Splash Fall 2014
Course Catalog

Whether it's Frozen or anime, made with drawings or clay models, new or old, all kinds of people all over the world have a love for watching and creating animation. Learn about this amazing artform as we explore what it takes to create some of the best animated features of all time. We will watch pieces of animation and learn the techniques animators use to bring life and magic to the screen, as well as learning about important individuals such as Walt Disney, Hayao Miyazaki, John Lasseter, and more.

Come share your poetry with peers in a constructive and positive manner! Please bring at least one poem to share with the class. If we have additional time, we may be able to review more than one of your poems so bring as many as you would like. Be prepared to give constructive comments on your classmate's poems.

Ever wanted to cheer someone up with a stuffed animal? Well, now you can and it will be made by hand with care in every stitch. We will be sewing owl beanie babies for someone in need as well as making a card to go with it. If you have someone who wants to be cheered up with friendship, you can give the owl to that person. If you would like to donate, I can also send the owls to children in a nearby hospital. When you are done with your gift you can make one for yourself or take the instructions home with the knowledge of how to make an owl. No sewing experience is required, I will teach anyone who wants to learn how to sew. This is a project made entirely with hand sewing.

Learn how to make photos look interesting and creative by glitching an image. Learn how to use a simple text editor to change a standard photo file. Please bring flash drives with images from home or that you like from the internet.

Learn about the intriguing masks that bring life to the masquerades of African tribes! After learning about these vibrant masks, you can make your own.

Do you think you know how to talk to people? Most of us do, but what you probably don't know is that it is an entire art form. What do you first say to someone when you cross paths? How outgoing do you "have" to be to make an imprint in the social world? What does a firm, confident handshake look like?

Ever lose a hand of poker due to bad luck? In this class, you'll learn about the reality of statistics and their role in card games.

*This class will focus on the game-aspect of Poker, not gambling.

Drawing in black and white is cool and all, but color adds more to the art world than what is commonly seen today. We will look at why people prefer black and white art over color, examine why color is one of the most unique things in the world of art, and see through hands-on activities that color is much cooler!

This class will cover the basics of arranging a Capella music, as well as how to bring voices together to make awesome music!

Learn how to make friendship bracelets!

Are you a big goofball? Do you like to shine on stage, or just make people laugh any chance you get? Improvised and sketch comedy is for students who have creative minds and like to think on their feet! Learn about what it means to perform theatre through laughter, write skits about funny jokes, and have a blast making your friends and audience pee their pants. You can think outside of the box with Shenanigans!, Clark's improv & sketch comedy group, where we'll give you tips on how to perform in front of others and what it takes to write an awesome skit to perform. Make a splash of memories with a high-energy class, and don't forget: all the world's a stage!

Meow! Woof! Oink! What does the fox say? Do you like animal noises? Do you like pretending that you're an animal? Do you believe you were an animal in a past life? Release your inner animal with some fun improv games!!!

Ever wanted to learn how to dance Salsa? Now's your chance. Come join Clark's 'Salsa Encendida,' a student club on campus that dances salsa, bachata, merengue, and sometimes Argentine tango! For this class we'll be focusing on salsa basics for the first section and some fancier moves for the second section. Be prepared to meet and dance with new people!

Ever wanted to learn how to dance Bachata? Now's your chance. Come join Clark's 'Salsa Encendida,' a student club on campus that dances salsa, bachata, merengue, and sometimes Argentine tango! For this class we'll be focusing on bachata moves from the basics to some spins and footwork.

Intro to the art of collage. Will include brief history of art and techniques, then collaging! I will have plenty of magazines to cut up, but feel free to bring your own!

Is silence music? Is dropping random objects on the ground music? "What is music" is a very broad question that humans have pondered probably since the beginning of civilization. In this class, we will grapple with more specific questions of experimental music. We will listen to (and more importantly, watch) pieces of experimental music, especially the works of John Cage, and discuss whether or not much of that sound really is "music" or mucus. Don't be afraid to get angry, as your preconceived notions about what qualifies as music will probably be put on trial as they have never been before. Feel free to bring random objects to the class that make interesting sounds, such as paper cups, rubber ducks, remote-control cars, and live polar bears, because if the spirit moves us, we may have the opportunity to compose our own experimental music!

