Bluegrass United Academic Center Electives

2009-2010 BUAC Electives Course Descriptions/Instructor Bios

Advanced Drama

This class is a two-hour course for serious drama students who would like to work on a full-length drama production. Focus will be on building skills like movement, voice, improvisation, and characterization study. A drama production will be performed in December. Chosen play and cast list along with audition lines will be sent out by email prior to the beginning of classes. Students are to come the first day of class prepared for auditions. This class is part of the performing arts program of the Bluegrass United Performing Arts Company (BUPAC) and students and their parents will need to sign a commitment form required for all BUPAC members. This commitment form addresses line memorization, in-class focus and attendance. The form can be downloaded form the web site and should be submitted with all other paperwork at registration. A $20 fee per student will be collected to cover the purchase of bound scripts, licensing fees and royalties, and performance expenses.

Instructor: Michelle Finch

Mrs. Finch is an experienced teacher and member of the performing arts community. She has a BA in Secondary Education and 15 years experience teaching in Christian Schools, churches, homeschool groups and her own homeschool. She is active in community theater and sings in two music groups, New Life Voices and Harmonia. New Life Voices will be releasing their first CD this summer. She loves teaching and has taught drama and music to all ages. She has served as Director of Music/Worship at her local church and has participated in several church, school and community choirs. Mrs. Finch plays several musical instruments and is a member of a local vintage dance group. In addition, Mrs. Finch has portrayed several historical characters in Chautauqua–style programs across the state. This past year Mrs. Finch taught drama and assisted with musical theater at BUAC Electives.

Analytical and Creative Problem Solving

This will be a very active class where students will be asked to think "out of the box.” The curriculum is Destination Imagination, one of the largest critical thinking/problem solving programs in the world. Students will typically be divided into teams to solve challenges. The challenges are designed to be fun to solve, academically-based and focused on one or more of the following areas: 1) technical/mechanical design, 2) structural/architectural design, 3) theatrical/literary/fine arts, 4) scientific exploration and 5) improvisation. Students are asked to bring a fun attitude and their imaginations to class!! For more information about Destination Imagination check out the web site at www.idodi.org. Students who have participated in Destination Imagination in the past are welcome in this class as there will be new challenges designed for high school students. Fee $5

Instructor: Virginia Coffey

Mrs. Coffey is an experienced teacher who has been teaching a problem solving class to middle schoolers this year using the Destination Imagination curriculum. She strongly endorses the curriculum and is excited about utilizing the high school resources with older students. In addition, Mrs. Coffey has a degree in Landscape Architecture from the University of Kentucky and owned her own Landscape Design/Build firm before she had children. Mrs. Coffey has taught a variety of classes in several homeschool co-ops and has homeschooled her own children for six years. Her goal is to instill a lifelong love of learning in her students.

Applied Economics: “What You Don’t Know About Economics Can Kill You”

This class will teach students how to understand money and economics through lecture/discussion of financial concepts with a sharp focus on real-life application. Psychological barriers to wealth acquisition and retention (and to the studying of economics!) will be thoroughly explored. Gaining a wide understanding of economic philosophy in order to enhance decision-making will be the main goal of this class.

Instructor: David Adams

David Adams is a writer, public speaker, and legislative analyst. He has almost two decades of experience in the financial services industry (and never took a bailout!). He has almost one decade of experience in politics (and never raised your taxes!) He is currently pursuing a Master's Degree in Economics

Architecture & Design I

Students will study the many styles of architecture throughout history. They will study the components of design-form and function as they relate to the cities, buildings and gardens throughout the world. Students will use sketchbooks to record the many styles and details that define each of these. Students will be designing a few projects in order to understand the many decisions involved in "real world" architecture and design. They will have the opportunity to participate in a tour of the downtown area of Lexington to view the different architectural styles in our community. They will also look at the large variety of careers pertaining to architecture, landscape architecture, engineering and interior design. Supplies: Small sketch book, pencils/charcoal pencils. Fee: $4

Instructor: Virginia Coffey

Mrs. Coffey graduated from the University of Kentucky with a degree in Landscape Architecture. After graduation, she ran her own Landscape Design/Build firm for several years (until her children were born). Mrs. Coffey has taught a variety of classes in several homeschool co-ops and has homeschooled her own children for six years. Her goal is to instill a lifelong love of learning in her students.

