Class Info + Signups
Lightwave is offering 4 courses in 2024:
- Reading Comprehension
- Writing Composition
- Speech Preparation and Presentation
- Introduction to Debate and Argumentation
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Through interactive activities, presentations, lectures, and group discussions, students will gain valuable experience in the liberal arts, helping them to practice the integral skills of communication, confidence, and open-mindedness beyond the classroom.
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Check out our current course descriptions below!
Writing Composition
Date: July 16th-August 20th, 2024
Time: 10am-11am CST
Whether you're a storyteller, poet, or just trying to learn the basics of writing, we will cover the foundations of both narrative and informational writing, while forming composition skills that can be applied to any writing-related endeavor. Students will cover the basics of story structure, planning, description, word choice, fluidity, sentence composition, and nuances. Everyone will produce at least one piece of creative or nonfiction writing that will be constantly edited, reviewed, and polished throughout the works. Completed works will be optionally published on Lightwave Leaning's official website.
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*Class dates and times are subject to change.
Reading Comprehension
Date: July 16th-August 20th, 2024
Time: 11:30am-12:30pm CST
The most difficult part of reading is often comprehending it- and in this course, students will take a deep-dive into a fictional novel, analyzing its intricacies, characters, storylines, and deeper meanings. Stories are often a mirror of the world around us- and together, students will learn to broaden our perspectives through the art of literature. In addition, students will produce one final book-report of the chosen novel, The War That Saved My Life by Kimberly Brubaker Bradley, that they will work on putting together every week of the course, as part of their ongoing assignments. Completed book reports will be optionally published on Lightwave Leaning's official website. Past examples of books that have been taught include: The War I Finally Won by Kimberly Brubaker Bradley, Animal Farm by George Orwell, Hello Universe by Erin Entrada Kelly, Wolf Hollow by Lauren Wolk, Piecing Me Together by Renee Watson, From The Mixed-Up Files of Mrs. Basil. E. Frankweiler by E. L. Konigsburg, A Wrinkle In Time by Madeleine L'Engle.
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*Class dates and times are subject to change.
Intro to Debate and Argumentation
Date: October 12th-November 16th, 2024
Time: 9am-10am CST
In this course, students assume the role of lawmakers, politicians, and advocates in order to evaluate controversial issues ranging from the effectiveness of International organizations to the intricacies of global politics. Starting from the basics, students will learn to craft compelling arguments, master the art of defense and rebuttal, while honing the invaluable skills of critical thinking, argumentation, and in-depth research. In this session, students will become both proponents and opponents as they debate the statement: ‘Countries should significantly increase their military presence in The Arctic region.’ As students engage in debates, they will develop an understanding of different nuanced perspectives and the power of rhetoric in persuasion. At the end of the course, students will compete against their classmates in a debate tournament to showcase the research and skills they have culminated throughout the course. Debate has become a popular academic sport globally due to its numerous portable skills that shape the future politicians and world leaders of tomorrow.
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*Class dates and times are subject to change.
Speech Preparation and Presentation 101
Date: November 16th-December 21st, 2024 (no class Nov. 28th in observance of Thanksgiving)
Time: 9am-10am CST
Unlocking the ability to write and present an impactful speech empowers young students as catalysts for positive change through the art of advocacy. This invaluable skill is not only essential for effective communication today but also for the approaching future. While public speaking may seem like a complex blend of writing structure, word choice, and engaging delivery, this course provides a comprehensive guide that demystifies every aspect contributing to an impactful speech. In this course, each student will follow a step-by-step process, selecting a topic of their choice ranging from pressing issues such as plastic waste to global human rights and craft a speech that eloquently and persuasively advocates for their cause. As a culminating experience, students will be given the opportunity to participate in a speech tournament with their classmates, allowing them to experience the real world applications of public speaking in a competitive setting.