Scheduled
Indigenous Imperative: Native Thought and its Implications in the age of IDLE NO MORE
Location: Macalester College, Old Main, Room 003
The premise of the course is that our future is not only ecological but indigenous. We will be looking at not only the Six Nations Confederacy, but several other cultural and political powers in the western hemisphere including the Hopi, the Ojibway, the Inca, the Maya, Aztecs and many others. One of the goals of this course will be to not only push the envelope but get rid of the envelope. No discussion of our problems or potentials is possible without our indigenous center. Forget casino gambling, fry bread, pow wows, Sherman Alexie's cynical novels, and all of the other caricatures of first nations people. Rather we are going to vigorously look at the loose medicine bundle of values and cultures which evolved on this continent called sacred turtle island. We will advocate for a robust restoration of native teachings while turning inward to examine each of our own indigenous roots.
NOTE: Ray does not use email all that much so calling is preferred.
Also due to some times in the past with people leaving part way through the session Ray is requesting that participants sign up with the full intent to attend every class session. He is willing to write any class participant a letter of recommendation upon completion of the class. Please only sign up if you plan to make it to almost every class.
Location
Shape note singing
Do you love to sing, or would you like to learn? Come and sing with the Twin Cities Sacred Harp/shape note singing community! I will teach an informal singing class from 5 p.m.-about 5:30 p.m.or so. Then stay and practice your new-found skill by singing with the group until 7:30. (You may leave earlier if you wish.)No experience necessary; only a love of singing is helpful. You don't need to have a choir or operatic voice to sing; just bring the voice you have! Some music-reading skill is helpful, but you can also learn as you go. If this class goes well and is popular, we'll continue it informally after the dates listed below.
Sacred Harp continues a more than 200-year-old tradition of singing hymns, anthems and gospel songs using shaped note heads to indicate position on the scale. Singers sit in a square by parts, and singing is full-throated, heartfelt and enthusiastic. Fellowship and community are important parts of this tradition.
No religious affiliation, nor any audition, is required to join the community.
For more information about shape note singing from the Sacred Harp, see http://www.fasola.org and http://www.mnfasola.org.
Details:
Tuesdays, 5-7:30
February 19, 26, March 5, 12, 19
We will start the class on an earlier date if enough sign up. In that case, class can be ongoing.
Location
Open Forum on Money - Presented by the Institute for the Renewal of Economic Life (IREL) - Spring 2013
Location:
Macalester College (Old Main, Room 010)
1600 Grand Avenue, Saint Paul, MN
Dates & Times: Every Thursday from January 31 through May 23, 2013
All (18) sessions will convene from 7:00 to 9:00 pm:
January 31
February 7, 14, 21, 28
March 7, 14, 21, 28
April 4, 11, 18, 25
May 2, 9, 16, 23, 30
Open Forum:
These sessions are conceived of as open forums that will introduce the participant to the way money originates and how, generally, the financial order, political life and civilized culture arises from that process. From there we will explore money and economy along whatever avenues of inquiry are of interest to those attending. All are welcome, whether having attended a previous session or not. This “Open Forum” is designed for those looking for a way to break out of the current paralysis that has overtaken public discourse, practical application and conscious thinking on matters of money. It is not conceived of being a place to get financial counseling, sell a product, or impose any form of economic dogma. Rather, it is envisioned as an exercise in helping participants to think more clearly and consciously about money itself, thereby cultivating the ground for new economic ideas to arise. Participants are invited to come with their own particular topics, questions and materials to share.
The tenor of these sessions will be informal. They will start at 7 pm (promptness is helpful), and end at 9 pm, or however long people want to stay and talk.
Location
Songwriting
Learning how to write songs with little or no previous experience. We'll begin with looking at songs we like, and decide what makes them appealing, then try to use similar methods to create our own songs.
Methods of songwriting include:
-Poetry Paraphrase
-Improvisational
-Rhythm-based
-Lyric-based
-Chordal-based
-Melodic-based
-Collaboration
Knowledge of music is not essential. A recording device of some sort is helpful. At the end of the course, we'll give a performance of our best songs.
Basic Bicycle Maintenance at Cycles for Change (January)
This class is designed as a complete introduction to the basics of maintaining your bicycle yourself. Learning to fix your own bike can save you money, ensure access to reliable transportation, and be a rewarding personal experience to understand how your vehicle functions. Participants aren’t expected to know anything beforehand – the only thing you need to bring is your lovely selves, your bike if you want, and a creative desire to learn!
In addition to providing technical explanations and building mechanical knowledge and confidence, this class will attempt to provide a basic overview of the role of community bike shops throughout the country and world, as we work to build sustainable transportation movements locally and globally.
