Summerberg at Heidelberg College

Summer Residential Academic Program for Boys and Girls Entering Eighth through Twelfth Grades
Tifflin, Ohio

For More Information, Contact
Summerberg at Heidelberg College
310 E. Market Street
Tiffin, Ohio 44883
866-686-3012
http://www.heidelberg.edu/summerberg

Type of Program: Academic enrichment program
Participants: Coeducational, ages 12 to 17
Enrollment: Approximately 100 students per session
Program Dates: Two 2-week sessions from July 15 to August 10
Heads of Program: Douglas Murphy, Director

Location

Heidelberg College lies on a beautiful 110-acre campus in Tiffin, Ohio. The surrounding area is lovely, and the charming town of Tiffin is the social center for the farming and academic community. The downtown area is a safe, short walk from campus and features cafes, a bookstore, shops, music, cultural and historic attractions, and more.

Background and Philosophy

SummerBerg is designed to keep students engaged through hands-on classroom projects, fun activities, and personal coaching. Courses are designed to be challenging, but also clear and accessible. SummerBerg’s team of talented teachers and resident advisers (RAs) are trained to serve students not only as educators, but also as counselors, mentors, and friends. During each two-week session, students live together in a modern residence hall on Heidelberg’s idyllic campus.

Program Offerings

Broadcast Journalism In this exciting program, students have the opportunity to learn first-hand about television journalism. The program focuses both on the technical aspects of television production and on the skills required of TV reporters, including reporting, interviewing techniques, story writing, and editing news stories into compelling narratives. Students work in the studios of WHEI, a television station owned and operated by Heidelberg College, which telecasts programming that is entirely produced, written, and directed by Heidelberg College students. The students learn how to put together field reports and full broadcasts with weather, news, and sports. Because the classes are small, each student has a chance to participate in all of the major roles of a TV broadcast, including acting as anchorperson, director, and camera operator. No experience is necessary.
Chinese SummerBerg’s Chinese course introduces students to the Mandarin language as well as to the Chinese culture and customs. No past experience with Chinese is required for students in this class; the fluent instructors take students step-by-step through the process of language learning, keeping assignments always fun and collaborative. Students first learn the fundamentals of tonal languages, practicing pronunciation with their instructors and each other. Then they add vocabulary and grammar skills, all in the course of learning how to have basic conversations with Mandarin speakers. SummerBerg teachers incorporate original ideas into a well-founded approach to language, and they take advantage of the Heidelberg campus and its multimedia capabilities. The class also presents the Mandarin language in a cultural context, exposing students to the fascinating complexities of Chinese society. Regions and cities are discussed alongside art, politics, and religion. A class-related field trip near the end of the session allows students to speak Chinese in a real-world setting.
Creative Writing Creative Writing Workshop offers guidance to all aspiring writers, regardless of experience. Students read a variety of texts and are encouraged to write every day and share their work in a relaxed and supportive environment. Whether meeting at the library, in the classroom, or on a shady spot on the campus, this program is about helping students find their voice and articulate their ideas in written formats. Creative Writing Workshop is also a good choice for students who need to work on their writing skills and mechanics; students gain the ability to express themselves more clearly and elegantly through exposure to the technical side of the English language. Imagination is welcomed and fostered, helping students discover their inner voice through whatever style they choose. The teachers are young creative writing professionals who are familiar with the classics of poetry and fiction, as well as essential contemporary works. Each session includes a mix of activities and programs, ranging from poetry readings to improvisational free writes to open mics with readings by professional writers, including the course’s own teachers.
Film Studies At SummerBerg, students learn to understand television and movies in novel ways. Through an exploration of the history of the medium, as well as exposure to theories and schools of film, students gain a new appreciation for film and a more sophisticated critical eye. Students first become familiar with the basic tools of filmmaking, including screen writing, directing, and editing; they also discuss the implications of digital media in film’s evolution. Class work is composed of discussion, lectures, research in the library and online, and, of course, lots and lots of movies. Students read Pauline Kael and understand why she is both highly regarded and scorned. They watch and learn how Leni Reifenstahl used shadows and colors to serve her purpose. And they appreciate the subtlety and genius of Hitchcock, Kubrik, Scorcese, and other legends. Film Studies exposes students to a wide range of artists and techniques and gives them a greater foundation for appreciating and critiquing film arts.
Forensic Science Many Americans have seen the popular television programs and movies that showcase forensic science, but how is crime scene investigation really accomplished? SummerBerg invites students with inquisitive minds to join its experienced instructors in their Forensic Science class. No previous science experience is needed, as the instructors start with the basics. Using simulated and authentic data, students collect and examine fingerprints, analyze bloodstain patterns, and learn to reconstruct and solve crimes. Students may learn to process biological evidence, trace evidence, and impression evidence (such as fingerprints, shoe prints, and tire tracks), and analyze ballistics information. SummerBerg’s creative instructors ensure that the presentation of material is never dry and that it is always connected to a compelling crime story. The multidisciplinary approach encompasses not only biology, physics, and other sciences, but also art, law, and writing. Students also consider the legal aspects of forensics, including constitutional issues related to forensic science.
German Sprechen Sie Deutsch? German is one of the most important languages in the twenty-first century, spoken by approximately 100 million native speakers and another 20 million non-native speakers around the world. It is used widely in business, politics, and culture across Europe and beyond. Heidelberg is rich in Germanic history and has many strong European ties though modern exchange programs. During this course, students are acquainted with the basics of German grammar, as well as the vocabulary needed to carry on a conversation. Classes incorporate games and interactive participation to make lessons fun and engaging. In addition to the language, students also learn about the unique culture and geography of Germany and other German-speaking nations, including the Bavarian Alps, the Black Forest, and the Rhine River. SummerBerg also examines German history and culture, which has produced such figures as Johann Sebastian Bach, Ludwig van Beethoven, and Johann Wolfgang von Goethe.
Prelaw and Criminal Justice For students curious about becoming a lawyer, judge, legislator, or a law enforcement official, SummerBerg is proud to offer this prelaw and criminal justice course for the first time this year. This exciting course provides students with a broad look at the criminal justice system, in part through a tour of an active law enforcement or criminal facility. The prelaw and criminal justice class spans issues related to constitutional rights, corrections, and criminology. Students gain a deeper understanding of the U.S. legal system and how it is different from systems in other nations. They not only learn about the criminal justice process, but also are afforded an opportunity to discuss some of the more pressing ethical issues facing the justice system in the twenty-first century, such as the death penalty, prison reform, and the rights of convicted criminals. SummerBerg’s prelaw and criminal justice course combines history, sociology, political science, psychology, social work, and law.
Spanish Spanish is one of the world’s most widely spoken languages; it is growing rapidly in importance in the United States. SummerBerg’s Spanish program is designed to improve students’ written and oral skills, including both grammar basics and the nuances of the language. Students discuss and participate in aspects of Spanish and Latin American cultural traditions, modern customs, and artistic expression. They also explore culture through learning about a variety of Spanish-speaking countries, examining popular media, enjoying music and original films in Spanish, and even cooking traditional dishes. At SummerBerg, fun is an important aspect of learning. Rather than focus on rote memorization of vocabulary and verb forms, instructors adopt a novel approach, offering students a cultural perspective while making the language come alive through interactive games and participation.
Sports Management Sports Management students learn what it takes to manage and market professional and collegiate athletic organizations, own and manage a sports-related business, or serve as an agent, lawyer, coach, or other member of a major sports organization. Teachers draw upon real-world examples to showcase the fascinating world of sports management, a unique profession that combines knowledge of athletics with business, journalism, communications, and social psychology. Students gain an understanding of the fundamental skills required to manage a sports team and individual players, including the math used in statistics and accounting. As part of the course, students also take a field trip to visit with representatives of a professional sports team.

