Seminar Menu

Spring 2012

ID Title Description Teachers Session
3 Improv Theater Learn the basics of improv! An experienced actor from iO Theater will teach the basics of improvised comedy. Learn to make your friends laugh with scenes and jokes made up on the spot. Improv training also helps with presentation skills and conflict resolution, and you`ll be a hit at parties for the rest of your life. Marano
Catlin
Both Sessions
4 Judo Learn the Japanese martial art of Judo under the guidance of Sensei Brett Wolf. Judo, which translates into “The Gentle Way”, has been part of the Olympics since 1964. Sensei Wolf has been head instructor of the Menomonee Judo Club since 1998 and is certified to teach visually impaired athletes Judo. Payton students with visual disabilities will work alongside sighted students in this seminar. All participants will be provided with Gis (traditional Judo uniform)to wear during class and membership to USA Judo, the governing body of the sport. All interested students are welcome! No experience is necessary. Wynn
Ashley
Both Sessions
6 Advanced Soccer Practice makes perfect. Skill development, weight training, game analysis and strategy. This seminar will ideally prepare you for soccer at the next level. Kuchii

Both Sessions
14 Philosophy What is reality? Silvia

First Session
15 It`s Bigger on the Inside: The Doctor Who Seminar Do you ever look at a screwdriver and think, `Ooh, this could be a little more sonic`? Do you insist bow-ties are cool? You are not alone! This seminar is going to delve into the Whoniverse and analyse all sorts of fun stuff, from the science and mythology behind the show to the philosophy of our favourite Time Lord. Feel free to sign up even if you`re unfamiliar with Doctor Who; both up-and-coming fans and older ones (1103 years or less) will feel comfortable here. Espinoza
Hyman
First Session
16 Be Beautiful, Be Natural, Be YOU Ripping, breaking, screaming, crying! Sound familiar? If your hair has become a problem for you and you want to know what is with the “natural” fad, join the “Be Beautiful Be Natural Be You” Seminar. In this seminar, we explore the joys of all different hair types, do tutorials, watch movies, learn from beauticians, make products and find what the real meaning of “Good Hair” is. Though, if you are not ready for natural hair, please still join! We want everyone to become a master at maintaining a healthy head of hair. Everyone has their bad hair days, so don’t be ashamed to join a seminar where we will teach you how to nurture, style, and overall make your hair as healthy as it can be--no matter how you choose to wear it. Batiste-Gilmore

First Session
17 Make your own chess board and pieces the game of Chess dates back over 1500 years, and continues to challenge and confound players. If you are one of those intrigued by the game, why not build your own chess set? YOu could make figures that caricature your teachers and friends! Clay, nuts and bolts, wood-- all sorts of materials can be used, and they`ll look fabulous on a unique, hand-made board. Guizzetti

First Session
18 Financial Investment - Morningstar Market Prep What is a stock or a bond? How do people invest their money in companies, and how do they choose the companies in which to invest? Real analysts from global investment research firm, Morningstar, Inc., will teach you the how to become a savvy investor through in-class activities, a simulated stock market game, and a day of shadowing at their corporate office in the Loop. Galson

First Session
19 Human relations and study habits Are you interested in honing your study habits? Do you strive to become more adept in human relations? If so, this seminar is for you. Some of the things this seminar will focus on are time management, organization, test anxiety, test preparation, note taking and goal setting. We will also explore the dynamics of conflict, problem solving, understanding our emotions, resisting peer pressure, dealing with authority and disrespect, and making good choices. Each seminar session will center on one mini-unit and will include a variety of differentiated instruction lessons. Nayder

First Session
20 Jazz Improvisation Students will explore the art of improvising jazz. Practical choral theory and scales along with the various styles of jazz and blues will be presented. Students should have at least one year experience on their particular instrument and be able to read notation. Rode

First Session
21 School of Rock MUST play an instrument (or sing). Create your own rock band. Wu