Come learn the skill of basket weaving a craft practiced since ancient times in many cultures around the world. We will be making wall decals, coasters, jewelry, baskets, or anything else you are able to make using the basket weaving technique.

Learn how to dance like a star! East Coat Swing is a fun, easy to learn partner dance with lots of beginner steps.

Lean how to apply your creativity to the real world, your social life, your work, and your overall life. Going through different forms of creative arts in order to explore different potential passions.

Want to get your body moving? Learn a few rhythms and dances of Guinea, West Africa with members of Wofa, a West African dance company from South Hadley, Massachusetts. You will definitely get a work out, and, without a doubt, have a blast! Get ready to move - so bring some clothing you feel comfortable dancing in!

The Music and Musical Instruments will be creating their own instruments (with bottles, “cut the pipe”, drums, etc.) and playing them, as well as conducting workshops in singing, rhythm and percussion, and interacting with the kids to learn from their musical talent with drums and other instruments.​

want to learn cool new steps to be the talk of the party? come to our class and together we'll travel across the world to learn the movements of cultures that will definitely get an A+ for dance.

In this class we will be watching brief clips of different television shows, and analyzing how they're designed to flow smoothly. This will also include watching advertisements and how they relate to the program. We will discuss sitcoms, sports programs, and dramas.

If you've always wanted to bring out the inter artist in you. This class provides the chance for you to fall in love with capturing the moments.You not only learn the art of photography but get to put it into practice and come up with your own creative images, but wait, we teach you how to keep capturing images even without purchasing a camera

This course will take a closer into the evolution of Caribbean music. It will focus first on the different origins of various genres of Caribbean music ranging from Reggae, Ska, Calypso, Dancehall, Culture (concious reggae), Reggaeton, Zouk, Soca etc.
Additionally. Bob Marley (although iconic and legendary) was not the only pioneer in Caribbean region. Students will learn about other pioneers in Caribbean music. There will also be focus on carnival music and its variations throughout the region.
Students will get a chance to hear, see and learn the music of the region along with a dance or two!

Your eyes and brain are constantly working together to help interpret the world around you. But what happens when what you see and what you think you see don't match up? We'll explore the neurological and psychological reasons behind various types of optical illusions and see how our eyes and brain can play tricks on us. We will also discuss brain processes related to attention and memory.

Embrace your inner Weird Al!

Parody songs are songs that take existing music but add new and humorous lyrics, often to mock the original. In this class, we'll learn the basics of lyrics writing (rhyming, meter, scansion, etc.) by voting on a popular song and writing a parody of it.

Ever watched a Disney film and thought something wasn't right here? Did you think that the way that they portrayed women wasn't quite right? Well then you are not alone and this is the class for you! In this class, we will go princess by princess and discuss why there is an issue with the way she is shown and her influence on children.

Who are you and what makes you different or similar to the person sitting next to you? What are your main goals and fears in life? When are you at your best and worst self? In this seminar, we will explore your individual personality through a longstanding scientifically studied model called the Enneagram. You will understand your identity and internal motivations more after receiving this two hour instruction.

Why do some couples find it easier to communicate than other couples? Why is it that some men and women get along without much effort whereas other men and women clash despite shared views and similarities? Why is it that some people keep choosing the same unsuccessful partners over and over again? In this seminar, we will explore the art of Attachment Theory, an ideology researched extensively since the 1950's. After this class, many answers to your lingering relationship questions and struggles will hopefully be revealed.

What does happiness mean to you? Do you believe that helping others leads to a successful life, or do you believe that money can bring forth greater success? Do you know the power of words? Of kindness? How does that relate to anything in life?
Throughout the 2 hour class, we will be playing games, watching videos, listening to music, and discussing the ideas of happiness, altruism, gratitude, the power of words, and how to create the best possible life with what we have available.

