CHA offers a wide range of courses focusing on topics from AI to the nature of celebrity. Read the descriptions and watch the videos to learn more about what's in store.
Instructor: J.J. Adams (Marshall Co. HS)
The course will provide an overview of the history of the Spanish language, originating in Spain and traveling across the Pacific Ocean with colonialism. Students will explore Caribbean slavery, Puerto Rico's evolution, and the cultural and linguistic influences that shape Bad Bunny’s impact on modern media.
Instructor: Ryan Goke (MSU)
This course will teach students the fundamentals of debate, advocacy, & persuasion. By the end of the course students will be equipped to confidently tackle formal debates over history, pop culture, politics, and current events, and have cultivated the skills to discuss any topic in an informed and respectful way.
Instructor: Ray Horton (MSU)
Who wouldn't want to live forever? From visions of eternity across many religious traditions, to the hope that our contributions to the world will outlive us, to techno-utopian fantasies of cheating death by digitizing consciousness, immortality persists as one of the most durable themes of literature, popular culture, and philosophy. But not everyone is convinced. Writers as far back as the ancient Roman philosopher Lucretius have criticized the desire for immortality as fundamentally incoherent, for we only truly care about that which we might lose. ""Death,"" as the Modernist American poet Wallace Stevens wrote in his poem ""Sunday Morning,"" ""is the mother of beauty."" This course won't teach you how to live forever, but it will immerse you in an array of literary, philosophical, religious, and cultural texts--from classical philosophy to contemporary film--which champion, challenge, and reimagine this age-old theme.
Instructor: Mike Koebbe (Livingston Central HS)
This course explores how history is reimagined on stage through the award-winning musical Hamilton. Students will examine primary and secondary sources to test the accuracy of the play’s events and debates, while also analyzing the impact of its diverse casting choices on how we view America’s past. Through project-based learning that includes research, debate, performance, and creative presentations, students will uncover the balance between fact and artistic license and discover how popular culture shapes our understanding of history.
Instructor: Brent Norsworthy (MSU)
This course blends graphic communication and media literacy in the age of artificial intelligence. Students will explore how AI generates images and designs, while gaining the skills to create responsibly and critique critically. Through hands-on projects in visual storytelling, poster design, and digital campaigns, they will learn to spot AI-generated media, question authenticity, and apply ethical guidelines. The course culminates in a student-designed visual exhibit at the CHA Learning Fair.
Instructor: Jessi Randall (Marshall Co. HS)
It's the end of the world as we know it - but join me anyway for this gamified class about apocalyptic literature. Learn why writers across the world are fascinated by the apocalypse: specifically, let's discuss how they illustrate the social problems they care about by writing about it. After analyzing a series of short stories and TV episodes, students will create their own collaborative apocalyptic society and then independently create a short story based on their world. Throughout, you'll enjoy a creative adventure game based in an apocalyptic scenario.
Instructor: Faris Sahawneh (MSU)
This course explores how your data is collected, shared, and protected in today’s digital landscape. Through hands-on activities, real-world case studies, and interactive discussions, Students will uncover the ethical dilemmas and legal challenges of modern technology—from smart devices and social media to AI and hacking. This course empowers students to think critically, act responsibly, and become more informed digital citizens.
Instructor: Kait Steward (studio artist)
Make Your Mark! Prepare to get your hands dirty and your mind buzzing! This crash course in art will introduce you to a range of making techniques, art historical works, and critical thinking. This course will cover a little bit of everything, from observational drawing and punk rock zines, to recyclable sculpture and wearable art. You don’t need any experience to start this artistic journey - just come ready to try! Let's get creative!
Instructor: Todd Terry (East Calloway Elementary)
Students will explore world cultures through playing music, participating in folk dancing, and critical listening. They will compare and contrast aspects of their own cultures and the content cultures in order to broaden their own perspectives. Students will explore music and dance in North America (including Caribbean and Latin America), South America, Africa, Asia, and Europe.
Instructor: Chris Trzepacz (MSU)
The power of genetic engineering holds more than just promise and potential - it has already been harnessed to change the world and how we interact with it. Genetically modifying our food supply has made it more productive and fruitful, and genetically manipulating the genomes of organisms has provided us with novel life-saving medicines. Clearly, what was once the purview of science fiction is now science fact. What does the future hold? In this class, students will cross this horizon to explore how genetic technology can, is, and should be applied to manipulating human potential.
If you have questions about courses, please contact Dr. Laura Sullivan-Beckers at lbeckers@murraystate.edu