First Session
23 Books by Hand Perfect for anyone who loves books and wants to make them—fold, cut, and stitch your way to a one of a kind book! Good for beginning and intermediate bookmakers, you’ll learn basic book making techniques and engage in book making projects that invite self-expression and experimentation. You’ll turn traditional and non-traditional materials alike into amazing instant books, accordion books, mutant books, etc. Whether you consider yourself an artist, writer, a scrapbook maker, avid collector, take this class and discover your inner bookbinder. Terrazas

First Session
24 Zumba-Fitness Ditch the workout and join the party!!! Zumba fuses Latin rhythms and easy to follow moves to create a dynamic fitness program. If you feel you can`t dance, don`t worry. Every routine is broken-down step by step. By the end of the seminar you will be dancing and working out to awesome latin rhythms. Castro

First Session
26 D.F.L.T (Dance Fusion with a Latin Twist) Are you a dancer? Would you like to become one? Are you interested in being immersed in Latino culture? Join Payton`s own Betzy Suarez and Gaby Fuentes and learn multiple styles of dance from different areas of Latin America. No dance experience is necessary! Simply bring all of your energy and your desire to learn. Gallegos

First Session
27 Alternative Energy Payton is on the brink of a great breakthrough in alternative energy. Second semester 2012 our school will install both a wind turbine and solar panels. Join this seminar to be part of these exciting events. In this seminar, we will explore the science and politics of alternative energy. We will learn about the turbine and the solar panels that are being installed. We will use the data provided by the turbine to study the turbine’s output and potential in reducing the school’s energy usage. In our efforts to save Mother Earth, we will spread our knowledge of alternative energy as well as energy wasted by the school through an Energy Education Campaign that we will design and implement. Kendall
Lyons
First Session
28 Microeconomics, Part II Open only to Seniors who participated in the fall semester Microeconomics seminar, we continue our exploration of microeconomic principles. During our second-semester journey, we will explore why gas stations often appear right across the street from one another; why Chicago contains hundreds of taco joints but only one electric company; why college costs so much. From “negative externalities” to nuclear weapons and game theory, we will continue to look at the world through the powerful lens of economics. In essence, we will continue to look at the “highlights” of microeconomics, and, in so doing, present a sharp, abbreviated version of a full-blown microeconomics course. If time allows, we will also examine some introductory principles of macroeconomics. Belcaster
Marano
First Session
30 PALS PALS will use this time to debrief and plan advisory activities, and to make individual postsecondary (college/gap year) plans. Spooner

First Session
31 Tai Chi STRESS! Imagine being able to melt it away in minutes. Tai chi can help you do just that. The focus of this seminar class is on the health and relaxation benefits of tai chi—to help you manage your stress and increase your sense of wellbeing. You`ll spend most of class time learning and practicing tai chi so that you can perform it on your own and experience its benefits in your own life. Over time, tai chi will enhance your concentration and ultimately your productivity. Tani

First Session
32 Gospel Music – A Journey Gospel music had provided a foundation for many forms and adaptation of American music in the 20th century. This seminar will engage students in learning about and performing some traditional and modern gospel music. Special guest artist will be invited to at least two sessions. Mitchell

First Session
35 Cardio Fitness Tired, stressed out, need some balance in your life? Payton students work out their minds on a regular basis; now you can add some balance. Join us for this health and wellness seminar! Learn techniques and training that will serve you well now and throughout your life. Your personal trainers will be Sixto Linares. Sixto Linares set the world Double Ironman Distance triathlon record by swimming 4.8 miles at sea, cycling 185 miles, and then running 53.4 miles non-stop all in one day. In addition, Sixto has trained two Ironman World Champions, two U.S. Champions in kickboxing, and five Major League baseball players. Coach Linares is a true world class athlete. Requirements: A positive attitude and desire to get in shape. Menacho

First Session
36 Issues for Guys Do you have a problem, a complaint, a question, an issue? This is the place to let it all go! The atmosphere is relaxed, supportive and, most of all, confidential. We will discuss any topic that is brought to the table and answer any question that is asked. If you need a place where you can just be yourself without fear of being judged, while getting support for your problems and concerns. Do not sign up for this seminar if you have taken the course before. See Mr Weaver in room 214 if you have any questions WeaverJ

