2010-11 Undergraduate Index A-Z
Have questions about the curriculum? Contact Academic Advising
Tips for Using the Catalog
Student Originated Studies (SOS) offers an opportunity for self-motivated students to create their own advanced course of study and to interact with a community of other students researching related topics. Students enrolled in an SOS design their work with input and support from the faculty member, and participate in class sessions with activities that may include seminars, workshops, lectures, and peer review.
Student Originated Studies (SOS)
| Title | Offering | Standing | Credits | Credits | When | F | W | S | Su | Description | Preparatory | Faculty | Days of Week | Multiple Standings | Start Quarters |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
|
Student Originated Studies: Agricultural Systems
David Muehleisen and Melissa Barker Signature Required: Spring |
SOS | SO - SRSophomore - Senior | 16 | 16 | Day | SSpring | This SOS will support students in the study of agricultural systems in conjunction with an on-farm internship or research project. This program is ideal for responsible, enthusiastic, and self-motivated students with an interest in agriculture or food systems. Each student will create an individual course of academic learning including an internship or research project. Course work for the quarter will include required weekly group meetings, maintenance of a field journal to capture on-farm learning, weekly readings, group discussion papers, and a final paper and presentation. In the required group meetings students will explore timely and relevant issues to small scale, local, and direct market farms and farmers. These agricultural issues may include appropriate scale technology, nutrient cycling, water use and law, food production regulations, finances, and other relevant issues decided upon by the group. The on-farm internships and research projects will provide the foundation for exploring relevant farming topics and give a richer and broader basis for discussion. | agriculture and food systems. | David Muehleisen Melissa Barker | Sophomore SO Junior JR Senior SR | Spring | ||||
|
Student Originated Studies: Art, Education, and Human Development
Hirsh Diamant |
SOS | SO - SRSophomore - Senior | 8 | 08 | Evening and Weekend | SSpring | This SOS is ideal for students who want to deepen their studies in Art, Education, and Human Development and to apply these studies in the community. In the first week of the quarter, each student will submit, on-line, their project proposal as an Individual Study Contract (via my.evergreen.edu) and then complete that project during the quarter. This proposal will be designed with input from the faculty member. All students enrolled in the program will also participate in two credits of readings, classes and on-line assignments in collaboration with other students. A weekly class meeting will include seminars, workshops organized by staff, faculty, and students, and opportunities to share learning and project work. Weekly on-line posts will highlight students' progress and learning. Students must attend and participate in all weekly sessions. | education, arts, cultural studies | Hirsh Diamant | Wed | Sophomore SO Junior JR Senior SR | Spring | |||
|
Student Originated Studies: Botany, Herbology, Horticulture
Frederica Bowcutt botany ecology environmental studies gender and women's studies natural history writing Signature Required: Fall |
SOS | JR - SRJunior - Senior | 16 | 16 | Day | FFall | This SOS offers opportunities for well-prepared students to create their own course of study and research. In addition, at least four credits of each student's work will be in collaboration with other students in the program. Group activities will include seminars, workshops, lectures and weekly meetings. Student project work will be presented in a symposium at the end of the quarter. Several research topics are of particular interest to the faculty member. Groups of students working together on community-based projects such as installing edible or medicinal landscaping on campus or other public educational institutions, propagating prairie plants for local ecological restoration efforts, or creating plant-themed public art for the Evergreen Teaching Gardens will be given priority, as will students interested in conducting research on exotic invasive plant species common to the Puget Sound region to determine how they might benefit humanity through sustainable enterprise. This might take the form of exploring the medicinal uses of weedy species like dandelion or the use of Scot's broom for biofuel production. Students interested in honing their botanical illustration skills that propose to work from herbarium specimens to create illustrations for the Puget Prairie Flora and/or Sun Lakes State Park Flora projects and groups wanting to study the history and practice of herbology will receive serious consideration during the signature review process. Students seeking to explore the gender dimensions of botany as a discipline are encouraged to submit a proposal. Prior to fall, interested individual students or small groups of students must consult with the faculty sponsor about their proposed projects and/or internship plans. The project and/or internship is then described on the appropriate contract form (in-program Internship or Individual Learning Contract) and submitted electronically as a draft contract. While this program is primarily aimed at juniors and seniors, first-year students and sophomores may be admitted if they can demonstrate through the signature process that they are ready for the work. | botany, horticulture and herbology. | Frederica Bowcutt | Junior JR Senior SR | Fall | ||||
|
Student Originated Studies: Center for Community-Based Learning and Action