We've all been there. Stuck in a room listening to the guest speaker who doesn't know when to stop, the teacher who doesn't realize he isn't interesting, the principle who thinks she's hilarious but isn't. Few things in life are more excruciating than having to sit through a speech by a bad public speaker. So it's little wonder that Americans are more scared of public speaking than anything else (including flying, spiders, and flying spiders).

But it doesn't have to be that way for you. Few things are more enjoyable or more thrilling than truly capturing a crowd's attention, not a single daydreamer or casual cellphone checker to be seen. Nothing beats listening to the silence so complete you could hear a pin drop as they hang on your every word. Or the roar of a standing ovation.

This scenario is not just the stuff of idle fantasy. Public speaking is a skill that anyone can learn and refine, not an unattainable talent that other people are born with. So come! Join us for a magical hour during which the surprisingly simple secrets of public speaking will be revealed. No previous experience required.

Does Nicki Minaj rule the world? Are Jay-Z and Beyoncé an actual power couple? Is Rihanna after world domination? Why are so many famous people that we have come to know and love associated with a "secret cult"? The Illuminati was once feared, and now it is feared again today. We will explore what the Illuminati stood for in the late 18th century, what caused their suppression, and why they are believed to be alive today. We will also examine why common celebrities are linked to this secret society, and what we, as part of the larger society, should do.

Russians in Afghanistan! Years of détente are shattered as the Cold War enters a Second Ice Age. The Eighties were the Age of Reagan. The Age of Gorbachev. The time when humanity came its closest to Armageddon. Come learn how the Cold War ended with whimper, not a bang.

In this course we will discuss fan culture in real life and on the internet. We will look at and explore fan culture and why it is so popular. The class will be discussion based and there will be activities and clips played.

Positive psychology is about how people can not only be same but live a happy life. We will talk about different theories in positive psychology and how people can live a happier life.

Ever wonder about the complexities of this our United States of America's Congressional Elections? Or why some people are elected and others are not? Why do they even run in the first place?

In this course I intend to present to you the complex world of United States Congressional Elections and the influences, motives, and strategies House and Senate Candidates use to win, keep, and push out incumbents their seats.

This course will touch upon some complex academic analysis so it may not be for the casual political observer; ultimately everything should be easily digestible. Not to mention this is a very important subject - knowledge of how YOUR representative and legislative bodies of government work.

This will not be a course that will analyze the political parties themselves. Upmost respect for all political views and affiliations will be strictly adhered to.

Come learn about how money flows through the economy! We'll be covering some of the basics of economic theory and capital markets (i.e. Stocks and bonds)

See below for some examples of what we will be covering


Demand and Supply (price, quantity, linear equations, graphs)
Elasticities
Stock market lingo (e.g. bearish, bullish etc.)
Federal Reserve, what it stands for and introduce to monetary police
Fiscal policy (tax and government spending) – republican vs democrat
Economic indices (GDP, inflation, unemployment, trade balance)

Sain baina uu! Greetings from the land of the eternal blue skies and boundless space. From the heart of Asia we bring you the great warrior Genghis Khan, buuz (Mongolian yummy dumplings), and yurt. This course will touch up on the people, culture and history of past and current Mongolia.
P. S. We will have free food!

Do opposites attract? Are people either left-brained or right-brained? Do we only use 10% of our brains? Can subliminal messages persuade people? Does hypnosis work?

We will look at examples of psychology myths from movies and popular media. In this class, we will evaluate and "debunk" these myths and more!

Have you ever wanted to learn French? Escape to Paris in this class on the basics of French conversation! In this class, we will learn how to have a basic conversation with another person in French, complete with greetings, goodbyes, and questions/answers on who somebody else is, how old they are, etc. Additional phrases and vocabulary will be given as requested. Allons-y!

The United States has long been known for the presidents that have helped shape the world we now live in today (for better or worse). From George Washington to our current president, Barack Obama, learn all that makes the U.S. quite spectacular. This is, U.S. presidents AFTER HOURS- jeopardy style.

