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Courses by Subject
Below is the listing and description of courses by subject for Summer Session 2022.
SESSION 1: June 1–5, 2022
SESSION 2: June 4–11, 2022
FULL SESSION: June 1–11, 2022
Click here to see the courses by hour.
- Art & Art History
- Bible & Christianity
- Business, Current Events & Politics
- Computer & Technology
- History, Film & Literature
- Music
- Reading, Writing & Speaking
- Science & Engineering
- Sports & Fitness
Art & Art History
ART ALONG THE RIVERS: A BICENTENNIAL CELEBRATION
Susie L. Ledbetter, MEd (C’70)
Hours One and Two (9:05–11 a.m.) — Session 1
+ Visit to the Saint Louis Art Museum
In conjunction with the 200th anniversary of Missouri statehood, this class will take a closer look at the artists whose paintings defined the vibrant history of this region—the confluence of powerful rivers and major trail routes. The unique regionalist view from George Caleb Bingham to Principia’s own Frederick Oakes Sylvester to the American Scene painters Thomas Hart Benton, John Steuart Curry, and Grant Wood has become imbedded in the national consciousness. These homages to the heartland define its distinctive artistic identity.
MIXED-MEDIA STITCHING
Leah McFall, MSEd art education, MFA (US’89, C’93)
Hours Three, Four, Five and Six (11:15 a.m.–5:15 p.m.) — Session 1
+ Visit to the Saint Louis Art Museum (art supply fee associated with this class)
This workshop is an exploration of fiber arts. In Principia College’s expanded Costume Shop, we will explore several fiber arts techniques, including felting, free-motion stitching, embroidery, incorporation of found objects and fibers, as we make our mark on fabric. Techniques learned can be used in quilting, sewing, and other fiber-arts disciplines.
IMAGINING AMERICA: ICONS OF 20TH-CENTURY AMERICAN ART
Susie L. Ledbetter, MEd (C’70)
Hour Four (2:15–3:05 p.m.) — Session 2
Examining the work, ideas, and lives of several iconic American artists of the 20th century, let’s think and discuss together what makes us distinctly American. How did these artists use their work to respond to their unique personal experiences and moments in history? How did these American artists represent the world around us, themselves, and respond to mass media’s transformation of our sense of self and society?
WATERCOLOR WORKSHOP
Leah McFall, MSEd art education, MFA (US’89, C’93)
Hours One and Two (9:05–11 a.m.) — Sessions: 1, 2, and Full Session
Paint for two hours every day in a beautiful river-view art studio, learning and practicing watercolor techniques with a fun, supportive community of learners! From beginners to experts . . . all are welcome. Through daily teacher-demos, practice, and sharing of feedback and ideas, everyone moves forward. Bring pieces you are working on and also get inspired by new ideas! Some of the topics we will learn about include applying color theory and mixing, arranging compositions, creating shadow and light, creating dynamic backgrounds for your subject, and of course, land and waterscape painting.
DRAWING & SKETCHING: A CAMPUS EXPLORATION
Leah McFall, MSEd art education, MFA (US’89, C’93)
Hour Three (11:15 a.m.–12:05 p.m.) — Session 2
Keeping a sketching journal is a wonderful way to enrich your travels or just take a more reflective approach to daily living. In this class, we will work on drawing skills like perspective, observation, shading, texture, and proportion, while drawing various historic buildings and views on the beautiful Principia campus. Expect to leave with new ideas, enhanced skills, and a sketchbook full of great memories!
Bible & Christianity
YOU, SCHOLARS, ECUMENISTS, AND FEMINISTS TELLING THE WORLD ABOUT CHRISTIAN SCIENCE
Helen Mathis, MA biblical studies (C’70) and Shirley Paulson, PhD (US’66, C’70)
Hours Four and Five (2:15–4:10 p.m.) — Session 1
Fourteenth-century mystic Julian of Norwich and Mary Baker Eddy share some remarkable similarities—according to scholar Deidre Michell. A wide range of research on Christian Science is now accessible to advance these discoveries. Our course will enable participants to learn from, engage in, and support this breadth of research.
