Cedar-Riverside
Introduction to Marxist Theory
This course will begin by exploring the basic tenets of Marxist theory with a special emphasis on global current events using videos, readings and discussions. In the second part of the course, students will be encouraged to resurrect the historic questions that have served to both divide and develop a materialist perspective of capitalism, and how people can organize and struggle against it.
Latin American Film and Culture From Below
"Latin American Film and Culture From Below," is designed for people interested in understanding how social struggles and underrepresented people are depicted in film and introduce students to the cinematic works of a number of Latin American film artists. We will view films and documentaries about social struggles, revolutionary movements, human rights , authoritarianism, and the affects of globalization on Latin America. Each film will be introduced by the instructor, who will provide historical and political background for context. After each film a discussion will follow. Also, appropriate readings will be disseminated to the class before a film or documentary when pertinent. The films include (in this order):
Cine Latinoamericano y Cultura de Los de Abajo", es un curso diseñado para gente interesante en la comprensión de cómo las luchas sociales y las clases populares son representados en el cine. Vamos a ver películas y documentales sobre las luchas sociales, movimientos revolucionarios, derechos humanos, el autoritarismo y los efectos de la globalización en América Latina. Cada película será presentado por el instructor, que proporcionará los antecedentes históricos y políticos de contexto. Después de cada película una discusión seguirá. Además, las lecturas apropiadas se darán a conocer a la clase antes de una película o documental cuando sea pertinente. Las películas incluyen:
The Violin (El Violin, Mexico) 2005
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Experimental Songwriting
In this class we will be experimenting with writing in the moment- which (musically) means no writing at all.
Each participant will bring his or her instrument of choice- even if it's "just" their voice, and we will play with a variety of methods- everyone "passing the feather," (and we will play with this idea as well). I (Miss Chief) will "host" (teach) the class, by gentle guiding/leading...
Any ability/experience level is fine, as long as each individual maintains respect for each other. If someone is unbearably off, and our ears hurt, we may need them to take a break for a few minutes! Hopefully, you know how to play your instrument somewhat! ;)
Ideally, we would have the equipment with which to record our "sessions/"classes, and eveyone would get a copy via CD ( - though it would probably be more efficient to compile the recordings and give everyone a copy on the last day of class).
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The Exploration of Societal Ideologies
To Whom It May Concern:
The class in which I intend to propose will be entitled: The Exploration of Societal Ideologies. The primary emphasis of the class will be to explore and contemplate the numerous social experimentations that have rectified and destroyed entire civilizations alike. One of the greatest aspirations of the curriculum will be to shed light on the correlation between the principles of social ideologies and the functionality of empowered governments (past and present) that are then in turn bound by the underlying historical relevancies that have measured its performance. A series of connections can be made about a particular nation, community, and culture by observing these fundamentals.
The initial policy of education that I intend to incorporate to the class curriculum will diverge on methods of self-empowerment and interpretation of the given subject matter. In my own personal conviction I feel that the greatest learning experiences can only truly be embraced once an independent perspective is formulated on the receiving end on behalf of the student. This methodology extends a sense of academic self-sufficiency that establishes this degree of independent interpretation. In reference to my own experiences in which I have embraced through my own academic career I have come to the realization that the stimulation of independent thought processes develops the greatest degree of general awareness within the vast academic realm.
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Unsettling Ourselves: A Discussion Group Facilitated by Unsettling Minnesota
Join Unsettling Minnesota for Unsettling Ourselves: A Discussion Group
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Organic Chemistry, Survival in the Twenty-first Century, and Rock 'n' Roll
This course will explore the diversity of natural and anthropogenic organic compounds as well as their molecular structure, physical properties, and biogeochemical dynamics. In lieu of standard textbooks on the subject of organic chemistry, all technical material will be contained in a series of detailed notes written by the facilitator which are to be published electronically. Each class meeting will consist of either a workshop or a field trip, and will be prefaced by facilitator-led discussions on topics such as industrialization, the environment, deciphering media jargon, and activism. The workshops will primarily consist of DIY projects which transform foraged and/or free materials into substances which meet important human needs. These projects will be designed to encourage human creativity, emphasize the importance of the scientific method, and will be necessarily tailored to the interests of the class. The field trips will be to businesses which exploit similar chemical phenomenon on a commercial scale for profit and/or the vested interests of the State. The course is not designed with the needs of aspiring professional scientists in mind, but rather with those of ordinary people who wish to better understand and respond to the world around them.
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From Abbie Hoffman to Reverend Billy: History, Practice and Pedagogy of Culture Jamming
The term culture jamming comes from broadcasting terminology for jamming the airwaves and involves ways of making your own media to counter the media messages we see every day. We’ll look at the history of culture jamming, including the Situationists International and the Yippies from the 1960s, feminist zines from the 1980s and 1990s, to the current practice by the Yes Men and Reverend Billy. We’ll watch movies, have discussion, and participate in some low cost/low tech (but potentially high visibility) culture jamming of our own as well as discussing some current theories of culture jamming. Some light reading (less than 15-20 pages per week) will be given.
Class meets 7-9:30, Thursdays from March 18 - April 15th in 430 Blegen at the University of Minnesota.
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