Therese Saliba African American studies Native American studies anthropology communications community studies cultural studies economics education environmental studies gender and women's studies history international studies law and government policy law and public policy leadership studies media studies outdoor leadership and education queer studies sociology sustainability studies Signature Required: Spring |
SOS | FR - SRFreshmen - Senior | 16 | 16 | Day | SSpring | community or youth organizing; community development; economic, racial, and gender justice; education; immigrant rights; international solidarity and International Studies; popular education; public policy; sociology; and queer studies. | Therese Saliba | Freshmen FR Sophomore SO Junior JR Senior SR | Spring | |||||
|
Student Originated Studies: Community Based Learning, Practice and Theory
Peter Bohmer African American studies American studies anthropology community studies cultural studies economics education gender and women's studies government health history international studies law and government policy law and public policy leadership studies media studies political science sociology Signature Required: Fall |
SOS | SO - SRSophomore - Senior | 16 | 16 | Day | FFall | This is an opportunity for serious, responsible and self-motivated students to create their own courses of study and research which should include working with the broader community. Prior to the beginning of the quarter, interested students or student groups need to consult with the faculty about their proposed projects. The faculty sponsor will support student research, learning and practice in a cluster of areas linking economic justice and global justice with local, national and global social movements. There will be especially strong support for students developing projects that are connected to local communities, groups and organizations. Although students will register for this program, you will be primarily doing independent study and/or an internship. I will host this Student Originated Studies (SOS) through Evergreen's Center for Community Base Learning and Action (CCBLA). The CCBLA will serve as the center and support for this study-for learning about, engaging with and contributing to community life in the region. Students, through individual or group projects, will be able to link with social movements, non-profits, community groups, and economic and social justice organizations that focus on the issues listed above. I have substantial knowledge of and experience with local organizations, and experience working with students across the curriculum who are interested in learning through community based research, learning and activism. So does the CCBLA! We will meet weekly, either as the entire group or as subgroups interning at similar organizations or studying similar issues. At these meetings, there will be relevant presentations and workshops as well as time for problem-solving and sharing learning and experiences. During week 10, each student will make a presentation to the entire group on what he or she havs learned. | anarchism, anti-poverty, anti-racism, anti-war, building social movements, community or youth organizing, community development, economic justice, education, healthcare, homelessness and affordable housing, immigrant rights, international solidarity, labor, Latin American studies and solidarity, law, Marxism, political economy, popular economics, popular education, public policy, sociology, and unemployment. | Peter Bohmer | Sophomore SO Junior JR Senior SR | Fall | ||||
|
Student Originated Studies: Community Development
Russell Fox agriculture community studies education environmental studies law and public policy sustainability studies Signature Required: Winter |
SOS | JR - SRJunior - Senior | 16 | 16 | Day and Evening | WWinter | This SOS is ideal for students with community-based internships related to their previous studies. For community-based projects that are not internships, groups of students working together will be given priority (see Prerequisites and Faculty Signature requirements for additional information). All students enrolled in the program will also participate in two credits of readings, classes and on-line assignments in collaboration with other students. A weekly class will include seminars, workshops organized by staff and faculty working at the Center for Community-Based Learning and Action, and opportunities to share internship and project work. Weekly on-line essays will explore topics relevant for students interested in land use planning, community development and social change work. The faculty will also meet regularly with smaller groups of students who are working on similar community issues--such as local agriculture, housing and homelessness, education or social services. Russ Fox has extensive knowledge of local organizations and resources, particularly in Thurston County, as well as experience working with students from across the curriculum who are interested in integrating and applying their learning through community-based research, learning and activism. Currently, his research and community activism work is focused on the viability and sustainability of local agriculture. While priority will be given to juniors and seniors, freshmen and sophomores may be admitted if proposing an internship or if they are part of a group project. | planning, community development, non-profit management, environmental studies, education, social work or public policy | Russell Fox | Thu Thu | Junior JR Senior SR | Winter | |||
|
Student Originated Studies: Entrepreneurship and Business Management
Nelson Pizarro business and management leadership studies Signature Required: Winter |