THE TRANSLATION STORY OF THE ENGLISH BIBLE: FROM EARLIEST MANUSCRIPTS TO TODAY’S TRANSLATIONS
Helen Mathis, MA biblical studies (C’70)
Hours One and Two (9:05–11 a.m.) — Session 1
Beginning with the Greek Septuagint and New Testament, journey through earliest manuscripts to the Latin Vulgate, to Erasmus’ Greek “textus receptus,” on to Tyndale and all the English translations building on his work. Compare modern translations and the range of Greek word-meanings. Tour Principia’s Bible collection. Learn how translators translate.
MRS. EDDY MENTIONED THEM
Howard Bay, MA, retired history teacher (US’69, C’73)
Hour Two (10:10–11 a.m.) — Sessions: 1, 2, and Full Session
From Socrates to Shakespeare, from the pious Polycarp to the intrepid Martin Luther, Mary Baker Eddy occasionally made reference to the words and works of individuals who contributed to the general welfare of mankind. She also cited over one hundred of her contemporaries, many whose names we no longer recognize. Inspired by a series of articles—“Mrs. Eddy Mentioned Them”—published over 50 years ago in the Christian Science Sentinel, this course will identify who these people were and then examine them in the context of the spiritual lessons Mrs. Eddy wanted us to draw from their lives.
SERVANT LEADERSHIP AND ITS BIBLICAL ROOTS
Joan Bernard Bradley, Ed.D. (FS’99)
Hour One (9:05–9:55 a.m.) — Session 2
Discuss the concept of servant leadership as demonstrated by Christ Jesus, including washing the disciples’ feet. Consider how and why Bible patriarchs practiced servant leadership. Ponder servant leadership qualities that are given in the Sermon on the Mount and how we can apply this Biblical code of behavior to today’s global issues.
TEACHING SPIRITUAL CONCEPTS TO YOUNG CHILDREN
Dorothy Halverson, MA, Principia’s Early Childhood principal (C’85)
Hour One (9:05–9:55 a.m.) — Session 2
Have you ever wondered how to share spiritual concepts with young children and help them better understand and apply them in their daily experiences? In this course, we will look at a few of the first Sunday School lessons and Bible stories often taught to young children and share age appropriate, engaging, hands-on activities that help children grasp their meaning. Materials will be provided for a “make-and-take” workshop-style class. The lesson ideas are geared toward two- to six-year-olds. If you’re a Sunday School teacher, parent, or grandparent who interacts with young children, you won’t want to miss this course.
THE HISTORY AND DEVELOPMENT OF THE WEDNESDAY TESTIMONY MEETING
Joan Bernard Bradley, Ed.D. (FS’99)
Hour Two (10:10–11 a.m.) — Session 2
Discover why it took 18 years for the midweek meetings to evolve into the order of service for today’s Wednesday meetings. Learn how the Testimonials By-Law evolved, and ponder the directives from Mary Baker Eddy as she guided her Church through unexpected challenges. Consider how these directives apply to us today.
WHY IS THE SECRET REVELATION OF JOHN IMPORTANT TO CHRISTIAN SCIENTISTS?
Shirley Paulson, PhD (US’66, C’70)
Hour Three (11:15 a.m.–12:05 p.m.) — Session 2
There are startling similarities between the Secret Revelation of John and Science and Health with Key to the Scriptures, written about 1,700 years apart from each other. Why did we not know about this? This is big news in the history of Christianity, and Christian Scientists are in the middle of this historic phenomenon.
WHAT DOES IT MEAN TO BE SAVED? UP CLOSE WITH JESUS, SALVATION, AND THE GOSPEL OF LUKE
Helen Mathis, MA biblical studies (C’70)
Hour Four (2:15–3:05 p.m.) — Session 2
Take a deep dive into what we can learn about salvation from Jesus in the Gospel of Luke by looking closely at the text of Jesus’ birth, mission, sermon on the plain, parables, journey, passion, and resurrection—highlighting themes of healing, forgiveness, prayer, importunity, hospitality, justice, mercy, and resurrection joy.