Architecture & Design II

The is a continuation of Architecture & Design I, but this class can also be taken as a stand-alone class. Students will learn the styles of architecture and design throughout history that have influenced designs around the world. Students will learn the elements of design and will focus on projects typical of today's architects, landscape architects, engineers and designers. This will be a hands- on class in which students will be given real-world projects and will be asked to come up with their design solutions. These will range from a single-family home to a variety of larger- scale projects. Students do not need any drafting experience, but some drawing tools would be helpful. We will share some of these tools in class. Supplies needed: Notebook, mechanical-type drawing pencil, straightedge, scale (ruler). Fee: $4

Instructor: Virginia Coffey

Art History and Appreciation

Art History is designed to cover painting, sculpture, and architecture from pre-historic times through the Middle Ages era. The book for this course is The Annotated Mona Lisa by Carol Strickland. It is a secular book which does an excellent job introducing each era of art in an informative, interesting, and concise manner. (Be aware that there is some nude sculpture and painting representation.) Along with lecture and discussion class format there will be hands on, creative pieces the class will complete to experience the different styles of art through the ages. There will be minimal “out of class” homework mostly for oral presentation preparation. There is a $3 student fee for this course and the supply list is as follows: The Annotated Mona Lisa by Carol Strickland (copyright 1992), one folder with pockets and middle clasps for holding notebook paper, writing pen or pencil, one sketch pad (11”x 14”), drawing pencil (HB / 2B) and eraser, cheap watercolor set with assorted brushes (sm, med., lg.), one pound of modeling clay (grey, black or natural color), and ruler. The supplies and class fee should be turned in to the instructor on the first day of class.

Instructor: Karen Dobson

Mrs. Dobson has a degree in Art Education (K-12) from Stetson University. She taught art education at Lake Mary High School (Lake Mary, FL) for five years. Her favorite medium is watercolors and her favorite artist is America's Mary Cassatt. This will be her fourth year teaching at BUAC.

Beginning Drama

This course is an introduction and overview of theatre as an art form with emphasis on understanding the nature of drama and its place in culture, the history and theory of theatre, and the production process. All aspects of the theater will be explored, including stagecraft, production techniques, acting and directing. There will be in-class opportunities to practice the skills learned in this class. The class fee is $10 per student to purchase materials.

Instructor: Michelle Finch

Bluegrass United Show Choir

This is a new performing arts group for BUAC Electives. The show choir will present a program of music and dance in December. The theme for the program will be Broadway Today and will feature selections from current Broadway hit shows, including Phantom of the Opera, Wicked, Mary Poppins, and more. There will be at least two singing/dancing production numbers and also opportunities for solos and ensembles (both music and dance). There will not be auditions for the show choir. Instead, all students who love musical theater and are willing to work at it are invited to participate. There may be some outside work and rehearsals involved with this class. Students will receive CDs with the performance music in August and they will be expected to come to the first day of class with chorus music memorized. There will have a short audition process the first day of class in order to determine placement in musical numbers and dances and to assign solos. Dancers will receive a dance CD during the course and will be expected to learn the basic dance steps at home. If outside rehearsals are required, we will “poll” the show choir members to find a time that works best for all. This class is part of the performing arts program of the Bluegrass United Performing Arts Company (BUPAC) and students and their parents will need to sign a commitment form required for all BUPAC members. This commitment form addresses at-home preparations, in-class focus and attendance. The form can be downloaded from the web site and should be submitted with all other paperwork at registration. A $20 fee per student will be collected to cover the purchase of music and royalties. Also, the choir will dress uniformly and there will likely be a cost associated with assembling costumes.

