Student HandbooK - 2018 Missouri Scholars Academy - Conducted by the University of Missouri
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2018 Missouri Scholars Academy
Student
HandbooK
Conducted by the University of Missouri
Honors CollegeDear Missouri Scholar:
Welcome to the 2018 Missouri Scholars Academy!
We are pleased to offer you the official student handbook outlining the three weeks that lie
ahead. It is our hope that this handbook will answer some of the questions you may have
during the three weeks at the same time that it provides you with a valuable souvenir of your
experiences at the Academy. Our entire faculty and staff believe that the Academy will provide
you with as broad a range of academic, extracurricular and social opportunities as you would
hope to find. We urge you to consult the handbook frequently to make certain that you get the
most out of the unique program that awaits you. We hope it brings back wonderful memories in
the years ahead.
As a participant in this, the 34rd year of the Academy, you will share in new visions, make new
friends, and grow to know yourself more fully. You will represent your state, your school, your
hometown and your family in what will be a community of scholars. Most importantly, you will
represent yourself in all that you do. Here, you will be respected and valued for who you are and
for the potential for academic achievement that you so clearly possess.
This handbook contains a number of guidelines designed to help you make the most of these
three short weeks. Your integrity, responsibility and respect for others will be fundamental
to the success of the program. In accepting the invitation to participate in the 2018 Missouri
Scholars Academy, you have also assumed the duty to share fully in the studies and community
life we will all create.
Please do not hesitate to contact us during the next three weeks, or afterward, if there is anything
that we can do to enhance the quality of your experience at the Academy.
Sincerely,
Steven W. Keller Rachel Harper
Director, Missouri Scholars Academy Associate Director, Missouri Scholars Academy
University of Missouri University of Missouri
kellers@missouri.edu harperrp@missouri.edu
moscholarsacademy@missouri.edu moscholarsacademy@missouri.edu
The Missouri Scholars Academy — A Commitment to Excellence2018 Missouri Scholars Academy
Student Handbook
Mission of the Missouri Scholars Academy 2
The Community of Scholars 3
The Academic Curriculum 4
Academic Majors 5
Academic Minors 10
Table of Contents
Personal and Social Dynamics 15
Classroom Assignments 16
Map of Academy Grounds 18
Faculty and Staff 20
Co-Curricular and Recreational Opportunities 29
Religious Services 30
Residential Life 31
Resident Assistant Roster 31
Mail Information 33
Mizzou Store and Library Information 34
Meal Schedule 34
Sample Daily Schedule 35
Dress 35
Conduct 36
Visitors 37
Health and Safety 37
Keeping in Shape 38
Fire Drill and Tornado Drill 38
Missouri Scholars Academy Awards 40
“A Chance to Soar”: The Academy Anthem 45
Missouri Scholars Academy Alumni Association 46The Mission of the
Missouri Scholars Academy
T
he Missouri Scholars Academy is through student participation in three
predicated upon the belief that one major areas of study — the academic
of our state’s greatest resources is major, the academic minor and the
its academically talented young people. “Personal and Social Dynamics” area.
The Missouri Scholars Academy is Additional funds to support the
a three-week residential program for Missouri Scholars Academy are divided
330 of Missouri’s academically gifted by the University of Missouri, the
students who are ready to begin their Gifted Association of Missouri, the
junior year in high school. The Academy Missouri Scholars Academy Alumni
is being held again this year on the Association, and tax-deductible
campus of the University of Missouri. contributions made by alumni and
The Academy encourages the parents of MSA participants. MSA
students’ development of critical also acknowledges philanthropic
thinking, adaptability, creativity, support given by various businesses
widened horizons, future-orientation and corporations. The program is
and constructive responses to the administered by University of Missouri
ambiguities of life. The curriculum has officials.
been built with the recognition that The Academy is the celebration of
gifted students have a wide spectrum of this unique educational opportunity for
interests and concerns. The curriculum academically gifted high school students
provides opportunities to develop both of our state. Over 10,000 students have
general and specific intellectual skills been participants in the program.
and talents
2 The MissionThe Community of Scholars
A
most important part of the of creativity in one’s teaching, tolerance
Missouri Scholars Academy is the for ambiguity, and organizational
opportunity for gifted individuals, skills. The faculty and members of the
including students, faculty and staff, to administrative staff are exemplary in
exchange ideas as active members of their demonstration of these qualities.
a living/learning environment, and to
build a scholarly community together. The Residence Hall and
The freedom to grow and develop as an Program Staff
individual will demand from participants The program, community service and
the exercise of responsibilities that technology staff, the coordinator of
accompany and ensure that freedom. residential life, the resident assistants,
Students will be expected to contribute and the special staff members have
to the community, to interact with fellow been chosen with extreme care. They
students, faculty, and staff in building a have been selected for their abilities to
cooperative, stimulating, and productive communicate with students, to provide
“community of scholars.” an ongoing living/learning environment,
The processes involved in selecting to enforce rules and regulations with
students, staff and faculty have been compassion and common sense, to
carefully and thoroughly administered. involve all students in community living,
to supervise a variety of recreational
The Faculty activities and generally to serve as
Instructors for the Missouri Scholars resource personnel.
Academy form a highly select group.
They have been recruited from among
The Student Body
the very best teachers in Missouri’s high Three hundred twenty-five of Missouri’s
schools, colleges and universities. A brightest rising juniors will comprise the
favorable evaluation of an instructor’s 2018 Academy. Each student has been
written application resulted in a face-to- selected on the basis of high achievement
face interview with the candidate by the as demonstrated by scores on standardized
director of the program and members of tests and school performance. Each
the Academy core planning committee. student selected was highly recommended
Among the characteristics sought in by his or her home school and is
faculty members were knowledge of characterized as possessing leadership
the subject matter, effectiveness in qualities, being intellectually curious,
communication, range of intellectual and being analytical and evaluative, and being
cultural interests, evidence of personal devoted to learning. Selection was also
giftedness, evidence of professional based upon the level of commitment that
involvement, experience and interest in the student expressed toward participating
working with gifted students, evidence in the program.
The Community of Scholars 3The Academic Curriculum
Scholars will spend approximately half of each day in intensive pursuits within three
different areas.
