In a culture of 24-hour news, larger-than-life pundits, and a blurring of the line between news and commentary, rhetoric and argumentation are a way of life in modern America. Argument now occurs in settings such as the halls of Congress, evening news talk shows, popular sports programming, and local city councils. Advocacy, in the form of advertising, is everywhere. As consumers of media and participants in an increasingly adversarial culture, learning the critical principles and practices of advocacy and persuasion provides a basis for informed involvement in the world around us.

This course uses a perspective rooted in classical rhetorical theory as a mode of critical thinking and public involvement to study the processes of argumentation and persuasion in various interpersonal, political, academic and pop culture settings. You will begin by engaging theories rooted in the classical rhetoric of the Greeks and Romans and evolve through contemporary models of argument. As a complement to this discussion of argumentation theories, you will employ various models of debate as a means to practice the ideas they learn. You will engage in argument by participating in visual argument, in-class debates, political debates, and even humor to test your skills.

Finally, lessons learned in all settings will be used as a framework from which to engage political discourses and persuasive popular media campaigns.

---

Instructor

Dr. Jay Self, Professor of Communication, Chair of Department of English, Truman State University.

B.A., Communication, Truman State University; M.S. Communication in Human Relations, Texas Christian University; Ph.D. Communication Studies, University of Kansas

Dr. Self teaches courses in rhetorical theory and political communication.  His research interests lie at the intersection of rhetoric, politics, and satire.  He has published research on The Daily Show and presidential debate negotiation.  Currently, he is the faculty advisor to ΛΠΗ, the national communication honor society, and UpChuckles, Truman’s stand-up comedy collective.

In this course students will experiment and explore in a variety of art mediums such as; painting, printmaking, and fibers. Artworks will be created that combine multiple materials and techniques integrating both traditional and contemporary art practices. Along with learning the basic techniques in each medium, we will explore the artistic process, composition, and conceptual development.

---

Instructor

Professor Megan Hines, Instructor of Art, Kirksville High School, Truman State University Visiting Faculty

M.A. Art Education, Boston University, Boston MA; B.A. Studio Art, Graceland University, Lamoni, IA

Professor Megan Hines will be joining JBA as faculty for this course.  Students will have the same course content and experience that has been previously described by Professor Dunnagan.

Professor Hines is a Missouri Art Education Association council member, having also exhibited and won several awards. She has been selected as the Missouri Secondary Art Educator of the Year and presents at state art education conferences annually. With a BA in studio art, her concentration was in painting and photography. Recently, she has been working in fibers and has been the recipient of numerous other awards and juried exhibits. Prior to working in the Kirksville community, Professor Hines has served as an adjunct art instructor for Graceland University, Indian Hills Community College, and North Central Missouri College.

Do you want to immerse yourself in the beauty of the Chinese language and culture? Join us this summer for an immersive experience that artfully combines language learning with the magic of cinema and hands-on cultural activities. In this course, you will delve into the fascinating world of Mandarin Chinese, mastering the basics of pronunciation, daily-life conversational skills, and Chinese character writing. But that’s only the beginning! Prepare to be transported into the heart of Chinese culture as we take you on an engaging journey through films, dramas, social media, games, hands-on activities, and immersive cultural experiences.

As you improve your language abilities, you’ll also savor the flavors of Chinese cuisine, dive into rich cultural traditions like calligraphy and paper cutting, and connect with fellow students who share your passion for all things Chinese. Whether you’re a complete beginner or have some prior knowledge, our course provides a fun, interactive way to learn Mandarin while gaining profound insight into China’s vibrant heritage.

By the end of this cultural and linguistic adventure, you’ll not only have a deeper appreciation for China, but also the ability to converse in everyday Mandarin—an invaluable skill you’ll always cherish.

 

---

Instructor

Dr. David Wen, Associate Professor of Chinese, Truman State University

Ph.D. in Second Language Acquisition, University of Hawai‘i
M.A. in Linguistics & Applied Linguistics, Guangdong University of Foreign Studies, China
M.A. in Educational Innovation, Technology, & Entrepreneurship, University of North Carolina, Chapel Hill

Dr. Zhijun (David) Wen joined the Department of Classical and Modern Languages at Truman State University as an Assistant Professor of Chinese in August 2019. Dr. Wen has researched second language (L2) acquisition from a psycholinguistic perspective. He is interested in Chinese linguistics, Chinese sentence processing, creativity in language teaching, L2 pedagogy, L2 sentence processing, and learning sciences. He is teaching and developing courses on the Chinese language, Chinese culture, and Chinese linguistics. He taught Chinese in Hawaii for nearly 5 years and has recently proposed a creativity-based language methodology, which incorporates the latest research findings from second language studies and learning sciences. This method allows students to learn and use the language simultaneously. It uses advanced technologies such as augmented reality and virtual reality to create contextualized, immersive, interactive, and project-based language learning environments. He hopes to offer a whole new experience to learners of Chinese to ensure they build strong skills in Chinese at the fastest possible speed.

