May Term 2023 Catalog
May Term is a unique two-week program which occurs at the conclusion of the spring semester (the last two weeks of May before Memorial Day). It provides students with opportunities to take one in-depth course or to participate in a May Term internship experience. All students will earn 0.5 credits with the successful completion of each May Term course/internship as part of the Academy’s graduation requirements.
All academy students must be enrolled in one May Term experience for 2023. Registration forms must be received by the Academic Affairs office by Friday, March 17, 2023 or you will be assigned a May Term course. When the number of first preferences exceeds the number of spaces available, seats will be filled at random, with priority given to the seniors. Course selections are not processed on a first-come, first-serve basis. There will be no drop or add options for May Term courses. When the capacity of each class is filled, no other students will be permitted into the closed class. Academy attendance policies and procedures apply to May Term courses and activities.
Click here for the Course Catalog
Click here for information on Internships
Registration Procedures
- Students should first view the May Term catalog on the Indiana Academy web site.
- Students must complete the May Term registration form on the web site and submit it online by the stated deadline of March 17, 2023. This includes those students who plan on completing a May Term Internship.
- Students who do not send in the required May Term registration form by the stated deadline of March 17, 2023, will be assigned a May Term Course with no right to change course assignment.
- Athletes MUST choose a May Term activity that does not conflict with practices or team events.
May Term Policies
- All Indiana Academy students must be enrolled in a May Term course or an approved May Term Internship as part of their Academy graduation requirements. Ball State University summer session courses, other individually arranged summer school courses, or educational events not sponsored by the Academy will not satisfy Indiana Academy May Term graduation requirements.
- May Term courses are graded A-B-C-D*.
- May Term courses are awarded 0.5 elective credits upon successful completion.
- All May Term courses are based upon a standard of curricular excellence consistent with the level of challenge, rigor, and reward of courses taught throughout the school year. May Term courses are designed so that tasks directly related to the course will occupy approximately 60 hours of student time with in-class and out of class work and activities over the two weeks. May Term courses are scheduled to meet a minimum of 3 hours per day. Courses that are primarily activity oriented will have additional hours of in-class meeting time. The meeting times listed in the catalog are approximations. Instructors may hold additional required class meetings outside of the scheduled times. May Term Interns must complete 60 hours of on-site work over the two weeks as arranged with their mentor.
Click here for the May Term Course Selection Form.
Course Descriptions
MT000107 • The Chronicles of Narnia | |
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The series of books by C. S. Lewis has fascinated readers of all ages for several decades. The seven books in the Chronicles of Narnia series will provide much room for class discussion and outside research. The three major motion pictures related to the series will also give opportunities to explore the themes and storylines of the books. Additionally, this course will delve beyond the stories to discuss the story behind the stories and the man behind the stories. By participating in this course, students will become familiar with C. S. Lewis, a prominent 20th century novelist, academic, and philosopher. Students will analyze important themes represented in the literature of Lewis. Course work will include discussions of each book in the series, student presentations, and viewing of the movies from the series. Outside work will include reading, researching relevant topics, preparing in-class presentations, and writing short papers. | |
Prerequisite: | None |
Meeting Time: | 10:00 a.m.–11:00 a.m. & 1:00 p.m.–3:00 p.m. |
Enrollment: | 15 students |
Grades to be Assigned: | A–D* |
Fees: | $30.00 for textbooks |
Instructor: | Ms. Kimberly Foltz |
Preferred Classroom: | TBA |
MT000173 • Beginning Tennis 101 | |
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Do you want to learn how to play tennis? The goal of this class is designed for students with no previous tennis experience. Students will learn how to play tennis, basic tennis strokes, information on the history of tennis and famous tennis players. Participants will need to bring a tennis racquet and two NEW cans of tennis balls. (Students with tennis experience do not need to apply). | |
Prerequisite: | None |
Meeting Time: | 10:00 a.m.–12:00 p.m. & 1:00–3:00 p.m. |
Enrollment: | 12 students |
Grades to be Assigned: | A–D* |
Fees: | None |
