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Interterm Course Description

Experiential Learning Courses (Graded P-NC)

IE 101A: Scuba Diving

Ziegler | Travel Interterm

This SSI Open Water Scuba Certification course will involve four major components. 1) Through the course text, DVD, and classroom presentations, students will acquire the academic knowledge associated with safe diving. 2) Through instruction in confined water (pool), students will acquire the practical skills associated with safe diving. 3) Through on-site instruction in open water, students will apply skills learned in confined water to ocean diving. 4) Throughout the final days of the travel portion of the course, students will make multiple and varied dives as certified divers.

Fee: Contact the instructor.

  • Prerequisite: Instructor consent
  • Meeting times and locations vary—contact the instructor

IE 105A: World Choir Games

Potterton | Summer Travel Interterm

Students will rehearse for two days prior to departing, polishing the music learned in the spring. Students will then travel to Cincinnati to compete in the World Choir Games. Students will have the opportunity to view choirs from around the world and the opportunity to compete with groups of similar levels. Students will also be able to be ambassadors for Baker University by singing at Methodist churches in the Cincinnati area.

Fee: Contact the instructor

Note: This course will be offered as a summer Interterm. Interested students should contact the instructor for details. Enrollment will take place during the summer 2012 enrollment period, not during the pre-enrollment for the January 2012 Interterm session.

IE 109A: Fundamentals of Fly Fishing

Hatcher | 1–4 p.m. daily

This course introduces students to the essential skills needed for successful fly casting and fly tying. Through instructional videos, hands-on instruction, and lots of practice, students will learn the fundamentals of the back and roll casts, how to tie essential fishing knots, and how to tie at least 14 wet and dry fly patterns.

Fee: Fees must be paid by November 10.

  • $200 for fly rods, reels, and lines, instructional videos, fly tying instructional book, fly tying tool kits, and tying materials. Student will keep all equipment and divide any surplus supplies at end of course.
  • $70 for students who already have fly rods and reels.

IE 111A: Personal Finance

Schwerdt | 9 a.m. – noon daily

This course introduces students to personal financial planning—the foundation of long-term financial security. Discussion and analysis of important topics that students encounter during life, both near-term and in the future, are the focus of this course. By the end of the course students will be better prepared to make informed financial decisions.

Fee: Textbook and financial calculator that has functions for time value of money, NPV, and IRR.


IE 118B: The History of Baseball: Where Memory Gathers

Green | Travel Interterm, 10 a.m.–noon & 1–3 p.m. daily before trip departure

This course will examine the game of baseball across the expanse of American history, focusing both on the evolution of the game itself and on role of the sport of baseball as a societal mirror to the last 160 years of American history, a mirror to the story of race in America, of immigration and assimilation, of the labor struggle in America, of popular culture and advertising, of the role of women in sport, of the impact of war, of the role of class and wealth in society, and of the nature of hero worship in our culture.

Fee: Contact the instructor

IE 120A:  Ethics and Science

Giachino | 9 a.m.–noon daily

This course will examine science and its limitations and how these are related to ethics. Recent concerns about fraud in science will be discussed, but most of the course will be concerned about other issues. The specific topics will be selected by the class, but are expected to include such things as funding issues, peer review, publication policies, global warming, genetic engineering, and “forbidden” areas of investigation. Both science and nonscience students are encouraged to enroll.

IE 130A: The Art of Tea

Balch | 9 a.m.–noon daily

Students will spend time researching tea culture and ceremony in a specific country and from their findings students will make an exact copy of the vessel(s) used and also create a personal drinking vessel and/or tea pot.

Fee: $15 materials

IE 135A: Reel Sports

Payne | 9 a.m. – noon daily

Was Rudy Ruettiger really the person Hollywood portrayed? Did Don Haskins really take Texas Western to a national championship his first year? Many famous sports stories find their way onto the silver screen, but how much of it is real? This course will explore the true stories behind some of Hollywood’s biggest hits in the sports world. Through extensive screening of selected films, students will gain an understanding of the true story vs. the reel story.

IE 136A: The Real World of Business

McCarthy and Harris | 9 – 11 a.m. most days

This course will take you into the world of business and allow you to meet and talk with managers in area firms. You will have the opportunity to observe operations and learn about strategic planning, human resources, finance, organizational culture, operations, production, marketing and customer service in a variety of firms and organizations. By the end of the course, you will have produced a final summary of your experiences using multimedia technologies.