Academic Major Personal and Social
On the basis of interests and abilities, Dynamics (PSD)
each student will participate in the of The curriculum in this area relates to
study from the four major academic the unique personal and social problems
areas—mathematics, science, social faced by gifted students. The goal is
studies and humanities. Sessions in the to provide students with the insight
academic major will be held 8:30–11:30 for understanding their own special
a.m. or 9:00–noon, Monday through abilities, including the advantages and
Saturday. responsibilities they have to themselves
and to society.
Academic Minor
Sessions in personal and social
MSA scholars will study a second dynamics will be held from 2:40 to 3:40
academic field of their choice, selected p.m., Monday through Friday. Some
from the four major academic offerings, PSD sessions will be held in the Geology
on five afternoons a week. They will, in Auditorium, but most will meet in
most cases, be studying a field different the classroom of the academic minor.
from their academic major. Daily schedules will provide specific
Sessions in the academic minor will information.
be held from 1:40 to 2:40 p.m., Monday
through Friday and during “major”
hours on the second Saturday.
4 The Academy CurriculumAcademic Majors
The Art of War “story” and culminating with the
publishing of an actual biography (well,
“You may not be interested in war, a mini one). Delve into who you are –
but war is interested in you.” — Leon and why you are – through narrative
Trotsky. What is war? Is peace the non-fiction, and take your observation
normal state of affairs, interrupted only skills to an entirely new level as you
periodically by war…or is it the other learn so much about fellow scholars
way around? What have been the main that you could write a book about them.
causes of war over the centuries? Is Then we’ll write a book about them,
there a Western way of war, and what weaving together in-depth interviews,
do its practitioners expect? Why have analyses and images to publish skillfully
Western armies seemed to dominate crafted portraits of each other that are
the battlefield for the last five centuries? surprising, enlightening and endearing.
Is there such a thing as a “just “war? Expect to produce your best writing,
Finally, what will be the causes of wars painting pictures so vivid, so poignant,
in the future, and can they be prevented, that they create intimate and eternal
or are they as inevitable as earthquakes connections with your readers.
or devastating storms? These are just
a few of the questions we will pursue Coding: Turning Ideas
as we study war holistically, as well Into (Virtual) Reality
as in its various deadly guises. War is
the enemy of all, and only by carefully The world runs on computers. That
studying one’s enemy, says the ancient makes having the ability to program
Chinese strategist Sun-Tzu, can we hope a kind of superpower. The process of
to defeat it. To do so, we will examine creating something out of nothing is fun
Sun-Tzu’s Art of War in great detail, as and fulfilling, and it gives us the ability
well as the experiences and viewpoints of to turn our ideas into something that can
both ancient and modern makers (and be shared. In this major we will build
victims) of war. Does Sun-Tzu’s two- from the basics some of these abilities by
thousand-year-old text have relevance challenging ourselves to create through
for us living today in the 21st century? If code. Whether it be a small arcade game
you are interested in history, literature, or a digital pet to keep us company, we
politics, ethics, or strategy, this is the will work and problem solve to make a
course for you! dream reality. We will learn to think like
software developers in teams. By the end
Bae-ography: of our time, all scholars should be able
Story of a Life to walk away with skills that everyone
should have in modern times. All should
Scholars will learn basic elements walk away a superhero.
of memoir and biography writing,
beginning with how to find a person’s
Academic Majors 5Cosmologists, will discover, discuss, and dissect the
American education system from its very
Psychologists, Historians, foundations and challenge what it means
Artists: Science Fiction to be “educated.” We will ask questions
Authors and How They like the following: “Whose job is it to
Understand the World make sure American kids are learning?”;
“Should teachers be armed in a world
Science fiction writers have plumbed where school shootings are becoming
psychology, sociology, history, and commonplace?”; “Is it a school’s job to
biology to explore the possibilities and teach students to have good character?”;
limits of human knowledge. Even though and “What place should sports have in
they often look to the future, science education?” Together, we will work to
fiction writers have just as much to say try to create a school of our own that
about the past and present. Not only could rival the likes of Hogwarts! We
does their fiction ask us to confront will question the place of politics in
questions about the world we live in education and analyze the position that
today, but it also—and perhaps more schools hold in sparking social change.
importantly—interrogates what kind of We will try to figure out gifted students’
creatures we are: What are we capable place in all of this and consider how
of? How do we produce, guard, and it affects your education. After all, if
employ power? How do we respond to knowledge is power, then those who
social and ecological change? Are we hold the keys to unlock it are some very
stewards, masters, or subjects of the powerful people indeed!
universe? This class will explore all of
these complicated topics, and many Finding Your Voice:
more, by reading some terrific science Explorations in Writing
fiction. We will read a variety of short
fiction and watch several films that “For last year’s words belong to last
stretch the imagination, blur the realistic year’s language / And next year’s words
and fantastic, and problematize what we await another voice.” These lines,
believe to be true. This course will entice famously penned by T.S. Eliot, speak
anyone interested in psychology, history, to our ever-shifting understanding
creative writing, or technology, though of literature. T. S. Eliot, William
it will be equally alluring to avid readers Shakespeare, Toni Morrison, Ernest
of any kind of literature. Readings, films, Hemingway, Sylvia Plath, E. E.
discussions, writing workshops, and Cummings, J. K. Rowling, and countless
occasional research projects will account other writers have expressed their voice
for diverse interests and backgrounds. through the written word. In doing
so, they have created literature that is
Finding Hogwarts equal parts timeless, enchanting, and
transformative. No author is born with
Famous Missourian Mark Twain once the skill to publish. Through diligent
said, “I have never let my schooling practice and dozens of worn out pens
interfere with my education.” But and keyboards, they honed their craft
who decides what the difference is and refined their voice to become the
between the two? In this course, we
6 Academic Majorslegends we know them as today. Students will see why it is important to question
in this major will make will spend three everything.
