Course Descriptions
2004-2007
Aikido
Students will learn the basic moves of this martial art form as well as the background of the art and how it effects their everyday lives through physical activity and mental balance.
Physical Education, 2.5 credits/term
AmusArt
This is a class that creates an environment that involves all forms of artistic expression. Those involved are allowed to draw, paint, sculpt, design, listen to and play music, view classic performances in film and music, write poetry, etc. The initial goal of the class is that those involved will influence and inspire one another in their artistic efforts, in whatever form they choose. The overall goal of the class is to promote and reinforce the daily need to create in one's life (it is as important as drinking water). Elective, 2.5 credits/term
Anarchist Literature
This class will explore the topic of Anarchism from four different perspectives: the history of anarchism; biographies of "famous" individual anarchists; essential concepts; and writings by a variety of anarchist authors. We will emphasize class discussion, which will be grounded in and stimulated by written materials, videos, and guest speakers.
Language Arts, 2.5 credits/term
Ancient Civilizations
This class will trace the worldwide development of civilizations. Particular attention will be given to the common threads (government, monument building, impact of religion, cultural and technological advances, etc) as well as unique characteristic of various ancient cultures. The idea of cultural relativism will be evaluated. The course will cover the rise of civilizations in Mesopotamia, Egypt, Greece, Rome, India, China, as well as the Pre-Columbian societies in the Western Hemisphere.
Global Studies, 2.5 credits/term
Tea/Anime
This course is a continuation of our Japanese language and cultures class. While keeping up with the practice of tea, we will also focus on Anime this term. We will study Japanese through Anime. We also will explore such questions as “Why is Anime so attractive to people and so special?” and “How and Why I fell in love with Anime?” Through answering these questions, we will learn about ourselves as well as Japanese cultures. Our class project includes creating our own Anime!
Global Studies, 2.5 credits/term
Art for the Revolution
Art can be a powerful tool for social change. Using three-dimensional and two-dimensional art, students learn new ways to express themselves and to be heard. Projects will be placed in public spaces including city parades, galleries and parks. This is a self-motivated class where students decide how to creatively voice their opinions about social, political and environmental issues.
Elective, 2.5 credits/term
Batik
Batik is an art form using hot wax and dye on cloth to create beautiful banners and decorate clothing. The batik technique originated over 2000 years ago on the islands of Indonesia and has now spread to many cultures all over the world. In this class, we will be making peace flags and decorations for Manifest.
2.5 credits/term
Beginning German
The course will be a self-paced learning environment of German (reading, writing and speaking).
Foreign Language, 2.5 credits/term
Black Literature
The study of black history, music, food and prominent black people including Nelson Mandela, Bob Marley and Marcus Carvey.
History, 2.5 credits/term
Breaking the Sound Barrier
In this class, we will learn all about sound-what it is, how it is produced, how we hear sound, and how it is manipulated. We will look at different musical instruments, the human voice, and the ear. The class will experiment with radios, records, compact discs, mp3s, microphones, speakers, and amplifiers in an attempt to learn how these devices work.Science, 2.5 credits/term
Buddhism
The Buddha once said, "Be a lamp unto yourself." In this statement, the Buddha was encouraging us to be our own teachers. I invite students to approach our class from this perspective. Students are not expected to believe what is presented in class! In fact, they are encouraged to doubt, question, and examine everything in the class. We will learn about Buddhist perspectives through which we can examine our own life. We will also learn how to believe something only after we have fully examined it, experienced it, and clearly seen for ourselves that it is true. This class is for those teenagers who question things such as authority, our world and even our existence.
Global Studies, 2.5 credits/term
Clothing Design
This course is about creating wearable art that expresses the uniqueness of the individual. Students learn batiking techniques and how to use a sewing machine.
Elective, 2.5 credits/term
Comic Books
In this class we will explore the world of comics, including comic strips, comic books, and printed cartoons. We will look at comics from various time periods and cultures while examining themes, styles, and structures. Students will have the opportunity to draw their own comics, create superheroes and super-heroines, and/or make a cut-and-paste portfolio of their favorite comics.