PRIMAL FORCES AT WORK IN SHAPING EARLY CHRISTIANITY: 2ND- AND 3RD-CENTURY CHRISTIANS OF ASIA MINOR
Helen Mathis, MA biblical studies (C’70)
Hour Three (11:15 a.m.–12:05 p.m.) — Session 2
Imagine what it was like to be a third and fourth generation faithful Christian living and struggling in Asia Minor (today’s Turkey)—a world changing at warp speed, just like ours is today. We will examine passages illustrating the diversity of this early Christian environment, the burden of their persecution, the occurrences of martyrdom, the pressure for social respectability, their creative problem solving, and how each new situation foisted them into the ‘organize, preserve and contain’ mode, even as they strove to keep their identity holy and distinct from the mainstream. We will explore how the decisions made then especially impacted women and were central in shaping who they (and we) would become.
Business, Current Events & Politics
BELONGING AND MATTERING AT PRINCIPIA, IN CHRISTIAN SCIENCE, AND IN SOCIETY
Jennifer A. Stollman, Ph.D., consultant for Principia on diversity, equity, inclusion, belonging, and mattering
Hours One and Two (9:05–11 a.m.) — Session 1
Through dynamic engagements and de-politicized discussion, the fundamentals of diversity, equity, inclusion, belonging, and mattering (DEIB&M) will be explored. Together, we’ll learn how Christian Science and DEIB&M naturally align, consider why it’s important for Principia and across the educational, social, political, and economic landscapes, and examine current debates and how they impact educational, work, and community spaces.
TRANSACTIONAL OR TRANSFORMATIONAL: UNDERSTANDING INTERNATIONAL LEADERS
John Williams, JD, Principia College president (C’76)
Hour Four (2:15–3:05 p.m.) — Sessions: 1, 2, and Full Session
Transactional or transformational? Let’s examine Vladimir Putin, Xi Jinping, and other global leaders. What are their goals and their leadership styles? How do these affect how they lead? With some practice, we’ll launch into exploring the styles and goals of other leaders.
POLITICS IN THE SOCIAL MEDIA ERA
Jon Hosmer, MALD, Principia’s web director (US’88, C’92)
Hour Five (3:20–4:10 p.m.) — Session 2
The presidential elections of 2016 and 2020 highlighted the role of social media in politics. Politicians craft their image around the clock on social media, highlighting their strengths, opponents’ weaknesses, and whatever issues each campaign wishes to promote. We will observe leading candidates’ social media presence and if and how they interact with one another. We will consider the other players in our elections via social media, including Russia. We will look at news outlets across the political spectrum and how they’re involved in social media. Finally, we will see how what we do as social media consumers affects the messages, candidates, and issues that are displayed.
RELIGIOUS FREEDOM AND THE U.S. CONSTITUTION
Lee Barron, JD, Principia general counsel (US’72, C’76)
Hour Three (11:15 a.m.–12:05 p.m.) — Session 2
Two clauses, the Establishment Clause and the Free Exercise Clause, are found in the First Amendment. We will explore these clauses and recent Supreme Court legal opinions suggesting that we might be at a “high-water mark” for religious freedom. Current events make this topic especially relevant. Employing entertaining and engaging teaching modalities, we will move beyond media sound bites to a deeper appreciation for how the Supreme Court treats this critical issue.
Computer & Technology
iPHONE PHOTOGRAPHY
Jon Hosmer, MALD, Principia’s web director (US’88, C’92)
Hour Four (2:15–3:05 p.m.) — Session 2
We carry our iPhones everywhere and know that they’re packed with technology, including very capable cameras. We will explore the features of these tiny but powerful cameras. We will start with the basics of still photos, saving them, and sending them to others. Then we will go through the other ways your camera can work for you, from video to slow motion, portraits, burst photos, and time lapses. We will also cover selfies, use of the flash, and editing on your phone. While we all want to take better photographs, this class is designed to help you feel more capable and comfortable using your iPhone as a handy and useful camera.