First Session
37 Model United Nations Unmoderated caucuses, preambulatory clauses, points of personal privilege, research, position papers, resolutions, and impromptu speeches. This seminar is geared toward students who are already members of the team, but have limited M.U.N. experience, though it is open to more experienced students who want to hone their skills. See Mr. Weiss for more information. Weiss

First Session
39 Cruciverbalism - The Art of Crosswords Do you have a love of the lexicon? A penchant for puzzles? Of course you do. In the Cruciverbalism Seminar, we’ll sharpen our minds and improve our vocabularies as we complete crossword puzzles from the Red Eye to the New York Times (and beyond). We’ll even create our own puzzles! So come on down to Cruciverbalism; you’ll not come across a seminar like this elsewhere. Caines

First Session
40 The Automobile Addiction: Car Culture Past, Present, and Future We will explore a host of psychological, social, political, economic, and ecological issues related to cars and car-related phenomena. Sit back, buckle up, and enjoy the ride! You’ll never think about cars in same way again. We will explore some of the following questions: Why do we love cars, car racing, road movies, and road trips? How has the car become a source of identity, freedom, and status for so many people? What kind of a public space is the highway? Is “road rage” a serious social and ethical problem? Should cars be designed to get better gas mileage or use alternative fuels at the expense of performance? How does our extensive use of automobiles relate to other issues, such as U.S. dependence on foreign oil supplies, land use/sprawl, pollution, and climate change? Should the government play a role in car design? Highlights of the seminar will include a visit to the annual Chicago Auto Show and a Tesla dealership. Chau

First Session
41 Metamagical Themas The essays in Douglas Hofstadter`s book Metamagical Themas discuss math, minds, creativity, symmetry, art, music, ethics, philosophy and ... you get the idea. We`ll read the essays and discuss the ideas. A (short but nontrivial) response paper will be due before seminar each week to get your creative and analytical juices flowing. Karafiol

First Session
42 Pilates Build tonal core strength and flexibility through mat-based exercises. Workouts tone and sculpt the abdominal and back muscles, buns, legs, chest, shoulders, and arms. Pilates promotes ease and efficiency of movement through focused, well articulated, and controlled exercises. The mind/body awareness developed in Pilates will improve posture and form in all areas of general fitness. All levels welcome. Gallegos

First Session
43 Entering the Blogosphere Always wanted to start a blog, but don`t have the time or know-how? Join Mr. Paulsen in creating your very first blog using the popular (and free) tumblr.com or blogger. For students wanting to learn appropriate ways to share a unique interest, express their voice responsibly, or just learn a new form of social media. Hope to see you there! Paulsen

First Session
44 Model United Nations Unmoderated caucuses, preambulatory clauses, points of personal privilege, research, position papers, resolutions, and impromptu speeches. This seminar is geared toward students who are already members of the team, but have limited M.U.N. experience, though it is open to more experienced students who want to hone their skills. See Mr. Weiss for more information. Weiss

First Session
45 Hula Dancing Learn the ancient and beautiful art of Hula Dancing from a professional instructor. Girls only, sorry fellas! Imrem

First Session
46 Inside Under the Stars So you saw the planetarium on your 8th grade open house visit. Have you been up there since? Do you want to learn how to use this fabulous facility? Are you interested in learning more about those stars & constellations? Be there - inside - under the stars - on the 4th floor. BargeN

First Session
47 Investigating the Cinema Juniors and Seniors only. A critical and in depth look at what makes a great film. Focus will include character development, cinematography, and plot twists. Parents must approve the viewing of mature films. Kinderman

First Session
48 Jazz Dance Have no formal dance experience? No worries! Come and learn the basic jazz dance moves and choreography from a Joel Hall dancer! Harkins

First Session
49 Yoga-Power Yoga Power Yoga will be a combination of yoga and some basic Pilates. Yoga is fitness for the mind, body and soul. We will synchronize our movements with our breath creating union between the body and mind. No previous yoga experience necessary. Long