.

Explore how the computer has been integrated into the image-making processes by incorporating traditional art processes, such as drawing and markers, with modern Graphic Design software. Learn how professional artists, designers, and illustrators use the power of Adobe Photoshop, Adobe Illustrator, and other software to create digital artwork and enhance images to create digital graphics such as maps, posters, and postcards.

The basic features of Adobe Photoshop and Illustrator will be explored through tutorials and original artwork will be produced when techniques are mastered. By the end of the course, you will have a digital and print portfolio consisting of several projects. You will also use digital cameras, scanners, and output to laser/inkjet printers. Quad-Core Intel Macintosh computers (the industry standard platform) power this exploration into the realm of digital imagery.

---

Instructor

Professor Matthew Derezinski, Professor of Art, Design Program, Truman State University

B.F.A., Visual Communications, Kansas State University; M.F.A., Visual Communications, Kansas State University

As a designer, Derezinski works in many areas of Visual Communication from print, web, motion and anima­tion.  In past few years my work has been directed towards photographic manipulated imagery.  This work incorporates layers of textural and organic imagery that draws upon his interest in decaying architecture, nature and the Mid-Western landscape in which he lives.

Did you know you are 50% genetically similar to a banana? All living organisms from the simplest bacteria to more complex organisms like humans use the same genetic material to pass on their traits – DNA. DNA is the molecule of life. But what exactly is DNA and how does it make you, you and a fly a fly?

In this course you will learn the basics of DNA and heredity, and then dive deeper to understand how DNA is used to create a fully functional organism. We will also explore new technologies in DNA editing that are making our hopes of changing disease-causing mutations in DNA a reality. We will discuss the science behind these techniques and then discuss some of the ethical and moral issues they raise. Finally, we will investigate the ethics and laws surrounding genetics such as do you own your own genes, who is allowed to have access to your genetic code, and what are your legal rights concerning your genetics?

Our learning in the classroom will be supplemented by many activities in the lab. We will learn about and use many biotech tools and molecular genetic techniques. Activities will include extracting DNA from strawberries, genetically modifying bacteria, and investigating your own genetics to name a few!

---

Instructor

Dr. Sarah Berke, Assistant Professor of Biology, Biology Department, Truman State University.

B.A., Biology and Psychology, Augustana College, Rock Island, Ill.; Ph.D., Neuroscience, University of Iowa, Iowa City, Iowa

This course is designed to introduce you to the benefits of exercise, engage in fitness testing, develop methods of exercise prescription using the FITT principle, all while taking a look at personal health and wellness. Students engage in many types of cardio fitness, dance, and movement followed by learning about the science of exercise, including the health-related physical fitness components. In addition, we will examine the nutritional aspects of healthy eating using the MyPlate representation, understanding how to read food labels, and why hydration is important for health. You will also discover the historical background and social impact that movement and dance have made on people throughout the world, as well as learning to lead and choreograph for exercise and dance. Overall, you will develop a greater appreciation for implementing behaviors that affect your health in a positive way to improve your physical, emotional, social, spiritual, and intellectual well-being.

---

Instructor

Professor Melody Jennings, Instructor in the Health and Exercise Sciences, Truman State University

B.S., Physical Education, Truman State University; M.A., Teaching of Physical Education, Truman State University

Professor Jennings teaches several classes in Exercise Science including Curriculum & Instruction in Physical Education, Fundamental Movement and Tumbling, Rhythmic Activity and Dance, Introduction to Exercise Science, Lifetime Fitness and Conditioning, Health & Wellness Psychology and numerous dance electives depending on the semester.  Professor Jennings also sponsors Momentum Ministry, and serves on two scholarship awarding committees.  Beyond life at Truman, Professor Jennings owns and operates the Melody’s School of Dance & Tumbling in Kirksville.