weeks doing just that, exploring the traits
and styles of great authorial voices as we It’s the End of the World
attempt to discover our own. Whether (As We Know It): An
you are a regular participant in National Exploration of -Isms
Writing Month or spend more time
writing Tweets than essays, all writers It’s not easy being green, and it’s
are welcome to join us as we scribble out definitely not easy living in a world
stories the world can’t possibly ignore. of varied tastes, mixed opinions, and
random ideas. Using the arts and
If You’re Not Part of the philosophies of the last century or so,
Solution, You’re Part of we will research the past and use it to
find out where we are today, artistically
the Precipitate and philosophically speaking. With
This course will take scholars on a explorations ranging from cubism to
journey from atoms to acid, from impressionism to theatre of the absurd,
enthalpy to electrolysis, from ions to to modern and contemporary arts,
indicators, and from the nature of gases and MUCH more, we will try to work
to the gases in nature. Each topic will with and understand the philosophies
evolve rapidly from fundamental to underlying cultural change, and we’ll
theoretical, and this course will appeal create some groovy art . . . all in the
most to students who have experience trek to figure out where we are, why
with chemistry, but everyone is welcome. we are, and where we are going. No
Scholars enrolled in this course should arts experience required! You need
be prepared to experience chemistry only to possess a creative spirit and
through challenging, exciting, and fun an open mind to enjoy, to learn from
lab activities that are not typically a part and to emulate the written, visual
of the normal high school curriculum. and performance arts that include all
sorts… Picasso to Calvin and Hobbes,
Introduction to Steve Martin to the Muppets, Albert
Philosophy: Great Einstein to Pablo Picasso, expressionism
to memes, jazz to rap, Godot to Seuss,
Thoughts Worth Thinking communism to symbolism, collage to
Utilizing sections of The Republic, the splatter art…the list of literature and
class will explore questions of ethics, artists and philosophies goes on and on!
epistemology, religion, government and
economics, and aesthetics. Learn why Japanese Language and
Socrates claimed that knowledge of the Culture
self is paramount, why Plato distrusted
democracy, and why Aristotle believed This course will have a major emphasis
that excellence is a habit, like riding a on Japanese language (Kanji, Hiragana,
bike. Different schools of philosophy Katakana; incidentally Japanese kanji are
and philosophers will be discussed in the same as Chinese characters). Scholars
dialogue with Plato’s ideas and scholars are also provided with a broad exposure
Academic Majors 7to culture, customs, religions, arts, and do in this course. What happens when a
the educational system of Japan. We will process is repeated over and over again,
study Shodo, Anime, Kirigami, Bonsai, changing only a single parameter each
Ukiyoe, some Japanese films, and a brief time? Does infinity come in different
history of Japan. levels, or is it one size fits all? Is infinity
a number or is it something else? How
Journey of the Hero can we prove a statement about all the
numbers without proving it individually
What do Harry Potter, Hercules, and
for every number? Can infinity be
the Holy Grail have in common? Why
arrived at, or can we even get close to it?
do cultures which have never had
Will these questions never end? Take the
contact tell remarkably similar myths?
course and find out.
Why does everyone love a good story?
In this class, we dive deep into Joseph Understanding the
Campbell’s “Hero’s Journeys,” a form
of story so powerful and universal he Modern Middle East
called it the “monomyth,” and explore Conflict and crisis in the Middle East
the wisdom that myths of old and have been regular events on the nightly
movies of today impart for the art of news in recent decades. This course will
living. Be forewarned: accepting the consider the origins and continuing
call to adventure requires entering the aspects of major events in several areas
unknown; this class is for the seekers and of the Middle East, including the rise of
risk-takers. ISIS, the Syrian Civil War and refugee
crisis, and the conflict between Israel
Lightning Bugs or and Palestine. Students will consider
Lightning? many factors that contribute to the
This class dunks you straight into the conflicts, including political, economic,
outdoor world with challenges both and religious issues. Students will also be
physical and mental. Regular field trips challenged to propose ways to address
to the buggy, humid climes of Mid- each situation, considering what role
Missouri are paired with in-class drills the United States and/or international
in bird identification, native plants, and organizations and coalitions can and
Missouri ecology. Be prepared also to should play.
read about and discuss big ideas around
nature-culture interactions in America
“Whaaaaaaaat, That’s
and the Midwest from authors such as Not Music!”
John Muir, Henry David Thoreau, Terry Or is it? This major, whose name was
Tempest Williams, Meera Subramanian, inspired by a skeptical 2017 MSA
and more. It’s going to get wild. resident assistant, aims to explore what
music is. We’ll start at the physicical
To Infinity and Beyond origins of sound to determine what’s
We’ll start at zero, and we won’t interesting about noise with a discernable
stop until we get there. The concept pitch, and we’ll mathematically derive
of infinity pervades so much of the musical system most frequently used
mathematics that we will have plenty to in used today. From there, we will jump
8 Academic Majorsinto a cursory overview of music theory we just a collection of free-floating
and history—that is, until we hit the year individuals? Do our histories and
1900 and musical chaos erupts. At this experiences matter? What’s all this
point in the course, scholars themselves “privilege” business about? Using a
will become the musicians as we dare to sociological perspective, we will examine
perform and analyze some of the great the categories of race, gender, class, and
works of the Modern era. The course will much more. We will discuss important
culminate with scholars each creating local, national, and global news while
and performing their own 21st century exploring topics such as inequality, social
composition using digital audio editing construction, universal human rights,
software, found sounds, traditional and cultural relativism. We will
instruments, and whatever else we’ve investigate how the social institutions of
come to know as music. education, the family, government,
religion, and media contribute to our
Where There’s a socialization, police “deviant” behavior,
Will, There’s a Way: and engage in social control. It’s a
Shakespeare Today big world with diverse perspectives. Let’s
explore a few. When we use the
What’s the big deal with Shakespeare? sociological imagination, things get real.
The language can be confusing. He’s
been dead for years. But for some reason, You Can’t Do That: Laws,
he is still important in today’s world. Rights, Prohibitions, and
This course will look at how Shakespeare Consequences
still impacts our lives and entertainment
through film, television, and even comic What are we empowered to do, and what
books. Have you read all the different are we prohibited from doing? We
types of Shakespearean plays? Do you understand that we enjoy a freedom of
like romance, murder, mystery, speech, but what am I allowed to say?
shipwrecks, and fantasy? They are all Where am I allowed to say it? What is
there calling out to us. Hamlet, Macbeth, speech? Why can my school principal
Iago, Lear, Henry, Puck, and Bottom. limit what I say in school, or dictate what
We will meet them, act the parts, and I wear? Can my boss fire me for
find how they work themselves into our something I say? This course looks for
lives. But we won’t stop there. While we those answers. You Can’t Do That is an
lose ourselves in the magic of drama and examination of sources and limits of
theater, we will find a way to become laws, power, why we are allowed
more acquainted with Shakespeare and to do what we do, and the results of
his works and determine how each doing what we can’t. This course will
and every one of us has a little bit of examine power, rights, prohibitions, and
Shakespeare inside. consequences of human actions, focusing
one issue at a time on the legal issues
With Friends Like These, that most affect teenagers.
