BOARD OF DIRECTORS

Mr. Peter G. Schafer

            Abington

Dr. Margaret Frieswyk

            Avon

Mr. Thomas J. Lynch

            Berkley

Dr. Jacqueline B. Forbes

            Bridgewater-Raynham Regional School District

Dr. Richard W. Gross

            Bristol-Plymouth Regional School District

Ms. Elizabeth A. Sorrell

            Carver

Dr. Kathleen A. Montagano

            Dighton-Rehoboth Regional School District

Mrs. Susan Cote

            East Bridgewater

Mr. John E. McCarthy

            Freetown-Lakeville Regional School District

Mr. Russell F. Latham

            Gosnold

Dr. Carolyn Cragin

            Harwich

Mrs. Ann M. Bradshaw

            Mashpee Public Schools

Dr. Robert M. Sullivan

            Middleboro

Mr. Douglas White

            Old Rochester Regional School District

Mr. John Retchless

            Rockland

Mr. Charles Homer

            South Shore Regional Voc/Tech School District

Dr. Julie Hackett

            Taunton

Dr. Barry Rabinovich

            Wareham

Dr. Patricia W. Oakley

            West Bridgewater

Dr. Ruth Gilbert-Whitner

            Whitman Hanson Regional School District

Project Contemporary Competitiveness
Advanced Studies Program

P.O. Box 27
Bridgewater, MA 02324-0027
Phone (508) 279-3404
Fax (508) 697-1027

e-mail:  rgerhart@bridgew.edu
Website:  www.pccasp.org

 

All students who participate in the Advanced Studies Program will be required to enroll in:
 

1.   One course from 8:30 - 10:10 a.m.

2.   One course from 10:30 a.m. - 12:10 p.m.

3.   Afternoon participation in course related activities (such as the field trips or labs), or participation in
      recreational activities.

4.   A core course in the Humanities from 6:30 - 8:30 p.m.

Each student will be enrolled in two courses.  On the Student application form each student MUST SELECT FOUR (4) courses in order of preference.  Every effort will be made to enroll each student in the first and second course choices.  However, in some instances this may not be possible.

Oversubscription to a course may necessitate a student being placed in another course.

The Advanced Studies Program reserves the right to cancel any course offering.

This course is designed to allow students an opportunity to examine some of the personal, societal and educational issues that dominate their life as an adolescent.  Topics for discussion will include the state and federal court system, the criminal and civil law,  First Amendment issues, harassment in its various form, divorce and custody, drinking/driving problems, civil rights issues, and search and seizure of person and property.  Case law and guiding legal principles will enrich the legal problem-solving discussions.  Preparation and presentation of a mock trial, various field trips pertaining to class instruction, and guest speakers will be included in this course.

Students enrolled in this course will pay a $40.00 Lab Fee.

AMERICAN SIGN LANGUAGE

This course is designed to introduce the student to the third most commonly used language in the United States and Canada -- American Sign Language.  The course will include communication strategies and an in-depth look at Deaf Culture.  Vocabulary, grammar, and structure of the language are taught using games, role playing, videos, and songs.  Students may  have the opportunity to meet deaf guest speakers.

Students enrolled in this course will pay a $10.00 Lab Fee.

An introductory overview class that will touch upon cultural anthropology, archaeology, and physical anthropology.  Topics will include the analysis of social and cultural topics such as kinship, family, politics, and religious systems focusing on non-western societies, as well as the analysis of the evolution of mankind via the biological basis of inheritance, variation, adaptation, and physical characteristics.

Students enrolled in this course will pay a $10.00 Lab Fee.

This course will cover selected aspects of Aviation Science applicable to a student pilot.  Lessons will focus on aerodynamics, aircraft structure and design, the airplane cockpit with its flight instruments and controls, and other related aviation topics.  Concepts will be supported by hands-on projects such as design and construction of wing air foils, paper, and balsa wood aircrafts.  This class will involve hands-on experience in a flight simulator and, with written parental permission, an actual flying experience with a certified flight instructor.

Students enrolled in this course will pay a $75.00 Lab Fee.

Do you enjoy soccer?  Do you know the slang, rules and history of the game?  Do you know the Inuit play it on ice while Native Americans use balls of fire?  Have you ever wondered why it is the world's most popular sport?  In this course you will learn that a banana kick is a shot kicked into the air that curves like a banana. You will learn about chip passes and decoy runs.  There will be various soccer "surprises" throughout the 6-week course.  Participants will explore the history of both the soccer ball and the sport.  You will map the countries of World Cup teams while learning the traditions of its people.  Soccer is a way to study traditions, people and places around the world.  Soccer both unites and divides countries.  In this course you will learn how soccer defines the world.  Participants will gain insight into World Cup Soccer through a "geographical" lens.