Daily Schedule

7:30–8:30
8:45–9:00
9:15–10:15
10:30–11:45
12:00–1:00
1:15–2:30
2:45–4:00
4:15–5:15
5:30–6:30
6:45–8:00
8:15–11:00

Breakfast
Morning Meeting
Class Session 1
Class Session 2
Lunch
Class Session 3
Class Session 4
Activities/Sports/Free Time
Dinner
Evening Options
Free Time/Entertainment

Each program’s schedule may vary from the sample given above.

Extra Opportunities and Activities

SummerBerg takes full advantage of the long summer days and the expansive, beautiful Heidelberg campus by offering a fun mix of organized and optional activities for the afternoons and evenings. Staff members collaborate with students to organize activities, both athletic and nonathletic, that emphasize social interaction and simple fun and relaxation. Activities are always safe and supervised, and they allow students from different program tracks to meet and get to know each other.

Facilities

Heidelberg is regarded as one of the best private liberal arts colleges in the Midwest and has been featured in numerous publications. During the academic year, Heidelberg College hosts a diverse community of 1,500 students and 83 full-time faculty members. SummerBerg offers students access to the College’s amenities, including state-of-the-art computer centers and campuswide wireless access; tennis courts, athletic fields, and library. The integrated wired classrooms, the brand new Science Center with modern science equipment, and the other academic buildings are all within easy walking distance of the residence halls. All students live in Williard Hall, a recently constructed, fully air-conditioned, sixty-five-bed residence hall. Students are assigned roommates by age and gender. Boys and girls live on separate floors, and RAs live on each hall to provide 24-hour supervision. Students eat most meals in the College dining hall, but they also head outside for a BBQ on nice summer evenings.

Summerberg at Heidelberg College

Location

Background and Philosophy

Program Offerings

Daily Schedule

Extra Opportunities and Activities

Facilities

Staff

Medical Care

Costs

Financial Aid

Transportation

Application Timetable