SOS | JR - SRJunior - Senior | 16 | 16 | Day | WWinter | This SOS is designed for junior and senior students wanting to build a strong foundation for starting and running a sustainable business. They will learn together about marketing, product development, accounting, finance, manufacturing fundamentals, financial analysis, business partner negotiations, human resource management and e-commerce. Students will be exposed to all aspects of business. Throughout the quarter students will be guided by the following questions: Students will answer these questions for themselves by participating in the following experiential and scholarly activities individually and in teams: This program will require an initial meeting during evaluation week, Monday, Dec. 13 from 9:00 am to 1:00 pm (location TBD) to plan the work and deliverables for weeks 1 and 2 of the program. | managing organizations (non-profit and for profit) in any industry and to start up new ventures. | Nelson Pizarro | Tue Thu | Junior JR Senior SR | Winter | |||
|
Student Originated Studies: Local Agriculture
Melissa Barker agriculture botany environmental studies natural history Signature Required: Fall |
SOS | JR - SRJunior - Senior | 16 | 16 | Day | FFall | This SOS will support students in the study of local agriculture systems in conjunction with an internship on a local farm. This program is ideal for responsible, enthusiastic, and self-motivated students with an interest in local agriculture or food systems. Each student will create an individual course of academic learning including an internship or field research project. Course work for the quarter will include required weekly group meetings, maintenance of a field journal to capture on-farm learning, weekly readings, group discussion papers, and a final paper and presentation. Students will be required to attend weekly group meetings. In these group meetings, students will explore timely and relevant issues to small scale, local, and direct market farms and farmers. These agricultural issues may include appropriate scale technology, nutrient cycling, water use and law, food production regulations, finances, and other relevant issues decided upon by the group. The on-farm internships will provide the foundation for exploring relevant farming topics and give a richer and broader basis for discussion. | organic agriculture, food systems, farming, and state and federal agencies. | Melissa Barker | Junior JR Senior SR | Fall | ||||
|
Student Originated Studies: Managing for a Healthy Work Environment - Tribal and Non-Profit Agencies
Gary Peterson Native American studies business and management cultural studies education gender and women's studies history law and public policy leadership studies political science sociology writing Signature Required: Winter |
SOS | FR - SRFreshmen - Senior | 16 | 16 | Evening and Weekend | FFall | WWinter | This fall and winter SOS welcomes students who plan to work for tribal government or non-profit agencies. Our work will focus on developing healthy relationships between Tribal Councils or boards of directors and administrators. We will examine mission statements, policies, and procedures and how their implementation affects relationships in the workplace and services to client populations. Students will learn about the dynamics of service delivery, reverberations of historical oppression in recipient communities, power relationships, community needs, and other effects on the work environment and services. Students will hear lectures from managers who utilize healthy management skills and tools and they will visit organizations that have a history or operating on the Relational World View, and other models, to maintain organizational balance. They will learn how gossip, rumors, cliques, etc., can undermine organizational health. Students will research and write about culture, organizational culture, identity, goal setting and other elements of organizational functioning. They will learn about the importance of financial and organizational reporting. They will research organizational services, early childhood development for example, that operate within Tribal and Non-Profit agencies. Meeting times will be scheduled to facilitate working students, evenings and weekends. Guest lectures will be presented by Yvonne Peterson. For students interested in continuing Spring quarter, Gary Peterson will offer Individual Learning Contracts or Internships. | early childhood education, tribal/non-profit management, education, human resources, native american studies, political science, communications, cultural competence, and information technology. | Gary Peterson | Freshmen FR Sophomore SO Junior JR Senior SR | Fall | |||
|
Student Originated Studies: Media/Philosophy
Kathleen Eamon and Julia Zay communications media studies moving image philosophy writing Signature Required: Winter |
SOS | JR - SRJunior - Senior | 16 | 16 | Day | WWinter | SSpring | This SOS is designed to support creative and theoretical projects that can only arise at juncture of these distinct but related modes of academic and creative labor. We invite students, including transfers, who have significant academic experience in media production and studies and/or critical theory and philosophy, and who are committed to exploring the boundaries of these modes of inquiry. Our experiments will be anchored by a central line of inquiry around the relationship between objects, images, figures, and perception on the one hand and judgment, reflection, valuation, critique and synthesis on the other. This means that the entire program will screen films and read texts together. One shared text, for example, will be Mary Ann Doane's , which argues that the cinema participated in representing the singular instant of chance and ephemerality in the face of the increasing rationalization and