Elective, 2.5 credits/term
Community Building
"Community Building" is a class unlike others, although it carries the standard 2.5 credits per term. You do not earn credit simply by hanging around school on Fridays. "Community Building" involves genuine participation in daily life at Wellsprings. It is an essential part of being a Wellsprings student, and making the school a comfortable and functional environment for yourself, and for everyone here. Formal credit is based on the following criteria:
- Being present in Morning Circle
- Participation in Silent Meetings
- Participation in Community Meetings
- Participation in Advisor group meetings
- Participation in all-school activities
"Grading is either "Pass" (P) or "No Basis" (NB), with credits calculated proportionally to attendance.
"Community Building" is required for graduation. Because many students do not begin at Wellsprings in their freshman year,
requiring a single fixed number of credits for everyone is inappropriate.
Instead, the requirement is individually calculated, based on the expectation that you will earn an average of at least 2.0 credits per term
in attendance, or in other words, at least 80% of the credit for Community Building that you could earn while a student here.
Computer Programming
This course focuses on testing, debugging, modifying, and writing C++ programs. Use of other software and discussion of other topics receive some attention.
Elective, 2.5 credits/term
Cooking and Nutrition
This class will focus on making yummy, local organic food. We will discuss the wide variety of food choices we make in our daily lives and how to make healthy choices for the planet and ourselves. Guest presenters will come and demonstrate traditional food preservation and cooking techniques.
Health, 1.0 Credits/term
Creative Writing and Grammar
This class will merge technical and creative writing skills to help students develop an understanding of grammar and learn to effectively communicate in writing. The technical writing aspects of the class will focus on letter writing. Letters should address issues that are important to students. We will focus on writing letters to the editors of newspapers and magazines students read, as well as state and local representatives, and other government officials, including the U.S. President. Creative writing assignments will be loosely based on issues students explore in their technical writing projects. Come ready to discover and voice your opinion. Language Arts, 2.5 Credits/term
Do Good
This class is about identifying needs in the community and finding creative ways to be of service. Through chosen service projects, students will gain a deeper appreciation for others, fostering compassion and empathy as well as broadening their world view.
Community Building, 2.5 Credits/term
Dungeons and Dragons
This class is based on the role-playing game of Dungeons and Dragons. The intent of this class is to provide a class setting that is a relaxing elective, which uses one's imagination while participating in a group cooperative effort. The class will also involve: using mathematical skills, reading, reference to mythology, interpersonal skills, and artistry.
Elective, 1.0 credit/term
Foreign Language Tutorial
Foreign Language, 2.5 credits/term
Fundamentals of Guitar
This class will serve as an introduction to the acoustic guitar. Coursework will be individualized since students start at different stages and advance at different speeds. Students will have the opportunity to learn about chord formation, strumming and finger picking, scales, and song structure.Elective, 2.5 credits/term
Gardening and Horticulture
Students will learn basic fundamentals of horticulture, agriculture, and gardening techniques through experiential learning and hands-on nature-based activities. The class will assist in designing, creating, developing and incorporating an organic garden that will eventually become a multi-purpose outdoor classroom and respite area. Diverse subjects including propagation, garden art, permaculture, greenhouse methodology, and organic farming methods will be covered. Students will be able to witness the different growing seasons and typical growing cycles of vegetables, fruits, ornamental and native plants during the school year.
Science, 2.5 Credits/term
German
Students will learn to converse in German, as well as understand written texts. We will learn about everyday things such as family, school, holidays, etc.
Foreign Language, 2.5 credits/term
Government
In order to be successful, a democracy needs the involvement of informed citizens. By understanding the way our government is run, students will be empowered to take an active role in the larger community.
Government, 2.5 credits/term
Grammar and Vocabulary Study
We will focus on several areas of the English language including spelling, writing and reading. We will use games, field trips and hands on activities to improve skills.
Language Arts, 2.5 credits/term
Hiking and Forest Ecology
In Hiking and Forest Ecology we observe the flora and fauna of various ecosystems in the Willamette Valley. As we walk through oak savannahs and riparian zones, we learn the plant names and uses, and taste some of the edibles as we pass by them. This class is meant to invigorate our minds as well as our bodies as we appreciate the beauty of the area.
