Saint Luke Academy Chicago

THE CHILDREN’S UNIVERSITY

The Saint Luke Academy Children’s University is an enrichment program designed to challenge honor students to excellence in work above and beyond the required academic curriculum.

Special high-level courses in the sciences, humanities, the arts, business and law are taught by instructors recognized as experts in their respective disciplines.  The offerings are designed to offer guided in-depth study and to foster the development of critical thinking and analytical skills through exploration, discovery, hands-on learning, teamwork, field study and practicum.

These courses are designed for the student with an active curiosity, solid academic credentials and a high level of motivation.  Courses are pass/fail and by invitation only. Class size is limited in most cases to no more than six students per semester.  Students may take one 5-7 week course each semester as determined by the instructor and the principal.  Classes will meet during the months of September, October, November, January, February, March and May during regular school hours.

Students who successfully complete 6 semesters of course work as determined by the principal will be eligible to graduate “With Honors.”

Honors in Religion with the designation of “Saint Luke Scholar” is also available through a separate concurrent and complementary program.

c. St. Luke Academy Chicago 2007

SAMPLE COURSE OFFERINGS

THE SCIENCES

GEOLOGY / GEOGRAPHY
Reading the Chicago River
Paul Heltne, Ph. D.
Peggy Notebaert Nature Museum

An interdisciplinary study of the history and importance of the Chicago River.

After mastering basic geologic and geographic concepts, students will explore the life of this waterway from glacial times, through European discovery, to reversal and present day. Preparatory lectures, readings and significant mapwork lead up to and complement a daylong excursion of the Chicago River.

Grades 5 through 8

HEALTH AND MEDICINE

Understanding and Maintaining

   the Human System

Irene Borg, M.S., R.N. Parish Nurse,

Saint Luke Church

A study of the human body, system dysfunctions and the strategies for healthy maintenance and disease management.

Preparatory work in the biology of body systems leads to discussion of philosophies of treatment, principles of emergency care and health care delivery systems. Diseases and symptoms of both physical and mental conditions are outlined against a background of health management, nutrition, the healthy workplace, the cycle of life and aging.

Grades 6, 7 and 8

ARTS AND ARCHITECTURE

ARCHITECTURE
Exploring Chicago's Architecture
Jean Linsner, M. S. Ed.
Chicago Architecture Foundation

A study of the 10 "big ideas" of architecture through exploration of Chicago's amazing built-environment.

Preparatory lectures provide students with a working architectural vocabulary and build the mental framework for thinking about architecture. Hands-on activities, a downtown field trip and neighborhood walks are activities in which students identify and analyze the principles of design, technology, urban history, preservation, public architecture, the Chicago School, materials and ornamentation, structure, style and art in architecture.

Grades 5 through 8

FLORAL DESIGN
Taking Shape: Creating Art with Nature
Dennis Grabowski, M. S. Ed. Art Educator

An art practicum that teaches and applies design principles in the creation of practical and useful design.  

Students begin with the identification of flowers with special attention to their individual line, shape, color and texture features. Understanding the principles of visual balance, emphasis, repetition and movement, they then develop a sense of appropriate design use and learn to evaluate unusual and unique floral presentations. Hands-on practice in arranging and a field trip to a local flower market are preparation for an independent final project outside of class.

Grades 4 through 8

CREATIVE DRAMATICS
Janice Pohl, M.A.
Drama Department, Elmhurst College

Experience the foundation of play-making.

Students will use imagination, body and voice to develop skills in pantomime, improvisation, character building and dramatic form. 

The class will create original scenes and adaptations of folk tales.

Grades 4 through 8

BUSINESS and LAW

BUSINESS
Introduction to Mastering Business Administration
David Knea, M. B. A.
Kenesco Computing, LLC

A study of various aspects of business theory and a practical introduction to the business world.

Orientation to terms used in the business world prepares students for discussions of business economics, international management, employees and culture, finance and marketing strategies. Students will learn to read and analyze business news publications and teams will track global corporations throughout the program. Within a business environment, students will enhance skills in communication and critical thinking and develop problem solving skills

Grade 7 and 8.

A review of legal and trial procedures prepares students to look at appealing court cases and their impact on the social, political and cultural history of Western civilization. Students will assume roles in the Nuremburg trials and assess the legal principles that drove those trials to their conclusion.

Grades 6 through 8

HUMANITIES

AFRICAN-AMERICAN HISTORY
The African-American Contribution to the
American Experience
Frieda Carnegie, B. A.

A study of the African-American history in America.

On overview of the African experience in America introduces students to biographical studies of famous African-Americans. Special emphasis will be given to their contributions to the fields of science, medicine, social work, agriculture, engineering, politics, literature, and aviation.

Grades 4 through 8

Having assembled a significant body of historical research on a topic relating to "Triumph and Tragedy in History," students will create a 10-minute historical documentary drawing on their information to develop and support a thesis through the video medium. Outlining and script-writing lay the foundation for video and still photography, interviewing, computer editing, voiceovers and titling. The completed DVD will be the student's entry in local, state and national history day competitions.

Grades 6 through 8, by invitation of the Principal

THE ONCE AND FUTURE KING
Ruth Hamilton, Ph.D.
Pastoral Associate, Saint Luke Church
A study of medieval times incorporating literature and the arts.

Explore the world of King Arthur and the Knights of the Round Table.  Meet Lancelot and Guinevere, kinghts in shining armor, dragons, Merlin the magician and the rest of the court.  These stories becan 1500 years ago and continue today in movies, comic books, video and computer games.  Why do they live on?  What makes them still so interesting?

Through literature, art, movies and other media, students will enter into this magical world.  Activities include building a castle and storytelling.

Grades 6 through 8

SAINT LUKE SCHOLARS

Honors Course in Religion

David Abrahamson, M. Div.
Pastor, Saint Luke Church

The Saint Luke Academy honors program in Religion is designed to provide gifted and interested students with the opportunity to encounter and evaluate a variety of ideas and issues in religion and culture, faith and practice. This program is open by invitation only to students in the Grades 7 and 8.

Classroom instruction is modeled after the seminar format of the university and requires independent conversation and study. Students are graded pass/ fail.

Students who successfully complete the program and maintain honor roll status throughout the 7th and 8th grade are designated "Saint Luke Scholars" and receive special recognition at the commencement exercises in June of each academic year.

YOUNG ARTISTS TALENT SEARCH
Identifying Talents in the Visual Arts

The Young Artists Program is designed to identify and encourage students with special talent in the Visual Arts. Students of all grade levels receive, as part of the regular curriculum, formal instruction in the basics of art. Art work produced in class and works created outside of class are eligible for submission to a jury of art professionals for inclusion in a "Young Artists" exhibit in the Doederlein Gallery. Work accepted for display are professionally framed and winning students explain their work to the public at an artists reception at the opening of the show. Juried entries are also eligible for the "Best of Show" and "Outstanding Artist" monetary awards.