standardization at the turn of the 19 Century. Media and philosophy students alike will need to develop an understanding of what it means to think historically and concretely about both thought and its objects. Students will research and design individual projects in the first quarter, while focusing on honing a set of shared skills, exploring overlapping areas of student interest, and learning about developing models of creative/critical collaboration. Students will work in depth with one faculty member, depending on their academic focus (media production, critical theory, or philosophy), but seminars, workshops, lectures, and critiques will provide time for work outside these concentrations. The second quarter of the program will provide space for implementing individual projects and will culminate in a public conference. : This part of the program is designed for students who have already developed some expertise in media production, are familiar with aspects of media theory, and wish to do advanced production work that may have developed out of previous academic projects and/or programs. We will focus on experimental and non-fiction forms, which require a period of germination for new ideas to emerge. Students will deepend their understanding of media history and theory through readings, seminars, and writing; they will expand their technical skills through workshops; and they will present their own research to the entire program. In addition, each student or team of students (for collaborative projects) will do extensive pre-production planning and research in the first quarter for a media project to be completed by the end of the second quarter in time for public screening. : This part of the program is for students who have some substantial background in philosophy and/or critical theory. Ideally, students in this track will arrive with a specific set of categories that they find both intriguing and perplexingly abstract, and terms and questions that seem to invite extra-philosophical attempts to render them concrete. Students are free (and are in fact, required) to choose their own topics, but Kathleen Eamon's central areas of research and inquiry include aesthetics, social and political philosophy, and critical theory; a list of figures of interest includes Kant, Hegel, Marx, Freud, and the Frankfurt School theorists. Students in this section will read texts, participate in and lead seminars, share and critique writing throughout the program, and develop a presentation and conference paper for the end of the second quarter. | the arts and humanities, film history and theory, philosophy, critical theory, experimental media, media arts and digital communications. | Kathleen Eamon Julia Zay | Junior JR Senior SR | Winter | |||
|
Student Originated Studies: Music
Terry Setter Signature Required: Spring |
SOS | FR - SRFreshmen - Senior | 16 | 16 | Day | SSpring | This SOS is an opportunity for well-prepared students to do highly independent work in Music Composition, Music Technology, or Audio Production. Participants will meet as a group on Thursday mornings to review progress and share ideas for increasing the quantity and quality of the work that students are doing. Specific descriptions of learning goals and activities will be developed individually between the student and faculty. | music, music technology, and audio production. | Terry Setter | Thu | Freshmen FR Sophomore SO Junior JR Senior SR | Spring | |||
|
Student Originated Studies: Poetics
Leonard Schwartz aesthetics literature philosophy writing Signature Required: Spring |
SOS | SO - SRSophomore - Senior | 16 | 16 | Day | SSpring | Students are invited to join this learning community of culture workers interested in language as a medium of artistic production. This SOS is designed for students who share similar skills and common interests to do advanced work that may have grown out of previous academic projects and/or programs. Students will work with faculty throughout the quarter; we will design small study groups, collaborative projects and critique groups that will allow students to support one another's work. Poetics involves language as creative functions (writing, poetry, fiction), language as performance, language as image, and language as a tool of thought (philosophy, criticism). Our work will be to calibrate these various acts. | poetics, poetry, metafiction, literary theory and criticism, writing, publishing and the arts. | Leonard Schwartz | Sophomore SO Junior JR Senior SR | Spring | ||||
|
Student Originated Studies: Projects in Japanese History, Literature, Religion, Arts, and Film
Setsuko Tsutsumi |
SOS | SO - SRSophomore - Senior | 16 | 16 | Day | WWinter | This SOS will give students opportunity to explore various aspects of Japanese civilization, by designing their own individual study. Students can focus on a particular historical period or incident, or choose themes which run throughout Japanese historical/ political development. Students can examine certain authors and their works in a certain period, or explore the tradition of Japanese aesthetics which run underneath literary works. Students can analyze their favorite films and directors, including animation, or study contemporary youth culture through their music and fashion. Students can also take comparative approaches, comparing and contrasting certain topics and themes between Japanese and other culture. Possible research subjects are abundant throughout two thousand years of Japanese civilization in the areas of history, literature, arts, theater, religion, folklore, and film. Students will develop their research through consultation with the faculty. Students can also engage themselves in creative works based on certain Japanese themes and images. Medium of the work is their