Physical Education, 1.0 credit/term
History of U.S. Elections and Politicians
This course will trace the history of American elections. Topics will include: the development of the American electoral system, close and disputed elections, limits on the right to vote, third-party candidates, Watergate, the history of political parties and campaigns, the impact of special interest and grass roots campaigns, initiatives. Each student will also choose a U.S. politician to research.
U.S. History, 2.5 credits/term
Human Sexuality
The course will explore the emotional, physical and biological aspects of sexuality.
Health, 2.5 credits/term
Interfaith Dialogue
This course explores the major religions of the world. In this challenging time of globalization and conflict it is a key to have a clear understanding of different belief systems in order to attain genuine respect for others and peace. We will invite spiritual leaders from different religious traditions to speak from their hearts. We will also visit the religious and spiritual centers around town. This course encourages us to see the common ground among different religions and begin an inter-faith dialogue. Through this process we will attain a deeper understanding of life and a means of conflict resolution.
Elective, 1 credit/term
Japanese/Tea
This course is an exploration of Japanese language and culture. We will learn basic conversational and written Japanese. We will develop an understanding of Japanese culture through our experiences of Chado. Chado, the Way of Tea, often called "Tea Ceremony," is more than a ceremony. The living art of Chado brings together many aspects of traditional and contemporary Japanese culture and spirit. We will practice tea procedures in a traditional way as well as develop an understanding of the essence or spirit of Tea.
Foreign Language, 2.5 credits/term
Jewelry Making
A fun exploration of jewelry making in which students work primarily with beads, but also with wire and other technology to create pieces for their own enjoyment.
Elective, 1.0 Credits/term
Juvenile Justice
Students will explore the justice system as it relates to youth. Discussion, reading and field trips will be incorporated.
Elective, 2.5 credits/term
LSI: Literature Scene Investigation
This class will focus on "analysis of the evidence," just like on the TV show, "CSI." We will uncover the full significance of various literary examples-classic and contemporary short stories, poems, a play, maybe a novel.
Language Arts, 2.5 credits/term
Math
| Mathematics classes serve a broad range of student needs, interests and talents. Students work individually on topics from subjects commonly studied in high school, especially algebra and geometry, but also including work in such areas as trigonometry and calculus for college-bound studnets. Math, 2.5 credits/term |
Media Studies
This course will examine the mass media and its influence in today’s society. Issues such as bias, censorship and methods will be covered. Each student will be responsible for analyzing media in their own lives.
Language Arts, 1.0 Credits/term
Mindful Cooking
This course focuses on meals that are alternatives to public school lunches. We will learn to select and prepare foods that are simple, healthy, and nutritious. We will cultivate mindfulness in our choice of foods and in the process of cooking. Students will be expected to be actively involved in planning meals, shopping, cooking and cleaning up. The lunch we produce at least twice a week will be available to everybody who would like to try out!.
Health, 2.5 credits/term
Minorities
We will explore a variety of minority movements through US history and how they are affected by the current day situation in America. Topics will include language minorities, age, gender, race, religion, body shape, disability and sexual orientation.
U.S. History, 2.5 credits/term
Music Jam
Music Jam is an opportunity for students to share, explore and build on their music interests and talents. Some equipment is provided; students are encouraged to bring their instruments to work with.
Elective, 1.0 credits/term
Naked Molerats to Predacious Diving Beetles
This class will explore the natural systems in which all life depends. We will look at the different components that make up an ecosystem and how ultimately they are all dependent on one another. Some of the topics we will discuss are: food webs, trophic levels, non-native species, extinction, predator/prey relationships, adaptations, symbiosis and natural selection. This class will also have a field component, where students will visit the Amazon creek and do water quality tests and bird surveys.
Science, 2.5 Credits/term
Outsiders and Revolutionary Literature
This literature class explores the poetry, plays, short stories, and song lyrics written by outsiders and revolutionaries including racial, ethnic, and social minorities, and early women writers. We will also look extensively at socialist literature from various perspectives, and watch documentaries about revolutionaries and people who have historically been considered outsiders.