Who Needs Hegemonies?
Employing the
Sociological Imagination
Academic Majors 9
What makes you who you are? AreAcademic Minors
as we analyze some entertainments that
...And Then You’re Dead ‘appears’ to be for children, but may
Have you ever wondered what would not be (e.g. The Muppets, South Park,
happen if you REALLY got swallowed by Family Guy, etc.) because of language,
a whale, jumped into a black hole, were violence, and other questionable
hit by a meteorite, or were in an elevator content. We will further study a variety
and the cable broke? What would it feel of presentation techniques, such as
like to stand on the surface of the sun puppetry, animation, claymation, stop-
or jump in a hole that went all the way motion, and acting. We will work to
to China? What would it be like to be put together a demonstration that will
buried alive or hit by a penny dropped effectively educate and entertain... It’ll be
from the tallest building on Earth? Have child’s play!
you been asking questions like these
your whole life? Are you tired of getting Blues, Jazz and the
lame answers like, “you would probably American Experience:
die?” Then this is the class for you! We Thriving on a Riff
will use REAL SCIENCE to predict
and explain what would happen if you “Jazz is not just music, it’s a way of life,
were in these and many other deadly it’s a way of being, a way of thinking.”
situations. - Nina Simone. The blues and jazz
were the first musical forms to emerge
Animated Explorations of exclusively on American soil. Their
Children’s Media emergence from the unique cultural
blending of late 19th and early 20th
Many children, and those who are century New Orleans mirrors the great
children at heart, are still delighted by “melting pot” of America, and their
puppets, cartoons, and costume-clad history is implicitly tied to the history of
personalities in our media, but too its country. The blues and jazz quickly
seldom do we lend these expressions jumped out of the musical staff and into
much critical thought. Scholars in his literature, art, and even philosophy.
minor will watch, analyze and criticize Scholars in this minor will study and
a number of entertainments meant for listen to the blues and jazz, tracing their
“children,” from Sesame Street and history and influences among other
Looney Tunes to Disney and Mister artistic disciplines, discuss how they
Rogers, and much more. Scholars will differ from other musical forms, and
discuss what they mean and how they investigate how jazz performance and
mean it, how they are structured, what improvisation can help one navigate the
social issues are addressed by their notes, high, low, blue, and everywhere in
nature and content, what their goals between, of life’s grand melody. No prior
are, and whether or not they accomplish musical experience required!
their goals. We will follow similar paths
10 Academic MinorsGutters, Tights, and We will also attempt to apply these
grand thoughts to everyday problems
Talking Mice through ethics.
Superheroes, zombies, and talking mice.
The face of literature has changed, and The Lighter Side of Latin
we are finding new ways to write and Veni! Vidi! Risi! (I came! I saw! I
express stories: comic books! This course laughed!) In this minor course we will
will explore storytelling with comic go beyond the ever-so-serious façade
books and graphic novels and how they of ancient Rome, with its Caesars,
have influenced other forms. We will soldiers, and statues, to get an idea of
look at superhero movies, the culture what life was like for the average ancient
of comic book conventions, and how Roman, with whom you and I have
comics have impacted our culture as a more in common than you could have
whole. We will get a bit artsy and cover ever realized. Ancient Roman comedy,
the foundations of “sequential art”— cuisine, and carousing will be just a few
what makes comics work—and read of the subjects we examine as learn the
some of the most highly praised works basics of the language of the ancient
in the field. We will look at a variety of Romans—Latin. Though considered
comics, including superheroes, manga, a “dead” language by many, you’ll be
webtoons, zines, pic-to-essays, travel pleased to known that Latin is alive
diaries, and memoirs. We will also write and well today; one just has to know
comics, apply new theories, talk to comic where to look for it. What’s more, a
book artists, have the time-honored familiarity with Latin and Roman culture
comic book shop experience. By the end can prove to be a valuable tool in many
of the academy, you might even find modern fields of study. From gladiators
yourself dressed as a superhero! to graffiti; from forums to fashions;
there’s something for everyone in this
Introduction to exploration of the lighter side of Latin
Philosophy: Great and the ancient Romans!
Thoughts Worth Thinking
Madness in the Media:
An abridged version of the major with
the same title, this minor will introduce
Mindful Musings of
scholars to why it is important to Manifestations of Mental
question everything. What are great Health
thoughts? Why are they worth thinking?
Should you think about them? What Curious about the way reality and the
are metaphysics, epistemology, and arts intersect? Wondering about the
aesthetics? Philosophy attempts to impact of books and shows from Jane
answer these questions—mainly by Eyre to 13 Reasons Why and more?
providing more questions. Come and Want to learn more about mental health?
question everything you have ever been Join us as we explore the intricacies of
told. Discussions, seminars, meditations, depictions of mental health throughout
plays, and journals will be used to reflect history in literature, movies, news media,
on questions we, as human beings, face. and other forms of mass communication.
Bring your questions, curiosity, open
Academic Minors 11minds, and critical thinking as we reflect Print Isn’t Dead
on the power and lasting implications of
these portrayals! Explore writing, photography, fonts,
book arts, magazine publishing,
Mathematical Mazes for zines, letters and other print media
the Mind topics. We’ll learn about the thriving
independent publishing culture
This mini-course is designed to cover worldwide, study business models, and
a variety of topics with an emphasis on discuss the cultural implications of print
an appreciation of the elegant nature of publishing in the digital age.
mathematics. Although it starts with a
discussion of the math portion of the Recreational Mathematics
ACT, SAT, and Level I/II Achievement
Tests, scholars will investigate Mathematics is often done to answer
and explore unusual yet enriching some of the hardest questions our society
mathematical and non-mathematical faces. It is a powerful multifaceted tool
problems for enjoyment and challenge. that helps push us forward. Mathematics
The course will have a daily “mind is useful. But that is not what this class
massage” to build up powers of analysis is about. Instead, we will be looking at
and to hone deductive skills by using some of the mathematics people have
rebuses, puzzles, brain busters, and done throughout the ages just because
interesting visual materials. The class will they can. We will explore ideas from
be flexible enough to pursue some topics fractals to combinatorial games to pretty
in depth, if necessary, and mini-practice much anything Martin Gardner liked.
