2005-06 Evening and Weekend Studies: A

We will examine the current meaning of abnormal vs. normal behavior and experience along several dimensions, including the philosophical underpinnings of Western psychology, current views on abnormality and cultural differences in the view and treatment of abnormal behavior. Classification of psychopathology will be studied, including theories around etiology and treatment strategies.

This class is designed for students who want to practice academic writing-beginners and experienced writers alike. It's based on the premise that academic writing begins with an inquiry-a question about ideas or practices that matter to the writer and to other readers. Since good academic writing depends on careful thinking, careful reading and good conversation, we will spend time practicing all three, as well as working on writing directly.

Quantitative literacy is a way of thinking and reasoning that cuts across all disciplines. This class will help you learn the quantitative literacy skills you need to effectively advocate for your passion. “Quantitative literacy empowers people by giving them tools to think for themselves, to ask intelligent questions of experts, and to confront authority confidently.” (Lynn Arthur Steen, Mathematics and Democracy, the Case for Quantitative Literacy , 2001). Come and learn how.

We humans have always altered our environments, but beginning about 12,000 years ago, we learned to control our food supply and began to alter the world irrevocably. We will study the origin and history of food production worldwide, drawing on archaeology, paleoecology, history, genetics and zoology. We will pay close attention to how we gather and interpret the kinds of information that tell us about our topic.

With live drumming we will learn dances that originated in Africa and migrated to Brazil during slavery. We will dance to the driving, rapturous beat from Brazil known as samba. For the people of the villages surrounding Rio de Janeiro, samba is considered their most intense, unambivalent joy. In addition, we will dance and sing to contemporary cross-cultural beat from Bahia: Samba-Reggae and the Candomble religious dances of the Orixas. We will also learn dances from other regions of Brazil such as Baiao, Frevo and Maracatu.

In this course, students will study the life, legacy and impact of Alexander the Great on world history and culture. We will use Arrian's account of Alexander's campaigns and Michael Wood's video series In the Footsteps of Alexander the Great as entry points for the study of the geography and cultural diversity of Southwestern Asia, as well as Alexander's vision, leadership and megalomania.

Topics in this course will include functions (linear, polynomial and exponential), modeling, statistical reasoning and introductory trigonometry. Functions will be represented verbally, graphically, algebraically, and numerically. The mathematics is presented in a context-based, problem-solving format. Collaborative learning is emphasized. This class is a good introduction to college-level mathematics.

In this course, students will learn basic finger-spelling, vocabulary, conversation sign and ASL grammar. Introduction to deaf culture includes invitations to participate in the Thuston County Association of the Deaf's activities.

Students will focus on broadening their vocabularies, conversation skills and using appropriate and accurate ASL grammar, with emphasis on the non-manual aspect of communication. There is a continued study of deaf culture and invitations to deaf events in this area.

Students will continue to focus on broadening their vocabularies, conversation skills and using appropriate and accurate ASL grammar, with emphasis on the non-manual aspect of communication. There is a continued study of deaf culture and invitations to deaf events in this area.

This guest lecture series will explore the theory, practice and politics of such healing arts as midwifery, acupuncture and oriental medicine, herbal medicine, Thai massage, nutrition, reflexology, Laban movement analysis and naturopathic medicine. This year, there will be a special emphasis on nutrition and personal health practices. Comparison and integration between standard medical practice and complementary approaches will be emphasized. Each student will be expected to also spend four hours weekly exploring and applying practices related to health and healing.

In this yearlong course, students will learn the Arabic alphabets, and to read and write in modern and Classical Arabic Standard, the language spoken in all of the 22 Arabic states and many Islamic countries (all Muslims have to pray in Arabic). By the end of the year, students will learn to speak at a novice level. Students will also learn some short poems and stories as well as the Arabic culture and some conversational Arabic

In this yearlong course, students will learn the Arabic alphabet and to read and write in modern, or Classical Arabic Standard, the language spoken in all 22 Arabic states and most Islamic countries. Students will learn to speak at a novice level using short poems and stories.

This program will explore the exciting creative and ceremonial traditions of Mexico. We will learn about the history and significance of major themes in 19th- and 20th-century Mexican culture, such as the post-revolutionary mural movement, women painters like Frida Kahlo, social protest art of the People's Graphic Art Workshop, vibrant folk traditions that accompany the fiestas, and contemporary Mexican and Chicano art. Relevant art projects will be incorporated to help us to understand Mexican art history in an experiential way.

All writing is creative writing—even nonfiction. In this course, students will read, critique and try their own hand at various sub-genres of nonfiction writing, including the essay, various formats of response papers, the research paper and journalistic writing. Attention will be given to both content and the mechanics of writing, as well as the revision and peer editing process. For their final paper, students will choose the sub-genre they would like to focus on.

In this course we will study the art of the Italian Renaissance. We will also examine the ideas that supported the Renaissance, such as Franciscan spirituality, the birth of Humanism, the influence of Neoplatonism on artists like Michelangelo, and the vital importance of the workshop and the guild system for artists. We will take a contemporary approach to the Renaissance as we learn about how it grew out of and was influenced by the Medieval era, while we will also focus on what was distinctive about the period, such as the development of a landscape and portrait painting tradition. Moving from theory to practice, we will learn how to make a handmade book with a technique that would have been used in this era.

This interdisciplinary class will explore the art and art history of mosaics. An ancient art that combines practicality with beauty, the mosaic medium is currently having a renaissance as contemporary artists explore its uses in architectural design and outdoor sites. Students will learn to make both two-dimensional and three-dimensional mosaic artworks as well as study the history of mosaics. A field trip to see the Art Nouveau exhibit at the Seattle Art Museum will also enhance our understanding of this intriguing art medium. No prior background in art is required.

The relationship between humans and nature is at the very core of our existence. Children and adults often lose their connection with nature in education that strives to make us more "civilized." Animals, plants, rocks, clouds and even microbes could be considered as sentient beings. Children often intuitively know this and, as adults, we can be consciously re-awakened to this. In the program we will explore how deeper experience of nature's movement through the seasons can enrich our lives. We will also explore ways in which we can support children and strengthen their connection and understanding of nature's seasonal transformations. Our curriculum will include nature observation and journaling, plant study, cultural perspectives on health care and botanical medicine as well as practical skills with medicinal plants and gardens, consideration of calendars, creation of festivals, and practice of expressive arts inspired by the wonder and beauty of nature. We will also spend time with children in schools sharing what we have learned and learning from what children bring to us. Our time together will be a celebration!

Focusing on hand drawn, photographic and stencil silk-screen techniques, this course will allow students to intensely study and practice the fine art of silk-screening. Over ten weeks, students will create a professional portfolio highlighting concept, craft and technique. The class will conclude with a print exchange.

This is the first of a two-quarter sequence in which students are introduced to the subject of audio and its relation to modern media. We will focus on analog mixers and magnetic recording with some work in digital editing. The main objectives will include field recording, digital audio editing, microphone design and application, analog multi-track recording, and audio console signal flow.

The second quarter of this two-quarter sequence will continue the study of audio production. Students will continue their work with analog recorders and mixing consoles while starting to work with computer-based multitrack production. Additional topics will include acoustics, reverb and digital effects processors. Class time will be spent on lectures and recording exercises. There will be weekly lab assignments outside of class.

This course will introduce students to the challenges and possibilities of autobiographical writing. Through a combination of seminars and intensive writing workshops, students will delve into the rich and intricate issues of memory, authority, persona, and truth that face every self-portraying writer. Students will read and discuss a variety of autobiographical works, keep personal journals, and compose their own memoir-essays.