Summer 09

Title of course: Spanish Para Todos!
Facilitator: Robyn Skrebes and Madeline Thaden
Email: robyn.jane@gmail.com Phone: 612-558-6019
Class time: Thursdays 7pm
Class dates: TBA through August 27th
Class Space: TBA

Description:
This class will essentially be a facilitated language-table. We will learn/review vocabulary and have weekly conversation topics. Both instructors come to the class with backgrounds in human rights so discussions may slant towards international politics and social justice. This class is open to anyone interested in speaking/learning Spanish regardless of level. We will bring dictionaries and discussion topics.

Class size: 5 minimum, 15 maximum

What experience do you bring to this class?
-Robin Skrebes has studied Spanish for many years. She has spent time in Ecuador and Honduras and traveling throughout Central and South America. She is currently an organizer with an organization that works on Latin American social issues.
-Madeline Thaden began learning Spanish as a small child and attended a local Spanish-immersion elementary school. She continued studying Spanish in high school and majored in Spanish and Portuguese at the University of Minnesota. She also spent a semester studying in Toledo, Spain. Finally, she worked for a year at a local bilingual nonprofit speaking Spanish at least half of each day.

The Indigenous Imperative: An Ecological Perspective
Facilitator: Ray Tricomo
Contact: 651-714-0288
When / Where: Mondays 6-8pm, Macalester College, Old Main Rm. 010
Start Date: June 15th
Description:
The premise of 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.

NOTE: Ray does not use email so if you want to get in touch with him before the class please call.

Title of Course: Music Composition

Facilitator: Mary Beth Huttlin

Email: hutt0049@umn.edu Phone:

Class Time: 7:00-8:00 Thursdays

Class Dates: June 11, June 18, June 25, July 2, July 9, July 16,

Place: University of Minnesota – West Bank – Ferguson Hall

Course description:
This course is designed to help students begin writing musical compositions for an instrumentation of their choice. We will discuss different compositional methods, various forms of musical notation and explore variety of sounds and timbres. While we will review fundamentals of musical notation, experience with elementary music theory/notation would be very beneficial.

Class size: Minimum ____5_____ Maximum ____10_____

What experience do you bring to this class?
I have written several pieces for a variety of ensembles and my orchestral composition was premiered by the Duluth Superior Symphony Orchestra. Some of my other works can be heard at the Weisman Art Museum and in the Quarter Gallery. I have completed two degrees in music and very much enjoy teaching it!

Registration is now closed...look for our next class on Sundays in September, after labor day, Sept 13-Oct 4
Class times: August 9-30 (4 consecutive Sunday afternoons 4:15-6:30pm

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!

Class Breakdown is as follows:
Week One: Fixing a flat tire and adjusting your brakes
Week Two: Shifting systems maintenance and adjustment
Week Three: Wheel truing and hub adjust/overhaul
Week Four: Headset and bottom bracket adjust/overhaul

E-mail: Phone: 612-232-2737

Place: Sibley Bike Depot, 712 University Avenue in St. Paul (1.5 blocks west of Dale Street on University)
Class size: Minimum ___4_____ Maximum ___25____

Title of Course: Introduction to Computer Programming
Facilitator: Seth Viebrock
Email: seth2@viebrock.us Phone: 612.387.4302
Class Time: 7:30pm-8:30pm
Class Dates: Tuesdays (starting July 7th, ongoing until Fall semester)
Place: 3144 Fremont Ave S, Minneapolis, MN (Uptown) Please use the side door, the class will be held downstairs.
Course description:
“High-level” programming languages such as Perl, PHP, Python, and Ruby allow us to abstract away certain details of the computer, providing an ideal medium for a top-down approach to learning introductory programming, with lower-level concepts from Computer Science emerging only as they become necessary. We will take a “learn by doing” approach as much as possible, utilizing open source software and programming languages. Each student will specialize in one language but concepts will be expressed in multiple languages, illustrating differences in language “syntax” as well as somewhat universal concepts like variables, data structures, iterative operations, classes, and subroutine definitions. The students who took this course the previous semester (and are now taking my intermediate course) will be available to help and mentor, and as time and skill allow, introductory students will be able to help with the development project that the intermediate students are working on. Computationally-curious and/or mathematically-minded individuals are encouraged to enroll, with basic computer and text processing knowledge a requirement, and a laptop highly, highly recommended (please do what you can to procure or borrow one for class as there will be many hands-on activities). The class website can be found at www.flossclass.com . PLEASE NOTE: Due to the infrequent meeting periods and short meeting time of this course, students will be expected to do some homework outside of class, with help and guidance given remotely.