sessions will be provided for those who We will play with ideas not because they
desire to improve mathematical prowess. are useful, but because there is joy to be
had in the act of thinking. And, along
Math Imitates Art the way, though we may try to avoid it,
we may discover some of the amazing
Or does art imitate math? Too often, we usefulness of mathematics anyway.
separate the disciplines of mathematics
and science from the disciplines of fine Social Justice for Muggles
arts and the humanities, but in fact much
can be gained from bringing these “two “I’d say that it’s one short step from
cultures” into dialogue. What light can ‘Wizards first’ to ‘Purebloods first,’ then
be shed on mathematics by thinking to ‘Death Eaters’…We’re all human,
about it creatively? What can we learn aren’t we? Every human life is worth
about the world by looking at poetry or the same, and worth saving.”—Kingsley
music or fine art with a mathematician’s Shacklebolt. Have you heard this quote
eye? If you’re unwilling to be categorized before? Do you know what it means?
as a “math person” or an “art person,” Do you proudly wear your S.P.E.W.
or you want to explore the grey areas membership badge? Have you often
between these fields of human endeavor, felt that the Centaur Liaison Office is
this is the minor for you. insulting and unnecessary? Do you
worry about the state of anti-werewolf
legislation? Have you spent hours
drawing parallels between social justice
12 Academic Minorsissues in both the Muggle and Magical chemistry’s most notable and notorious
worlds? If you can answer yes to ALL of characters and their influence on the
these questions, this is the minor for you! world as we know it today. If you have
ever heard any of the legends of scientists
The Spoken Word: gone-by (and even if you haven’t), this
Performance Poetry course will answer the question: “They
did what?”
Spoken word poetry combines the
skill of using words to create images This Minor is Socially
with the art of delivering these words Constructed: On Social
to stir emotions. Poets—both novice
and veteran—will study how to mix Categories and their
writing and performance by analyzing Consequences
professional spoken word poetry,
Why do boys like blue and girls like
practicing the creative process with
pink? Who determines what counts as
a hyper-focus on word choice, and
low, middle, or upper class? Does race
delivering performances that literally
exist? What are the material and social
mess with people’s emotions (in the best
consequences of arbitrary divisions
way) with mind-blowing metaphors and
among people? Is science objective? If
messages, word plays and rhythms. An
you have ever wondered about any of
MSA Slam also adds a layer of healthy
these issues, look no further! This minor
competition. This is your opportunity
will critically examine the taken-for-
and venue to take words, passions
granted categories that make up our
and big ideas, mix a hefty amount of
world from a sociological perspective.
originality with a dash of spice, and serve
Hannah Arendt once said “there are no
a rich fare of panache and emotion.
dangerous thoughts; thinking itself is a
TED dangerous activity.” Warning: danger
ahead.
You’ve got 20 minutes to change the
world through the expression of your What Does it Mean to Be
One Great Idea. Can you do it? Many Human?
have tried, documented in the now
famous TED Talk series. In this class, Are humans the only species to use
we look at the best (and worst?) TED complex language? Are we the only
Talks, both to explore the art of oral ones capable of altruism or empathy?
argumentation, and to debate the hottest This course explores the question of
issues and ideas of our times. Be ready to what it means to be human through
have your world rocked! an anthropological and sociological
lens. The course will begin by looking
They Did What?? at the question from the perspective
of biological/physical anthropology by
Science, especially chemistry, is filled studying both ancient human ancestors
with fascinating tales of intrigue, and our modern primate relatives,
adventure, betrayal, and even love. looking at both their physiology and
This course will take students on a behavior to understand what is (and is
journey through the history of some of
Academic Minors 13not) unique to humans. We will then shift to a cultural anthropological/ sociological perspective to think about what aspects of human societies seem to be universal and consider why certain types of institutions and social structures are so common among humans. Who Says What Gets Read? Censorship in American Poetry According to the American Library Association, 323 books were challenged in 2016 in attempts to restrict or remove these books from public spaces. These challenges point to a larger, national wariness about what literature has to say about such topics as religion, sexuality, politics, or authority. Censorship, or attempted censorship, problematizes the ideals of free expression and open access to information. At the same time, censorship gives more attention and notoriety to the very texts that would be suppressed, which calls into question the whole project of censorship. This class will explore censorship and surveillance of literature by focusing on poets whose work has been challenged. We will read a variety of controversial poetry, interrogating censorship and anti-censorship efforts. In doing so, we will confront thorny questions about free speech and public ethics. This course will interest scholars who want to learn more about literature, power, or ethics. While the backbone of the course is a study of poetry, we will be just as concerned with understanding the cultural backdrops of the twentieth century. Readings, discussions, writing workshops, and occasional research projects will account for diverse interests and backgrounds. 14 Academic Minors
Personal and Social Dynamics
Paul Rahmoeller, Coordinator
Goals: Format:
Overall, the goals for this component Personal and Social Dynamics (PSD) will
are to promote Personal and Social meet one hour daily, Monday–Friday,
Dynamics through: either in Geology Auditorium or in
academic minor classrooms. In addition,
• Improved interpersonal relationship some evening programs are intended to
skills contribute to the PSD curriculum of the
• Improved communication skills Academy.
• Improved self-awareness Purpose:
• Improved decision-making skills The purpose of the Personal and
Social Dynamics component of the
• Increased sensitivity to others
Missouri Scholars Academy will be to
• Increased willingness to take equip students with a positive attitude,
appropriate risks and to promote personal growth and
understanding about themselves and
• Better understanding of personal others so they can better take charge of
values their own lives. These personal skills and
• Strengthening coping skills understandings will allow the students
to be more fulfilled individually and
• Strengthening positive attitude of self- become more responsible for themselves
concept and to society.
