This class will examine the period of geopolitical tension between the United States and the Soviet Union following World War II, focusing on the ideological conflict between capitalism and communism. We will look at key events like the rise and fall of the Berlin Wall, the Cuban Missile Crisis, and the Vietnam War, the development of nuclear weapons, proxy wars across the globe, and the eventual collapse of the Soviet Union. We will also study the effects the Cold War had on American popular culture including movies, TV shows, music, literature, and even food. Class time will be spent watching documentaries and other relevant media, exploring primary sources, listening to podcasts, reading novels and short stories, interviewing Cold War witnesses, cooking popular Cold War recipes, playing spy games, and maybe even designing a Cold War bunker.

In this combined on-campus and off-campus travel expereince, students will learn about Japanese culture, including literature, history, food, clothing, language, art, traditional crafts, religion, architectural geometry, history, philosophy, and other traditions.  They will also learn about the interplay of Japanese and Western culture and Japan’s influence on Western pop-culture. Students will visit Osaka, Kyoto, and Tokyo. On campus and explore Japanese etiquette, simple Japanese language skills, Cha-no-yu (tea ceremony), martial arts/samurai koryu/jujutsu, Ikebana (flower arranging), Zen meditation, and responsible tourism.

Do you love food? Do you love working with and learning about food? Do you love EATING food? Then this is the class for you! Food is Love will not only teach you some basics of cooking, it will help you to appreciate what it takes to create healthy and tasty dishes. We will work a bit with our very own chefs in the Leelanau kitchen, researching and creating menus, baking delicious desserts, and learning the culinary basics.  In this class we will cook…but we will also look at the history and cultural impacts of food. In addition, we will go on field trips to local favorites like Oryana, The Cheese Lady, and Grocer’s Daughter Chocolates. Watching cooking-related movies and reading a variety of food blogs and articles will round out this exciting course. Food is Love will open your eyes and your tastebuds to the wonderful world of food.

This class is for anyone who wants to awaken their inner musician. This *no experience required* class will not only focus on songwriting as a vessel for personal expression, but will also on recording that music into a digital audio workspace (DAW). We can use our DAW not only as a tool to record what we’ve written and performed in the real world but also as an instrument for creativity. We will specically be using Garageband and learning its features to assist in our creative vision.

Grab your camera and enjoy Michigan outdoors in the middle of Winter! In this course you will learn how to master your digital camera, become a more proficient photographer, take control, and manually operate your camera to reproduce your mind’s eye on the camera sensor. Students will create a thematic portfolio and publish it online. Advanced Digital Photography and Imaging is a class designed for students who have a functional understanding of digital photography (capture and imaging) but wish to become more procient in the technical aspects of digital photography capture and image output. We will be in the field daily applying concepts and techniques learned in class for the capture process in the following areas: action photography, night photography, astrophotography, still life photography, portrait photography, street photography, studio/product, winter/cold temperature and snowscape photography. Students in this class will learn image optimization via Adobe Photoshop Creative suite, and image management through Adobe Lightroom. Students will provide evidence of mastery by sharing their respective thematic portfolios for Winter term celebration.

The Leelanau School has an incredible new piece of technology in our Epilogue Fusion Pro Laser. Students will have the opportunity to learn how to use the laser engraver and have access to multiple mediums to create products. They can explore the uses of the laser in projects such as: tree markers around campus, directional signage, awards, and art pieces. We will have guests visit to speak about how to manage the financial aspects of a business and we will have the opportunity to see a working artists studio. Whereas most students have created a singular project, this class will teach them the skills to create multiple pieces at the same time that work together to create a body of work. Students will use both computer programming and hand skills to bring their designs to life. This class is for those wanting to experiment with mediums, processes, and take their ideas further.

Let’s say you had a time machine. Cool right? Now let’s say it broke down in 1400 CE. What would you do? This course explores how and when the pivotal inventions throughout human history came to be, and what it would take to invent them yourself if you were stranded in the past (or alternatively stranded in a post-apocalyptic future). We will be following the advice of a book of the same name by Ryan North which moves through these ideas in a very accessible way. This course will be graded on discussion of selected articles out of the book as well as projects to re-create inventions from history using the materials we have around us (or
previously built using information from earlier in the book/history).

Have you ever wanted to make a film, but didn’t know how to start? This class is about how to make those dreams a reality. In this course we will be making short films from start to nish using only the resources we already have on hand. That means we will use the smartphones and cameras we already happen to own, use professional grade editing and post-production software that is free (but nonetheless powerful), and use each other as actors, crew, and editors. This course will be graded on teamwork and participation. The lm projects will be assessed as a discussion as a team about what went well and what needed improvement so that the following lm project can be all the higher quality. A showcase of the lms chosen by the class will be presented to the student body.

This course is designed for writers and artists wanting to express themselves through both language and metalworking. We will begin by exploring diverse poets and experimenting with different styles of poetry to help students develop their unique voice. From here, students will select one of their poems to inspire the design and creation of a custom piece of jewelry. Working with metals, polymer clay, vitreous enamel, and photography, students will have the opportunity to use multiple techniques to design and create jewelry. The imagery of the poem will enhance the jewelry, creating wearable art that tells a story. Throughout the semester, guest poets will visit and we will take eld trips to local museums to gather inspiration. The goal of this course is for students to trust their voice and create a piece of art which will carry significance for years to come.

The “hygge” (pronounced hyoo-guh) lifestyle is a Danish concept that encourages people to find comfort and contentment in the everyday, and to enjoy life’s simple pleasures. It is roughly translated as coziness. Studies have shown that embracing the hygge lifestyle reduces stress and enhances optimism and feelings of happiness. This class will embrace all things cozy and will be focused on creating a warm atmosphere while the winter winds blow. Students will be given a choice of many activities each day including: reading, baking, doing a puzzle, coloring, mindfulness, playing board and card games, yoga, drawing, snowshoeing, making soup, knitting, journaling, and much more. Emphasis will be placed on wearing warm socks, sipping tea and lighting candles.

Snow Sports is a winter term class that is for the student who needs and wants to be outside every day. We spend every afternoon on the slopes of Crystal Mountain enjoying the beautiful Northern Michigan winter. This is a great class for those that are experienced skiers and riders as well as those beginners who have a desire to learn. We will head to Crystal Mountain every day right after lunch. This will also be your afternoon activity. We will also be studying the ski industry, general strength and conditioning, and skiing and snowboarding techniques.

Math Support will provide the opportunity to redo or reinforce skills in any of our math courses offered during the academic semesters. Students choosing to enroll in Math Support will co-create an individualized plan including goals to be accomplished during Winter Term.