties: Examining natural disasters such as volcanoes, earthquakes, fires, floods, hurricanes and tornadoes, the science behind these disasters and the impact they have on the people living nearby.
Jesus, Jews, and Christians: A study of Judaism and its relationship to Christianity, including an examination of the Jewish roots of Jesus and Christianity, the nature of Judaism and Christian perspectives on Jews and modern Israel.
Understanding Chinese Culture: Learning key elements of traditional Chinese culture, including Confucian propriety, the Yin and Yang of Daoism, Buddhist worship practices, relational concepts, and the influence of Feng Shui on Chinese architecture.
The Wealth and Poverty of Nations: Examining David S. Landes' answer to the question, Why have some nations advanced economically in the last 200 years while others have not?
The Adventure of Marriage: Couples on campus who are newly married, engaged or planning to marry will look at areas of life that need to be explored in preparation for a successful marriage, such as personality issues, expectations, extended family relationships, communications and conflict resolution, finances, children and parenting, spiritual values, and more.
Understanding Emotions: Surveying psychological literature on emotions, as well as some passages from ancient philosophers and theologians including what motivates us to do what we do and whether we are compelled by our beliefs or emotions.
Tracing Your Roots: An introduction to the methodology of genealogical research using resources to research each student's family history.
For detailed course descriptions on all 38 January Term offerings, visit the Registrar's Office web site at www.huntington.edu/registrar.
Founded in 1897, Huntington College is a comprehensive Christian college of the liberal arts, offering graduate and undergraduate degrees in more than 50 academic concentrations. US News and World Report ranks Huntington College among the best in the Midwest. Huntington has also been listed among The 201 Best Colleges for the Real World and The Templeton Guide: Colleges and Universities that Encourage Character Development.
