Classes

See Current Calendar

Class Descriptions

February 2010

  • Sociology
    Monday, 9:00-10:00. Casey Malizewski. Classroom.
    Sociology is the systematic and scientific study of society and social behavior. Using a sociological framework, we will examine trends in society and culture and look at social relationships between groups and institutions. Throughout this class, we will learn sociological vocabulary and theories and learn to apply them as we cover the topics of gender, love, race, corruption, media, and many more. This class will be primarily discussion based and students are encouraged to bring their ideas, experiences, and opinions in these open discussions.
  • Writing Workshop
    Monday, 10:00-11:30. Susannah Sheffer. Classroom.
    Workshop for developing all sorts of writing, learning to offer helpful critiques to others, and working through stuck places. Individual meetings are also available, especially for those who are struggling or don’t feel confident about writing.
  • Social Issues
    Monday, 11:30-1:00. Ken Danford. Classroom.
    • Current topics in the news and special guests. Bring in articles and topics you want to discuss.
  • Design and Build
    • Monday, 1:30-3:00. Joe Seitz. Design and build a woodworking project. Class limited to small number of committed, mature students. Materials fee will apply depending on project. 2 hour class. Must attend every week. Homework in between classes.
  • Fiction Freaks
    • Monday, 3:00-4:00. Joanna Weinberg-Lawless. Library.
    Teen-driven book group. Currently reading A Catcher in the Rye by JD Salinger.
  • Biology
    Tuesday, 9:00-10:00. Classroom.
    Meets twice weekly- Tuesdays with Alex VanLeer and Thursdays with Dr. Bill Copeland. Using a textbook augmented with labs and discussions.
  • Philosophy
    Tuesday, 9:00-10:00. John Sprague. Classroom.
    This class is a continuation of the Philosophy class, with a new focus on the teachers and philosophical traditions of Asia, including Taoism, Confucious, Buddha, Nagarjuna, Vedanta, and Zen. We will also look at the philosophy of religion in a more general sense, and compare Eastern religious traditions with Western religions such as Judaism, Christianity and Islam. Some of the topics we will explore include enlightenment, reincarnation, karma, the nature of reality, and ethics.
  • Films
    Tuesday, 9:30-11:30. Classroom.
    Selection of interesting films. Organized by current member, Jake Winans.
  • Theater
    Tuesday, 10:00-11:30. Ellen Morbyrne. Piano Room.
    Theater is an art form, a physical and emotional discipline, and a rocking explosion of fun. Come learn physical theatre techniques and games that create dynamic performance styles for all types of live theatre – realism, devised, guerilla, street, musical, and abstract. Come knowing nothing about theatre or being a performing artist looking for new ideas. We will create a safe and welcoming ensemble in which to take artistic and personal risks. Based on class interest, we will take field trips to see performances, learn about multi-media live theatre, and rehearse a play for full production at North Star. Join any time, but the more you commit the further we’ll go!
  • Altered States
    Tuesday, 11:30-1:00. John Sprague. Art room. 
    • Examine the innate, normal human drive to alter ones consciousness and to experience non-ordinary states of mind. It offers scientific information about psychoactive plants and synthetic drugs, and provides a safe, confidential atmosphere in which to discuss our thoughts, feelings, experiences and attitudes towards their use.
  • Biology
    Thursday, 9:00-10:30. Classroom.
    Meets twice weekly- Tuesdays with Alex VanLeer and Thursdays with Dr. Bill Copeland. Using a textbook augmented with labs and discussions.
  • Shapes
    Thursday, 9:15-10:30. David Loveler. Classroom.
    Is math hard for you? Is it exciting? This class is for anyone interested in what no one knows yet. David will share his discoveries in geometry (shapes and patterns) and arithmetic. Make some discoveries of your own, too, using David's nifty manipulatives.
  • Read and Reflect
    Thursday, 9:30-10:30. Susannah Sheffer. Art Room.
    We'll read short personal essays, by a variety of writers, and use them to lead us into discussions about choices, motivations, families, relationships, fears, conflicts, wishes -- all the drama of being a human being. Come ready to read and think and listen and talk.
  • Independent Art
    Thursday, 10:15-11:30. Alex Abelson. Art Room. Begins 1/28.
    Independent art is simultaneously a study of contemporary, and a forum for experiments in art making. Students will study twentieth and twenty first century artists from Pablo Picasso to Shepard Fairey, and will be offered guidance and assistance in creating their own projects over the course of the semester. Attendance will be mandatory, and only two unexcused absences will be allowed. In addition to creating art work, students will be asked to complete two short writing assignments explaining and exploring their relationship with art and contemporary culture..
  • Community Advisory Board
    Thursday, 10:30-11:30. Ken Danford. Office.
    How can we improve North Star and the experience for each member? This group will be a youth leadership team addressing the small and large concerns of the organization. Proposals by this group will go to the Community Meetings on Mondays or to the Board of Directors monthly meetings.
  • Math Crew
    Thursday, 10:30-11:30. John Sprague. Classroom.
    All the math you never learned. Supportive, inclusive environment for those who are catching up on math.
  • Relativity, Gravity, and Black Holes
    Thursday, 11:30-1:00. Dr. Read Predmore. Classroom.
    Physics course exploring classical mechanics, special relativity, and general relativity.
  • Anthropology
    Thursday, 11:30-12:45. Craig Surette. Art Room.
  • French
    Thursday, 2:00-3:00. John Sprague. Classroom.
    For beginners.
  • Rock Business
    Thursday, 2:00-4:00. David Marcus. Piano Room.
    Learn about the rock and roll and recording industries.
  • Constitutional Law
    Friday, 9:00-10:00. Ken Lieberman. Classroom.
    Study the Constitution and then learn about famous Supreme Court cases in U.S. History.
  • Pop Science
    Friday, 10:00-11:30. Catherine Gobron. Art Room.
    Book discussion group focusing on accessible and interesting non-fiction, science-related books. Currently reading The Omnivore's Dilemma by Michael Pollan.
  • Short Story
    Friday, 1:30-3:00. Marianne Radke. Classroom.
    Read modern American short stories and discuss them
  • Buff-itis
    Friday, 2:30-4:00. Current members Adriana Piantedosi and Abbey Morton. Classroom.
    Watch and discuss episodes of Buffy the Vampire Slayer, Angel, Supernatural, and Dr. Horrible's Sing-A-Long Blog.