Through a variety of video sources and regular updates from CBS, NBC, and ABC News, as well as ESPN Sports, you will be able to stay tuned to the world outside PCC this summer.  Follow the Red Sox as they sail toward the pennant.  Find out about events newspapers keep hidden from us.  Discover what else happened on the day you were born.  What were the top movies? TV Shows? Books? Sports events?

Students enrolled in this course will pay a $30.00 Lab Fee.

This course is designed to provide inspiration and a creative experience for the student interested in literary expression.  Daily writing activities, class discussions, and individual conferences will be used to develop the student's creative abilities and writing skills.  Experimentation with a variety of literary forms will allow for individual preferences and will encourage the active use of the student's imagination.  This course will be further enhanced by multi-media presentations, and the publication of student writing in our Advanced Studies Program literary magazine.

Can videogames teach us how to be ethical people?  Much of the best advice for how to live a good life has been passed down to us from great philosophers such as Plato, Aristotle, Kant and Confucius.  In this course we will learn how the philosophy of these thinkers is relayed to us in the activity of playing videogames.  Through class discussion, critical thinking assignments, and of course some videogame playing, we will analyze videogame narrative, technique, and player interaction to gain an understanding of the habits of a virtuous person and how to develop positive relationships.  The topics in critical thinking we plan to address in this course are: justice, human dignity, friendship, courage, and happiness.  The course does not require any previous experience in videogames, philosophy, or formal reasoning, but only a willingness to think about topics in a way you have never thought about them before.

MODEL ROCKETRY

This course will begin with the history of rocketry, essential vocabulary, Bernoulli's Principle, Newton's Laws of motion and stability.  Topics regarding current space initiatives will be integrated into the program as related to rocket / space science.  Students will build a basic Estes rocket, analyze its flight, and apply that information to a homemade rocket of similar design.  Several Estes rocket kits with varying performance characteristics will then be utilized to relate high school mathematics and physics to model rocketry. This course will require students applying what they have experienced in the building and modifying of each rocket.

Students enrolled in this course will pay a $40.00 Lab Fee.

MODEL UNITED NATIONS

Calling all Students!  Do you know that kids your age are starving, without clean water, and are forced from their homes due to wars?  Do you want to do more to help?  Today's students are tomorrow's leaders. BE PREPARED!!  Experience first-hand how world leaders make decisions and negotiate solutions to global problems that affect young people just like you.  From Afghanistan to Zimbabwe, Model United Nation lets you step into the shoes of diplomats to challenge international dilemmas such as poverty, environmental pollution, war and peace, human rights and many other issues that affect almost every person on Earth.  You will develop skills in debating issues, negotiating with allies and enemies, creating solutions and drafting resolutions.  You will become informed about the United Nations system and the work that it accomplishes. The final project will be to create an assembly of student delegates acting as diplomats from around the world at a mock General Assembly and Security Council meeting.  The world is waiting for YOU!!!

Students enrolled in this course will pay a $20.00 Lab Fee.

MUSIC & MOVEMENT

This class gives students an opportunity to take part in a professionally run theatrical production.  The course incorporates modern movement to modern pieces of music, centering on current themes and popular culture.  Over the course of six weeks, students will learn and rehearse a full-scale production to be performed at the end of the Program.  Supported by the most cutting edge stage technology, the show features complex musical arrangements and contemporary choreography.

Students  enrolled in this course will pay a $50.00 Lab Fee.

PAINTING

This course is designed to be educational and enjoyable as students achieve maximum artistic growth through self-exploration.  Creativity and individuality are stressed.  Students have the opportunity to work in a variety of styles with an assortment of materials.  A field trip to the Museum of Fine Arts in Boston is included in this exciting course.

Students enrolled in this course will pay a $40.00 Lab Fee.

PCC WEBSITE

This introductory level course will include basic web page design using Microsoft FrontPage and/or Adobe Dreamweaver.  Using graphic design to make web page banners will be introduced.  Students will create their own personal multimedia web pages as well as web pages highlighting an aspect of the PCC program.  These web pages will be published on the PCC website.  Other topics presented include: basic digital photography along with the cropping, resizing and enhancing of digital images for the web pages.  Copyright standards and evaluating the reliability of information found on the Internet will also be covered.

Students enrolled in this course will pay a $20.00 Lab Fee.

TECHNICAL THEATRE

Designed to deal specifically with the technical needs of PCC's Theatrical performances, Core Courses, and Music and Movement production; students in the class learn about all aspects of Technical Theatre.  In preparation for the final productions, at the end of the program, the students will rig lights and staging, engineer sound, and be a part of all back stage work incorporated in PCC's cutting edge stage technology.  A strong work ethic & willingness to work with heights as well as deal with much heavy lifting are key elements to a successful tech theatre experience.

Students  enrolled in the course will pay a $20.00 Lab Fee.