Instructor: | Ms. Susie Cunningham |
Preferred Classroom: | TBA |
MT000187 • Introduction to Muay Thai | |
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Muay Thai is the cultural martial art of Thailand. It dates back several hundred years and was developed as a form of close combat that used the entire body as a weapon. Since this is an introduction course, participants will not strike or be struck by anyone using force. We will mostly practice the techniques in a shadow-boxing style. Participants should provide a pair of athletic shorts, sneakers, clean socks & t-shirt which will be used during the hands-on, instructional portion of the class. The classroom instruction will just be normal clothes. If you also have a simple jump rope, this would also be beneficial. If you do not have a jump rope, another exercise option will be available. This course is meant to introduce the participant to self-defense techniques as practiced in Muay Thai that can be used in and out of organized competitions. It is also meant to provide the participant with a physical exercise class as well as a historical perspective of the art of Muay Thai as well as other similar arts. | |
Prerequisite: | None |
Meeting Time: | 9:00–11:00 a.m. & 12:00 p.m.–2:00 p.m. |
Enrollment: | 14 students |
Grades to be Assigned: | A–D* |
Fees: | None |
Instructor: | Mr. Bob Smith |
Preferred Classroom: | TBA |
MT000214 • May Term Internship | |
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Please see the Indiana Academy website for the requirements and application for a May Term Internship. Follow the directions and remember you still need to submit your Course Request Form along with the May Term Internship application materials. Please direct any questions about May Term Internships to Dr. Joel Olufowote in WA 172 and the completed application forms need to be submitted to Ms. Candace Manship in WA 170. | |
Prerequisite: | None |
Meeting Time: | All Day |
Enrollment: | Unlimited |
Grades to be Assigned: | A–D* |
Fees: | None |
Instructor: | Dr. Joel Olufowote (Coordinator) |
Preferred Classroom: | On-Site Locations |
MT000234 • French Film | |
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This course is an introduction to French cinema. We will watch films representing a variety of time-periods, subjects, and genres. Directors may include Cocteau, Godard, Truffaut, Marker, Malle, Palcy, Denis, Berri, Jeunet, Boon, and others. I anticipate that we will watch about 10 films and discuss them. This is a discussion-based class. The students will analyze and compare French films, learn about French culture, present information and arguments, write response papers, and participate in discussions. No previous experience in French is required for the class. Note: This course will require parental permission from every enrolled student. Films/books/and classroom discussion may contain adult content in some form, whether it be violence, sex, drugs, language, or all the above. Even if the student is 17 or 18, parental permission will be required. Students will receive permission forms soon after enrollment is approved. | |
Prerequisite: | None |
Meeting Time: | 1:00–4:00 p.m. |
Enrollment: | 14 students |
Grades to be Assigned: | A–D* |
Fees: | None |
Instructor: | Dr. Maria Slocum |
Preferred Classroom: | TBA |
MT000255 • Digital Electronics | |
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A basic understanding of electronics is essential in today’s world considering the impact of electronics. This course will look at the basics of digital technology and how the electronic technology has shifted from analog systems to digital systems. Although much of the current technology is based on digital electronics, analog electronics have some advantages over analog technologies. The course explores the transformation from analog to digital systems with a focus on the applications of Logic Gates. Students will have an opportunity to connect basic electronic circuits and gain an understanding of the theory behind digital electronics. This will give the students an understanding of how technology has evolved from analog to digital and provide the opportunity to relate digital electronics to real-life experiences. | |
Prerequisite: | None |
Meeting Time: | 9:00 a.m.–12:00 p.m. |
Enrollment: | 14 students |
Grades to be Assigned: | A–D* |
Fees: | None |
Instructor: | Dr. Godfrey Walwema |
Preferred Classroom: | TBA |
MT000258 • How to Host a Whodunit | |
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Do you like playing Clue™? Do you enjoy reading mystery novels? Do you like story-telling or acting? Have you ever wanted to be part of a murder-mystery party? Here’s your chance! You and your classmates will each read a murder-mystery novel and discuss what aspects of the various novels you would want to include in the mystery that YOU create! You will write scripts, create props and set-pieces, and rehearse before opening your murder-mystery party to the Academy community! This class will have minimal outside work – just the first day’s reading assignment. The rest of the coursework will be done during class hours. | |