Want to know how important children really are? We are bringing you UNICEF, the United Nations Children’s Fund, which works in more than 190 countries and territories to save and improve children’s lives. UNICEF works for children's rights, survival, development and protection.If this sounds interesting to you, come join our class and learn more in depth the mission and involvement of UNICEF.
Extra:
We will also have some cool projects and demonstrations to show how UNICEF and YOU can help children worldwide.

Have you ever been curious about Japan? Do you have questions about the mysterious far east? If you have always been interested in Asian culture come to learn about basic Japanese culture and get a deeper knowledge about the beauty of geishas.

Ever wonder about the history before the United States was founded? Who help found Thanksgiving? What happened during that time and who were the people that originally inhabited North America. This class teaches basic information (including cultural background, history, and current events) about Native Americans in North America and why they are important. Why should we know about them and what do they have to offer us?

Enjoy a break for lunch with your friends! Please register for a lunch period if you are staying for morning and afternoon classes.

If you own a smartphone, tablet or any kind of computer, you've used an Operating System (OS for short). This class will let you look under the hood to find out what an OS is generically and why you need one -- what they do for you. We'll also spend a little time talking about virtual machines (like what Java and Android run on) and what's good about THEM.

Learn what it takes to start a business from scratch and save the world at the same time. We will discuss business management, climate change or global warming, energy and power plants, and lastly clean technology.

Ah yes, the science of flight. But what must we do to leave the atmosphere of Earth, orbit the moon and safely land? Many physics principles are used in the game Kerbal Space Program - use them correctly and safely maneuver your ship through space - misuse them and disaster befalls your fellow astronauts. Come join me and learn how fun physics can be!

Have you ever wondered how you can image the atomic structure of materials? In this class you will learn how one basic concept of quantum mechanics allowed for the development of a state-of-the-art experimental technique, scanning tunneling microscopy, to do just this. This class will include a demonstration of Clark’s scanning tunneling microscope.

Do you love Dinosaurs? Do you think it would cool to be a dinosaur? Well, this might just be your lucky day. This class will teach you all about how YOU a human being are connected to the creatures big and small that once ruled the Earth. Come learn about the crazy scientific turn of events called EVOLUTION that connects us to the Dinosaurs.

Why does corn-starch and water flow like a liquid, yet you can run on it like a solid? Why does ketchup come out when you hit the bottom of the bottle? Why does not drip paint flow when you spread it, but not while it dries? All these liquids are called non-Newtonian, and as a result have some amazing properties. In this class, we'll discuss why.

This course will teach students how to maintain security online. We will discuss elementary topics, such as encryption, security-related smartphone apps, and password managers.

This course will teach students the very basics of standards-based HyperText Markup Language (HTML). It will aim to provide a solid starting point from which students can then later build off of should they decide to further pursue the language.

Have you ever wondered how frogs call, crickets chirp, or birds sing? In the animal kingdom, animals make a wide range of noises using many different body parts, for various reasons. This class will give you a chance to hear some really cool animal sounds that you may not have heard before, and learn about how and why they were made. Bring an open mind and open ears as we dive into the loud and crazy sounds of the world's animals!

In this class we will talk about the biological feasibility of zombies. We will discuss candidates for the zombie plague, how they are different, and survival techniques and strategies.

The Black Plague. AIDS. Ebola.

Throughout history, plagues, outbreaks, and pandemics have had an incalculable effect on society, oftentimes defining eras and changing the way of life for people around them. This joint History / Biology course will look at both the molecular mechanisms responsible for disease as well as what effects they've had on human civilization, and will span from Medieval to Modern times, ending on a discussion of the modern disease Ebola, how it works, and how pandemics are controlled in the modern world.


Prerequisites
A basic understanding of History and Biology- nothing more than high-school level.

Sleep is a beautiful thing, and one of the most important aspects of our lives. In this class, we will look at how the sleep cycle works, what determines how much sleep you need, and the significance of dreams.

