Summer Courses (9-12)

Morgan Park Academy’s summer courses are for students entering grades 9-12.
Instructors will be assigned depending on the number of sections per class.

Pricing: $550 per class.

The courses are opened to non-MPA students. A transcript will be issued at the end of the summer session. Make sure you check with your school to ensure that MPA credits are transferable.

¡Vamos a conversar! MWF 9-10:30am 7/11-7/29
Build confidence and improve your pronunciation, listening proficiency and speaking proficiency by discussing interesting topics in Spanish. You will explore cultural topics like food, music and current events and much more in this Spanish conversation course. This course also provides knowledge of grammar structures and useful vocabulary to communicate in Spanish. All levels are welcome.

Art History & Appreciation (online) M 6/20-8/8 9am
This course explores the main concepts of art, expression, and creativity as it helps students answer questions such as what is art; what is creativity; and how and why people respond to art. It covers essential design principles such as emphasis, balance, and unity. Units include: Art, History, and Culture; Western and World Art Appreciation; and Art and the Modern World. (Art 0.5 Credit)

Consumer Economics T,W,Th 6/14-7/7 10am-12:30pm
This course is intended to help students make informed decisions about the expenditure of their personal resources and understand basic economic principles. Students will learn how the American economy functions and to help them prepare to make decisions as consumers, wage earners, and citizens within that economy. (Social Studies 0.5 Credit)

Introduction to World Religions – Online (Online, Zoom Help Meetings Tuesdays/Fridays 10:30am-11:30am)
Introduction to World Religions discusses the origins, beliefs, and practices related to various world religions. The target audience for this course is high school students. This course covers subject areas: indigenous religious traditions, sacred stories, Hinduism, Buddhism, Judaism, Christianity, Islam, contemporary religious movements, and many more.

Movies in Español T,Th 9:00-11:00 July 12th-28th
Learn Spanish language and culture through the medium of film. In this course students will learn about Spanish-speaking culture and history while improving Spanish language skills such as listening, reading, speaking, vocabulary and grammar. Students will gain a cultural understanding of Spanish speakers in North America, Latin America and Spain. This course is taught in Spanish. It’s recommended that students have completed level 2 of Spanish.

Mythology and Folklore (Online)
Mythology and Folklore: In Mythology and Folklore, students will learn about myths related to the creation of the world, the natural elements, and the destruction of the world. Students will identify the main characters of various dynastic dramas, love myths, and epic legends and describe their journeys. Students will trace the evolution of folklore and describe folktales from around the world. Online, Zoom Help Meetings Tuesdays/Fridays 11:30am-12:30pm

Reading Proficiency in Spanish MWF 1:45pm-3pm 7/11-7/29
Enjoy reading in Spanish at your proficiency level. Learn new vocabulary, grammar and gain confidence in reading in the Spanish language. You will use a variety of reading materials like magazines, short stories, excerpts from novels, newspapers etc. to build your reading and writing skills in Spanish.

Speech T, Th 6/14 – 7/21, 10am-12pm
Taking a speech course is so much more than standing in front of the room and speaking to an audience or even giving a presentation. Taking speech will help you socially, academically, and professionally because, at its core, speech is about effective communication. The basics of communication can be broken down into three equally important components: the speaker, the audience, and the message. We will consider each of these components while exploring the importance of fashioning an effective argument. We will use famous speeches given throughout history as mentor texts. The most important reason for taking a speech course is because it is a way to explore your voice, find out how to use it effectively, and share it with others. You have important things to say, and this course will show you different ways to share these ideas.

We will study, practice, and perform several kinds of speaking such as the demonstrative speech, the descriptive speech, and the explanatory speech. We will become familiar with and use the three modes of persuasive speech: logical, emotional, and ethical. Students will be giving recitations and monologues from other writers as well as writing their own manuscripts to deliver both impromptu and extemporaneous speeches. Our final project will consist of drafting, practicing, and delivering a farewell speech to the senior class.

Course objectives
After completing this course, students will:

1. Plan and prepare speeches that inform, persuade, or fulfill the needs of a special occasion.

2. Use presentation aids to enhance your speeches.
3. Outline your speeches in a logical and thorough fashion.
4. Conduct meaningful research on a variety of topics.
5. Analyze your audience and design speeches to reflect your analysis.

6. Evaluate speeches based on a variety of verbal and non-verbal criteria.

7. Listen effectively, regardless of your interest in the subject matter.

8. Understand and explain the communication process.
9. Use various techniques to cope with performance anxiety.

Texts
Public Speaking: Concepts and Skills for a Diverse Society. 8th Ed. Clella Ises Jaffe.
Ted Talks: The Official TED Guide to Public Speaking. Chris Anderson.
Photocopied, electronically shared documents

Structure of Writing – Online (Zoom Help Meetings Mondays/Thursdays 10:30am-11:30am)
Structure of Writing: This course focuses on reviewing upper school levels in grammar, mechanics, and analysis. Students read parts of texts and respond. In addition, they will write create a larger response to an issue or idea that they choose and work on this larger writing analysis throughout the course. Online, Zoom Help Meetings Mondays/Thursdays 10:30am-11:30am

Women’s Studies – Online (Zoom Help Meetings Mondays/Thursdays 11:30am-12:30pm)
Women’s Studies: Women’s Studies introduces students to women’s studies, gender studies, and gender roles. The course traces the history of feminism, analyzes feminist theories, and examines intersectionality. Students will learn about social and political movements for the rights of women and other vulnerable groups. Students will also learn about social and family structures and socialization, which includes identifying prejudices, biases, and stereotypes that exist in society, and how the media perpetuates some stereotypes about gender roles and identities. The course also covers social and family structures, different forms of oppression, ways to prevent oppression, and methods to help and empower victims. Students will learn about international activism for gender equality, legal rights, and the challenges in achieving equality for all citizens from every section of society. The course combines a variety of content types, including lessons, activities, discussions, and games to engage learners as they discover the significance of women’s studies. Online, Zoom Help Meetings Mondays/Thursdays 11:30am-12:30pm