Esto es un grupo de clases en colaboración entre Latinos en Acción, Waite House, y EXCO. Registre a la Waite House 2529 S 13th Ave S o llama: 612-721-1681. ¡Gracias! Las descripciones en ingles abajo.

This is a whole set of classes a collaboration between Latinos en Accion, Waite House, and EXCO. Register AT THE WAITE HOUSE 2529 13th Ave S or call: 612-721-1681! Thanks! English listings below.

CLASSES BEGIN THE WEEK OF JUNE 8TH.

Clases gratis con la Academia Comunitaria!

Clases Lunes

Guardería disponible con registración

· Herramientas de Liderazgo el cambio social 6:15-8:00pm (3451 Cedar Ave S)

· Zumba Aeróbica, 6:15-7:15 (Waite House, 2529 13th Ave S)

· Baile Latino 7:15-7:45pm (Waite House, 2529 13th Ave S)

· Baile Libre 7:45-8:30pm (Waite House, 2529 13th Ave S)

Clases Miércoles

Guardería disponible con registración

· Yoga para mujeres 6:30-7:30pm (Waite House, 2529 13th Ave S)

· Clases de Dibujo 6:15-8:00pm (Waite House, 2529 13th Ave S)

· Talleres para la Superación 6:15- 7:15pm (Waite House, 2529 13th Ave S)

Para proveer de estas clases y talleres dependemos de la asistencia de personas como Usted. Se puede ayudar ofreciendo su tiempo, talento o contribución. En el momento necesitamos ayuda para trabajar con los hijos de los participantes, para hacer correr la oferta de clases de la Academia y para buscar contribuciones. Si le interesa ayudar o tiene buen idea para la Academia llama a David a0 651-315-4222 o mándale un mail en dboehnke@gmail.com.

Monday Classes

Childcare in the classroom available with registration

· Leadership Skills for Social Change 6-8pm (3451 Cedar Ave S)

· Zumba aerobics, 6:15-7:15 (Waite House, 2529 13th Ave S)

· Latin Dancing 7:15-7:45pm (Waite House, 2529 13th Ave S)

· Open Dance 7:45-8:30pm (Waite House, 2529 13th Ave S)

Wednesday Classes

Course title: Somali female diaspora experience in nord america
Facilitator: Ashwak Hassan
Email: ashwak.hassan@gmail.com Phone: 415-335-2748
Class Time: Thursdays 4-5:30pm
Class dates: June 18th to August
Place: Downtown Minneapolis Library, 300 Nicollett Mall, all classes will be in Conference room #202 excepting the 30th of July which will be in room #304
Course description:
This class explores how Somali female refugees in Nord America and Europe have redefined their identity in the course of their dislocation.

Class size: min 5 max 30

What experience do you bring to this class?
I have a BA from the University of MN in History, German Literature, and Women's studies. I also have MA in psychology from Golden Gate University. I am also 1st generation Somalian in the USA.

The Bible: Context and Interpretation
Facilitator: Nate Ramsayer
Email: ramsa026@umn.edu
Class times: 7-9pm
Class dates: 4 Wednesdays, July 22nd-August 12th
Place: University of MN Ford Hall 155 (East Bank campus)

Min: 8 Max: 25

Welcome to the exciting world of the Biblical Studies! New contexts and meanings have been ascribed to the Hebrew Bible (Old Testament) as the text has traveled throughout different regions, cultures and eras. Our goal in this brief introductory course will be to read the Bible within the context of the original setting and culture of its authors (i.e. the ancient Near East). This will be accomplished by employing the historical-critical method to the text. By examining several books of the Bible, particularly the Torah (Pentateuch), students will be shown how to read the text closely and think critically about the meaning of a particular text. This course is intended for anyone interested in the learning more about the Bible, in the hope that the academic knowledge that is granted only to “religious studies majors” can be shared with the larger community.

