2014 Programs

2014 Burst the Bubble Programs

Burst the Bubble programs are free, student-led, non-credit sessions where students who have a talent, interest, or skill share their knowledge with their peers. Burst the Bubble programs are offered during Winter Term and are open to all students at Elon University. Burst the Bubble programs do not include homework, tests, outside assignments or grades. There is no faculty or staff involvement in teaching the programs.

BTB 001: Talking with Your Hands: Learn American Sign Language

Instructor: Kelli Anne Gecawich and  Chelsea Wingo
Sponsored by: Elon University Sign Language Club
Tuesdays and Thursdays 7:00 – 8:00 pm
Spaces Available: 22

This program will cover the basics of American Sign Language, as well as some Deaf culture.  We will learn to sign essentials, like the alphabet and introductions, as well as occupations and stuff about you.  We will also have a student dictated day where class participants tell us what they want to learn.

BTB 002: Bring It! The 12 Day Challenge

Instructor: Rex Reynolds
Mondays, Tuesdays, Wednesdays, Thursdays, and Fridays 11:45 – 1:15pm
Spaces Available: 20

Workshop dedicated to giving students the opportunity to be a part of the P90X/Insanity workout craze under the guidance of an instructor as well as in the company of their fellow peers. Workouts will be done in group format and will encompass a variety of strength building, fat burning, stretching, and flexibility exercises.

BTB 003: Argentine Tango

Instructor: Claire Mauro
Mondays and Thursdays 8:00 – 9:30 pm
Spaces Available: 26

Come learn the sexy, sultry tango straight from Buenos Aires! We will start at the beginning and teach you all you need to know to impress on the dance floor. Experience is not necessary and no partner is needed!

BTB 004: The Politics of Hip-Hop Music

Instructor: Natalie Cuzmenco
Sponsored by: Young Americans for Liberty
Tuesdays and Thursdays 11:45 am – 12:45 pm

“Did you know that “twerking”” is now a word in the dictionary? Are you interested in the influence that Hip Hop music has on American culture and society? In this program, we will be exploring various political and social themes in modern Hip Hop music, such as feminism, drug policy, crime, race relations, gun control, relationships, education, poverty & wealth, sexuality and more. The sessions will be based upon discussions about the way these topics are presented in the lyrics and culture of modern Hip Hop music. The purpose of the program is not to portray Hip Hop music in a negative or positive light, but to express opinions and to have open discussions on the influences it has on society and culture. The “homework” will consist of listening to a playlist of songs surrounding the topic to be discussed. If you would like to discuss a particular artist, song, or topic, please send your suggestions or comments to ncuzmenco@elon.edu.
*Disclaimer: There will be no censorship of the music and some of the songs contain explicit lyrics. ”

BTB 005: Hooked on Crochet – Introduction to Crocheting

Instructor: Melissa Martlock and Lisa Picklesimer
Tuesdays and Thursdays 4:45 – 6:00pm
Spaces Available: 12

During the course of this program, students will learn the fundamentals of crochet, and then apply those basic principles to create projects such as scarves and hats. Students will also learn to read patterns so they can continue to create, with endless possibilities, even after the program has ended. We will be available to students outside of the regular sessions if they need help, or wish to learn more than the scheduled time allows.

BTB 006: An Introduction to Dungeons and Dragons: Exercises in Teamwork

Instructor: Dillon Lynch
Thursdays 5:00 – 8:00pm
Spaces Available: 20

The role-playing game Dungeons and Dragons is a wonderfully exciting yet complex game involving vast imagined worlds and challenging monsters and puzzles. Players create characters to work and act together in a team, complete quests, and reap the rewards. This program will introduce the rules and caveats of the game and teach how people can work in a team with their own special skills to accomplish a challenging goal.

BTB 007: Swing Dancing

Instructors: Stephanie Carroll, Eric Noyes, and Dean Smalligan
Tuesdays 5:00-6:00pm
Spaces Available: 24

Ever wanted to learn how to Swing Dance? Now is your chance to become the coolest dancer on the floor. This hour-long program will have 30 minutes of instruction followed by 30 minutes of free dance. Students will learn fun, simple, and exciting East Coast Swing moves with the hope of allowing you to feel comfortable out there on the dance floor. No partner is required and you can learn to lead, follow, or both!