Fee: Contact the instructor

Prerequisite: Participation in the Bronston Program

IE 138A: Combo Tour to the Big Easy

James | Travel Interterm, 1 – 4 p.m. daily before trip departure

Jelly Roll, Kid, Sidney, Papa Joe, and Satchmo are just a few of the magical names that come to life in the exciting world of early 20th century New Orleans. This course will feature a visit to this great city, the birthplace of jazz, one of America’s greatest gifts to the world. Through an understanding of its roots, early development, structure, and design, students will form a basis for appreciating the sophistication, subtleties, and various modes of expression for jazz.

Fee: Contact the instructor

IE 140A: General Therapeutic Modalities

Bott | 9 a.m. – noon daily

This course is a comprehensive study of the art and science associated with the use of therapeutic modalities during rehabilitation. The course will analyze the why, the relationship to therapeutic exercise, the rationale for modality usage, and the science behind each modality. Students will learn the modalities associated with electrotherapy, therapeutic heat and cold, ultrasound, massage, traction, and laser and light therapy. Students will apply critical thinking when it comes to modality usage associated with acute and chronic orthopedic injuries.

IE 141A – Exploring Leadership

Bruner and Bailey | 1 – 4 p.m. daily

This course encourages students to carefully analyze their responsibilities and commitments in the context of leadership for the common good and for purposeful change. The course includes the study of leadership as well as an exploration and application of leadership theories, concepts, and skills as well as leadership in a variety of career settings, e.g., for-profit, not-for-profit, military, educational. Students will also develop their own leadership potential through the completion of personal and leadership self-assessments, values exploration, and leadership skill applications through course activities

Fee: $10.00 rock climbing

IE 142A: Psychology and Food

Long | 10 a.m. – 1 p.m. daily

This didactic and largely experiential course will provide the student with the opportunity to look at the relationship between human beings and food—what we eat—from a multidisciplinary viewpoint. Students will apply the biopsychosocial model to develop an understanding of a host of health, environmental and social-justice related issues and will apply psychological concepts to ameliorating disordered eating and the injustice of hunger.

Fee: $50.00

IE 143A: Early Childhood Education: Principles and Practices

Doolittle | 9 a.m. – 3 p.m. daily

This is a hybrid course in which students will spend part of their Interterm in the Baker University classroom and part of the Interterm in a practicum experience, applying concepts and information about ECE practices in an authentic setting. The course will allow students interested in ECE an opportunity to investigate this important phase of early learning and distinguish its unique characteristics from other areas of teaching. During the practicum portion of the Interterm, students will be expected to progress from an observer of the early childhood program to a teacher’s assistant and finally to functioning instructor. In cooperation with the ECE classroom teacher or director, participants will plan and teach a minimum of one lesson. This course is open to all students, regardless of major.

Fee: Cost of student’s transportation. Students will be responsible for transportation to practicum site.

IE 144A:  Dining and Discussion

Wintermantel | 1 – 3:30 p.m. most days

This course provides students with the opportunity to cultivate the dying practice of preparing a meal from scratch, inviting friends over and having some fellowship time. In addition to conversation, students will be involved in two book studies with the dual theme of risk taking and getting inspired to make a difference. In an attempt to connect to and build on the foundations of the Baker University founding fathers, the book selections will reflect a faith foundation. Ideally thoughts and ideas from the readings will filter into the table conversation.

Fee: $12 covers cost of food

IE 149A:  Summer Stock in the Snow

Heiman | 9 a.m. – 9 p.m. daily

Students will produce a full production of Duck Hunter Shoots Angel by Mitch Albom. We will rehearse or be in production lab from 9 a.m. to 9 p.m. (yes, there will be breaks for food) for two of the three weeks of Interterm. Students will be given specific tasks, either acting, technical or a combination of both. This timeline is similar to that of a typical summer stock company. Some decisions will be made before students arrive, but the process will be about choices as a company and making them a reality.

IE 150A: Spanish in Buenos Aires, Argentina

Frazier | Travel Interterm, 9 a.m. – noon on January 3 before trip departure

This course provides a unique opportunity to study Spanish and experience Argentine culture. It is intended for students either with little or no experience in Spanish. The course allows students the opportunity to immerse themselves in the Spanish language and culture for two weeks. Students study grammar and converse in Spanish in small classes using the “communicative method.” Living with Argentine families allows students to practice the Spanish they have studied and learn more about Argentina’s culture. An important part of the course includes cultural activities outside of the classroom during the afternoons and weekends.

Fee: Contact the instructor

IE 155A: Techniques of Officiating Basketball

Decker | 9 a.m. - noon daily

Students in this course will gain knowledge of officiating by learning the rules, techniques, and mechanics for high school basketball as written in the KSHSAA rule book. Students will also be able to complete National Federation Rules Test 1 at a later date to become a registered official.