IMPORTANT!

*This course is not a “Bible study group” in the manner that many people are familiar with, concerning contemporary theological approaches to the Bible. This course will approach the Bible in an academic manner of study. Students will be presented with material that may or may not conflict with personal belief systems, and therefore must be willing to attempt to understand the information presented.  Students in the class will be expected to respect various manners of biblical interpretation.

*This course is open to ALL students, regardless of religious affiliation. Though we will be reading the “Hebrew” Bible, this text is central in most denominations of Christianity, Islam and Judaism, and is a great vehicle for the academic study of religion for anyone, including atheists and agnostics.

Title of Course: Harmony, Yoga Systems and Mind Control from “Bhagavad Gita”

Facilitator: Sai

Email: tvd108@gmail.com Phone:

Class Time: 11.00 – 12.30 PM

Class Dates: June27, July 11, July 18, July 25

Place: Ford Hall 155 (U of M Campus, East Bank)

Course description:

Lack of Harmony in the nature causes disturbance in the natural cycle. Lack of harmony in the human mind and heart creates disturbance and fear. This internal confusion can cause us to lose track of mental, physical, social stability and ultimately lose faith in the things we belived in as truth. Is it imperative that we have to go through these periods or is it just the propaganda we are forced to accept because we never questioned ourselves deep enough?

Most of the situations in our lives we accept change through external factors or by some hypnotic experiences, but often we end up where we start, if not worse. The solution to all that causes disturbance, fear, anxiety, uneasy stress cannot be one of external change but one of internal change which will keep us at equilibrium at all times and accept things in a natural way. This change is achieved through change in consciousness.

From the pages of Bhagavad-Gita we will learn how this ancient but ever fresh scientific knowledge reveals things seemingly sophisticated but yet applicable in every sense. We will also learn different yoga systems and art of mind control.

Some words of Praise on the wisdom of Bhagavad Gita:

"The Bhagavad-Gita is the most systematic statement of spiritual evolution of endowing value to mankind. It is one of the most clear and comprehensive summaries of perennial philosophy ever revealed; hence its enduring value is subject not only to India but to all of humanity." ~ Aldous Huxley

Title of Course: Art and Craft Critique Group: A constructive show-and-tell discussion on process, style and substance

Facilitator: Sarah Prentice

Email: thelotusduck@gmail.com Phone: 612-308-0760

Class Time: Every other Saturday at noon

Class Dates: June 27th, July 11th (unless group decides to go to zine fest instead), July 25th, August 8th

Place: Cafe Juliahna
879 Smith Ave S
St. Paul, MN 55118

Course description: Discuss art and materials. Class participants discuss their work and their process. Each session will have a special topic for participants to consider while viewing the arts and crafts to facilitate discussion. Workload consists of composing or improving a visual creative work on a semi-weekly basis, or participants may bring in work on a monthly basis if they create work at such a speed.

Class size: Minimum ___5______ Maximum __20 at any one given session_______

What experience do you bring to this class?
I have lead a workshop on 
stenciling. I am trained in the creation of book art, sculpture and print making.

Title of Course: loom building and weaving

Facilitator: Molly Erickson and Britt Malec

Email: oneflanelaway@yahoo.com Phone: 414-732-9481; 612-720-3030

Class Time: 6-8pm

Class Dates: *Aug. 10th, 11th, 12th*

Place: 1921 Elliot Ave.; Minneapolis

Course description: Aug 10th – talk about the history of weaving while we construct our own small looms.

Aug 11th – weave together while we show examples of different weaving styles and textiles.

Aug 12th – based on class interest; possible field trip to a fiber studio, felting demo, sewing demo

Class size: Minimum ____5____ Maximum _____9____

What experience do you bring to this class?

Britt- All around fiber dork and art school dropout. Molly- Much passion, good fashion. Maker of things.

Title of Course: Introduction to HTML and Web Development

Facilitator: Chris Mason

Email: crstffr@yahoo.com Phone:

Class Time: 8:00pm to 9:30pm

Class Dates: Wednesdays, June 10th – July 29th (8 weeks)

Place: 3144 Fremont Ave S, Minneapolis, MN. Please use the side door, the class will be held downstairs.