Language Arts, 2.5 Credits/term
Physical Education/Team Sports
P.E. is an exercise class in which teamwork and positive attitude are emphasized.
Physical Education, 2.5 credits/term
Personal Growth
In this class, we will work with our minds and experiences and examine how they interplay with each other. This is a continuation to our exploration in the “Science of the Mind” class. We will use whatever we experience in life, good or bad, happiness or pains, as resource for us to learn and grow. We will also examine what’s important in life, so that we can grow and make better choices. The class includes lots of discussion, games, reading and guided meditations as well as occasional field trips and cooking.
Health or Elective, 2.5 credits/term
Personal Finance
The design of the course is to help prepare students for life after high school where finances are concerned. We will focus on job hunting, banking, housing, bills, credit, higher education as well as savings and long term planning. We will incorporate personal goals as well as trips to help familiarize students with helpful places in town.
Personal Finance, 2.5 credits/term
Philosopher’s Tea
In the last couple of years, we have been deepening an understanding of Japanese culture and the spirit of tea through our experiences of Chado. Chado, the Way of Tea, often called the "Tea Ceremony," is more than a ceremony. The living art of Chado brings together many aspects of various traditional philosophies and cultures. This term, we will further explore philosophical aspect of the Way of Tea. When tea is practiced privately in a personal level and internalized, it becomes a training of one’s own mind and becomes so-called “philosopher’s tea” in a true sense.
Global Studies, 2.5 credits/term
Plastic Society's Playhouse
Plastic Society's Playhouse will explore the fundamentals of the philosophies of sustainability. The class will explore the differences between environmentalism and sustainable development while learning about issues in different parts of the world that relate to sustainability. The students will learn about systems and holistic thinking practices, the fundamentals of sustainability and what we can do to create a more sustainable world.
Global Studies, 2.5 credits/term
Poetry of Earth
Self-Expression using 3-D and 2-D materials. Potential to begin the creation of poetry and art on the walls in the form of a mural.
Elective, 2.5 Credits/term
Positive Solutions
The class will identify problems in society regarding the environment, resource consumption, social and political justice. Then we will explore the people and organizations in our local, regional and national communities who are making positive contributions. We will look at the work of some historical figures as well as have local activists present their work/passion in class. This class is about having faith in humanity and hope for the future.
Elective, 2.5 credits/term
Reading circle
| Students have an opportunity to choose books of their interests to read. Time is spent at local libraries exploring local opportunities. While improving reading skills, students can gain personal confidence and critical thinking. Language Arts, 2.5 credits/term |
The River Project
Water is essential to life on Earth. This class will learn about the water cycle and how humans have altered it to better meet their needs. Students in this class will learn how to conduct water quality tests and perform these tests out in the field. We will discuss the significance of each test conducted and what it tells us about the local water quality and stream ecology. Students will also learn about watersheds, waste water systems, point and non-point pollution, ground water, eutrophication, dams and acid rain.
Science, 2.5 credits/term
Science in the News
This class will focus on current issues of scientific importance. Students will take a close look at newsworthy topics and explore the underlying science. Specific topics will include cloning, space exploration, alternative fuels and climate change. The class will also examine the impact of science and technology on our world and society.
Science, 2.5 credits/term
Science of the Gods--Time Travel to Zen Mystics: a class to blow your mind
This is a class looking at the edge of science: the place where the unknown and the bizarre dwell. We study the new discoveries in Biology, Ecology, Physics and Quantum Physics. Some topics covered: Giant Squids, Black Holes, The Electromagnetic spectrum, insect mating, Deep Sea Biology and the places where spirituality and Quantum Physics meet.
Science, 2.5 Credits/term
Science of the Mind
In this class, we will explore our minds through Buddhist psychology or the Science of Mind. Students will learn practical, down-to-earth techniques for looking within, understanding the mind and working with problematic feelings. Students will be encouraged to pay attention to their emotions and afflictions such as anger, depression, and fear as well as behaviors such as addiction. Through open and honest discussion, analytical meditation, and other exercises, we can become our own therapists! The class includes lots of discussion, activities, games and guided meditations.