Fee: $5 for rule books from the Kansas High School Activities Association

IE 156A: Introduction to Board Games

Hays | 9 a.m. - noon daily

In this course students will learn and play several types of board games. Most of the focus will be on historical board games, but other types of games, including modern European board games and fantasy-themed games will be included. Most of the games we will play will simulate historical events. Board gaming allows players to alter historical events while being constrained by the historical situation. This allows you to develop a deeper understanding of historical events.

IE 160A - Education in Action: Secondary

IE 161A – Education in Action: Elementary

IE 162A – Education in Action: Special Education

Wiscombe | 8 a.m. - 4 p.m. daily

Education in Action, a field experience practicum, gives prospective teachers the opportunity to gain invaluable experience working in a school setting. Students may choose either a public school or an approved private school. During the course of the Interterm, students will be expected to progress from a classroom observer to a functioning teacher’s aide. All teacher candidates are strongly encouraged to take a field experience Interterm.

Fee: Students will be responsible for transportation to practicum site.

  • Note: Students must pre-enroll during the regular two-week enrollment period: October 31- November 11. Because of placement requirements, no late enrollment.
  • Prerequisite: ED 100

IE 166A: The Art of London and Paris

Knappe | Travel Interterm, 11 a.m. – 4 p.m. on January 6 before trip departure

IE 167A: Science in London and Paris

Morris | Travel Interterm, 11 a.m. – 4 p.m. on January 6 before trip departure

The last 200 years have witnessed a complete revolution in the world of art. These developments are in many ways mirrored by scientific development that has progressed at an astounding pace as well. The purpose of this course is to primarily focus on the art of the last two centuries. However, students will also be exposed to the scientific development of the period, and the parallels between art and scientific development will be explored.

Fee: Contact the instructor

IE 168A: Social Justice and Service in Haiti

Bucher | Travel Interterm, 1 – 3 p.m. daily before trip departure

“Neg di san fe.” This is a Haitian proverb that translates “people talk and don’t act.” This course offers you an opportunity to act. Over the course of just a few weeks you will learn about social justice, you will learn about the social problems currently facing Haiti, and you will also have an opportunity to work directly with community organizations working toward achieving social change and social justice.

Fee: Contact the instructor

IE 170A – Conversational Chinese

Hsu | 9 a.m. – noon daily

This course will provide a focused, innovative opportunity for students to learn how to converse in Mandarin Chinese. This course setting will offer an easy and fun way to learn while incorporating correct pronunciation and speaking patterns.

IE 171A: Yucatan Adventure

Ortiz | Travel Interterm, 1 – 4 p.m. daily before trip departure

This course surveys the history of Mexico’s first peoples. The course will offer various interpretations of the major themes and developments in Ancient Mexican history. Meaningful student participation that encourages critical thinking strategies will help us individually and as groups as we determine how and why people lived. This course will enable students to gain knowledge of historic periods in early Mexican history. This course will require that students draw comparisons between their own understanding of the past and this particular era.

Fee: Contact the instructor

IE 178A: Getting on Track

Kindler| 9 a.m. – 12:30 p.m. daily except for meet days

This course provides a comprehensive overview of track and field with an emphasis on the history and philosophy and event coaching. In addition, the course will help the student prepare for the USA Track and Field Level 1 certification given in February. Unlike a traditional in-the-classroom style of teaching, the class will concentrate on hands-on experiences with a learn-by-doing course objective where each event within the sport will be performed. Travel will be provided to two indoor track and field events during the course of the Interterm.

Fee: Cost of meal at the track and field meets

IE 181A: Get the Lead Out: Understanding History through Tabletop Wargaming

Richards | 9 a.m – noon daily

Students will research and construct scale replicas of the battlefield and armies that fought the Battle of Ipsos (Ipsus) (301 BCE). Once completed, students will spend the final sessions of the courses fighting the battle.

Fee: $15 battlefield terrain materials

Special Topics Courses (Graded A-F)

IS 199A:  Diversity in Education

Colding-Scott | 8 a.m – 4 p.m. daily

Diversity in Education, a field experience in an urban school, gives prospective teachers the opportunity to gain valuable experience working in a diverse school setting. Students will be assigned to a school in either Kansas City or Topeka. One on-campus class session will be held in Baldwin. Peer reflection will be an integral component of this Interterm. During the course of this Interterm, students will be expected to progress from a classroom observer to a functioning teacher’s aide. In cooperation with the classroom teacher, candidates will plan and teach a minimum of one lesson.

Fee: Students will be responsible for transportation to practicum site

  • Prerequisite: ED100, ED 242 or ED243/ED244.
  • Note: Junior or senior status is recommended