Through a variety of collaborative outdoor activities, you will build leadership skills and increase levels of personal and social confidence through group problem-solving and teambuilders. This class will include a balance of classroom preparation and physical activity in outdoor settings with an emphasis on positive, inclusive practices. Learning experiences may include hiking, canoeing, outdoor cooking, fishing, outdoor games, archery, and geocaching.

---

Instructor

Dr. Julene Ensign, Truman State University Department Chair, Associate Professor of Exercise Science

M.A.E., Physical Education; B.S., in Kinesiology, University of Illinois; M.S., Therapeutic Kinesiology, University of Illinois; Ph.D., Kinesiology Pedagogy, University of Illinois

Dr. Ensign teaches courses related to Truman’s MAE in Physical Education. She holds a PhD in Kinesiology Pedagogy from the University of Illinois as well as a K-12 Physical Education Teaching License and a Personal Training Certification. Julene’s primary line of research focuses on the socialization, efficacy, and teaching performance of beginning physical educators. Outside of work, Julene enjoys spending time with her family, golfing, biking, and rooting for the Green Bay Packers.

Neurobiology’s model organisms (mice, worms, flies) will frame our discussion of what a neuron is and what nervous systems can do.

In this lab course, you’ll be scientists exploring how the nervous system helps us move, think, and feel. You’ll get to see neurons ‘talk’ to each other, learn to make hypotheses about how that happens, and your most definitely figure out how to test your hypotheses with near state of the art physiology experiments. Basically, you’ll be doing the same work as professional scientists!

All of your experiments will be on each other or on worms and flies. Neurobiologists use a variety of organisms to understand the biology of the brain. You see, all nervous systems are similar and each organism provides advantages for answer particular neurobiological questions.

You only have 3 main jobs: pay attention, ask questions, and have fun!

One last note: this lab has LOTS of information that may be new to you. Don’t worry! We will go over everything in class. On day one, you’ll get a copy of a lab book with basic information about our experiments.

---

Instructor

Dr. Brett Berke, Associate Professor of Biology, Truman State University

B.S., Electrical Engineering, University of Illinois, Urbana-Champaign; Ph.D., Neuroscience, University of Iowa; Post-Doctoral Fellowship, Yale University

In a world of binge-watching shows on Netflix, curated Spotify playlists, and viral TikTok trends, our relationship with pop culture has never been so tangible. In this class, we will look at popular film, literature, and music from the American past and consider it through the eyes of historians.

What can we learn about society, cultural movements and communities through this lens? We will engage with topics such as Science Fiction and Visions of the American Future, Cowboys and the Mythologizing of the American Past, Popular Music and Social Movements, and so much more! Your recommendation algorithms will never be the same!

---

Instructor

Professor Matthew Kennedy, Lecturer, Truman State University; Instructor of History, Kirksville High School, teaching Dual Credit US History and several electives in American History.  He is also an instructor in the Education Department with Truman State University working with future Social Studies teachers.

B.S., History; M.A.E. History/Social Science, Truman State University

This intensive summer course introduces students to the exciting world of computer science by blending foundational programming concepts with computer graphics and interactive game design. Students will learn how to think like computer scientists—developing problem-solving skills, mastering programming basics, and exploring how mathematics, logic, and creativity come together.

Through hands-on projects, participants will design and build their own simple games, bringing characters and worlds to life with code. Along the way, they will gain experience with algorithms, control structures, data types, and procedural programming, while also exploring the fundamentals of computer graphics.

By the end of the course, students will not only understand key principles of computer science but also walk away with a portfolio of creative coding projects and games that highlight their technical and artistic talents. This course is designed to challenge and inspire motivated learners, making programming fun, engaging, and rewarding.

Instructor

Dr. Kafi Rahman, Associate Professor of Computer Science, Truman State University

B .Sc., Khulna University, Khulna, Bangladesh, M.Sc., University of Ottawa, Ottawa, ON, Canada, P h.D., University of Ottawa, Ottawa, ON, Canada

To be announced.

---

Instructor

To be announced.

Course Description: To Be Announced.

---

Instructor

 

Even though human civilization has only been around for roughly 5000 years, most historical studies focus exclusively on this period, ignoring the 13 billion years that led up to it. In this course, we will widen the scope of history to include the complete timeline, analyzing and exploring how the momentous events that took place before the earliest humans have shaped our development as a species. With a focus on the crucial historical thresholds that transformed humans and society, we will construct a more complete history of humanity.