• Improved goal-setting abilities
• Increased empathy for others
• Better understanding of special
concerns of the gifted
• Identification of life goals
• Planning strategies for achieving life
goals
• Better understanding and control of
emotions
• Improved leadership skills
• Increased understanding of scholars’
responsibility to society
Personal and Social Dynamics 15Classrooms: Majors
M-S, 8:30-11:30 a.m. or 9:00 a.m.-noon
Course Instructor Location Time
The Art of War Scott Henderson Geology 111 9:00
Bae-ography: Story of a Life Chris Holmes Lafferre W0015 9:00
Coding: Turning Ideas Into (Virtual) Naka Computer
Joel Jeffries 8:30
Reality Lab 144
Cosmologists, Psychologists,
Historians, Artists: Science Fiction
Ben Batzer Geology108 9:00
Authors and How They Understand
the World
Finding Hogwarts Jennifer Fisher Middlebush 207 8:30
Finding Your Voice: Explorations in
Jordan Henson Geology 105 9:00
Writing
If You’re Not Part of the Solution,
Stephanie Harman Chemistry 306A 8:30
You’re Part of the Precipitate
Introduction to Philosophy: Great
Nick Kirschman Middlebush 208 8:30
Thoughts Worth Thinking
It’s the End of the World (As We
Brian Stuhlman Lafferre W0010 9:00
Know It): An Exploration of -Isms
Japanese Language, Customs, Culture,
Ake Takahashi Middlebush 308 8:30
and International Relations
Journey of the Hero Adam Campbell Geology 104 9:00
Lightning Bugs, Or Lightning? Tina Casagrand Geology 106 9:00
To Infinity and Beyond Frank Corley Lafferre W009 9:00
Understanding the Modern Middle
Shadi Peterman Middlebush 205 8:30
East
Austin Middlebush 7
“Whaaaaaaaat, That’s Not Music!” 8:30
McWilliams Computer Lab
Where There’s a Will, There’s a Way:
Michael Kersulov Geology 123 9:00
Shakespeare Today
With Friends Like These, Who
Needs Hegemonies? Employing the Doug Valentine Middlebush 210 8:30
Sociological Imagination
You Can’t Do That: Laws, Rights,
John Meyer Lafferre W0013 9:00
Prohibitions, and Consequences
16 Classrooms: Academic MajorsClassrooms: Minors/PSD
M-F, 1:40-3:30 p.m.
Course Instructor Location
...And Then You’re Dead Jennifer Meyer Geology 112
Animated Explorations of Children’s
Brian Stuhlman Lafrerre W0010
Media
The Blues, Jazz and the American
Jordan Henson Geology 105
Experience: Thriving on a Riff
Gutters, Tights, and Talking Mice Michael Kersulov Geology 107
Introduction to Philosophy: Great
Nick Kirschman Middlebush 208
Thoughts Worth Thinking
The Lighter Side of Latin Scott Henderson Geology 111
Madness in the Media Marjorie Perkins Middlebush 132
Mathematical Mazes for the Mind Ake Takahashi Middlebush 308
Math Imitates Art Frank Corley Lafferre W0009
Print Isn’t Dead Tina Casagrand Geology 106
Recreational Mathematics Joel Jeffries Naka 103
Social Justice for Muggles Jennifer Fisher Middlebush 207
The Spoken Word: Performance Poetry Chris Holmes Lafferre W0015
TED Adam Campbell Geology 104
They Did What?! Stephanie Harman Chemistry 306A
This Minor is Socially Constructed: On
Doug Valentine Middlebush 210
Social Categories and their Consequences
What Does It Mean to Be Human? Shadi Peterman Middlebush 205
Who Says What Gets Read? Censorship in
Benjamin Batzer Geology 108
American Poetry
Classrooms: Academic Minors 17Great Places for
Scholars to Be
1. Mark Twain ... Home!
21
16
2. Arts & Science Building
(including Allen Auditorium)
31
3. Student Center (Book Store, ATM) 14
4. Student Recreation Center
5. Chancellor’s Residence
6. Chemistry Building 8 29
7. Lafferre Hall (W00 rooms)
8. Engineering Building West (EBW)
9. Ellis Library (incl. Ellis Aud.)
10. Fine Arts Building
7
11. Francis Quadrangle
12. Gannett Hall (Journalism)
13. Strickland Hall
14. Geology Building 1 30
15. Jesse Hall
16. Loeb Hall
17. Lowry Hall
18. Lowry Mall
19. Memorial Union
20. Middlebush Hall 30 24
21. Peace Park
22. Physics Building
23. Pickard Hall
24. Reynolds Alumni Center
25. Stewart Hall
26. Student Health Center
27. Swallow Hall
28. Student Success Center (Career Center, ATM)
29. Agriculture
30. Visitors Parking Lots (Conley Ave. Garage, Turner Ave.
Garage, and Virginia Ave. Garage, if possible)
18 MapMissouri Scholars Academy
12
The Missouri Scholars
Academy—A Commitment to
Excellence
23
5 20
11
27
10
17 28 19 25
15
18
9 6
22
2
13 3
4
26
19The Big Cheeses Steve Keller (Director ‘15- ‘18) grew up in the great Pacific Northwest and graduated from Pacific Lutheran University (BS) and the University of California- Berkeley (PhD). Steve has been on the faculty of the department of chemistry at MU since 1995, and this is his fourth year as MSA director. He has taught extensively in the Honors College at MU, developing courses in the history of science, science and politics, and Honors General Chemistry. In 2009, a chance meeting with Carl Edwards sparked an interest in NASCAR and the science of racing. Steve’s time away from campus is focused on being Lindsay Grace and Liam’s dad, and watching a bit of soccer here and there—he is the cousin of Kasey Keller, former goalkeeper for the U.S. National Team. Rachel Harper (Associate Director…for 161 days as of June 10) spent her kiddo years in Champaign, Illinois, where she exhibited strong preferences for books, libraries, the smell of old books, the smell of new books, the written word, etymologies, and well, you get the picture. She has a BA in both English and Spanish from Illinois Wesleyan University and a PhD in American Literature from the University of Missouri. She has been teaching at MU and in the Honors College for over 20 years. Teaching in the four- semester Honors Humanities Sequence rates as one of her favorite things to do, falling a close second to spending time with her husband and three rather rambunctious boys. She’s grateful for coffee. And books. Frankie Synovec (MSA ‘05; RA ‘11, ‘13; CRL ‘14-’18) is excited to be back for another summer of MSA magic! She holds degrees in Psychology and Elementary Education from Truman State University, and has spent her adult life teaching elementary and middle school students to love mathematics. As an avid reader, Frankie is rarely found without a book nearby. Other Frankie favorites include swing dancing, stargazing, and slam poetry. In a dream world, Frankie would be a freestyle rapper and create a mathematical musical in the same vein as Hamilton. She is looking forward to creating the 2018 MSA Community and can’t wait to meet YOU! Paul Rahmoeller a native of St. Louis County and a faculty member at the Academy since 1985, completed his bachelor’s and master’s degrees at MU, with extensive graduate work in mathematics and gifted education. Paul has taught for more than 40 years, written several publications, and served as a youth leader for several student organizations. His hobbies include cooking, camping, and dancing. He serves this year as coordinator of Personal and Social Dynamics. Brian Stuhlman (MSA ’93; faculty ’00–’02, ’07–’17) Brian Stuhlman was a 1993 scholar when he was inspired to become a teacher, and is back a quarter-century later to teach for a 15th year at MSA. Brian currently teaches for Mizzou K-12 (MU’s online middle and high school experience) and at Columbia Independent School, previously serving schools at Fayette (MO), Warrenton (MO), and Kiev, Ukraine. In Kiev, he met his wife Maryna, and together they are lucky to be parents to Lilia (8) and Oscar (4). He is a full-time Muppet fan, a part time sweepstakes fan, and will take the opportunity to travel in no time! 20 Faculty & Staff
Faculty
Benjamin Batzer (MSA ‘08) An business ownership, she loves helping
alumnus of MSA, Ben is an avid reader nonprofits and social enterprises tell
of any and all kinds of literature, from their stories, reading, and going on hikes
nonfiction essays to epic poetry. He has with her giant black dog.