In this class, we will explore the various topics related to Marine Science. We will talk about what's so "cool" about studying the marine world, and what's so important about it. We will also discuss how we are so dependent on the water that surrounds the land. We will touch base on the various environments that live in the ocean, and how they rely not only on the other parts of the ocean, but also on the atmosphere. Then, we will generate a list of concerns for our oceans, and talk about some solutions for those concerns.

Vermicomposting is the use of worms to turn organic matter, such as food scraps, into amazing fertilizer. And it is something you can do at home, with very little space and materials!
In this class we will cover the basics of vermicomposting. We'll talk about why compost is great, and why worms are so amazing. We'll also cover the basics of worm biology and ecology. Then, we will make a worm bin together as a group, and will talk about how to care for worms at home. You will go home with all the skills you need to start and care for your own worm bin. If you've ever wanted thousands of pets who don't make noise and are easy to take care of, this class is for you!

In this course, we look at the strange and beautiful life-cycle of the kangaroo. It starts with their unconventional birth, and extends throughout the course of their curious existence.

Introduction to topics in Environmental Science including GIS, Water Test sampling etc. Job opportunities in this field and why you should care about and pursue this field


Prerequisites
No prerequisitie is required, but knowing a bit of background in chemistry, biology or/and physics is optional

What does it mean to be queer? What does it mean to be LGBTQ+? Are they different? What are the consequences of identifying with the LGBTQ+/queer community? What is(are) the role(s) of allies in the LGBTQ+/queer community? Explore these questions and more through dialogue.

In this fun computer course, we will be creating particle effects like fire, sparks or rain using Unity. Particle effects are used to help make video games look more realistic. This course is for beginners, so no knowledge of Unity or programming is necessary.

Have you always wanted to become a Super Hero? Do you dream of saving the world while wearing a stylish outfit with tights? Learn How to Save the World in Two Hours and create your Super Hero identity!
Come show your creative streak! Design a back-story, costume, name, alter-ego, and most importantly, your power!
P.S. We're WAY cooler than the Super Villains!

Have you always wanted to become a Super Villain? Do you dream of destroying the world while wearing a stylish outfit and laughing maniacally? Learn How to Annihilate the World in Two Hours and create your Super Villain Identity!
Come show your creative streak! Design a back-story, costume, name, alter-ego, and most importantly, your power!
P.S. We're WAY cooler than the Super Heroes!

College tests aren't like those in high school, but imagine how well you could do on your tests by learning how to study for college exams! Learn useful studying techniques that many college students across the country have that earn themselves A's, and utilize this new knowledge in the high school classroom setting. Show your teachers you are ready for college!

Media is packed with distorted information about individuals' experience with anxiety and Obsessive Compulsive Disorder (OCD). These disorders are distressful and can be debilitating, and the media often sensationalizes the reality of them. In this class we will discuss the true nature of the disorders, different from what you've seen on TV. Clips of media portrayals will be shown and analyzed.

How does our criminal justice system actually work? What is myth and what is reality? What are actual crime statistics telling us? What are the different ways to study criminal behavior? Or how about the ethical issues we've heard so much about in the news?


Come to learn and talk about law enforcement, our correctional system, and much more!

Clark EMS will be putting on a lecture and hands on training of how to handle emergencies .

**This course is for participants of the Mount Wachusett Gateway to College program only.**
All students in the Mount Wachusett Gateway to College program must sign up for this tour of Clark's campus.

Learn the Basics of the Jewish value Tikkun Olam (repairing the world) and engage in a short activity to help people in the area.

Morris Dancing is so old, no one knows where it came from, only where it survives today - Even Shakespeare described Morris Dancing as ancient!

Morris Dance as we know it today originates from the English country side of the Cotswolds. In class we will be learning basic stepping, figures, and dancing. It is a beautiful, fun, and exhilarating dance with a rich and long culture. I cannot encourage you enough to join this class!

