Project Contemporary Competitiveness
Advanced Studies Program

THE CURRICULUM
 

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.
 

COURSE OFFERINGS
 

ADOLESCENTS AND THE LAW

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 $20.00 Lab Fee.
 

                                                                           ANTHROPOLOGY
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.

DIGITAL PHOTOGRAPHY

Explore a wide range of the fundamental aspects of photography by utilizing digital cameras. Through demonstra­tions and hands-on sessions, students will learn the basics of operating digital cameras and Photoshop to modify and produce digital photographs. Topics will include fundamental camera operation, basic to advanced studio lighting skills for portrait and still life. Students will also learn the historical aspect of photography by watching video and power point presentations.

Requirement: DSLR camera (preferable) or point and shoot camera and memory card.

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

DRAWING

The drawing class will be studio-style with an emphasis on drawing concepts, techniques, and media. Drawing skills can be learned and, with practice, highly developed. Therefore, this course is designed for students who wish to acquire drawing skills, and for experienced students who wish to augment current skills to a higher degree. A field trip to the Museum of Fine Arts in Boston is included in this course.

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

FORENSIC SCIENCE

What is forensic science? How is it related to CSI? Are fingerprints different? How do we determine time of death? What is DNA and why does it help in solving crimes? How many times does your heart beat?

These are some of the topics that will be discussed and researched in this class. Come with questions?? We will visit the Boston Museum of Science and take part in CPR training. There will be guest speakers from law enforcement addressing crime scene investigation and related topics.

Students enrolled in this course will pay a $35.00 Lab Fee.
 

GOOD SITCOMS, BAD ADS, AND THE ART OF GREAT COMMUNICATION

What makes shows like Lost so popular, while well-reviewed programs like Friday Night Lights struggle to gain viewers? Why is the Geico gecko so successful at selling car insurance? Why do celebrities and their babies get more news coverage than political issues in Washington? These questions and more will be answered in this class covering the world of the communications industry. Through an exploration of the journalism, visual media, and promotional fields, students will gain an understanding of how messages are communicated to the masses, and why some succeed while others fail. Students will try their hand at these skills as well, creating advertisements, writing news stories and holding mock press conferences with their classmates. From ABC Family to You Tube, this class has you covered. Class may include a field trip to Gillette Stadium or a local newspaper.

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

HISTORICAL AND CULTURAL ARCHAEOLOGY

Ever wondered about the mysteries of the past? Does the exotic nature of other cultures intrigue you? Want to travel back in time to discover ancient civilizations? Then this is the course for you.

Learn about archaeological techniques and how real "Indiana Joneses" make archaeological discoveries. Discuss the importance of artifacts and how they help us fill in the puzzles of the history. Explore the ancient world and become fluent in the ways of the past!

Students enrolled in this course will pay a $25.00 Lab

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 $50.00 Lab Fee.
 

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

"PCC Sportcenter" is a course designed for anyone that loves sports in New England. In this class, we will talk about sports through the eyes of a player, coach, owner, broadcaster, and fan. We will discuss the history of the Red Sox, Patriots, Bruins and Celtics, as well as the prominent high school and semi-professional teams in our region. In particular, we'll examine the contributions each of our local teams and athletes have made to their sport, as well as the impact our favorite teams and players have made in New England. Learn what it takes to be championship-driven!

Express yourself on the World Wide Web! Learn how to start your own website or blog. This introductory level course will include basic web page design using Microsoft FrontPage and/or Adobe Dreamweaver. Graphic design using Adobe Photoshop will be introduced to make web page banners and web page layouts. Students will create their own personal multimedia web pages as well as web pages that highlight aspects of the PCC program. The student web pages will be published on the PCC website. Other topics presented include basic digital photography along with the cropping, resizing and enhancing (including air brushing) of digital images to prepare them for web pages. Students will learn how to use JavaScript, "Photobucket" and "Picnik" to make slide shows for their web pages, as well as, how to embed Flash video on their web pages. Copyright standards and evaluating the reliability of information found on the Internet will also be covered.
 