Course description:

This class will cover the introductory principles of how to create and manage a web site. Topics covered will include: the fundamentals of good web design, working with images for the web, tools of the trade, organization of project files, domain registration, web hosting, writing basic HTML, CSS, JavaScript. The class is aimed at beginners, but moderate computer skills are still required. Must be comfortable creating files, folders, and installing programs with your operating system of choice. Linux, Mac and PC welcome. Students encouraged to bring their own laptops as none will be provided.

Class size: Minimum ___2____ Maximum ____15_____

What experience do you bring to this class?

I’ve been a professional web monkey for about 8 years, building e-commerce sites and web based applications for IBM, Macy’s, Northwest Airlines, as well as a plethora of small companies. I specialize in designing user interfaces and back-end server programming. I received an AAS in Multimedia Design in 2001.

Title of Course: How to be Green

Facilitator: Mike Franck

Email: fran0092@yahoo.com Phone: 612-396-3175

Class Time: 1:30pm to 4:30pm

Class Dates: July 12th, 19th, & 26th

Place: Rondo Community Library, Dale & University Ave., St. Paul, MN

Course description: In 3 weeks, we will learn more about what it means to be Green and understand what actions each individual can take to change their consciousness and behavior to be more mindful of the environmental impact of our everyday lives.

Class size: Minimum ___4______ Maximum ___12______

What experience do you bring to this class? I am working on this, too.

Title of Course: EXCO Web Development and Design Workshop

Facilitators: Seth Viebrock, Eli Meyerhoff

Seth's Email: seth2@viebrock.us
Seth's Phone: 612.387.4302

Class Time: 6:30pm - 8:30pm

Class Dates: Every other Tuesday (starting June 16th)

Place: 3144 Fremont Ave S, Minneapolis, MN (Uptown) Please use the side door, the class will be held downstairs.

Course description: This is a workshop developed with an internship mindset: participants will gain professional web development experience in Drupal, PHP, CSS, and HTML, helping to improve EXCO’s website and general technological efficiency as an organization. Participants will learn about open source software, version control, collaboration methodologies, UNIX, and improve their skill in web technologies and design. PREREQUISITES: Participants without prior, solid HTML and CSS knowledge should concurrently enroll in Chris Mason’s Introduction to HTML class. Failing that, participants should come with extreme motivation and willingness to do catch-up work and studies at home. Graphic design knowledge may come in handy but is not a prerequisite. The course website will be at www.flossclass.com. As time permits we will schedule “hackathons” to work on projects together in a group, and otherwise participants are encouraged to volunteer time outside of class to work on tasks and projects.

Class size: Minimum ____3_____ Maximum ____15_____

What experience do you bring to this class?

Title of Course: Introduction to Biopsychology: Brain, Mind, Self

Facilitators: Seth Viebrock and Jonathan Popko

Email: seth2@viebrock.us and popk0012@umn.edu Phone: 612.387.4302

Class Time: 8:00pm-9:30pm

Class Dates: Every other Monday (starting June 15th)

Place: 3144 Fremont Ave S, Minneapolis, MN (Uptown) Please use the side door, the class will be held downstairs.

Course description: This is a course in what makes us human, an exploration of the self from a biological and psychological perspective. In academia, a disconnect often emerges between the poetic “higher-level” aspects of humanity (notions of “self”,“emotion”, and concepts like “love”) and the underlying “lower-level” aspects of humanity that comprise our biology. The course will feature a lower-level scientific discussion of the nervous system as well as a higher level narrative of what makes us human in relation to our neurobiology. The objective is to approach the subject of human behavior comprehensively and integratively. For lower-level content we’ll use resources from the internet mixed with short topical lectures and group discussion. For higher-level content we’ll use the book “A General Theory of Love” by Lewis, Amini, and Lannon, as our textbook. Each student will need a copy to read outside of class -- we will have several copies to loan out, but students are highly encouraged to check out or purchase their own copies. Check out the outline of our first class: http://biopsychclass.com/node/13

Class size: Minimum ____3_____ Maximum ____15_____

What experience do you bring to this class?