First Session
51 Card Club Gain a new appreciation for the timeless activity of card playing, a game with the ability to connect generations. No poker, blackjack, or other `casino` style games here...just friendly partner games that will give you a nice social option at your next family gathering, in your future residence hall, or on future double dates. Games taught include Pitch, Rummy, Euchre, and Hearts to name a few. Paulsen
Zolt
Second Session
52 Chicago Fashion Seminar Love fashion? Then, come on, join this seminar. There is no better way to spend a seminar than visiting Chicago based designers, talking to boutique owners, and snapping pics of Chicago`s most fashionable inhabitants. Field trips and discussions with industry newbies and veterans will make for an interesting experience for anyone and everyone. We will culminate with the creation of a fashion blog to show everyone what Chicago fashion is all about. Sound like fun? Yeah, it does. Newton

Second Session
53 Long Distance Running and Core Training Improve your mind, body, and spirit through long distance running. Students will run, and run, and then run more. Our goal is to train students to participate in a sanctioned 10K, half marathon, or even a marathon. Focus will include improving your stamina through distance and your time per mile. Students must have proper attire and running shoes. Initially the seminar will take place on Lake Michigan’s running path. Inclement weather days (this means rain or snow, not cold) will be spent on core training. Kinderman
Silvia
Galson
Second Session
54 Small Ensemble Need 1 year experience in band/orchestra. Anything from tuba duet, flute trio, clarinet choir, brass ensemble is possible.should consult with instructor before registering. Rode

Second Session
55 For the Love of the Game! We`re playing basketball...nothing more, nothing less! WeaverD
Wu
Gemskie
Second Session
56 Muntu Dance Under the guidance of professional performers, dance to the sounds of traditional West African rhythms played by Payton drummers. Batiste-Gilmore

Second Session
61 Academic-Science TBD BargeN

Second Session
62 Prism An Online Student Magazine Prism is an online magazine developed and produced by Payton students. The instructor serves as the advisor to the students. Students choose the theme or topic for the semester. They research, read, discuss, interview, write, and photograph for the publication. The magazine is laid out using Adobe In Design. It is posted to the Prism website as a PDF file. On the website we ask for comments from the viewers and provide other links and information about the magazine and our topic that would useful or interesting to our readers. The seminar is open to anyone interested in writing and producing a student magazine. If you have web design skills, took AP Photo, or know how use In Design, it helps but is not necessary. What we really want are students who are willing to work together, as a publication team and independently, to produce articles, original creative writing, conduct interviews, create graphics, and take photographs. During the course of developing our magazine, students will learn not only learn how to design an online magazine, they will also learn about the process of publication – layout, graphic design, interviewing, writing, editing, publishing, and photojournalism. Come join us. Marchiafava

Second Session
64 Greenhouse & Gardening Care for and grow a variety of plants in the greenhouse and on school grounds. Chau
Weiss
Second Session
66 Express Yourself The expressive arts include music, dance, drama, expressive writing, and visual arts. Participation in these art forms can help students learn more about themselves, manage stress, and develop ways to care for themselves in a world that often demands production, achievement and speed over creativity, mindfulness, and thoughtful action. In Express Yourself, students will explore these art forms as a means of self-expression, self-discovery, stress reduction, and sheer entertainment. Student should be comfortable with singing, dancing, and other art forms though no prior experience or artistic ability is required. Chapkin

Second Session
67 Sounds of Sweetness Sounds of Sweetness is Payton`s men`s singing ensemble. The group specializes in performing music written for four part men`s voices. The group`s repertoire includes rock and roll and doo-wop music of the 50s, as well as light rock and pop music of the last fifty years. This group has sung all over the City of Chicago, throughout the State of Illinois and in Washington D.C. and New York City. Membership requires an audition, rehearsals before and after school and a rigorous performance schedule. You must pass an audition. WeaverJ

Second Session
69 Muntu Drumming Professional drummers from Muntu Dance Theater will lead students in traditional West African rhythms. Mitchell