BTB 008: No Speed Limit; The In’s and Out’s of NASCAR

Instructors: Alivia Mattioli
Tuesdays and Thursdays 5:00 – 6:00pm

Spaces Available: 25
Guest speakers, insider prospective, event details and much more offered from No Speed Limit!  Opportunities to be a part of discussions and hear race day stories straight from the professionals that travel week after week following the NASCAR Sprint Cup Circuit. Professionals making pit stops on campus will share the appropriate skill sets needed to work within the sporting industry while sharing personal experiences in this industry segment.

BTB 009: Sun Signs: The Accuracy of the Zodiac In Our Lives

Instructors: Negesti Kaudo
Tuesdays and Wednesdays 7:00 – 8:30pm
Spaces Available: 15

Horoscopes can be eerily true or completely false, what’s yours? In this program we will get an in-depth look at the basic personality traits and characteristics of the 12 Zodiac signs (Aries to Pisces) and how accurate the sun signs are to our lives. We will discuss personality, compatibility, physical features and stereotypes for each of the signs and even speak to some people born under the signs. Come see how true to your sign you really are!

BTB 010:  Teaching Kids (and yourself) to Code

Instructors: Jeff Stern
Mondays and Wednesdays 5:00 – 6:00pm
Spaces Available: 24

Coding isn’t scary! This program, meant for anyone interested in education and learning about code, will examine what “code” means, why children should learn it and how we can integrate it into school curriculums. Sessions will be comprised of discussion, guest speakers, demonstrations, and practice with websites, programs and board games that are made to teach kids how to code. No experience necessary!

BTB 011: A Box Full of Mysteries: Card Tricks Revealed!

Instructors: Brannon Capps
Mondays and Wednesdays 4:45 – 5:30pm
Spaces Available: 12

When you look at a standard deck of playing cards i bet you see a standard deck of playing cards, but when I look at them, I see an endless box of mysteries. This program will teach how to mystify and surprise your friends and families with a deck of playing cards. As a child did you ever imagine knowing magic (the secrets of the universe). Well now you can.

BTB 012: Modern Trends in Anime & Manga

Instructors: Steven Taranto
Sponsored by: Japanese Club
Tuesdays and Thursdays 7:00 – 8:30pm
Spaces Available: 30

This program will examine the themes, tropes, and styles present in present-day Japanese Animation and its visual equivalents (Manga, light novels, visual novels, etc.)

BTB 013: Your PR? Our PR.

Instructors: Immanuel Bryant
Thursdays and Fridays 5:00 – 6:30pm
Spaces Available: 24

In this program we will be both creating a firm understanding of personal public relations, as well as trying out for a student-run public relations firm. Phoenix Relations is a developing student-run and student-focused public relations agency. This Burst the Bubble program will focus on personal branding, professional development and search engine optimization of individuals, institutions, and the organization itself.

BTB 014: Unashamed: The History, Purpose, and People Behind Christian Hip-Hop

Instructors: Zachary Horner
Tuesdays and Thursdays 5:00 – 6:15pm
Spaces Available: 25

In this program, attendees will learn about the history, purpose and people behind Christian hip-hop. It’s perhaps the largest-growing segment in religious music, and artists like Lecrae have been making waves in mainstream music as well. The program will look at how Christian rap started, what the purpose of using that art form is (with video interviews from the rappers themselves) and an overview of the big names in the industry today. We’ll also look at the life-change expressed through Christian rap through a couple artists in particular. The program will finish with students making their own mixtapes of their favorite Christian hip-hop songs to share with classmates.

BTB 015: Style Wars: The Art of Breakin’

Instructors: Sean Patterson
Mondays and Wednesday 6:00-7:30pm *Date and Time Change
Spaces Available: 24

Bboying or breaking, commonly referred to as breakdancing, is an esoteric art form which experienced much critical acclaim in the 80s. It is one of the four Hip-Hop elements along with rapping, graffiti and DJing. Although it is not as mainstream now as it was decades ago, it is still practiced domestically and internationally and has evolved tremendously since its conception decades ago. Learn the fundamentals and history of breaking and gain a more holistic perspective on the Hip-Hop culture.