Using David Christian’s Maps of Time as a guide, we will incorporate astronomy, biology, geology, and environmental science to develop a more complete account of history and humanity’s place in it. We will challenge common misconceptions of cause and effect in history, provoking students to look at human history with a more critical lens. In doing so, students will be better equipped to understand modern society as it stands today by having a fuller appreciation of the colossal forces that have and continue to impact our daily lives in countless ways. To achieve this goal, course activities will include reading, writing, discussion, and research into a wide array of topics.

---

Instructor

Professor Andrew Peake, Truman State University Visiting Faculty

B.A. History, and M.A.E. History/Social Sciences, Truman State University.

Professor Peake was the 2018-2019 Director of the Joseph Baldwin Academy, a former high school social studies teacher and now is an Associate Software Developer, Federal Reserve Bank of St. Louis.

This course introduces you to the world of business through management, marketing, finance, accounting, and entrepreneurship. You will learn what is needed to operate a business and gain valuable skills, such as teamwork and problem-solving. You will also learn key business concepts and use real-world tools, observe their practice in the field, and apply them through teamwork and organizing a business. In addition, you will learn valuable personal financial skills.

---

Instructor

Professor Jim Bergman, Instructor of Business Administration, Truman State University

B.S., Business Administration, Truman State University; M.B.A., William Woods University

How do film composers influence the audience’s emotional response and in what ways do they create music that elicits a particular location or time period? How do they balance the music with dialogue? In this course, you will investigate the development of movie music from the early improvised organ playing of musicians like Fats Waller for silent films to more recent music from the biggest composers in Hollywood, including Erich Korngold, Max Steiner, Henry Mancini, Bernard Herrmann, John Williams, Hans Zimmer, Danny Elfman, James Horner, Alan Silvestri, Randy Newman, Rachel Portman, and Howard Shore.

You will investigate how the specific musical elements of melody, harmony, counterpoint, tempo, rhythm, and orchestration can be used to enhance scenes that deal with themes such as romance, sadness, chase, horror, magic, and fantasy.

As a final project, you will create your own soundtrack to an original movie that you record throughout the session and make an original board game of film music trivia. Field trips will be taken to the Kirksville movie theater for a class screening of a new release and to the Truman television/radio station for a tour of the media equipment.

---

Instructor

Dr. Jesse Krebs, Professor of Music, Clarinet, Truman State University

Krebs has performed guest recitals in Costa Rica, England, Thailand, Ireland, and throughout the United States. He joined the music faculty at Truman State University in 2005. In addition to instructing the clarinet studio and directing the Truman Clarinet Choir, he teaches the Music and Political Protest Junior Interdisciplinary Seminar. Before coming to Kirksville, he was the Clarinet Instructor and the Director of Chamber Winds at Bainbridge College in Georgia, and he served on the summer faculty for the Cultural American Music Program in the Florida Keys. With colleague Dr. Xin Gao, he hosted the inaugural American Single Reed Summit at Truman in 2018. Dr. Krebs frequently performs as a substitute with the Kansas City Symphony and has been featured as a concerto soloist with the North Carolina, Central Florida, and Southeast Iowa Symphony Orchestras.

B.M.E., University of North Carolina at Greensboro; M.M., University of North Texas; D.M., Florida State University

The course will introduce you to the scientific process by exploring fundamental concepts in chemistry in the context of contemporary environmental and societal issues.  A broad range of topics will be explored throughout the session, including the atom and atomic structure, molecules and chemical bonding, chemical nomenclature, writing and balancing chemical equations, the mole and molarity, and the relationship between chemical structure and function. You will participate in several laboratory experiences in which you will learn to work safely in the laboratory and make careful observations of chemical reactions and phenomena in order to draw useful conclusions from your experiments.  You will also have the opportunity to explore and share new topics through brief class presentations.

A key component of the course involves inquiry based learning as a means to understand the process by which new scientific knowledge is developed.  For example, in the laboratory, you will synthesize a compound of unknown composition and use a variety of tools to deduce the structure of this new material.  Examples of other experiments include determination of water hardness of samples from local sources, the synthesis and analysis of biodiesel, chromatographic characterization of chemical mixtures, analysis of artificial blood, the study of dyes through the making of tie dye T-shirts, as well as the opportunity to develop and perform chemical demonstrations for your peers.

---

Instructor

Professor Daniel Floyd, Instructor of Science, Kirksville High School, Truman State University Visiting Faculty

B.S. Chemistry, and M.A.E. Secondary Education, Truman State University.

 

From Page to Stage is an introduction to the world of theatre. You will explore the many different areas of theatre from theatre history to stage makeup, all while rehearsing for a production to be performed at the end of the three weeks.

