Berkshire School: Independent Study News Archive

Cody Turner '13 tackled the philosophical questions surrounding free will in his year-long independent study with Philosophy teacher and Academic Dean Clay Splawn. His study of the phrase "could have done otherwise" informed his understanding of the free will debate. Click here to read more.

Independent Study Presentations

The twenty-one students who presented their Independent Study projects on Thursday evening were an energetic and enthusiastic group. They were also masters of their topics, which ranged from philosophical questions about free will to scientific explorations of symbiotic relationships between hydroponic plants and goldfish. Click here to learn more.

Independent Study Night

Nineteen students presented their Independent Study work recently in the atrium of Berkshire Hall. Projects were far-ranging, from advanced astro-imaging to fashion design and advanced music theory.

Astro-Imaging in the Dixon Observatory

Sam Cabot '13 is nurturing a passion for astronomy. With his faculty mentor, Dan Spear, Sam has set up state-of-the-art equipment in Berkshire's Dixon Observatory and is now capturing exemplary photos through advanced astro-imaging. He shares his knowledge at local schools and community centers.

Independent Study: Spring Update

Nineteen students are pursuing an Independent Study this semester. Projects are far-ranging, including astro-imaging, a film adaptation of a stage play, zebra mussel biology, and fashion. Click here to learn more.

Independent Study in the Surgery Suite

Kelsey West '12 and Alex English '12, both pursuing an Independent Study in Athletic Training, went into surgery with classmate Brian Ferrell '12 for a 3-hour operation to repair his ACL.

Independent Study Presentations

Thirty-two students who have pursued an Independent Study this year will present their work to the community tonight, Tuesday, May 17, from 7 - 8 PM.

Independent Study: Moritz Grosser '11

Moritz Grosser '11 delves into the health care debate in his Advanced Constitutional Law independent study. After reviewing case briefings and summaries, he is honing his legal opinion paper.

Independent Study: Andrew Walther '11 and Tim Kou '12

Andrew Walther '11 and Tim Kou '12 bring different perspectives to their Independent Studies in Micro and Macroeconomics with faculty advisor Jasper Turner.

Independent Study: Jorge Bordas

Building on knowledge from his Advanced Economics class, Jorge Bordas '11 formulates a business plan for a Spanish restaurant in New York City as part of his Independent Study.

Independent Study: Anne-Marie Dion and Stephanie Quintin

Anne-Marie Dion '11 and Stephanie Quintin '11 are studying the depiction of women in French literature of the 19th century with foreign language chair Jean Erick Joassaint.

Independent Study: Joseph Lin

An interest in computer design leads Joseph Lin '11 to pursue an independent study in Advanced Flash. He works on campus with Jasper Turner and with a professor online in California.

Independent Study Profile: Martha Hagerty

Martha Hagerty '11 attributes a Pro Vita class she took as a third former for inspiring a curiosity in her Scandinavian heritage. She will learn the equivalent of two years of Swedish this year in an Independent Study with native Swede Martina Moodey.

IS Profile: Emily Bernstein

Emily Bernstein '11 interviews Holocaust survivors to produce video documentaries she will share on her website

Independent Study Profile: Theo Friedman '11

Theo Friedman '11 pursues his passion for photography in an Independent Study class this semester

Independent Study

Students delve into an intensive semester or year-long course of their own design

Biodiesel

Seniors Kit Landry and Ben Chwick delve into the study and production of biodiesel as part of a year-long independent study