Instructors: Betty Peterson and Michelle Finch

Mrs. Peterson has a BS in Education and has been involved in drama and musical theater her entire life. She spent 15 years from childhood into young adulthood as a member of an amateur musical theater group. She also studied dance for more than 25 years and has directed a variety of church, community and home school drama and musical productions. Mrs. Peterson has taught both drama and musical theater at BUAC Electives. Mrs. Finch is an experienced teacher and member of the performing arts community. She has a BA in Secondary Education and 15 years experience teaching in Christian Schools, churches, homeschool groups and her own homeschool. She is active in community theater and sings in two music groups, New Life Voices and Harmonia. New Life Voices will be releasing their first CD this summer. She loves teaching and has taught drama and music to all ages. She has served as Director of Music/Worship at her local church and has participated in several church, school and community choirs. Mrs. Finch plays several musical instruments and is a member of a local vintage dance group. In addition, Mrs. Finch has portrayed several historical characters in Chautauqua–style programs across the state. This past year Mrs. Finch taught drama and assisted with musical theater at BUAC Electives.

Career Planning

In this course, students will begin to develop a plan for choosing a career and determining life goals. The class will provide opportunities to self assess values, interests, talents, and skills. Students will learn how to set goals and make plans to develop skills and assets. They will explore various occupations using informational interviews, job shadowing, and guest speakers. They will learn how to prepare for particular careers, how to create a resume, and conduct themselves at an interview. They will discover research techniques and resources available for career searches. The class will learn decision making skills and how to implement their career decisions for future results.

Instructor: Kathy Deicher

Kathy Deicher has an education degree with a history minor. She is interested in increasing students’ knowledge of career possibilities and helping them discover their talents, interests and values. She likes getting students involved in the learning process with interactive techniques. She taught the BU Careers class and the Fitness and Adventure class last year and has planned BU trips to NYC, DC, Boston and Gatlinburg. She loves teaching and enjoys seeing students become excited about learning. She is the homeschool mom of four grown children.

The Constitution, Teens and Society

This course will look at the U.S. Constitution and how it affects teens and society in general. Students will be introduced to the fundamentals of the U.S. Constitution, such as how it was created, the amendments that have been added, and the process needed to change the Constitution. This will be a discussion-based class and some time will be spent looking at constitutional questions that directly affect teens, such as “Can parents listen in on teens’ telephone conversations?” This is a stand-alone class; however, when combined with the class Justice and the American Trial System, the two courses comprise a course of study in civics. Fee $3

Instructor: Colleen Vanover

Mrs. Vanover graduated from Asbury College with a BA in History in 1991. She has also studied history, geography and political science at the University of Louisville and has done graduate work in history at the University of Southwestern Louisiana. She was a classroom teacher and taught History to 7^th and 8^th grade students. Mrs. Vanover also has a post baccalaureate degree in Paralegal Studies and worked as a corporate legal assistant at Lexmark for seven years. More recently, she has been a stay-at-home, home schooling mother to her two children and enjoys teaching in a variety of venues in her local church.

Explorations in Science: Biology Lab I

The biology lab will follow the Apologia curriculum using Jay Wile's book Exploring Creation with Biology. We will begin with the classification of organisms and proceed to identifying microorganisms from cultures with the microscope. We will examine prepared slides of protists and other one-celled organisms and then fungi. We will study osmosis, diffusion, proteins, DNA, and Mendelian genetics. During the fall semester, labs will cover the first half of the Apologia curriculum. Fee $25

Instructor: Kimberly Taylor

Kimberly Taylor received a BS is chemistry and a BS in microbiology. She completed her graduate work in microbiology and immunology at UK and ran a thyroid cancer research lab before becoming a homeschool mom. She has homeschooled for 10 years.

Explorations in Science: Biology Lab II

This is a continuation of Explorations in Science: Biology Lab I, but students may also take this course as a stand-alone class. Students will continue to work through the Apologia curriculum using Jay Wile's book Exploring Creation with Biology. During the spring semester, labs will cover the second half of the curriculum. We will finish the year by dissecting a perch and a frog. Fee $25

Instructor: Kimberly Taylor

Foundations in Personal Finance for Teens - Part 1 Saving, Investing & Debt Management
This Dave Ramsey video course will focus on saving, paying/saving for college, various investment options (401k, mutual funds, stocks, etc.), consumer debt management, credit reports/scores and the Fair Credit Reporting Act. The class will include discussion and application of each of these topics emphasizing how a teen can apply the lessons to their own lives and futures. Foundations in Personal Finance Parts 1 & 2, taken together, are a full high school course in personal finance Class fee: $15

Instructor: Cindy Fawcett

Cindy Fawcett has been a homeschool mom of nine years. For several years, she and her husband have taught Dave Ramsey's Financial Peace University classes with their church and community. She has taught Foundations in Personal Finance for Teens for two years to homeschoolers in a co-op, as well as teaching the course to her church youth group. Additionally, she has taught classes in writing and literature for eight years.