Second Session
70 Humanities Festival-Paris While this seminar is mandatory for any students traveling to Paris in the spring of 2012, it is also open to any students interested in planning and executing this year`s Humanities Festival, focused on the Paris as a locus of the modern art movement during the eve of the twentieth century. Additionally, students in the seminar will be able to plan our fundraising activities, which will be centered in creative events that will include students from other schools- a French New Wave film festival, Open Mics, gallery shows, etc. You and your creativity will be our lights in our city this year! Spooner
Catlin
Second Session
71 Math Magic: Programming with Mathemetica Anything your nspire can do, but faster. It computes, graphs, solves, manipulates, animates, approximates, differentiates and annihilates. (Well, it multiplies by zero.) Espinoza
Caines
Second Session
72 Hip Hop Learn fly Hip Hop moves from a professional Joel Hall dancer! Tani

Second Session
73 Spring Training Hot! Cold! Rain or Shine! If 75 minutes of running, crunches, squats, more running, hitting a 9oz projectile with a 32 oz piece of lumber, statistical analysis, and applied physics sounds like fun, join us! Menacho

Second Session
74 Yoga 1 Yoga is fitness for the mind, body and soul. We will synchronize our movements with our breath creating union between the body and mind. No previous yoga experience necessary. Karafiol

Second Session
75 Open Mic Seminar The Open Mic Seminar is back!!! Are you someone who knows they should be getting up on stage during Open Mics but still has not done so with regularity? Do you play the yukelele, glockenspiel or write songs on your guitar or piano? Do you write poetry and worry that it isn`t quite slam enough? If so, and for all of you who do love performing, this seminar is for you. We will have open mics during each seminar, and in order to pass the seminar, you will have to perform five times. The creativity will have to be done on your own time so we can enjoy the seminar Open Mics. Frost

Second Session
76 Horses and Breakfast--what`s not to love? “Hay” there. Have you ever wished Mrs. Kendall would stop talking about chemistry or biology? Here’s a tip, ask her about her horse. Be warned—she’ll eventually come out of her horse coma and assign you more homework unless you’ve asked her about horses in the comfort of this seminar. While we gorge on our freshly made breakfast, we will explore both ancient and new-age horse training methods and mostly just gab about horses. If you successfully complete this seminar, you may be invited to spend a day at Feather Run Gaited Horse Farm where you’ll get to meet the sweetest horses in the world (that’s a completely unbiased statement). Kendall

Second Session
77 Life Skills 101 Learn alongside students with disabilities and gain skills necessary for independence. Life lessons include but are not limited to learning to wash dry and fold laundry, prepare for a job interview, how to split the check and calculate a tip, sew a button, knit a scarf, paint a wall, take the cta, make a meal (breakfast lunch dinner appetizer dessert) everyone should have one go to signature dish they’d be proud to serve and most importantly learn to relax, manage anxiety and enjoy life. Come join us prepare for life! Spencer
Zacher
Second Session
78 DIY Stuffed Animals Create your own plush toys (stuffed Gran

Second Session
79 Train Like an Ironman Tired, stressed out, need some balance in your life? Payton students work out their minds on a regular basis; now you can add some balance. Join us for this health and wellness seminar! Learn techniques and training that will serve you well now and throughout your life. Your personal trainers will be Ms. Ashley and Sixto Linares. Sixto Linares set the world Double Ironman Distance triathlon record by swimming 4.8 miles at sea, cycling 185 miles, and then running 53.4 miles non stop-all in one day. In addition, Sixto has trained two Ironman World Champions, two U.S. Champions in kickboxing, and five baseball players who ended up in the major leagues. Coach Linares is a true world class athlete. Requirements: A positive attitude and desire to get in shape. Ashley

Second Session
80 College Join us on an exploration of college. Together we will examine the college application process. From “high stakes” testing, to application preparation, to recommendation procurement, to sleucing-out strategy, we will peel the college application onion. Special emphasis will center on equipping students to (a) build a targeted list of potential colleges; (b) position themselves for consideration by the targeted colleges; and (c) understand admissions from the college’s perspective. To that end, we anticipate drawing upon the expertise of college admissions officials as well as fellow Payton students (current and non-current). Colloquium open only to Sophomores and Juniors. Belcaster

Second Session
82 Constitutional rights Are you captivated by the United States Constitution? If so, this is the place for you. This seminar will focus on examining our constitutional rights, including but not limited to investigating significant Supreme Court cases, creating editorial political cartoons and analyzing technology and the fourth amendment. Each seminar session will center on one mini-unit and will include a variety of lessons that will utilize video resources, guest speakers, mock trials and more. Nayder