Title of Course: Climate, Development, and Energy: Renewing our Future

Facilitator: Robert Hemphill and Timothy Den Herder-Thomas

Email: hemphill.robertm@gmail.com, timothydht@gmail.com Phone: Robert 847-757-6091

Class Time: Tuesdays and Thursdays, 8-10pm

Class Dates: 6/16- 7/30 with a break the week of 7/6

Place: Macalester Campus, Olin-Rice 243

Course description: In the past few years, society has suddenly awakened to global warming, which presents a bold challenge to the way we develop our economies, organize our communities, and operate our daily lives. We now embark on an intense period of building solutions – a transition that will transform our energy systems, agriculture, urban structure, the global economy, and our everyday lives. Are we ready for this challenge? As scientists struggle with technology, leaders fight entrenched political and social assumptions, economists try to rethink global markets, and everyday people prepare to adapt, we will unravel the challenge of our century.

Title of Course: Taking Art to Action

Facilitator: BUGS ofPoetic Assassins

Email: poeticassassins@gmail.com Phone: 612 251 3366

Class Time: Wednesdays 5-7

Class Dates: 6/17- 8-20

Place: Lawn across the street from Coffman Union

Course description: We will be examining the role that art, specifically literary art (i.e spoken word, hip hop, short story writing etc), can play in shaping our society by shaping our individual communities. We will also be looking at examples of art and discussing how and why and if they inspire action.

Class size: Minimum __5_______ Maximum ___the more the merrier______

What experience do you bring to this class? I am a licensed teacher and currently applying for a admission into a doctorate program. We (Poetic Assassins) have taught two semesters with exco in the past. I am a published blogger (if that is even a word) as well as a member of Poetic Assassins an award winning spoken word group from Minneapolis; this last year we won the VERVE grant , Best Hip Hop Production Urban Griot award as well as we were nominated for the Best Group award. I am also the co-founder of a literary organization called Sai Werd Ink.

Title of Course: Fermentation Basics

Facilitator: kirstin

Email: kirstin@resist.ca Phone: 612.729.2261

Class Time: Thursdays 6-8pm

Class Dates: June 18 - August 13, 2009

Place: 3036 Longfellow Avenue, Minneapolis

Course description: We’ll cover a bit about the history, science, and health benefits of fermentation and make a variety of fermented foods and drinks. The class topics will be catered toward whatever people participating want to learn about. Some things we’ve made in the past include miso, tempeh, hot sauce, beer, wine, mead, kombucha, sauerkraut, kimchi, sourdough bread, yogurt, and ginger beer. People who have taken the class before are welcome again, and everyone is encouraged to share their knowledge and experience.

Class size: Minimum ____5_____ Maximum __25_______

What experience do you bring to this class? I first became interested in fermentation while working in New Orleans after Hurricane Katrina, brewing and using a solution of micro-organisms to remove toxic molds from people’s houses. I’ve done a lot of experimenting since then and am excited to share my experience and get other people interested in fermenting.

Facilitator: John M. Schwarz
Email: civicedmsp@gmail.com Phone: 651 442-8899
START DATE: July 14, Tuesday: Class will meet the same day of week for the subsequent 4 weeks.
CLASS TIME: 6:30—8:30 pm.
LOCATION U of M, Ford Hall 155 (East Bank campus)
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Understanding foundations of the governance of societies via a theoretic look at political and economic systems. Using those concepts to analyze public policy debate. Creating a model of political principles as policy evaluation metrics. Major challenges for the American Left in public policy debate. Helpful for life as a political being and wanting to make for a better society and public policy dialogue.
....................................................................................................................................................................

• Week 1. Basic political economy—general theories and interplay of governance by government and economic structures. Basic overviews of ideologies and other political meta-narratives: Social Democracy, Liberal Democracy/Capitalism, Socialism, Elite-rule systems.
• Week 2. Economic theory overview. Macro vs. Micro, part I. The Standard Model. Theories of value. Adam Smith vs. Karl Marx. Market failures: No market is truly “free.”
• Week 3. Political theory overview: Popular vs. Elite rule. Democracy vs. “Other”/Republic. Social contract theory. “Universalism" and “normal” as oppressive notions. Basic political philosophy principles. Macro vs. Micro part 2.
• Week 4. Political governance systems: Western governance and election systems. US political structure and policy debates in 5 axes—Federalism, Separation of Powers, Democracy, Liberty, Equality. Economic structure as another political structure axis.