Foundations in Personal Finance for Teens - Part 2 Money Management, Insurance, & Real Estate
This is a continuation of Foundations in Personal Finance for Teens - Part 1, but the course can also be taken as a stand-alone class. This Dave Ramsey video course will focus on money management, budgeting, smart spending, various viewpoints on money management, career choices, insurance and real estate. The class will include discussion and application of the topics emphasizing how a teen can apply the lessons to their own lives and futures. Foundations in Personal Finance Parts 1 & 2, taken together, are a full high school course in personal finance Class fee: $15

Instructor: Cindy Fawcett

Freshmen Foundations

This class is mandatory for ninth grade students. The goal of this class is to foster a sense of community and build leaders for the future among those students just entering high school and Bluegrass United. The class will seek to build friendships through a variety of fun and challenging activities, including games, projects, and team-building exercises. Along the way, several themes will be addressed. Among them are: the revolution of homeschooling; building friendships within the BU community, social and moral development, and service and leadership.

Instructor: Bob Peterson

Mr. Peterson is a pastor, small business owner, and one of the founders of Bluegrass United. He has served in leadership of many of the BU programs, including BUAC Core, BUAC Electives, BU Fellowships and BU Boys Soccer. He has taught many classes at BUAC and in other forums as well. Mr. Peterson has spent his entire life working with young people. He has served as youth minister in many different churches, worked in statewide youth programs and also with underprivileged children in community action programs. He has coached recreational and competitive soccer, basketball and baseball.

Global Studies: Chinese Culture and Language (All Things Chinese)

This course will expand your view and understanding of China, increasing your knowledge of one of the world’s oldest civilizations and building cross-cultural understanding. China is home to one out of every five people on earth and Chinese is the most spoken language in the world. In this course you will be introduced to Chinese history, geography, current events and cultural traditions. You will learn about mooncakes, taichi, brush painting, pagodas, erhus, Qing dynasty vases, one-child policies, house churches and more. Guest speakers are planned and optional field trips will be offered. Each class will also include a language session where you will begin to speak, read and write Mandarin Chinese.

Instructor: Kathy Deicher

Kathy Deicher has an education degree with a history minor. She lived in Singapore for two years, England for four years and has traveled extensively throughout Asia and Europe. She studied Mandarin Chinese for 7 additional years in Kentucky and developed many contacts in the Chinese community. She is interested in increasing students’ knowledge of Chinese culture and building cross cultural understanding. She likes getting students involved in the learning process with interactive techniques. She has taught the BUAC Careers class, the BUAC Fitness and Adventure class and planned BU trips to NYC, DC, Boston and Gatlinburg. She loves teaching and enjoys seeing students become excited about learning. She is the homeschool mom of four grown children.

Health I

This course will engage the student in exploring many aspects of health throughout the lifespan with an emphasis on prevention of disease and promotion of wellness. We will look at attitudes and practices in modern society and contrast these with Biblical insights. The goal is that students would gain accurate understanding of their bodies and be motivated to make lifestyle choices that enhance their health. During the fall semester, this course will focus on the prenatal period and continue through the teen years. When combined with Health II, these two classes comprise a full health course. Students will be expected to actively participate in discussions, complete short weekly assignments, and present a class presentation on a topic of his/her choice. In lieu of a text, we will read current articles. Fee $10.

Instructor: Janie Weatherford

Mrs. Weatherford is a RN and Lactation Consultant (IBCLC) as well as veteran homeschooling mom. Her college degrees are in English and Nursing and she has a particular interest in prevention and health promotion. Mrs. Weatherford has taught classes for many church and homeschool groups and has taught Health to BU Electives students in the past.