TELEVISION PRODUCTION

You will learn the aspects of the television industry as well as production skills.  This includes the history of television and elements of various types of programming in addition to writing, directing, and shooting television shows.  Students will learn how to conduct an interview, participate in a press conference, write scripts,  direct and create storyboards.  The main projects for this class will be the creation of various types of programming, including commercials, newscasts, game shows, and talk shows.  Opportunity will be given to assist in the creation of the PCC Video Yearbook.

Students enrolled in this course will pay a $15.00 Lab Fee.

THEATRE

This is a theatre class devoted primarily to the production of a play for the PCC community.  Students will explore basic acting and vocal techniques, creative movement, and character study.  Performers will be encouraged to develop and create their own interpretations of their character within the parameters of the existing text.  Emphasis will be placed on character analysis, individually and in small groups.   All classes will incorporate critical analysis of performance, encouraging students to vocalize their rehearsal experience. The final week of the course will be geared toward the students honing their craft into an imaginative performance for the PCC audience.

Students enrolled in this course will pay a $20.00 Lab Fee.

THE GREEN TEAM

Do you know what global warming is?  Do you wish you could help?  This is the class for you!  Learn to be eco-friendly in all aspects of your life.  Being "green" means more than just recycling.  Learn to plan a "Green Party" (and then have one in class), eat organically, design an eco-friendly house, develop your own documentary or commercial,  and learn how to be "green" on facebook.  Visit the Museum of Science to learn about alternative energy, learn to plant a tree, and take one home with you.  You can make a difference-you just have to know how.

Students enrolled in this course will pay a $40.00 Lab Fee.

UNITED STATES "WARS" OF THE TWENTIETH CENTURY

This course will look at major events of the 20th century and how they have impacted both the United States as a rising power in the world, but also the impact such events have had on the American people.  There will be a large focus on the major wars the United States has been a part of during the 20th century.  This list includes:  World War I, World War II, the Korean War, the Vietnam War, the War in Iraq (both 1991 and 2003), and the War on Terror.  Students will look at the events leading up to each of these conflicts, some of the major events during each conflict, and how the conflict was resolved/impacted the world we live in today.  We will also be looking at the Civil Rights movement and the Cold War and how they have shaped the United States and its place in the world today.  Classroom activities will include various visual/media materials, oral discussions, guest speakers, a field trip, and student prepared reports.

Students enrolled in this course will pay a $25.00 Lab Fee.

Do you like working with children?  If so, this hands-on class is for you.  You will learn how children grow and develop, and about different learning styles.  Along with the classroom learning experience, there is also a hands-on, community service aspect of this class.  We will visit the Headstart Program, where you will work directly with children with a variety of ages and backgrounds.  You will also create fun and interactive lessons with your classmates that you will teach to young children when our class runs the Story and Craft Hour at the Public Library.  There will be opportunities to explore the many exciting child oriented careers by talking with guest speakers about their occupations and experiences.  Be prepared to learn firsthand the fun of working with children, go on a field trip to the Children's Museum and of course, eat plenty of cookies.

Students enrolled in this course will pay a $40.00 Lab Fee.

Can you deliver?  What does it take to get the crowd roaring?  Or to get someone to crack a smile?  Comedy is a serious art form; some even call it a science.  What are the elements of comedy?  Why do some people "have it" and others not?  In this course, we will be exploring the effects, styles, elements, and history of comedy in our society.  There will be opportunities to try out delivery and writing techniques, learn physical routines, view and listen to the greatest comedians of our time, and discover the value of a good belly laugh.  Whether you are the class clown, an aspiring stand-up comedian, or just a fun-loving spectator, this course will have you laughing out loud!

Students enrolled in the program are expected to treat all members of the Program Community with dignity and respect, to meet all appointments, not neglect their work, and to maintain socially acceptable behavior on and off campus.

A complete copy of the Code of Conduct will be included with the Letter of Acceptance. To be enrolled in the Program, the parent/guardian is required to sign a statement on the Parental Questionnaire indicating that the parent and child have read and accept and agree to abide by the Code of Conduct. It will be reviewed during the parent orientation meetings prior to the beginning of the Program and again by the Floor Leader during student orientation the first day of the Program.

The member school districts of Project Contemporary Competitiveness, Inc. are:

Abington

Avon

Berkley

Bridgewater-Raynham Regional School District

Bristol-Plymouth Voc/Tech School District

Carver

Dighton-Rehoboth Regional School District

East Bridgewater

Freetown

Freetown-Lakeville Regional School District

Gosnold

Harwich

Lakeville

Marion

Mashpee

Mattapoisett

Middleboro

Old Rochester Regional School District

Rochester

Rockland

South Shore Voc/Tech School District

Taunton

Wareham

West Bridgewater

Whitman Hanson Regional School District

The continued and invaluable cooperation of the administration and Board of Trustees of the State College at Bridgewater has made it possible over these many years for the students who participate in the Advanced Studies Program to use the academic resource, dormitory, and recreation of the college.