undergraduate and graduate degrees in Frank Corley has been a member
English from Truman State University. of the Academy as faculty member,
During the school year, he teaches and speaker, and PSD coordinator since
resides in Iowa City, Iowa, where he 1992. He and his wife, Teresa, live with
loves to garden, volunteer at the public several children in a drafty old house in
library, and go to the theatre. south St. Louis where they love to read,
Adam Campbell returns to listen to NPR and Cardinals games on
participate in his 12th academy with the radio, enjoy good music and great
a fresh skip in his step. He has walked stories, collect art and love the city.
completely around the 10th largest Frank likes to think of himself as a true
mountain in the world, bicycled over nerd. During the school year, Frank
6,000 miles across America, performed teaches math at St. Louis University
(and been slimed) at Nickelodeon High School.
Studios, worked as a river guide in the Jennifer Fisher (MSA ‘04;
Tetons, built (and lived in) a remote Resident Assistant ‘08-’09; Lead Resident
forest cabin constructed of straw bales, Assistant ‘10; Faculty ‘11, ‘16, ‘18;
thumb wrestled with Desmond Tutu Staff Volunteer ‘12, Coordinator of
(I lost, but he cheated), and has finally Residential Life ‘13) is so excited to be
finished up his PhD, focusing on the back at MSA! From August to May, she
ability of birds to alert fellow forest is the Art Education Coordinator and
creatures to danger through specific an Assistant Teaching Professor of Art
songs and calls. (Spoiler alert: two of Education at the University of Missouri-
these statements are not true.) He’s St. Louis. Jennifer is the proud new mom
looking forward to another June of fun of Miss Fallon Lee Fisher, and some
and fierce learning! of her favorite things include strong
Tina Casagrand (MSA ‘06, RA coffee, making excruciatingly detailed
‘12-’13, community service coordinator itineraries, taking Jeep rides, the St. Louis
‘14, faculty ‘15-’18) loves sharing Cardinals, home organization, and all
her passion for writing, nature, and things Harry Potter.
everything print media. She founded Stephanie Harman is a
The New Territory quarterly magazine chemistry and physics instructor at Rock
in 2015 after a long conversation with Bridge High School, her professional
fellow MSA faculty member Chris home for the last ten years. During her
Holmes! When not editing long, time there, she has taught honors and
Midwestern stories, or tumbling through regular chemistry as well as AP physics
her self-made crash course in small- B, AP physics 1, physics 2, and honors
Faculty & Staff 21physics 1. When she is not at school word poetry at Hazelwood West High
either teaching or coaching Science School in north St. Louis County. This
Olympiad, Stephanie enjoys spending is his fifth year at Missouri Scholars
time with her family including her Academy.MSA. Two days after the
daughters, Emerson and Elowen. This is Academy ends, he leaves Missouri for a
Stephanie’s third year as faculty at MSA, three-week, 14-state research study on
and she is looking forward to learning student apathy.
and growing with the scholars.
Joel Jeffries is a mathematician
Scott Henderson is a graduate native to Warrensburg, MO. There he
of the University of Missouri in received his bachelor’s and master’s
Columbia from which he received a BA degrees in mathematics from the
degree in English and an MA degree University of Central Missouri. Now,
in Classical Studies. He still lives in after teaching four years in Missouri,
Columbia and currently teaches at he resides next to a corn field pursuing
Father Tolton Catholic High School, a doctorate from Iowa State University.
where he has taught World History, He spends most of his time playing
British Literature, Advanced Placement board games, philosophizing with
European History, and Latin. He enjoys friends, and getting lost in thought
the challenge of creating and teaching about an interesting problem he came
courses that deal with the subjects of across weeks ago. He attended MSA in
history, literature, philosophy, and 2007 and is excited to be returning as a
mythology and their relevance to teacher for the first time this year.
modern life and popular culture. This is
his first year teaching at MSA. Mike Kersulov is a native of St.
Louis who returns for his 10th year
Jordan Henson (MSA ‘10; teaching at MSA. After teaching high
RA ‘13-’15; faculty ‘16-17) received a school English outside of Kansas City
Hogwarts letter to attend MSA in 2010, for seven years, he started working
and his world was never the same. After on his doctorate in Literacy, Culture,
three years as an RA and two years and Language Education at Indiana
on faculty, he is happy to return for University. While finishing that pesky
his 7th Academy. When Jordan is not dissertation, Mike continues teaching
planning lessons for MSA or his English high school English in Springfield,
classroom at Grain Valley High School, NE. When not working, grading, and
he is playing board games with friends, studying, he uses most of his time
shamelessly watching reality TV, or reading comics or playing with his cats.