Health II

This is a continuation of Health I, but students may also take this course as a stand-alone class. This course continues the health topics and themes addressed in Health I, but adds in additional study related to adult health, including aging. When this class is combined with Health I, these two classes comprise a full health course. However, students are welcome to take one section of the health course if this is all that fits into their schedules. Students will be expected to actively participate in discussions, complete short weekly assignments, and present on class presentation on a topic of his/her choice. In lieu of a text, we will read current articles. Fee $10.

Instructor: Janie Weatherford

Home Economics: Foods

This course will be a fun and educational course in nutrition and food preparation. Students will do different activities with food to help them understand how different ingredients react together. In addition, they will make nutritious breakfasts, lunches and snacks. The final project will be to prepare eye-pleasing, nutritious party foods. This class is offered both first and second semester. The subject matter is the same for both classes and so students should not sign up both classes. Fee $20

Instructor: Greta Nichols

Mrs. Nichols has a degree in Home Economics from Miami University of Ohio and has a certification from the University of Kentucky to teach sewing to community organizations. She has taught sewing to a variety of state and community groups. For the past eight years, she has served as a leader and teacher in the homeschool community. In addition to homeschooling other students, she has homeschooled her four children for the past 14 years.

Home Economics: Textiles

In this course the students will be required to complete three different projects that will develop basic skills in sewing, knitting, and beading. In the sewing unit, students will learn basic sewing techniques as they put together a pillow. In addition, they will learn basic quilting and embroidery techniques as they create their pillows. In the knitting unit, students will learn basic knitting techniques as they knit a hat or purse. In the beading unit, students will learn a basic beading technique using seed beads as they create a necklace. Supplies needed include a good pair of scissors and sewing pins. Yarn and knitting needles will also be needed, but the type will be announced later in class. Eight-ten volunteers will be needed to bring sewing machines to class during the sewing unit. Class Fee (for sewing and beading supplies and a kit to hold them): $25.00

Instructor: Greta Nichols

Introduction to Leadership

In this course, students will explore a variety of leaders and leadership styles, from

servant to intimidator and from Hitler to Jesus. They will also look at some of the popular books currently on the market that address this topic. The focus of the class will be on the students developing their own unique understanding of leadership so significant time is given to interacting with the presented leaders and their moments in history. Time will be spent on case studies of current events and options for leaders. Class fee is $2.

Instructor: Bob Peterson

Mr. Peterson has served in a variety of leadership roles. He has been a pastor, business owner, and community service leader. He has served as executive director of the Manchester Center, a United Way agency serving low income families in downtown Lexington. He has always taken an active interest in community functions and has served on several state, community, church and neighborhood boards. He served on the Springfield (Nebraska) Economic Development Council and the KOLN/KGIN (television) Community Values Council; was chairman of fundraising for St. Jude’s Hospital (Tulsa), and was founder and executive director of Lovefest, a contemporary Christian music festival. He also sat on a board of professionals assembled from across Kentucky to oversee the implementation of the Kentucky Education Reform Act (KERA). Currently, most of Mr. Peterson’s hours of service are given to Bluegrass United, where he serves on the BU Leadership team, oversees the student leadership team (BULB), teaches at BUAC, organizes and leads social activities and is a BU Boys Soccer coach.

Introduction to Philosophy: Questions That Help You Wonder About Everything

This class is designed to get your kids talking about a variety of subjects and to get them wondering about the world around them, the things they see and don’t see. Students will explore questions on the topics of values, knowledge, reality, and critical thinking. A safe and fun environment will be created so that students can explore their perceptions of reality. In each class, two relevant questions will be tackled, along with their philosophical ideals. Students will learn about the philosophers who were the great thinkers of their time. This exploration will include historical and modern philosophers. There will be much discussion and exploration of thoughts, ideas, and beliefs. There will be a lot of talking, debating and thinking hard about ideas that students may not have considered before.

Instructor: Mindy Dennis

Mindy Dennis is a longtime educator and homeschooling mother of three children. She has two undergraduate degrees in education and a Masters of Education from Georgetown College. She has taught at Lexington Christian Academy, The Lexington Latin School and for various homeschool groups. She has a heart for the homeschooling and has served as a leader in the homeschool community.