While you do not need prior experience, you do need to have an open mind and the willingness to “put yourself out there.” If you would rather have backstage experience instead of onstage, there will be technical roles available for the production.

The 2026 JBA performance will be a musical:  “10 Ways to Survive the Zombie Apocalypse – The Musical”  When zombies attack, a ragtag group of survivors are thrown into a chaotic fight for their lives! Enter Jimmy, Christy, Susan, and Sam: four not-so-qualified heroes who stumble through ten outrageous methods to survive the zombie apocalypse. As they try sacrificing friends, weaponizing song and dance, and even leaving the planet, each new promising idea keeps coming up short. With a cheeky score, sarcastic narrators, and undead mayhem, this hilarious story turns the end of the world into a show-stopping, brain-eating, laugh-out-loud adventure!

      2026 JBA Play

 

---

Instructors

This course teaches students much more than the “do’s” and “do nots” of surviving a horror movie. Using a combination of films, literature, and discussion, we will study the horror genre, using monsters as a metaphor to explain the nuances of different cultures and societies. Students will explore many STEM fields along with the humanities, learning practical skills of disaster preparedness alongside critical thinking skills in the classroom. From shelter building, to crisis management we will learn to take care of ourselves and others in times of disaster.  Surviving is only half of the battle. The films and literature of the horror oeuvre will serve as a jumping off point as we use monsters as a metaphor for exploring current and historical cultures and societies. The students final project will be to use what we have learned about disaster preparedness and horror movies to create a Public Service Announcement that uses their critical thinking skills to link our new knowledge of these ghouls with an actual problem we could all face.

 

---

Instructor

Professor Tyler Unsell, Director of Debate and Forensics, Park Hill School District. Truman State University Visiting Faculty

B.A., Truman State University. M.A.E., Truman State University.

They are some of the earliest and greatest stories of all time.  They’ve been sung by bards, told around campfires, echoed through marble halls, set to music, and accompanied by popcorn in modern movie theaters.

In this course we will ask:  What is mythology?

What are the stories that comprise Greek and Roman, Nordic, Mayan, and other world mythologies?  Why were they significant and why do we keep telling them?  We will read and compare creation myths, divine pantheons, hero myths, and modern retellings of ancient mythology using a variety of critical lenses.

Students will draft a fantasy team of gods, heroes, and creatures to compete in an Olympic Fantasy League, work together to solve puzzles in a mythology escape room, create movie trailer-like skits, and learn to tie a toga, all while studying some of the world’s greatest literature.

---

Instructor

Professor Wendy Doman, English/Spanish Teacher, Kirksville High School, former adjunct English MACC, former consultant Truman State University

B.A. English, Brigham Young University; M.A. English University of Kansas

Course Description Coming Soon

---

Instructor

Rachel Brown, Instructor of English, Winnetonka High School, Truman State University Visiting Faculty

B.A. English, Truman State University; M.A.E. English, Truman State University.

The human body is the most amazing machine on the planet. This course is designed to teach students about the human body and how to assess and improve human performance. Topics in this course will include strength and conditioning, anatomy, nutrition, sports psychology, training principles, hydration, supplements, wearable technology, injury prevention & risk management. How can we develop programs that consider the nature of the sport and athletes? What are the best practices and strategies to ensure optimal performance outcomes?

---

Instructor

Professor Jorn is from just south of London, England and was originally recruited to Truman as a student to run track and cross country. Now, Professor Liz Jorn is a member of the Health and Exercise Sciences faculty since the fall of 2000. She is the faculty advisor for Cardinal Key National Honor Society, Student Athlete Advisory Committee and students pursuing the Sport and Recreation Management concentration, while also being actively involved in the planning and supervision of the internship/practicum program for Exercise Science. In addition to her roles on campus, Professor Jorn is also the Faculty Athletics Representative representing Truman with the GLVC and NCAA, serving as the chair of the GLVC Steering Committee, and a member of the NCAA Academics Requirements Committee.

MA in Education-Exercise Science, Truman State University
BS, Exercise Science, Truman State University

Course Description Coming Soon

---

Instructor

Professor Rich Chapman, Project Lead the Way Instructor, Kirksville Area Technical School, Visiting Faculty, Truman State University

B.S. Psychology, Truman State University, M.A.E., University of Missouri, St. Louis

To Be Announced.

---

Instructor

To Be Announced.

 

To Be Announced.

 

---

Instructor

To Be Announced.