This class is a place for students to become strong speakers and listeners!! Person to Person is a community where students learn to take risks, speak their minds, support their classmates as fellow speakers, and gain confidence in speaking in a variety of situations. We will tell stories, play games, present speeches in a fun and supportive environment, and hold debates on a variety of topics.

Have you ever wondered how we can see so deep into space? Or how a rainbow is formed? Or how lightning is created? Or why Einstein and Newton were so important? This class will explore physical phenomena such as: projectile motion, vectors in motion and math, nuclear fission, fusion in the sun, black holes, the speed of light, electricity, magnetism, the mechanisms or sight and hearing, the interaction of light and matter, friction, relativity and shock waves. Students in this class will conduct thought experiments and physical experiments, perform calculations, and participate in other fun group activities like mousetrap car races while learning demonstrations covering many different aspects of physics. Students will also take a trip to a center of scientific study. No high level math or engineering skills are required for this class--only an interest in the topic and an active imagination.

Would you like to know how your mind works? What is normal "behavior"? What do your dreams mean? What kind of jobs interest you? These questions and more will be answered in this course. You will begin to understand the power of human behavior. Areas of study in psychology will include: abnormal, developmental, social, educational, forensic. The class uses lectures, reading, discussions, experiments, and simulations to understand the material. If you want to challenge your mind, this is the course for you.

Let's build robots! In this course, you can learn the basics of motion and structure as well as how to use the VEX Robotics Kits to build ingenious and fun robots. Working in groups of 2 - 4 students, teams will create robots that will conquer numerous challenges including games and obstacle courses. Several competitions throughout the course add to the excitement and fun of completing each project. You will also explore the history of robotics, our present applications, and what the future looks like. Students of all levels, including those without engineering skills, are welcomed to join.

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, 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!

CORE COURSE

In the Core Course the entire student body will assemble each evening for programs planned primarily to provide experiences in: drama, music, literature and art. Guests artists, musical and dramatic groups, films, panels, etc., will provide a variety of programs. Student groups from selected ASP courses will participate in some programs. In the past years we have had the following Core Course events:

Talent Show, Improv Acting Workshop, Music & Movement Show, Band Concerts, Lectures on Alcoholism, Bullying, Holocaust, Leadership Potential, Peer Pressure, Hypnotism Match Game Show, Floor Feud Game Show, 50's Dance, Square Dance, and a Semi-Formal.
 

PROCTOR SUPPORT TEAM (PST)

A tutorial service is provided by members of our intern staff. The assistance is provided at the dormitory on a schedule established between the intern and the student involved. Individual and group assistance is provided. Services are provided on a voluntary basis and by master teacher referral.
 

OBJECTIVES

The objectives of the Advanced Studies Program are as follows:

1. To stimulate high ability students with a summer program that provides enriching educational experiences
    supplementing available high school offerings.

2. To provide a study in depth of two major subject areas as well as an opportunity to participate in a core
    program in the Humanities.

3. To encourage high ability students to make full use of library resources.

4. To encourage offerings of advanced placement courses in our member high schools.
 

ELIGIBILITY

A student is eligible to participate in the Advanced Studies Program if:

1. The student is entering the ninth or tenth grade in September, 2011. Students who participated in the
    2010 Advanced Studies Program as entering ninth graders are eligible to reapply.

2. The student is a resident of one of the participating school districts within Project Contemporary
    Competitiveness, Inc. (see inside back cover for listing of school districts.)

3. The student has sufficient background, potential, and the commitment to benefit from the courses being
    offered.

4. Out-of-district students may be accepted on a space-available basis.
 

RECREATION AND SOCIAL ACTIVITIES

Students will not be required to participate in a formal physical education program. However, recreation facilities including the college gymnasium, and tennis courts will be available under supervision for students during the afternoon. Academic programs such as guest speakers, films, and plays will be offered to the students during the evening hours. Student dances will be held usually one evening per week.