Journalism 101: Fundamentals of News Gathering and Reporting

This course will examine various aspects of journalism from the ground up. Emphasis is placed on basic news gathering techniques, understanding how stories become "news," and surveying the many ways reporters and editors can inform people and shape public opinion. Among the subjects and skills to which students will be introduced are basic journalism concepts, reporting tools, conducting interviews, coming up with story ideas, interviewing techniques, beat reporting, covering major historical and political events and understanding press bias. Opportunities will be given to interested students to write short news and feature items for the Bluegrass United online newspaper. Fee $5.

Instructors: Betty Peterson and Virginia Coffey

Mrs. Peterson and Mrs. Coffey are experienced teachers and they have worked for a variety of media outlets throughout high school, college and beyond. In addition, Mrs. Peterson holds a BA in Education and a BS in Journalism (minor in Broadcasting). She worked in print journalism and broadcast news for 10 years. She has won awards from the Kentucky Press Association for news reporting, feature writing and investigative reporting.

Journalism: The Role of the Press in Society

This is a continuation of Journalism 101, but students can also take this course as a stand-alone class. This class will look at the current trends and issues in journalism, including the First Amendment, responsible reporting, libel, on-line journalism, political bias and the future of newspapers. We will also learn about the diverse career opportunities in the field of journalism today. There will be much group discussion. Opportunities will be given to interested students to write short news and feature items for the BU online newspaper.

Instructors: Betty Peterson and Virginia Coffey

Justice and the American Trial System

This course looks at the judicial branch of the U.S. government. Through lively discussion, students will explore key court cases and how they have changed America. They will study the court systems and how cases make it to the Supreme Court. Students will be performing mock trials in this class. This is a stand-alone class; however, when combined with the class The Constitution, Teens & Society, the two courses comprise a course of study in civics. Fee $3

Instructor: Colleen Vanover

Leadership: Developing Your Personal Leadership Style

This is a continuation of Introduction to Leadership, but students may also take this course as a stand-alone class.This leadership course focuses on assisting students with developing their own leadership style. A major component of this course is having community, state and national leaders from a variety of fields share about their experiences with leadership with the class. These leaders will include state and local government officials, Congressmen, leaders in sports and media, prominent business executives and influential clergy. This is a wonderful opportunity for students to learn about leadership directly from some of our state’s most important leaders. Class fee is $2.

Instructor: Bob Peterson

Mr. Peterson has served in a variety of leadership roles. He has been a pastor, business owner, and community service leader. He has served as executive director of the Manchester Center, a United Way agency serving low income families in downtown Lexington. He has always taken an active interest in community functions and has served on several state, community, church and neighborhood boards. He served on the Springfield (Nebraska) Economic Development Council and the KOLN/KGIN (television) Community Values Council; was chairman of fundraising for St. Jude’s Hospital (Tulsa), and was founder and executive director of Lovefest, a contemporary Christian music festival. He also sat on a board of professionals assembled from across Kentucky to oversee the implementation of the Kentucky Education Reform Act (KERA). Currently, most of Mr. Peterson’s hours of service are given to Bluegrass United, where he serves on the BU Leadership team, teaches at BUAC, organizes and leads social activities and is a BU Varsity Boys Soccer coach.

Military History

This class examines the universal principles and challenges that have faced military personnel throughout the ages, as illustrated through the study of particular battles and campaigns. Among the elements to be considered will be the effects of technology, geography, organization, communication and morale. Attention will be given to certain recurring tensions that have shaped strategic planning, as well as tactical employment. Emphasis will be placed on U.S./European history, with various examples from other cultures. Students will demonstrate their grasp of key concepts through use of a variety of exercises and projects. Extensive use of video clips will be employed. Effort will be made to edit objectionable material; however, parents should be aware that, by nature, this subject matter may contain some graphic content. Fee $5

Instructor: Steve Finch

Mr. Finch is an experienced teacher, pastor and homeschooling dad. He has a B.A. in Church Ministries and 20 years of pastoral experience. In addition, he has taught math to middle school students at Kentucky Christian School (where he also coached the Boy’s Basketball team). He has also been an instructor at BUAC. Mr. Finch previously worked in the academic counseling field and sat on the board of the Central Kentucky Pregnancy Support Center. He is a licensed real estate agent. Mr. Finch has a keen interest in military history and has studied it for many years.