choice. It could be ceramic work, or short film, or fabric work. The creative work should be supported by book research. Students who want to include field research trip to Japan in their study plan, should register for Individual Contract with the faculty as a sponsor, not for this SOS program, though they can join the class activities in this SOS program prior and after their trip. Interested students should bring their well-developed research or creative work plans to the first meeting of the quarter. The plans should include project goals, reading lists, weekly work plan, and intended final product. Although students work individually, they will meet together once a week to report and share work-in-progress, conduct peer reviews, and receive advice and guidance. Each student will keep a process portfolio and reading journal. | Japanese studies, multicultural studies, literature, history, and film. | Setsuko Tsutsumi | Sophomore SO Junior JR Senior SR | Winter | ||||
|
Student Originated Studies: Projects in Literature, Philosophy, and Creative Writing
Marianne Bailey language studies literature philosophy writing Signature Required: Fall |
SOS | SO - SRSophomore - Senior | 16 | 16 | Day | FFall | This program supports students doing individual creative and research projects. Students will enroll for SOS, then design their quarter-long, contract-style work plans using input from the faculty member. In the first week of the program, each student will prepare a project proposal, and then complete that project during the quarter. The program will have weekly class sessions where students will report on their progress, share work-in-progress, conduct peer reviews, get advice and guidance. Students must attend and participate in these sessions. Students will maintain and submit a process portfolio and reading journal. We will have in-class student readings of their work at the end of the quarter. The weekly meeting is intended to provide a sense of community and support to students. All other contract obligations will be worked out individually with the faculty member. The faculty member has particular expertise in the following topics: French, Francophone Caribbean, African and Canadian literature, German philosophy and literature, studies in symbology, ritual, mythology and comparative religions. | writing, languages, literature, philosophy, and teaching. | Marianne Bailey | Sophomore SO Junior JR Senior SR | Fall | ||||
|
Student Originated Studies: Psychology (fall)
Carrie Margolin Signature Required: Fall |
SOS | SO - SRSophomore - Senior | 16 | 16 | Day | FFall | This SOS is an opportunity for students to do intermediate to advanced work in psychology. Students will work independently on their own individual projects or areas of study. Areas of study may include prerequisites for graduate work. Empirical research projects are welcome. Students are encouraged to cluster together around projects that reflect their shared interests. The format also includes a biweekly seminar for discussion of assigned readings in cognitive neuroscience. In addition, students will meet in a biweekly forum. In the forum, students will share work-in-progress to get feedback and advice. The forum is intended to provide a sense of community and support to students. All other contract obligations will be worked out individually with the faculty member. Priority will be given to students with well-developed plans for their studies; they should submit a draft contract to the faculty for further refinement and signature. Those students with less-developed ideas for their studies must meet with the faculty for help in expanding their plan of study prior to submitting their draft contract. | psychology and empirical research in psychology, social work, eduction and social sciences. | Carrie Margolin | Sophomore SO Junior JR Senior SR | Fall | ||||
|
Student Originated Studies: Psychology (winter)
Carrie Margolin Signature Required: Winter |
SOS | SO - SRSophomore - Senior | 16 | 16 | Day | WWinter | This SOS is an opportunity for students to do intermediate to advanced work in psychology. Students will work independently on their own individual projects or areas of study. Areas of study may include prerequisites for graduate work. Empirical research projects are welcome. Students are encouraged to cluster together around projects that reflect their shared interests. The format also includes the option of a 4-credit biweekly seminar for discussion of assigned readings in cognitive neuroscience. All other contract obligations will be worked out individually with the faculty member. Priority will be given to students with well-developed plans for their studies; they should submit a draft contract to the faculty online for further refinement and signature. Those students with less-developed ideas for their studies must meet with the faculty for help in expanding their plan of study prior to submitting their draft contract. | psychology, social work, education, and social sciences. | Carrie Margolin | Sophomore SO Junior JR Senior SR | Winter | ||||
|
Student Originated Studies: Public Health, Environment, Sustainability and Public Policy
Lin Nelson community studies environmental studies government sociology sustainability studies Signature Required: Winter |