Prerequisite: | None |
Meeting Time: | 10:00 a.m.–12:00 p.m. & 2:00–6:00 p.m. |
Enrollment: | 16 students |
Grades to be Assigned: | A–D* |
Fees: | $5.00 supply fee |
Instructor: | Ms. Jessica Edrington |
Preferred Classroom: | TBA |
MT000259 • Iconic American Horror Films of the 1970s and 1980s | |
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This course introduces students to several iconic American horror films from the 1970s and 1980s. Directors like Tobe Hooper, Joe Dante, Stanley Kubrick, and John Carpenter (among many others) made horror films in the 1970s and 1980s that quoted liberally from the horror of the 1950s and 1960s and yet established their own uniqueness and power that continue to inform the language of today’s horror films. Students will watch 4-5 horror films from the seventies and 4-5 from the eighties. Through discussion, research, and informal writing, we will dissect the horror on display in these films, see how they hold up and how their visual grammars work, and consider where the form is today. Note: This course will require parental permission from every enrolled student. Every film shown contains adult content in some form, whether it be violence, sex, drugs, language, or all the above. Even if the student is 17 or 18, parental permission will be required. Students will receive permission forms soon after enrollment is approved. | |
Prerequisite: | Students who have some familiarity and comfort with horror films and can handle watching difficult material. |
Meeting Time: | 1:00–2:30 p.m. & 5:45–8:45 p.m. |
Enrollment: | 15 students |
Grades to be Assigned: | A–D* |
Fees: | None |
Instructor: | Mr. David Haynes |
Preferred Classroom: | TBA |
MT000260 • Planetary Geology | |
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This course is a survey of the solar system and the geological evidence obtained by various current and past missions to other worlds. Students are introduced to the basic concepts of planetary science, including an introductory conceptual framework of geology. The planets, their satellites, and dwarf planets of our solar system as well as data obtained about nearby exoplanets will be examined in detail from a planetary geology point of view. | |
Prerequisite: | None |
Meeting Time: | 1:00–5:00 p.m. |
Enrollment: | 15 students |
Grades to be Assigned: | A–D* |
Fees: | None |
Instructor: | Ms. Krista Hook |
Preferred Classroom: | TBA |
MT000261 • Parser, Prompt, Point & Click: Seminar on Narrative Games | |
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This course will consist of a study of narrative-centered games, ranging from text-based narrative to environmental storytelling, from archival/database reconstruction narratives to narrative-driven management simulations. Combining both in-class and out-of-class engagement with a variety of narrative games, the first half of the course will be dedicated to exploring a range of objects, seeing the adaptation and evolution of this branch of gaming. The second half will be devoted to design, wherein students, either individually or in development teams, create their own narrative-centered games. | |
Prerequisite: | None |
Meeting Time: | 1:00–4:00 p.m. |
Enrollment: | 12 students |
Grades to be Assigned: | A–D* |
Fees: | $5.00 for supplies |
Instructor: | Dr. Phillip Lobo |
Preferred Classroom: | TBA |
MT000262 • Recreating the Historic, Embroidered Bayeux Tapestry | |
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Immerse yourself in a hands-on, creative experience as you and your fellow students research, trace, embroider, paint and assemble a full-size replica of a portion of the famous “Bayeux Tapestry.” No artistic skills or knowledge of Embroidery are required—just enthusiasm, a desire to learn, and an interest in being a part of creating something unique. Learn how to embroider using popular stitches, as well as the distinctive “Bayeux Stitch” employed by artists 1,000 years ago on this world-renowned work of art. Discover the fascinating cultural and linguistic impact on the Norman Conquest of England, told by the tapestry. Creating engaging, museum quality interpretive signs for the exhibit’s viewers. Show off your work and your knowledge in the last couple days as you and your classmates provide narration and explanation for visitors to the exhibit. Half of the days will be 3 hours of project work in class with 3 hours of work on your own. The other half will have no homework, as all 6 hours of project work will be done in class, or you will be giving interpretive tours of the one-of-a-kind, competed project. To our knowledge, no secondary school has attempted to take on this type of a recreation of the Bayeux Tapestry. | |
Prerequisite: | None |
Meeting Time: | 9:00 a.m.–12:00 p.m. & 1:00–4:00 p.m. (as needed) |
Enrollment: | 20 students |
Grades to be Assigned: | A–D* |
Fees: | $10.00 for supplies |
Instructor: | Mr. John Marsh & Ms. Heather Rogers |
Preferred Classroom: | TBA |