Approximately 500 students will participate in the program on the basis of:

1. Past achievement

2. Interest in subject area to be pursued

3. Teacher recommendations

       A. One by a teacher of the subject area to be pursued in the Advanced Studies Program

       B. One by a teacher who currently has the student in class

4. Guidance Counselor/or Principal recommendation
 

Application must be accompanied by a twenty ($25.00) dollar non-refundable application fee. Interested students should consult their school principal or guidance counselor for information and application blanks. If further information is necessary write to Executive Director, Advanced Studies Program, P.O. Box 27, Bridgewater, Massachusetts 02324 or e-mail: rgerhart@bridgew.edu.
 

An applicant must submit the following:

  1. Check to cover the twenty-five ($25.00) dollar non-refundable application fee.

  2. Student application

  3. School records

  4. Teacher recommendations:
 

     A. One by a teacher of the major subject area to be pursued by the student in the Advanced Studies
     Program

     B. One by a teacher who currently has the student in class.
 

These forms and the twenty-five ($25.00) dollar non-refundable application fee should be returned to your Guidance Office as soon as possible. Because student enrollment in the Advanced Studies Program is limited, it is encouraged that all applications for enrollment be made prior to your school's established deadline, in order that the guidance offices in our member systems can evaluate the applications and forward them, with their recommendations to this office prior to the February 4th deadline. Late applications will be accepted only as vacancies exist. An appointment for a personal interview with the Executive Director, if so desired, may be obtained by writing or calling the Project Contemporary Competitiveness, Inc. office.

In each session, mature and proper behavior among students is expected. The Program attempts to achieve a balance between the necessity for structure, for rules and regulations, and the desire to allow students the freedom to grow and mature. In essence, the Advanced Studies Program seeks those highly-motivated students who themselves are seeking an academic challenge, who are willing to take risks, are not afraid to work, and who want to involve themselves in a stimulating environment that encourages them to learn and to grow.

No student should apply for the Advanced Studies Program unless he/she is COMMITTED TO BE IN RESIDENCE FOR THE ENTIRE SIX WEEKS, interested in diligent study, and is willing to follow the rules and regulations of the Program Code of Conduct.

It is understood that participation in the program is not for the purpose of making up previously unsatisfactory work or to take subjects in review.

ADMISSION REQUIREMENTS

Students who are accepted for the Program will be notified in writing on or about March 25, 2011. Acceptance requires the submission of the $200.00 deposit, completion and submission of our Parental Questionnaire, and the submission of The Student Health Form. The deposit and the Parental Questionnaire are due within 10 business days. The Student Health Information must be completed and signed by parents/guardians and a physician and returned no later than May 27, 2011. We require the aforementioned health information to ensure the health and safety of students attending PCC. If parents indicate on the Parental Questionnaire that the student will be on prescribed medication during the program, then a Prescription Medication Permission Form will be sent to you to be signed by a parent/guardian and a licensed prescriber and returned no later than May 27, 2011.

TUITION AND FEES

The cost for students who reside in the PCC school districts is $2165.00. The cost includes tuition, dormitory room, meals, activity fee and an accident insurance premium. The cost of the dormitory room is $540.00 and the meal cost is $515.00. PCC pays these expenses directly to Stonehill College. PCC does not offer financial assistance, however; some of the participating PCC school districts may subsidize part of the cost for each student. Local school guidance counselors should be contacted concerning the amount of financial assistance, if any, that local school committees provides. There is an additional $150 fee for out-of-district students, on a student available basis; the total for out-of-district students is $2,315.00

Within ten (10) days of acceptance, a deposit of $200.00 is required. Should a student withdraw from the Program after acceptance, yet before May 27, 2011, $100.00 of this deposit is non-refundable. Should the student withdraw from the program after

May 27, 2011, yet before the start of the Program on June 26th, the entire payment of $200.00 will be non-refundable.

All parental balances must be paid in full by MAY 27, 2011.

Tuition payments should be mailed to PCC, Inc., P.O. Box 27, Bridgewater, MA 02324.

Should a student withdraw from the program after it has started, yet before it is completed, the following schedule of refunds will apply. Exclusive of the non-refundable $200.00 deposit, the refund will be computed as follows: If the student leaves during the first two weeks of the program, a refund of 50% of the parental payment (exclusive of the $200 deposit) will be refunded. No refunds will be made after the close of the second week of the program.