BTB 016: Make Your Own 3D Film and Photography

Instructors: Chelsea Lindsay
Tuesdays and Thursdays 5:15-6:30pm
Spaces Available: 15

Do you like 3D films like Avatar and Gravity? Do you love making cool videos and images? If so, this is the program for you! Learn the secrets behind stereoscopic 3D, and discover how to make 3D films and photography with tools you already have. Equipment, software, and 3D glasses will be provided- all you have to bring is the fun! Sessions involve photography, cameras, and Photoshop/After Effects. A basic knowledge of computers is required. Popcorn will be provided.

BTB 017: I Speak Dots: An Introduction to Reading Braille

Instructors: Shane Dittmar
Mondays  and Thursdays 7:00 – 8:00pm
Spaces Available: 24

We see braille every day without realizing what we’re looking at (if you’ll pardon the puns). It’s the dots on the signs we double-check (hopefully) as we walk into the bathroom, not to mention all of the other places it can be found, if only we look for it, which most of the time we don’t. What is Braille, why does it exist, and how is it read? This program offers you the opportunity to answer these, and more, questions.

BTB 018: Personal and Interpersonal Sexual Health

Instructors: SPARKS Peer Educators
Sponsored by: SPARKS
Thursdays 11:45am – 12:45pm
Spaces Available: 20

The goal of the program is to provide students with unbiased, scientific information in order for them to learn to be comfortable and knowledgeable about their bodies so that they can feel empowered to make informed choices about sexual activity, with or without the presence of others. This program will begin by exploring the history, stereotypes and negative stigma in our culture associated with human sexuality. Students will learn the skills to clearly communicate with a partner about their personal preferences and participate in a facilitated discussion about the essential requirements for consent. Students will also receive information on methods of protection and contraception and where to obtain safer sex supplies.

BTB 019: Seeking Spirituality

Instructors: Miranda Baker
Mondays and Wednesdays 4:45 – 6:00pm
Spaces Available: 10

This will be a discussion-based and experiential learning program covering different practices of spirituality such as those within the New Age movement, Transcendentalism, and earth based spiritualties. As we discuss topics like meditation, ritual, elements, and deities, philosophical questions and current controversies will be presented to further explore each of these minorities.

BTB 020: A Peek into the Middle East

Instructors: Kate Kirby, Andrew Manca, and Jordan Thomas
Sponsored by: Arabic Language Organization
Tuesdays 5:00 – 6:30pm
Spaces Available: 24

This Burst the Bubble program will enlighten participants of different cultural aspects of the Middle East. There are many stereotypes and negative connotations that revolve around this region of the world. It is important to inform people that these stigmas are not all true and that there is more to the Middle East than the media portrays. The first session will be an introduction to the Middle East and will feature geography of the region and teach participants the basic of the language. Students will learn the Arabic alphabet and basic grammar. The second session will be a discussion on the Middle East. Discussion topics include bridging stereotypes associated with the Middle East as well as current event topics. The third session will be a hands-on cooking seminar where participants can learn about typical cuisine and have the chance to make and eat some Middle Eastern comfort food and everyday favorites.

BTB 021: Crafting Friendships with Friendship Bracelets

Instructors: Mary Kate Brogan
Thursdays 7:00 – 8:00pm
Spaces Available: 16

Remember back in grade school when friendship bracelets were all the rage? Well, friendship bracelets are coming back into style, and if you didn’t know how to make one then, there’s never been a better time to learn. From veteran friendship bracelet makers to absolute beginners, all are welcome to come learn how to craft friendship bracelets and maybe make some friends along the way.

BTB 022: Reel Treble: Irish Dance Basics

Instructors: Kerry Kurkjian, Kaela Wnorowski, and Katie Caler
Mondays and Wednesdays 4:45 – 5:45pm
Spaces Available: 24

Saint Patrick’s Day is… a little more than around the corner, but why not get a head start on celebrating the best holiday of the year?! Learn the basics of Irish Step Dancing and become the Lord of the Dance in no time! No prior experience is needed. This program will be extremely fun and energizing. Please join us, do a little jig, and get a great work out in the meantime!