SOS | SO - SRSophomore - Senior | 16 | 16 | Day and Evening | WWinter | SSpring | This SOS program is directed to students who have broad interests in the following: public health, environmental conditions affecting public health and welfare, the movements around sustainability and social justice, and related public policy developments from local to international. Students with these interests and backgrounds will shape their work through internships, community projects and/or independent paths of study, and the group will be linked to the Center for Community-Based Learning and Action. Students and faculty will meet weekly or bi-weekly to examine and explore an array of issues, to examine links between projects and to develop skills and strategies. The concepts of Popular Education and Participatory Research will be central to our learning. We will cultivate this work, individually and in small groups, through consultation and collaboration with area organizations and through participant-observation approaches to local and state government. Students will explore and develop different approaches, with a mix of writing, documentation, workshops and presentations. Priority will be given to juniors and seniors. | public policy, community studies, environment, public health, sustainability, social justice. | Lin Nelson | Sophomore SO Junior JR Senior SR | Winter | |||
|
Student Originated Studies: Travel-Based Education
Ariel Goldberger business and management consciousness studies cultural studies field studies geography history language studies maritime studies outdoor leadership and education religious studies somatic studies theater visual arts writing Signature Required: Fall |
SOS | SO - SRSophomore - Senior | 16 | 16 | Day | FFall | This SOS is for students seriously interested in study-related or research projects involving an individually designed journey or travel. There is a long and revered tradition of humans embarking on journeys for the purpose of learning to develop self-awareness, get to know the world outside of what is familiar, engage in a spiritual quest, or expand the student's sense of what is possible. Travel has been a powerful academic, experiential and research component in the life of many scholars, artists, writers, mystics, and scientists. For thousands of years, humans have developed intercultural awareness, valuable communication skills, resourcefulness, spiritual awareness, cultural understanding, and a sense of the relativity of their personal views by engaging in it. Travel can be deeply transformative. This program is an educational offering designed for self-directed students who desire to benefit from engaging in educational travel as part of their learning at Evergreen. Students interested in registering must have a project in mind that requires travel as a central component of their learning. Individual projects should involve or prepare for some form travel for the purpose of learning, research, interdisciplinary studies, writing, volunteering, learning languages, studying historical events at their source, studying spiritual quests, understanding or studying other cultures, learning about a culturally relevant artifact or artistic expression at its source, developing a career in the leisure or tourism industry, or any combination thereof. Serious, self-directed, and responsible students are encouraged to register. Students will spend the first one or two weeks finishing intensive preparatory research on their specific destinations, to acquaint themselves the historical and cultural context of their place of destination, understand cultural norms, and study any relevant legal issues. Participants will prepare plans to be ready for emergencies or eventualities as well, as each student might have a different project and the faculty will remain as a resource for all participants. Students will be responsible for making all necessary arrangements for their travel, room and board, as well as budgeting for individual expenses related to their projects. Once the initial one or two weeks of preparation are completed, participants in the program will embark on their travel-related practicum or project, and report regularly to the faculty using a procedure negotiated in advance. Participants will be required to document their experience effectively in order to produce a final report. Participants will return to Olympia by week 10 to present the final report of their experience and project to the class at the Olympia campus, unless specifically arranged in advance with the faculty by week two. Please Note: This program is not a Study Abroad academic offering. Students interested in Study Abroad should work on an Independent Learning Contract with Ariel Goldberger separately, or pursue offerings listed in the corresponding section of the catalog. Those students who have demonstrated academic progress and who have projects that take more than a quarter are advised to negotiate an ILC with professor Goldberger to accomodate their learning needs. | humanities, cultural studies, arts, social sciences, and the leisure and tourism industry. | Ariel Goldberger | Sophomore SO Junior JR Senior SR | Fall | ||||
|
Student Originated Studies: Two-Dimensional Art
Lisa Sweet Signature Required: Spring |
SOS | SO - SRSophomore - Senior | 16 | 16 | Day | SSpring | This SOS is designed for students who are considering professions in the visual arts or arts education at any level, and who want to join a community of committed visual artists. Ideal candidates for this program will be interested in doing advanced work that links theory with practice. Significant writing and research focused on some aspect of art. Students will design their own projects, complete research, write papers appropriate to their artistic inquiry, share their research through presentations, work intensively in the studio together, produce a significant thematic body of work, and participate in demanding critiques. | 2D studio arts, contemporary visual theory, and art education. | Lisa Sweet | Sophomore SO Junior JR Senior SR | Spring | ||||
|
Student Originated Studies: Working Across Dimensions (2D and 3D)
Lisa Sweet Signature Required: Spring |