DIVE INTO 3D PRINTING
Marie Farson, PhD, earth science professor
Hour Five (3:20–4:10 p.m.) — Session 2
Join a community of 3D-printing enthusiasts to find out more about 3D printing. This class will include a discussion of how 3D printing has revolutionized entrepreneurship and industry in both developing countries and the United States. We will dissect a 3D printer to learn how it works, use it to print objects, and explore design software to create and print your own designs. We’ll also explore how to make everything from replacement bits and pieces for household repairs to fascinating gadgets.
History, Film & Literature
TRANSFORMATIVE POWER OF SHAKESPEARE
Chrissy Calkins Steele, MFA, theatre professor (FS’08)
Hours Four and Five (2:15–4:10 p.m.) — Session 1
Experience the joy and power of speaking Shakespeare’s timeless words yourself, and learn how the power of “immortal Shakespeare, great poet of humanity” (Science and Health with Key to the Scriptures, p. 66) has transformed the lives of prison inmates, war veterans, refugees, inner city children and many others. This class will explore the actor’s approach to understanding and speaking Shakespeare’s sonnets and plays, and we’ll discover the power of the Bard in individual lives and communities.
UNDERSTANDING FASCISM
Peter van Lidth de Jeude, PhD, history professor (C’04)
Hour One (9:05–9:55 a.m.) — Sessions: 1, 2, and Full Session
Since its creation a century ago by Benito Mussolini, the ideology of fascism has defied attempts to understand it, even as it has shaped world events dramatically. In this course, students will learn the conditions from which fascism emerged in the early 20th century, how it gained power in Italy and Germany in the 1920s and 1930s, how it plunged the world into war in the 1940s, and its legacy since the end of that conflict. Students will also learn how to better understand fascism as an idea and its impact on the present and the future.
LITERATURE OF THE CIVIL WAR
Brandon James O’Neil, PhD (C’16)
Hour Two (10:10–11 a.m.) — Sessions: 1, 2, and Full Session
From 1861 to 1865, US political cohesion partially dissolved as eleven states seceded from the union to form their own Confederate States of America. In this course, students will read poetry, short stories, personal narratives, and speeches from this traumatic national rift that emphasize the human cost of slavery and war.
80 YEARS AGO: THE EARLY YEARS OF WORLD WAR II
Richard Waller, MA, social studies teacher (C’76)
Hour Two (10:10–11 a.m.) — Sessions: 1, 2, and Full Session
This course will examine the early years of World War II. What were the factors at play in 1942 that caused the start of World War II including, why the US struggled to remain neutral.
“IN THE NICK OF TIME”
Richard Waller, MA, social studies teacher (C’76)
Hour One (9:05–9:55 a.m.) — Session 2
In the course of history, a few minutes often radically change the direction of events. Because of natural time pressures, this most often happens during conflict. This course will look at five cases where the events of a few minutes led to a dramatic change in what happened subsequently.
INHERIT THE WIND
Peter van Lidth de Jeude, PhD, history professor (C’04)
Hour Three (11:15 a.m.–12:05 p.m.) — Session 2
The 1960 film Inherit the Wind has long been considered a classic, telling the story of the 1925 Scopes Trial in an engaging and humanizing way. But how historically accurate is it? What is the background of that trial? What was its legacy? And what can it teach us about America and the intersection between religion and science? In this course, we will tackle all these questions—and more—by looking at this intersection of film and history.
Music
GOING TO THE OPERA IS FUN: CARMEN
Marie Jureit-Beamish, PhD, professor emerita of music (HON’14)
Hours Two and Three (10:10 a.m.–12:05 p.m.) — Session 1
+Live Performance at Opera Theatre St. Louis*
For two days we will prepare to attend a live performance of one of the most popular operas of all time, Bizet’s Carmen, at the renowned Opera Theatre of St. Louis. This is an extraordinary opportunity to join together for total immersion into the sensational and inspiring music from Carmen, including the famous “Habanera” and “Toreador Song.” Initially shocking and scandalizing when it premiered to audiences in 1875, it is now adoringly embraced by audiences throughout the world. *$40 fee for opera tickets
UNMASKED: THE LIFE AND MUSIC OF ANDREW LLOYD WEBBER
Marie Jureit-Beamish, PhD, professor emerita of music (HON’14)
Hour Four (2:15–3:05 p.m.) — Sessions: 1, 2, and Full Session
The release of Andrew Lloyd Webber’s Unmasked: A Memoir marks a time to celebrate one of the greatest giants the musical stage has ever known. Creating some of the most beloved and inspiring shows of our time, Webber’s Phantom of the Opera has dominated Broadway as the longest running musical in history. His other treasures include Cats, Evita, Jesus Christ Superstar, and Requiem, to name but a few. Above all, stands one of the most beautiful songs ever composed, “Love Never Dies”—the true message for all of his music!