dreaming of being a Jeopardy champion But there are still days when he breaks
(all to a soundtrack of 80s power out the board and looks at some chess
ballads). openings. He enjoys honey in his coffee,
riding his bike even when it rains, and
Chris Holmes recently helped convincing every-one that, despite
found Miriam Academy, a private school naysayers, Spider-Man would, in fact,
for students with social and learning beat Superman in a fight. His reasoning:
challenges. Prior to that, he taught science
journalism, creative writing, and spoken
22 Faculty & StaffNicholas Kirschman is a studied business and economics at
teacher, robot educator, and an old Indiana University, and worked as a
soul. More Star Trek than Star Wars. nonprofit executive in Virginia before
Only person known to love Dune moving to St. Louis, where he could
on its original release. More Akira be closer to Busch Stadium and attend
than The Ghost in the Shell. Believes law school. Since graduating from law
George Takei is right 99.9% of the time. school, he has traveled through Central
Imagines himself as the Man in the High America, taught at SLU law school,
Castle. Thinks cats are better for space backpacked the wilderness of the
exploration but that humans would American West, completed an Ironman
prefer little dogs on Mars. More Philip distance triathlon, paddled hundreds
K. Dick than Robert Heilman. Feels of miles through the whitewater rapids
that Windgrove’s Chung Kuo would be of the Colorado River through Grand
the greatest film ever—even more than Canyon, and practiced law in St. Louis.
Jodorowsky’s Dune. “”The spice must He teaches Political Science at Nerinx
flow.”” He has been with the Academy Hall High School in St. Louis, and he
since 1999. hangs out with his dog Charlie and his
wife Jen.
Austin McWilliams (scholar ‘11,
RA ‘17) is a first-year faculty member at Marjorie Perkins (Scholar ‘10,
MSA. He is currently earning his Master RA ‘14, ‘15, ‘17) is thrilled to be joining
of Music in choral conducting from MSA faculty this year! She is a Kansas
Western Michigan University, where he City native and Mizzou alum currently
conducts and teaches college-level music living in Knoxville, TN while she
courses. Austin finds his inspiration at works on her doctorate in Counseling
the intersection of science and music, Psychology. In her “free” time, she
and he is excited to be conducting the enjoys hanging out with her dog,
famed MSA Choir! Just don’t bother him exploring the beauty of East Tennessee,
when Roger Federer is on court. reading all manner of books, and sewing.
Jennifer Meyer has been on Shadi Peterman (MSA ‘02, RA
the MSA faculty since 2011. She teaches ‘06, Faculty ‘17-’18) is excited to return
AP physics and astronomy at Parkway to Missouri Scholars Academy for her
Central High School. Jen studied physics second year on the faculty. During the
education at Southeast Missouri State school year, Shadi teaches social studies
University and earned a Master’s degree at Crossroads College Preparatory
in physics education from the University School in St. Louis. She enjoys getting to
of Virginia. In addition to teaching, delve into some of the aspects of social
she enjoys outdoor activities including studies that most interest her during the
whitewater kayaking, rafting, biking, academy, including the history of the
running, swimming, and hiking. Jen Middle East and anthropology. Shadi is a
is always looking forward to her next two-time Jeopardy! champion who loves
adventure! going to trivia nights and is also learning
calligraphy in her free time.
John Meyer graduated high
school in Indiana with 16 classmates,
Faculty & Staff 23Ake Takahashi is returning Doug Valentine has been with for his 31st year at MSA. The amazing MSA since 2012, teaching courses on summer program is like a “Fountain science fiction, religion, mythology, of Youth” for him. When you meet and social inequalities. He is currently aspirational, exciting young people, working on his PhD in Sociology and you become rejuvenated, invigorated holds a Masters degree in Religious and intellectually enriched beyond Studies from Mizzou. Doug lives in ordinary expectation. Over the years Columbia with his wife, Chandra, and MSA scholars gave Ake different titles two sons, Hollis and Simon. from “the Master of The Universe” to “That Little Old Man”, and everything in between. Anyway, life is good. So no one is ready to kick the bucket. Let’s enjoy the Academy, cheers! 24 Faculty & Staff
Resident Assistants
Philemon Abel (MSA ‘13, RA questions like: what is the future of
‘16-’17) enjoys tutoring, singing in a science in America? What is the role of
Gospel Choir, and playing alto and public universities in moderns society?
baritone saxophone in jazz band. He Are we eating apples wrong? He was a
writes poetry and loves meeting new scholar in 2012 and an RA in 2015, and
people. MSA has been one of the most he is glad to be back at the Academy
impactful programs in his life, and he before he heads off to Ireland to pursue a
hopes to pass that joy onto every scholar masters in science communication.
he meets! Caroline Dade (MSA ‘14, RA
Shelby Bork (MSA ‘13) grew ‘17) is originally from the small town of
up in rural Missouri near a town Rogersville, Missouri and just finished
called Forsyth. She is an senior at her sophomore year at Mizzou. With
Missouri University of Science and dreams of eventually anchoring national
Technology pursuing a major in Ceramic newscasts, Caroline is studying broadcast
Engineering with a minor in Russian. journalism and works at KOMU, the
She has been an RA her past two years at NBC affiliate for mid-Missouri. When
Missouri S&T and spends her summers she’s not waking up at absurd times for
traveling across states doing art shows. morning television, she can be found
When she isn’t studying materials spreading her love for Mizzou by giving
properties and doing far too much campus tours, putting on events for
homework, she enjoys rock climbing alumni and students and planning
and swing dance, as well as drawing and Homecoming. In her free time, she loves
hiking. listening to podcasts, discussing current
events, and searching for the perfect
Jake Bricker is new to MSA! lemonade recipe.
He attends Missouri S&T for a BS in
Biological Sciences and a minor in Dani Eschweiler (MSA ‘11) is
Computer Science. In his free time, he currently from St. Charles and attended
likes to draw, fix things, play guitar, MSA in the summer of 2011. She
and spend time outside. Though his loves video games, reading, and doing
experience with MSA is limited, he has a questionable makeup. Currently, she’s
lot of experience as a college student RA a graduate student working toward her
as well as experience with highschoolers Master of Arts in Education. After she
attending science-based summer camps gets her degree, her goal is to spend her
at Missouri S&T. He is super excited to life trying to convince students that “The
dive into the experience at MSA! Great Gatsby” is, in fact, a great book.
Her name is NOT short for “Danielle”.
Christopher Dade (MSA ’12,
RA ‘15) is a newly-minted graduate Daniel Gernander (MSA ‘14)
of Mizzou originally from Rogersville, is currently attending Truman State
Missouri. Chris loves exploring deep University to work on his Statistics
major with a Computer Science minor.
Resident Assistants 25You can also read