MT000263 • Mathematical Fiction | |
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This course is designed to introduce students to the literary genre of mathematical fiction. Through reading and discussion of classic and modern works of mathematical fiction, students will identify common themes and explore the meaning of the genre. The course will progress to a discussion of the ways in which these works reflect issues of the times and pose solutions for the future. In addition to the literature, students will explore and solve mathematical problems related to the readings. They will also explore the role such mathematic plays in the readings and the broader cultural and societal representation of mathematics and mathematicians. It will be expected of the students throughout the course to participate in class discussions, analyze the readings, solve basic mathematical problems related to the readings, and complete a final creative project. By the end of this course, students will gain a deeper appreciation of mathematics, literature, and the role of interdisciplinary studies. | |
Prerequisite: | None |
Meeting Time: | 10:00 a.m.–1:00 p.m. |
Enrollment: | 15 students |
Grades to be Assigned: | A–D* |
Fees: | $40.00 for textbooks |
Instructor: | Dr. Michael Pilla |
Preferred Classroom: | TBA |
MT000264 • The Rhetoric of (Pop) Culture | |
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Drawing upon concepts from rhetorical and discourse analysis as well as from cultural studies (primarily New Historicism), students will analyze multiple cultural artifacts, including advertisements, song lyrics and music videos, popular novels (including, but not limited to, Harry Potter and Twilight), comics and graphic novels, television show episodes, and movies. Learning objectives will include demonstrating awareness of and ability to identify the symbolism of imagery and recognizing how themes are represented across mediums, as well of as to consider how cultural values converge and conflict in texts. This course will culminate in a final project in which students apply their comprehension of rhetorical analysis, discourse analysis, and cultural studies tools to a text or texts of their choice. | |
Prerequisite: | None |
Meeting Time: | 12:00–3:00 p.m. |
Enrollment: | 16 students |
Grades to be Assigned: | A–D* |
Fees: | None |
Instructor: | Ms. Meghan Riley |
Preferred Classroom: | TBA |
MT000265 • The Strike | |
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“There is only one kind of men who have never been on strike in human history. Every other kind and class have stopped, when they so wished, and have presented payment, but have never walked out on the human race. Well, their turn has come. Let the world discover who they are, what they do and what happens when they refuse to function. This is the strike of the men of the mind.” This quote from Ayn Rand’s seminal work, Atlas Shrugged, encapsulates the story and theme of that novel. Over the course of the two weeks, we will read, analyze, and discuss this work of fiction that sometimes reads like it was ripped from today’s headlines. Come, embark on the challenge of reading one of the most influential books written in the 20th century (1957). Note: This course will require parental permission from every enrolled student. Films/books/and classroom discussion may contain adult content in some form, whether it be violence, sex, drugs, language, or all the above. Even if the student is 17 or 18, parental permission will be required. Students will receive permission forms soon after enrollment is approved. | |
Prerequisite: | None |
Meeting Time: | 9:00 a.m.–12:00 p.m. |
Enrollment: | 15 students |
Grades to be Assigned: | A–D* |
Fees: | None |
Instructor: | Mr. Joshua Ruark |
Preferred Classroom: | TBA |
MT000266 • The Bechdel Test, Smurfette Principle, & the Manic Pixie Dream Girl: Cis Female Representation in Film & TV | |
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When was the last time you watched a film or show that featured two named, female characters having a direct conversation about literally anything aside from a man? The more you think about it, the more shocked you may be to discover just how many of your favorite films and shows fail the Bechdel Test! And, there are the other stereotypical female representations in media like the Smurfette principle, where we see one main female character surrounded by men (think: Jess in New Girl, Eleven in Stranger Things, and even Black Widow in The Avengers). Let’s explore how writers adjust to address these disparities in later seasons and sequels, what happens when the genders are reversed, and how non-binary representation in media will likely create new versions of these stereotypes in the future. Note: This course will require parental permission from every enrolled student. Films/books/and classroom discussion may contain adult content in some form, whether it be violence, sex, drugs, language, or all the above. Even if the student is 17 or 18, parental permission will be required. Students will receive permission forms soon after enrollment is approved. | |