Second Session
83 Engineering Design and Fabrication Bring your imagination and develop your building skills. You will design and build something of your choice. Possible projects: a computer, an electronic device, a Science Olympiad project, a bridge, a solar powered charger, a bike, a trike, a windmill, a robot, an electric vehicle. Limited only by your imagination!* (*and minor legal, financial and physical limitations) Lyons

Second Session
84 The Tramp So you think Steven Colbert is funny? Turn the clock back to 1915 and the advent of Hollywood as the center of filmmaking. Charlie Chaplin, Buster Keaton, Fatty Arbuckle, Edna Purviance and the great film heroes of comedy— stars of the silent screen who were not only funny, but politically active, confrontational and critical. Learn, laugh and raise your consciousness! Guizzetti

Second Session
91 Art & Power What is the role of art in politics? What is the role of politics in art? Facilitated by an independent curator with professional experience in San Francisco and New York, this seminar will offer students the opportunity to define and critique the relationship between art and power. Should art and politics have anything to do with each other? What can and cannot art do? How is the political and social impact of art evaluated and who should decide? Do artists of any form have a role or responsibility within today`s politics and culture? We will explore these questions through text, discussion, visits with artists and exhibitions, and attempt to trouble them further through a collaborative curatorial project. Enrollment limited to 20 students; upperclassmen only. Chuu

Double Period
92 Film & Video Production Are you a movie buff who is interested in making films of your own? Do you want to learn the basics of cinema, video and moving images? In Film & Video Production you will learn the tools to design, shoot and edit a short film! Led by visiting artist Jeremy Dionisio, this course will give you the tools to shoot films, work collaboratively and premier videos in a culminating film festival. Price

Double Period
93 Volunteerism at Salazar Earn 20+ service hours as a teacher aide or office assistant across the street at Salazar Elementary School. This seminar may not be repeated. Gonzalez

Double Period
94 The New Explorers I Wander off into the city and see what there is to see. Well you can! Just sign up for The New Explorers I or The New Explorers II. Visit the only coal mine in the city or try to get a butterfly to land on you. Get up close and personal with a beluga or feel the breeze on your face as you cruise down the Chicago River or bike along the lakefront. Enjoy the company of four of your favorite teachers and just the fact that you are in school but not at school all while you explore our great city of Chicago. Tolias
Cristiano
Double Period
95 Golf Play golf off-site in this double period field trip seminar. Escobar

Double Period
96 Science Internship Program (Sign up for this program is required). Do you want some professional science experience in a laboratory or hospital setting before going to college? Then, this program is for you! Juniors and Seniors are invited to apply for the Science Internship Program. Internship work will be done on seminar days (double session). Work placements will be arranged, but may involve organizations such as Rush University Medical Center, Northwestern Memorial Hospital, DePaul University Environmental Science and Biological Science departments, Children`s Memorial Hospital, and University of Chicago Office of Clinical Research. The program will conclude with each student giving a presentation of their internship work. Meeting times outside of seminar may occur. Please contact Ms. Hassan at amulrey@cps.edu for an application. Hassan

Double Period
97 Safe Humane Chicago Youth Leaders Need service hours? Want to stop animal abuse in Chicago? Become a leader and work with area animal trainers, vets, animal activists, the Chicago Police Department, and other humane agencies to help elementary school students understand the connection between animal violence and violence to humans. We will almost weekly field trips to CPS elementary schools and instruct 3rd - 5th graders about kindness to animals. Mowery

Double Period
98 Environmental Protection Agency Partnership Join us as we explore behind the scenes at the EPA through a partnership that will promote environmental stewardship. Guest speakers who are experts in their subject area, will bring the work of the agency to life. Behind the scenes access has the potential to grant seminar students security clearance for a tour of an EPA Lab or a trip aboard the EPA research vessel on the Great Lakes. This is a unique opportunity for all WPCP students especially those interested in a career as an environmental scientist, biologist or environmental engineer. Havlik

Double Period