The second quarter of this program will continue our exploration of the value of writing, literature, and the arts in public schools. Based upon the first quarter’s work on response to literature and the arts, and on students’ work in teacherless writing groups, in this second quarter we will investigate the potential uses and power of these approaches in schools. We will continue our study of Vygotsky’s concepts of language and thought, and study applications of those concepts in specific pedagogical methods developed by writers such as James Britton, James Moffett, and Nancie Atwell. We will deepen our understanding of current classroom practice through reading, interviews and observations. Students will conduct an extended field observation, practicum or research project as part of their work winter quarter. Because this is the second quarter of a two-quarter program, new enrollment to the second quarter will require the instructor’s signature.

This course describes the manners in which public policy can be formulated in Washington state. We will explore the role(s) played by the legislature, regulatory agencies, the courts and citizen action in making the rules which govern citizen behavior. The class will discuss various laws, regulations, court cases and initiatives with a focus on two questions: 1) Is the end result good public policy? 2) Is the method by which this policy was formed a good one? The course shall include numerous guest speakers, lectures, in-class discussion and legislative drafting.

The second quarter of this year-long sequence will continue to equip participants with the tools they need to effect change in themselves and in the world. During winter quarter, the program will focus on acquiring the skills necessary to work effectively with information in the digital age. The program will be structured as four intensive weekend units. Students enrolling for 4 credits may attend any two of the four intensive weekend units. Students enrolling for 8 credits will attend all four intensive weekend units. Students enrolling for 12 credits will attend all four intensive weekend units, attend an extra class at the end of the quarter, and complete an independent research project spanning the themes of the quarter.

The United States was founded on a set of political ideals, yet the words we use to express them hide deep and lasting political disagreements. Our history is infused with recurring conflicts over the nature of “liberty” and of “justice,” and most prominently, over whom the phrase “for all” includes. In this half-time writing intensive program, we will study several theories of political philosophy in the context of different periods of U.S. history in order to better understand their appeal to contemporary Americans.

Digital video has made it possible for anyone to go out and slap something up on YouTube. But is it any good? This class will give you the tools to ensure that your image is visually as good as it can be. We will cover exposure, lighting, composition, equipment choices, crew positions, set etiquette and more. We will use hands-on classroom instruction, reading and critique to convey what is needed to create a stunning moving image.