CHOIR
Joe Van Riper, PhD, music professor (C’05)
Hour Six (4:25–5:15 p.m.) — Sessions: 1, 2, and Full Session
Make a joyful noise unto the Lord! Come share your love of singing by participating in the Summer Session choir. This ensemble will offer a wonderful opportunity for community collaboration and joyous musical expression.
ART & SCIENCE: THE COMBINATION OF MUSIC & PHYSICS
David A. Cornell, PhD, professor emeritus of physics (C’59)
Hour Two (10:10–11 a.m.) — Session 2
Use the love of music and basic curiosity to reveal the science behind sound. Identify several fundamental qualities of physical noise makers. Explore the ways in which popular musical instruments exhibit these qualities, making use of practical demonstrations.
MADAMA BUTTERFLY: THE GREAT PUCCINI FIASCO
Marie Jureit-Beamish, PhD, professor emerita of music (HON’14)
Hour Three (11:15 a.m.–12:05 p.m.) — Session 2
On the heels of the dramatic opening fiasco of Giacomo Puccini’s Madama Butterfly in 1904, the dumfounded Puccini proclaimed, “Butterfly is the best opera I have ever written, and I know it will make its way over the operatic stages of the world, just as La Bohème and Tosca have done.” And, indeed, it has done just that for over 100 years! As Puccini himself acknowledges, “the music of this opera was dictated to me by God; I was merely instrumental in putting it to paper and communicating it to the public.” Culminating in the final HD production by the renowned Metropolitan Opera, we will climb to the heights of pure inspiration immersed in the opera’s Japanese culture.
Reading, Writing & Speaking
HOOKED ON BOOKS: THE SPLENDID AND THE VILE, A BIOGRAPHY
Linda Conradi, MLA (C’65)
Hour One (9:05–9:55 a.m.) — Session 2
Winston Churchill’s first year as prime minister of Great Britain was the first year of World War II. Author Erik Larson spins a truthful tale of this year, but it reads like fast-paced fiction. Churchill’s leadership, courage, and constant encouragement to the people gave them hope as Germany bombed them during “the Blitz” and beyond. Attendees are encouraged to read The Splendid and the Vile in advance to join in the discussion.
MEDIATION TECHNIQUES FOR THE NON-ATTORNEY
Jeff Steele, PhD, multidisciplinary professor (FS’01)
Hour Four (2:15–3:05 p.m.) — Session 2
This course is intended to explain legal mediation and how the techniques used in settlement negotiations can benefit everyone—inside or outside of a formal mediation session. This practice can be very helpful for resolving disputes, improving active listening, and diffusing tense and difficult situations. Find new ways to introduce peacemaking in your daily routine!
SOULFUL EXPRESSION: COMMUNICATING WITH FREEDOM AND POWER
Chrissy Calkins Steele, MFA, theatre professor (FS’08)
Hour Five (3:20–4:10 p.m.) — Session 2
Would you like to speak with greater expression, freedom, and power? Whether reading in church, telling a story, or giving a presentation, your voice and body communicate meaning, confidence, and presence. Enjoy speaking poetry and prose with greater expression and freedom. Practice skills to communicate more clearly and expressively, expanding your Soulful expression.
Science & Engineering
THE ART & SCIENCE OF SUSTAINABILITY: WELCOME TO THE 21ST CENTURY!
Karen Eckert, PhD, professor and director, Center for Sustainability (C’80)
Hours One and Two (9:05–11 a.m.) — Session 2
Participants will explore foundational concepts of sustainability as they apply to everyday life—including sustainable food systems, beauty, energy, landscaping, and architecture—in order to gain a deeper understanding of how we can all be more conscientious local and global environmental citizens.