Thursdays, January 10, 17, 24, 31 - 6:00-8:30pm
Location
Basic Bicycle Maintenance at Cycles for Change (December)
This class is designed as a complete introduction to the basics of maintaining your bicycle yourself. Learning to fix your own bike can save you money, ensure access to reliable transportation, and be a rewarding personal experience to understand how your vehicle functions. Participants aren’t expected to know anything beforehand – the only thing you need to bring is your lovely selves, your bike if you want, and a creative desire to learn!
In addition to providing technical explanations and building mechanical knowledge and confidence, this class will attempt to provide a basic overview of the role of community bike shops throughout the country and world, as we work to build sustainable transportation movements locally and globally.
Thursdays December 6, 13, 20
* note this series is normally taught in four classes, because of the holiday the December session will be condensed to three classes.
Location
Beginning Screenprinting with Living Proof: Workshop for People of Color
Participants are invited to join members of the Living Proof Print Collective for a two-day workshop covering the fundamentals of screenprinting exclusively for people of color. We will emphasize Do-It-Yourself (DIY) methods so folks can take their screenprinting skills out into their communities! Because of its DIY nature and capacity to efficiently create multiple copies of an image, screenprinting has historically been an art medium used to widely spread messages. We’re hosting this workshop specifically for people of color as a way to create a space to consider our positions as art-makers in our communities.
The first day, Saturday, November 10th 1-4pm we will focus on designing images to print and exposing screens. The next day, Sunday, November 11th 1-4pm we will be printing and sharing prints! By the end of the workshop, participants will make their image into a one-color print that they can put on paper or fabric to share and post widely and wildly. We will cover print shop basics, introduce materials and alternative inking and printing processes.
We are definitely open to participant input on class structure, though we will be cramming a ton into a short period of time so it would be great to hear from you with any questions or hopes before the actual workshop begins. We will be sending out some prep materials before the workshop and we encourage you to check these out to be more prepared for class when it starts.
IMPORTANT: Due to space limitations, we can only allow 6 participants for this 2-day workshop. Please sign up only if you can attend both days, in addition to self-identifying as a person of color and/or indigenous. We are planning to offer these again in the future so just let us know if you're interested in future workshops and we'll keep you in the loop.
Location
Hoop Twin Cities skill sharing and open jam
Hoop dance skill sharing and open jam is intended to be a space and place for hoopers to come together to build community, practice their skills, and to learn and teach. Hoop Twin Cities has been the gathering space for Twin Cities hoopers for the past 3 years.
Forget what you think you know about hula hoops! This skill sharing time will introduce you to the newest and most exciting incarnation called Hooping. Participants will learn hooping basics and new tricks that make this workout addictive and FUN! These hoops are bigger than the ones you find in the toy store and easier for adults to use. Come to burn calories, come to tighten your abs, come to improve your coordination, come to PLAY!
Hoop dance skill sharing and open jam is for all hoopers of all levels that meets once a week for 2 hours. Heck, you don't even need a hoop to attend and participate. We'll supply the hoops, the tunes, the instruction, and the smiles.
Open gym time is every Thursday and starts at 6:30 and our mini lesson, HTC Hoop Scoop starts at 7pm. We meet at Heartfelt Holistic Pharmacy in south Minneapolis. Please look for Hoop Twin Cities on Facebook to stay up to date on local events.
http://www.facebook.com/groups/291860317592261/
Location
Open Forum on Money - Presented by the Institute for the Renewal of Economic Life (IREL)
Location:
Macalester College (Old Main, Room 010)
1600 Grand Avenue, Saint Paul, MN
Dates & Times: Every Thursday from October 18 through December 20, 2012 (except November 22 – Thanksgiving)
All (10) sessions will convene from 7:00 to 9:00 pm:
October 18, 25
November 1, 8, 15, 29
December 6, 13, 20
Open Forum:
These sessions are conceived of as open forums that will introduce the participant to the way money originates and how, generally, the financial order, political life and civilized culture arises from that process. From there we will explore money and economy along whatever avenues of inquiry are of interest to those attending. All are welcome, whether having attended a previous session or not. This “Open Forum” is designed for those looking for a way to break out of the current paralysis that has overtaken public discourse, practical application and conscious thinking on matters of money. It is not conceived of being a place to get financial counseling, sell a product, or impose any form of economic dogma. Rather, it is envisioned as an exercise in helping participants to think more clearly and consciously about money itself, thereby cultivating the ground for new economic ideas to arise. Participants are invited to come with their own particular topics, questions and materials to share.
The tenor of these sessions will be informal. They will start at 7 pm (promptness is helpful), and end at 9 pm, or however long people want to stay and talk.
Location
Science in Class Societies: Ancient Times in 21st Century
Science in Class Societies is a history of science course. It will focus on how ruling classes throughout history in various civilizations used science. This class will also discuss the role of working peoples, people of color, and women in creating science, scientific discoveries, and concepts . The books to be used are "Science in History" by JD Bernal, "A People's History of Science" by Clifford Connor, and The Origins of Materialism by George Novack (Connor's and Novack's books can be purchased at the May Day Bookstore).
Location