For more information about (and to see me, Benjamin Roberts, talking about and dancing) Morris Dance follow the links below:
http://goo.gl/4yN1b4
and
http://goo.gl/jyd9Md

I will be talking about the industry of Sea World and the like, especially focusing on the cetacean side of things. I hope to tell a story of pain among these beautiful animals, and why they do not deserve to be put into a small environmental space. I will first focus on their natural behavior, and then focus on the behavior that we see among captive animals. Then we will have a discussion regarding the ethics and possible solutions we can create to solve this massive problems.
A huge portion of this class will be based on the acclaimed movie, Blackfish.

This course is an introduction for common Spanish phrases/questions that can be used on a regular basis with Spanish speakers. For example, we will be translating greetings/questions such as "Hello". "How are you?" "How much does this cost?" "See you later!" "Where is the library?" etc.

PRIOR SPANISH HISTORY IS HELPFUL, BUT NOT REQUIRED

Do you wanna be the very best like no one ever was? Well let me warn you it's going to be a lot of work, but if you're ready to learn Ace Trainer Spencer here can teach ya. I can teach you how to EV train an Eevee. I know how to find the IV's of a Snivy. You got Eggs? I can hatch them without even looking at the screen. So don't be afraid Champ-in-the-making, I can show you tactics that will make your foes quiver in fear, and will then be promptly be proven useless because my Mega-Kangaskhan is more broken than a Spiritomb with Wonder Guard. Welcome to the world of competitive Pokémon. Your very own Pokémon legend is about to unfold! A world stats, natures, breeding, and becoming-that-person-that-nobody-else-wants-to-battle-because-you-take-this-way-too-seriously awaits! Let's go!
Note: this course is intended for those with a basic understanding of the Pokémon video games. We will be going straight to the nitty-gritty game mechanics that decide what happens in battle. Warning: There will be math!

Have you been looking for a way to improve your singing? Have you wondered what goes into the best singing performances? This course will touch upon the basics of singing, including such things as: diaphragm control and the body's involvement in singing; reducing tension in singing; classical versus pop-style of vocal production; mental techniques to keep in mind while singing; and much more!

This course will be taught by Assaf Shahar. Assaf has been singing barbershop for 6 1/2 years, ranging from backyard parties to international competitions. In his experience, barbershop has proven to be one of the most influential music movements; it is focused on the purity of harmony, though not secondary to the brotherhood and friendships that emerge from the act of singing together.

Sign up for this class and spend a fun-filled hour learning how techniques drawn from barbershop can help you learn how to sing and improve your singing. Assaf will also be available via email in directing you to the nearest barbershop chapter in your area, just ask!

Learn about how food systems work using an example of our favorite food, chocolate! We will explore the different people and places that are affected by our chocolate consumption. We will learn, and taste, how to become more conscious consumers when eating our favorite type of candy.

Need to learn how to write a resumé? Have you ever wanted to write that cover letter of your dreams? Gotta nail that interview right on the head? Look no further than Mr. Isaacson's Professional Development class. This class will teach you all you need to know to land that perfect job.

Are you sick of seeing bunnies come out of hats? Are you tired of using double lifts? Here you will see the real deal of magic, far from those cliche magicians that walk into your party! Be ready to learn special never-before-seen hand techniques, and a super secret shirt-change trick! Then YOU'LL be blowing your friends' minds!!!

Did you know that positive thinking gives you an advantage to success? Research has proven that “The positive mind has extra problem solving power”. We will go through all the steps to how to build a positive mind. A powerful way of thinking that has brought the most successful people in the human history to the point they are right now.
The best thing about the Law of Attraction? It really works.

Have you ever been interested in learning chess, one of the oldest and greatest games every played? If so, then this class is for you! Learn how all 6 chess pieces move, learn the three special moves of chess, and learn basic strategy to beat your opponent on the board of battle!

In this course, we will discuss the different types of disabilities (mainly on the topic of mental disabilities like Autism, Down syndrome etc.) and touch base on physical disabilities. I will also talk about how to get involved and raise awareness to help these people, as well as the many reasons for doing so.


Prerequisites
No prerequisites are required. The course is open to anyone and everyone. If anyone has experience with disabled people, please come and share your ideas.