Title of Course: ELIMINATE SABOTAGE, EMBRACE YOUR IDEAL REALITY

Facilitator: DEANNA REITER, MA

Email: deanna@dayawati.com Phone: 651-238-7248

Class Time: 6-8:30pm

Class Dates: Monday, June 29, 2009

Place:REQUEST TO TEACH AT MACALESTER COLLEGE

Course description: Eliminate Sabotage, Embrace Your Ideal Reality – Recognize the hidden patterns of sabotage (the nine scoundrels) that keep us from a life of joy. Discover how to recognize when these "scoundrels" are present in your life and how you can release them.

Class size: Minimum ___10______ Maximum ____60_____

What experience do you bring to this class? I HAVE TAUGHT 2 EXCO CLASSES LAST YEAR BIO: Deanna Reiter is the author of Dancing with Divinity: Positive Affirmations for any Situation and The Nine Scoundrels: How to Recognize and Release Subtle Patterns of Sabotage. Deanna is a Certified Yoga and Pilates Instructor, Rebirthing Breathworker and Reiki Practioner. For more information, please contact Deanna through her website: www. dayawati.com.

Title of Course: Designing for a Changing Future: Understanding the Past as a Basis for Better Designs for the Future

Facilitator: Wilhelm Reindl

Email: alteravista@gmail.com Phone: 651-633-4410

Class Time: Saturdays 10 to 11:30, 11 to 12:30, or 1 to2:30 (or a Monday evening 7-8:30)

Class Dates: Consecutive Saturdays: July 11, 18, 25 (the 4th session listed will be informal and held only if participants wish it, at a time convenient to them); and repeated August 8, 15, and 22 if there is interest

Place: Macalester College, Campus Center Room 207

Course description: Design is a (human) response to a situation, challenge, or problem constrained by insight, means, opportunities, and environment. The response can reach far beyond the designer's intent or conception. Today's solution-driven designs for society can be dangerous propositions.

This class will examine the listed constraints, taking into account the humanistic and philosophical concepts that underly today's society (understanding where we have come from) and will engage students in applying a resulting broader vision to specific design problems.

Four 1 1/2-hour sessions, each including class discussion:

1) Purpose of design, principles, and analysis of conditions leading to today's design environment, illustrated with slides

2) Cultural filters to which current designs must conform, illustrated with slides

3) 3) Development of new design principles and student analysis of a design problem

4) 4) Student creation of ongoing hands-on designing sessions

Class size: Minimum ___5-6______ Maximum ___20______

What experience do you bring to this class?

REGISTRATION CLOSED we will be offering the class again starting in the middle of July - check out the EXCO summer class listing for more info.

Class Time: Thursday evenings June 11-July 2; 6:30-9pm

This class will build upon the skills taught in the Basic Bike Maintenance class and expand through overhauling an entire bicycle. Participants will take apart, clean, and repack all bearing systems, including hubs, headsets, and bottom brackets. In addition, the will install new cables and housing on brakes and derailleurs as needed, and lubricate/adjust all shifting systems. In full, folks attending this class will learn how to perform a complete tune-up/overhaul of a bicycle. Participants will work with the same bike through the class, in order to see the complexities and intricacies of one specific bicycle.

This is an advanced beginner/intermediate level class that builds upon the principles taught in Sibley's Basic Bike Maintenance. Students who have taken Basic are welcomed to register (if you feel worried about your mechanical level, feel free to come to Open Shop hours to improve your basics). Folks who have some basic bike maintenance experience but have not taken Basic Bike Maintenance are welcomed to attend as well.

All participants will fix SHOP BIKES. At the end of the class, we will discuss different possibilities and reach consensus on an organization (or multiple organizations) to donate the bikes to.

Place: Sibley Bike Depot, 712 University Avenue in St. Paul (1.5 blocks west of Dale Street on University)

Maximum 20 participants