BTB 023: The Human Predator: Human-Wildlife Conflict 101

Instructors: Ian Easterling
Tuesdays and Thursdays 4:45 – 5:45pm
Spaces Available: 25

Up to 250 people are killed by tigers in the Sundarbans of India every year. An African farmer can lose his entire annual crop to a herd of elephants in a single night. I bet you’re asking, “Why should we care?”. This program is focused on showing you the benefits of understanding human wildlife-conflict worldwide and strategies for conserving these “problem species” and the ecosystems that revolve around them. We will use the Conservators’ Center in Mebane to take a look at strategy for educating the general public on wildlife, especially on the apex predators. My hope is to also establish an avenue for animal enthusiasts (that don’t necessarily want to be veterinarians) to express their interests and discuss the issues facing our wildlife in the coming years.

BTB 024: Facing History & Ourselves

Instructors: Aaron Damesek
Mondays and Wednesdays 4:45 – 5:45pm
Spaces Available: 12

This program focuses on why people act and think the way the do regarding oppression, genocide, and human rights violations. There are two parts to this program. One part in self-reflective, where students learn about themselves as a person, a bystander, and an up stander. It is here that peers will share significant life events, opinions, and solutions to problems. The second part of this program is looking into genocide and human rights violations. Topics will included the Holocaust, Armenian genocide, Genocide in Darfur, Rwandan Genocide, Eugenics movement, and religious conflict (Sunni vs. Shi’ite). At the end of the program there is a class project with the goal to improve or inform our community in some way.

BTB 025: Benefits of Alternative Therapy

Instructors: Sarah Beacham, Zoe Ross-Nash, and Anthony Amatucci
Tuesdays and Thursdays 5:00 – 7:00pm
Spaces Available: 15

This program will focus on the benefits of alternative therapy including dance movement, art, and music and it’s relationship to mental and physical health.  Studies have shown these different types of therapy aid in recovery from illness, accidents, etc.  We plan to bring in speakers from these fields to explain the psychological impacts and benefits of these types of therapy as opposed to the traditional occupational therapy option.

BTB 026: The Art of Cigars

Instructors: Ethan Smith and Dallas Reynolds
Thursdays 5:00 – 6:00pm
Spaces Available: 12

Cigar smoking isn’t for everyone. We get that. But we still think everyone should know a bit about the art. There’s a lot of history behind this time honored practice and an entire culture surrounding it. Our program seeks to be a basic beginner’s guide to cigars and how to smoke them. We would study the origination of cigars, how they are made, where various forms of tobacco originate from, the cigar “hotspots” of the world, how to store cigars  and finally, how to cut the cap off of a cigar, light it and enjoy it properly. Ideally, our group could go to JR Cigar in Burlington to enjoy the community of cigar smokers that gather there and talk to the experts behind the counter on how to select great cigars. If you’ve ever seen someone with a large cigar sticking out of their face and have been curious about how it got there and why they’re smoking it, this program is for you.

BTB 027: Afro Funk

Instructors: Oluwatoberu Jaiyesimi and Desiree Porter
Mondays and Wednesdays 6:00 – 7:30pm
Spaces Available: 25

This program focuses on the exploration of the “brown” culture. We will cover the pivotal characteristics of African-American, African, Afro-Caribbean, Afro-Latino cultures and everything in between. Topics of discussion include: Hair- the origin of the Naturalista movement, Cuisine- Culturally infused signature dishes and the evolution of the complexities of brown skin in the modern society. All are welcome.

BTB 028: Blushed: A Guide to Everything Makeup

Instructors: Marie Lunney
Mondays, Wednesdays, and Fridays 12:00 – 12:45pm
Spaces Available: 25

Makeup is creative, expressive, and fun! Blushed is a class for everyone, from makeup lovers to the totally clueless. Each session will cover a different topic such as the history of makeup, how to do the perfect winged eyeliner, creating a long lasting red lip and finding the perfect look to fit your eye shape, and much more. Additionally, I want to hear what you want to learn and incorporate that into the lesson plan. This will be a highly interactive and hands-on program so get excited!