Music Appreciation

This class seeks to discuss and dissect the role music has played throughout history, the power it has to stir the human emotions, and how all the components work together to create harmony. We will take a look at the different genres of music, including a brief history of each, examples, and some wonderfully talented guests. This class will utilize a hands-on approach, and students may be asked to bring their musical instruments, though NOT required. We will also study the human voice and its harmonies, as well as, the use of different musical instruments. This will be an exciting approach to music and will interest the beginner and the most advanced musicians. Fee $5

Instructor: Michelle Finch

Musical Theater

Students who would like to work together to put on a major musical theater production will love this class. Singers, dancers, actors, actresses and production personnel are needed. The musical has not been determined, but it will be a classic Broadway musical with lots of opportunities for different kinds of performers. The lead actors/actresses will need strong voices and acting skills, but there will be speaking roles that do not require vocal skills. Dancing will be a major part of this production and students will have the option of picking this as their primary role in the musical. Some outside rehearsals are likely, depending on the size of the role. Most extra rehearsals are held from 4-5 p.m. on Thursdays immediately after BUAC Electives. This class is part of the performing arts program of the Bluegrass United Performing Arts Company (BUPAC) and students and their parents will need to sign a commitment form required for all BUPAC members. This commitment form addresses at-home preparations, in-class focus and attendance. The form can be downloaded from the web site and should be submitted with all other paperwork at registration. A $20 fee per student will be collected to cover the purchase of bound scripts, licensing fees and royalties, and performance expenses.

Instructors: Betty Peterson and Michelle Finch

Physical Education: Sports, Recreation and Fitness I

This physical education course will focus on teaching and practicing team and individual sports skills so that students will be able to reap the benefits of a lifelong participation in sports and recreation. A wide variety of sports will be studied. Sports skills will be taught, but there will be plenty of time for games. Efforts will be made to make the class fun and challenging for students of all athletic abilities. There will be a fitness component to this class. This class is not a repeat of previous physical education courses.

Instructor: Zac Peterson

Zac Peterson is a senior recreation major at Asbury College. He has worked for the past two years in the creation and implementation of community and children's recreational programming for the Jessamine County YMCA, the Centenary United Methodist Church Summer Camp program, the Chinatown YMCA (New York City) and the New York City Parks and Recreation Department. He has also assisted in overseeing adult volunteers for the Lexington Legends for several years. Mr. Peterson has had a passion for sports for most of his life. He played recreational and competitive soccer throughout childhood and was awarded an athletic scholarship to play soccer in college. He played college soccer for two years for Asbury College. He participated in Bluegrass United as a high school student and currently serves as the head coach of the BU Boys Soccer team. This is his second year teaching physical education at BUAC Electives.

Physical Education: Sports, Recreation and Fitness II

This is a continuation of Physical Education: Sports, Recreation and Fitness I, but students may also take this course as a stand-alone class. Students will continue to work on the skills taught during the fall semester, but new sports and skills will be added during the spring semester. A wide variety of sports will be explored. Sports skills will be taught, but there will be plenty of time for games. Efforts will be made to make the class fun and challenging for students of all athletic abilities. There will be a fitness component to this class. This class is not a repeat of previous physical education courses.

Instructor: Zac Peterson

Political Science

This class will help students make sense of complex political concepts through lecture/discussion of campaigns, mass media, the legislative process, and grassroots organization. Historical examples, current events, and developing trends will be analyzed to help the student gain an ability to cut through the noise of the political world.

Instructor: David Adams

Studio Art

This art class will have an emphasis on drawing and printmaking. Drawing techniques using pencil, color pencil, charcoal and pastels will be the focus. Pieces in printmaking and scratchboard will be offered as part of the curriculum. There is a $5 class fee and the supply list is as follows: 1 11”x14” sketch pad, 2 Ebony drawing pencils, 1 set of good quality color pencils (i.e. Prismacolor brand), 1 set of charcoal sticks, 1 set of chalk pastels, 1 art eraser, a ruler and a container to keep art supplies in.

Instructor: Karen Dobson

Bluegrass United Academic Center Electives

A Program of Bluegrass United

2009-2010 BUAC Electives Course Descriptions/Instructor Bios