How Classes Work

North Star classes and workshops are offered on a variety of topics. The schedule is a reflection of our current core of staff, volunteers, and work-study students and their passions. Rather than attempt to fulfill any particular curriculum we ask our teachers to share their expertise and enthusiasm, whatever that may be.

All classes and workshops are optional and open to every member. Classes may vary in length, format, and content. Some classes are held for a month or 6 weeks while others may continue for the entire year. This is dependent both on the availability and plans of the teacher as well as the membership.

The format of each class can vary significantly as well, again depending on the vision of the leader. We encourage all members to learn about and try as many classes as they can. Once a student decides to be a regular participant of a class, we expect commitment. There are no grades or punishments, but we expect class members to communicate with the teacher regarding attendance and other issues and to fulfill any requirements such as readings, research, or other assignments. Some classes will ask for and expect a considerable amount of work to happen outside of class time while others will be more limited. This is made clear in the class description and by the teacher and should be taken into consideration by the student deciding to join the group.

Teens sometimes lead classes without adults. In addition, members frequently ask for the creation of certain classes and participate in the planning.

Regular, weekly, sequential classes will be held on Mondays, Fridays, 9:00-4:00, and Tuesday and Thursday mornings, 9:00-1:00.

On Tuesday and Thursday afternoons we will hold the space for workshops.

Workshops vary in length from 1-3 hours, and are held either 1 time or in short sequences. Teens, parents, and community members are invited to offer workshops in addition to regular staff members. To begin to discuss your idea for a workshop, please call Catherine at 413-582-0193 or email her at catherine (at) northstarteens.org.