Prerequisite: | None |
Meeting Time: | 9:00 a.m.–12:00 p.m. |
Enrollment: | 15 students |
Grades to be Assigned: | A–D* |
Fees: | None |
Instructor: | Ms. Casey Schultz |
Preferred Classroom: | TBA |
MT000267 • An Introduction to Classical Music | |
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This course will survey Western classical music from the Middle Ages to the present. Topics will include the lives of composers, musical styles, and historical background of musical eras. Students will listen to lots of music (!) and possibly surprise themselves by developing new musical tastes and interests. | |
Prerequisite: | None |
Meeting Time: | 9:00 a.m.–12:00 p.m. |
Enrollment: | 14 students |
Grades to be Assigned: | A–D* |
Fees: | $17.00 for textbook |
Instructor: | Dr. Sean Scott |
Preferred Classroom: | TBA |
MT000268 • Birdwatching | |
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Students will learn about the systematics, morphology, physiology, behavior, and ecology of birds. Classes include lectures, lab exercises, and field trips. In lab, we will examine bird specimens. On field trips, we will learn to identify local bird species by sight and sound, and we observe their behavior in the wild. Several fieldtrips will involve the systematic collection of data to answer questions of interest concerning the behavior and ecology of wild birds. Three-hour sessions each morning, with two four-hour sessions for field excursions. | |
Prerequisite: | None |
Meeting Time: | 8:00–11:00 a.m. |
Enrollment: | 14 students |
Grades to be Assigned: | A–D* |
Fees: | $100.00 for textbook, binoculars, and field trip expenses |
Instructor: | Dr. Donald Winslow |
Preferred Classroom: | TBA |
Click here for the May Term Course Selection Form.
May Term Internships | May 15-26, 2023
During May Term, the Indiana Academy will be offering academic credit for students who are interested in working at either a site on campus, one at their home communities, or at another location. A minimum of 60 hours must be completed for a May Term Internship. Work hours may include weekend or evening hours. Some job sites may require a background check, drug testing or other types of training before work can begin. Students should plan to complete these requirements before starting their May Term Internship.
Seniors must plan to return to campus by noon on May 26, 2023 to attend the MANDATORY graduation rehearsal.
The May Term Internship program matches students with professionals to allow an exploration experience in the student’s area of interest. The student is expected to complete actual projects. The May Term Internship experience should not be along the lines of errand running or other types of busy work.
In order to arrange an Internship during the May Term, the student must complete the following:
- Contact a person, or mentor, in the student’s area of interest and discuss the internship experience. The student is responsible for making the necessary arrangements including housing and transportation.
- Complete the internship application and give the hours the student expects to work and the type of experience they would like to have. Be realistic about the expectations of the internship program and the mentor. The student may NOT work under the supervision of relatives or be paid for their services.
- Prepare a one- to two-page proposal describing the company or person who will act as the mentor, the reason for pursuing the internship, and what the student would like to gain from the experience. The proposal should be attached to the May Term Internship Application form.
- Fill out and return the May Term Internship Program Release form and the Health Information & Delegation of Consent for Treatment form.
- An Academy faculty member will contact the mentor to confirm the internship arrangements, follow the progress of the student at work, and to get information for evaluating the student’s performance. For communication purposes, students should plan to maintain an e-mail contact with their Academy faculty member during the May Term internship. It is expected that students will file a daily journal with the faculty supervisor by e-mail giving their hours of work, a description of the work accomplished that day, and reflections about their work experience. The faculty member may also ask for phone numbers (e.g. student’s cell number) for contact purposes.
- The May Term Internship Application, the May Term Internship Program Release form, and the Health Information & Delegation of Consent for Treatment form, signed by both the student and the parent, and the one- to two-page Proposal should be submitted to Mrs. Candace Manship in the Office of Academic Affairs in WA 170 by March 17, 2023. Faculty supervisors will review the proposals and final decisions will be made by March 31, 2023. No proposals will be accepted after March 17, 2023. If you have any additional questions, please see Dr. Joel Olufowote in WA 172.