HOW DO WE KNOW CLIMATE CHANGE IS HAPPENING, AND WHAT CAN WE DO ABOUT IT?
Nicholas H, Johnson, PhD, assistant professor of sustainability and economics (C’04)
Hour Three (11:15 a.m.–12:05 p.m.) — Session 2
This course will address these questions: How do we know modern climate change is anthropocentric in nature? What are the consequences of climate change? What are the adaptation and mitigation options for addressing climate change personally, nationally, and internationally?
POST-MATERIALIST SCIENCE AND THE “HARD PROBLEM OF CONSCIOUSNESS”
Matthew Cocks, PhD, assistant professor of economics
Hour Five (3:20–4:10 p.m.) — Session 2
The late 19th century saw vibrant debates within science, religion, philosophy, and psychology around the relationship between consciousness and the material world. Thinkers such as William James and Mary Baker Eddy were prominent public figures in this discourse. But during the 20th century, the scientific approach to this question largely narrowed to a strictly materialist framework. Recent years have seen increasing calls from groups within the scientific community for a post-materialist approach to science and the hard problem of consciousness. In this course, we will explore the origins of these calls and where they might be leading us.
Sports & Fitness
TRAIL WALKING
Robert Baker, College head track and field coach (C’78)
Early Bird (6:30–7:20 a.m.) — Sessions: 1, 2, and Full Session
Daily walks on campus as well as the surrounding area will include Elsah, Snyder’s Barn, and Eliestoun. We will explore the history of the campus with a focus on Maybeck buildings.
TENNIS FOR LIFE: INSTRUCTION FOR BEGINNERS AND BEYOND
Shannon Carney, MA Ed, USPTA Elite Professional, College head women’s tennis coach
Early Bird (6:30–7:20 a.m.) — Sessions: 1, 2, and Full Session
Beginning to advanced players will learn and improve their technique and skills through drills and point play. The course meets players at their current level and advances them from there. We’ll cover tennis grips and strokes, shot selection and placement, strategy for singles and doubles, proper footwork, movement and balance, tennis etiquette, and how to think metaphysically about tennis. Please come with your tennis shoes (no black soles). You may bring your racquet or use ours. Recreational drop-in tennis offered 3:30–4:30 p.m. daily in Hexberg Tennis Center.
STRETCH YOURSELF
Bridget Cathie
Early Bird (6:30–7:20 a.m.) — Sessions: 1, 2, and Full Session
Learn and utilize many types of stretching in a relaxing environment with peaceful music. It’s a great way to get your day going. Stretch Yourself was designed to work daily on flexibility and freedom of movement. Each class starts with a metaphysical focus around these concepts, and the workout will build on that truth. Classes will cover several different ways of working on increased flexibility—using ropes, dynamic stretching, yoga-style stretching, and more. Class members will also work daily on balance, with many opportunities to grow more confident in their balance through simple yet fun physical activities.
SIMPLY FIT
Bridget Cathie
Hour Five (3:20–4:10 p.m.) — Sessions: 1, 2, and Full Session
This group activity class, set to a collection of oldies music, includes a warm-up, strength work, cardio, core work, and a cool down. Each participant will leave with a monthlong workout plan, an understanding of how to perform the exercises correctly, increased confidence, and a greater love of being active.
AQUABLAST!
Bridget Cathie
Hour Six (4:25–5:15 p.m.) — Sessions: 1, 2, and Full Session
This group activity class in the pool keeps participants moving in a buoyant environment against the backdrop of a fun playlist of music. We use noodles and swim belts to steady participants so they can perform mobility, strength, and cardio exercises in the pool.
PICKLEBALL FOREVER
Shannon Carney, MA Ed, USPTA Elite Professional, College head women’s tennis coach
Hour Six (4:25–5:15 p.m.) — Sessions: 1, 2, and Full Session
Advanced to beginners, let’s play pickleball. Participants will learn skills, tactics, rules, and history of the game.