FACILITIES AND HOUSING

Academic classes will be held in various buildings on the campus of Stonehill College. The college library will be open to all students during their participation in the program. Athletic and recreational facilities of the college will be available for recreation, including tennis courts, basketball, softball, and other areas.

Because the program is intensive in nature, and in order to develop and improve social skills, students are required to live on campus in the assigned Residence Hall for the entire six weeks of the program. Students will remain in residence the first week Sunday to Thursday, Tuesday to Friday week two and Monday to Friday weeks three through five, and Monday through Saturday week six. Students may be picked up at 12:30 P.M. on Fridays. All students must be picked up by 1:30 P.M.

Direct supervision of the program will be by the Executive Director and Program Director of the Advanced Studies Program.

The teaching staff of the Advanced Studies Program is composed of college professors, professional teachers, and recent college graduates. The faculty has been drawn from the supporting school districts and Stonehill College with respect to academic training, areas of interest, and experience with academically talented students.

Dormitory supervision will be maintained at all times by the Program Director, three resident administrators, male and female floor leaders, and proctors.

Physical education and recreation supervision will be provided.

Students who are accepted for the Program will receive detailed information regarding orientation, registration procedures, clothing, supplies and The Code of Conduct. The following information may serve to answer some of the most probable inquiries made by students and parents prior to receipt of such detailed announcements.

1. Students will register on Sunday, June 26, 2011. Details will be provided with the acceptance letter
    and at the parental orientation sessions in June.

2. No student will be allowed to remain on campus over the weekends. All students must depart by
   1:30 P.M. on Friday.

3. Weekly meals will include Monday lunch through Friday lunch.

4. Daily schedules of individual students may vary a great deal.

5. A parent's classroom visiting day is scheduled on Friday, July 29, 2011 from 8:00 A.M. to 12:30 P.M.

Culminating activities for students will be conducted on Friday, August 5th and the program will close on Saturday, August 6th at 10:00 A. M.

The Advanced Studies Program of Project Contemporary Competitiveness, Inc./Stonehill College admits students without regard to race, sex, sexual orientation, color, disability, creed, or national origin, to all rights, privileges, programs and activities which it provides for or makes available to its students.

Further, the Program does not discriminate on the basis of sex, race, sexual orientation, creed, color, disability, or national origin in the administration of its educational policies, athletic and other school-administered programs. This same statement of policy applies also to the Program's personnel and employment policies.

A health care provider will administer first aid, life support in the form of CPR, and/or call emergency personnel and transportation as deemed necessary. The health care provider will be on site mornings (7 am-noon) and in the evenings (5-10pm), and will also be on call on a twenty four hour basis to instruct the residential staff on how to deal with student illness/injury. In case of emergency, if parents cannot be reached, the student would be transported to the nearest emergency room and seen by the hospital physician. Parents shall be responsible for all expenses related to any illness or condition for which the student requires professional consultation or hospitalization. A premium to cover student accident insurance is included in the Tuition.

Our emphasis is on self discipline; it underlies the entire structure of our summer program. It is training which develops self-control, character and consideration of the rights of others. Our students are expected to conduct themselves as young ladies and young gentlemen and to do so on their own.

Students who lack the maturity and responsibility for managing their own lives should not undertake the program. The session is brief and intensive; separation from the program will be necessary for students who cannot meet the responsibility of living under the few reasonable rules.

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.

Dress in general will be informal. Full information as to what is acceptable and what to bring will be discussed during the orientation sessions in June.

An academic report will be forwarded from PCC to the school of each participating student at the conclusion of the summer program.

Students who successfully complete the Advanced Studies Program will be awarded a certificate of achievement and formal notation will be made on their permanent record files by the local school authorities as follows:

"During the summer of 2011 this student attended the Advanced Studies Program of Project Contemporary Competitiveness, Inc./Stonehill College. This program (six weeks in residence at Stonehill College) involves 20 area school districts with a prime objective of stimulating high ability students with a residential summer study program that provides enriching educational experiences, supplementing available high school offerings."