SOS | SO - SRSophomore - Senior | 16 | 16 | Day | SSpring | This SOS is designed for students who are considering professions in the visual arts or arts education at any level, and who want to join a community of visual artists. Ideal candidates for this program will be interested in doing advanced work that addresses both object and image—working across 2-D and 3-D practices—and significant writing and research focused on some aspect of art. Students will design their own projects, complete visual research and write papers appropriate to their artistic inquiry, share their research through presentations, work intensively in the studio together, produce a significant thematic body of work, and participate in demanding weekly critiques. The group will meet together weekly for technical demonstrations, student and faculty lectures, guest artist talks, critiques and field trips. | 2D and 3D studio arts and art education. | Lisa Sweet | Sophomore SO Junior JR Senior SR | Spring | ||||
|
Student-Originated Studies: Action for a Sustainable Future
Ted Whitesell community studies environmental studies government law and government policy law and public policy leadership studies political science sustainability studies writing Signature Required: Fall |
SOS | JR - SRJunior - Senior | 16 | 16 | Day | FFall | Students will work together to learn to how to be effective public activists able to intervene in complex social-ecological issues to foster sustainability and justice. They will share their insights by writing a book for their peers, for publication both in print and digitally. In addition, they will create a web site housing a database of case studies illustrating relevant policy, strategy and tactics. This web site will also serve as a communications center for activists and for those studying activism. Attention will focus on ethical, personal and social consequences of choices about how to think and act in situations of uncertainty, complexity, conflict and stress, and how to live effectively in potentially despair-inducing times. The program will train students for leadership roles in government, private and non-profit organizations; support them in living fulfilled lives in difficult circumstances; and build communities of mutual support. As an SOS, students will also learn how to manage a significant team project. To develop understanding of public policy and political change, we will focus on the topic of the transition to sustainable energy in Washington State. Within this topic, we will examine local, contentious, ongoing cases in detail, beginning with controversies over the coal-fueled power plant in Centralia. Students will attend meetings of organizations and legislative committees, interview participants, research issue history, and study interactions of biophysical, social, economic and political components. Analysis will be informed by interdisciplinary readings on political theory, practical and ethical aspects of individual and collective action, complex systems, ecology and Earth processes, and environmental analysis. During fall quarter, we will gain the needed factual and theoretical foundation, complete an in-depth analysis of the Centralia power plant case, outline the book and web site, and establish communications with peers elsewhere. Winter quarter will center on fieldwork, researching and drafting chapters on current contentious cases. Spring quarter will involve extensive editing, rewriting and assembly of the final products. Students will gain skills in writing; editing; oral presentation; communication in print and e-book formats; qualitative social science research; social-ecological complex systems science; oral history; policy analysis; understanding political organizing, negotiation, mediation, lobbying and decision making; and collaborative work on a large-scale project. There will be the opportunity to explore conflict, engagement and reconciliation; and training in the martial art of Aikido as a practice of working with conflict. | leadership, government, and private and non-profit organizations. | Ted Whitesell | Junior JR Senior SR | Fall | ||||
|
Student-Originated Studies: Creative Writing (Narrative Memoir and Short Story)
Eddy Brown American studies consciousness studies cultural studies literature writing Signature Required: Spring |
SOS | SO - SRSophomore - Senior | 16 | 16 | Day | SSpring | This SOS supports students doing individual projects in creative writing. Students will enroll for SOS, then design their quarter-long, contract-style work plans using input from the faculty member. In the first week of the program, each student will prepare a project proposal, and then complete that project during the quarter. The program will have weekly class sessions where students will report on their progress, share work-in-progress, conduct peer reviews, get advice and guidance, and take in faculty and guest lectures on related topics. Students must attend and participate in these sessions. There will also be book seminars with weekly reader responses to both assigned and self-selected texts. Students will maintain and submit a process portfolio and reading journal. We will have in-class student readings of their work at the end of the quarter. The weekly meetings are intended to provide a sense of community and support to students. All other student obligations will be worked out individually with the faculty member. Students may select and propose nonfiction and/or short fiction projects for the program; however, the faculty member has expertise in the following topics: creative writing (particularly the narrative memoir), modern and contemporary American literature (particularly creative nonfiction), literary critique, cultural studies, and intrapersonal psychology (self-awareness). | creative writing, cultural studies, literature and teaching. | Eddy Brown | Sophomore SO Junior JR Senior SR | Spring |