Science/Health, 2.5 Credits/term
Self-Expression through Clay
Speak from your mind or heart using written word or clay form. This course will be a discussion of art as a vehicle for communication while creating impermanent clay forms.
Elective, 1.0 credits/term
Spanish
This class will help students develop beginning Spanish language skills in a fun and relaxed environment. We will explore some cultural activities of Latin America and Spain, including food preparation and holidays. We will also learn beginning Spanish reading, writing, and speaking skills through grammar and vocabulary, and we’ll watch entertaining movies in Spanish with English subtitles to familiarize students with the sounds and rhythms of conversational Spanish.
Foreign Language, 2.5 Credits/term
Storytelling and Children’s Stories
Build public speaking and performance arts skills through traditional and non-traditional storytelling, poetry reading, and slam poetry reading, with the options of reading modern plays or performing music. Students will write and illustrate a piece of children’s literature, a poem, a short story, or a comic book. Writing and illustrating is not limited to children’s stories, but children’s stories are highly encouraged. Language Arts, 2.5 Credits/term
Student Zine
This class will produce a zine packed with student art, cartoons, poetry, stories, commentaries, interviews and whatever else we can come up with! As a group, we will decide on themes and contents. Above all, it will be creative and fun.
Language Arts, 2.5 credits/term
Tea/Calligraphy
This course is a continuation of our Japanese language and culture class. This term we will focus on Japanese calligraphy and Tea through which we will train ourselves to discover our inner qualities and potentials. We will practice both calligraphy and Tea in a traditional way. The goal of this class is to develop an understanding of the essence of these practices, so that we can apply these essential qualities to our daily lives.
Global Studies, 2.5 Credits/term
Tea in Chaos:A boot camp for Tea Ceremony and ManiFest
This experiential class consists of two complementary paths: first, training in the traditional Japanese tea ceremony; and second, the organization of an annual charitable rock concert for the school, ManiFest. Through devoting ourselves to these two subjects, we will learn to focus our attention on each moment, pay attention to detail, and act with clarity and resolve. In this process, we will also gain the real-life experience of developing a rock concert and working on a community project. Each tea class involves the actual hands-on practice of preparing tea in the traditional way, just as the Samurai warriors and Zen masters did. Preparation for ManiFest involves a variety of activities such as working on art, organization, promotion, and community outreach.
Community Building, Global Studies, Elective, 2.5 credits/term
Transitions
A class designed specifically for seniors, Transitions is to help prepare for life after graduation. Credit evaluations, career explorations, researching colleges and other vocational programs will help each senior to develop a plan for their next phase of life.
Personal Finance, 2.5 credits/term
U.S. History
History is nothing more than the stories of people who came before us. Importantly, history often repeats itself. By learning more about past experiences, we can better understand the world of today and be prepared to face personal and societal changes of tomorrow.
U.S. History, 2.5 Credits/term
Word Games
This will be social time to work on communication skills and advance vocabulary and sharpen your language skills playing word games such as Scrabble, Boggle, Balderdash, Taboo, and doing crossword puzzles.
Language Arts, 1.0 Credits/term
World Cultures and Travel
This class will focus on various cultures of the world and places of interest in different parts of the earth. Students will write reports on a particular culture. Guests will be invited to tell their stories from their travels and lives.
Global Studies, 2.5 credits/term
Yearbook
Working throughout the year, students will collect and compile the moments and events that made Wellsprings memorable for the past school year.
Elective, 2.5 credits/term
Yoga/Meditation
This course promotes the union of body and mind. Yoga literally means "yoke" or "union": the union of mind and body, oneself and others, inner self and outer environment. In our busy daily lives we often lose the oneness, connectedness, harmony and balance of opposites. Through the physical and mental practice of yoga and meditation, we will restore all of the aspects of body, mind and spirit to a place of harmony and balance. We hope that this place of oneness will be carried out into our daily lives to benefit whatever we do. Physical Education, 2.5 credits/term
