July

YOUTH ONLY: House Dance Nation
I will be providing a few of the most popular House Dance steps for beginning level students AGES:1-18years old. We will work on movements, as a workshop style and I will give time for each of you to practice and guide each student through the newly-learned step.
*House Dance Nation is a sharing space. The main purpose of House music and dance is to unite all people and make every feel comfortable to let loose and get down in an environment where all feel comfortable. We do not base our movements on judgement, as we move towards freedom.
House Dance is a style of club dancing that was created in the mid-70s after the death of disco. "House Music is Disco's Revenge" according to Frankie Knuckles, a founding creator of House Music. It is a style unique to the underground scenes of cities around the world.
The styles and movement are rarely seen in many parts of the mid-west these days, however anyone that may have had the privilege of visiting nightclubs or some of the daytime House events ~or Rituals ~ in larger cities such as New York's Coney Island Dance Party and Chicago's Smart Bar might ask themselves "what is this funky movement everyone's doing, and why haven't I seen THAT in my city?!?!" Well, now's your chance to get acquainted with what you've been missing out on... and no worries, you really haven't been missing out... While you sitting back being a wallflower, your soul has been dancing. NOW is the time to learn some new movements. No longer will your Wallflowerness exist... ~ It's Time to get down.
Description of House Dance:
The movement is comparable to break dancing, hip-hop or even ancient styles such as afro-carribean dance, yet the movement involves a lot of foot work. We will explore some movements such as, or similar to the loose legs, voguing, and the Charleston.
Location

Making websites (from scratch)
-- This class is now pretty much closed because we're far enough that it would be difficult to jump in. If you still want to join, give me a call 609-462-2535. --
These days everyone can publish content online using blogging or content management software and services such as Blogger, Wordpress or Drupal. However I'm not too interested in teaching about using software or services that are always subject to change. My goal is to empower you to understand how websites work, and to put core concepts into practice.
This course will cover (or uncover) how to make a website from the ground up!
There will be three main components:
1) Overview of how websites (and the internet) work
2) Designing your own site using photoshop
3) Coding the site using xhtml, css, and javascript
I realize that things can change, and if we want to follow a different direction that's OK with me.
No experience required for this course. If you are scared of photoshop or words like xhtml, but have always wanted to know how to design and code a website, this course is for you! Even if you have some experience, you might still learn something.
Computers will be provided. Just bring yourself!
Location

GreaseRag Workshop for WTF Cyclists: Derailleurs
Grease Rag’s mission is to encourage and empower women/ trans/ femme (WTF) cyclists in a collaborative and fun learning environment through rides, discussions, shop nights and educational seminars in a safer space.
GreaseRag NE meets the second Tuesday of every month at Recovery Bikes in Northeast (2555 Central Ave). We spend the first hour (7-8 pm) teaching a basic maintenance skill and the second hour (8-9 pm) is an open shop to work on anything that might be bothering you about your bike.
In July we'll be working on derailleur adjustments.
Location

Women and Trans Basic Bike Maintenance at Sibley Bike Depot (july 2011)
The class will be similar to other beginning classes at Sibley Bike Depot, but is just for self-identified women, transgendered, and gender-queer people.
Over the four weeks you will get 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. In addition to building mechanical knowledge and skills, we can cover bike types, fit, and commuting as the class desires.
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! Come learn how to fix your bike from a female mechanic in a fun and inclusive space.
Four Sundays in July, the 10th, 17, 24, and 31st from 4:30 - 6:30pm
Sibley is located at 712 University in St. Paul, between Saigon restaurant and SugaRush Donuts.
Our regular Women and Transgender Open Shop Night is Tuesdays from 6-9 and is a great time to practice what you've learned and get involved with Sibley!
Location

Ropemaking
) This class will be to practice twisting rope from natural materials.
) As a group, we will develop a schedule to gather materials and decide what to discuss during the class hour.
) An example will be provided.
) If participants are able and willing, we may collaborate to pay for some materials, but money is not required. This will pay for permission to gather plants from private property, including natural hemps & prepared fibers such as flax / bamboo / buckthorn / snake plant / cotton etc. & furtherance would be on a list to this.
*Please be aware that the class will explore ethnobotony and as of yet I am unaware of runoff fields nearby plants, so there is a chance that in the gatehring process we could be exposed to country measles. Consult doctor for allergies: Jewelweed prepared as the nettle leaves in compress & you can just fight it.
) No tools are necessary and scraps could be put towards a mulch campaign.
) I will be bringing some stories to share:
"Saber tooth bone smuggling in Alexandria'
'Calf pocket'
'Horses as unicorn'
Speakers by,
Caeboca of Ibojwa
&
Snowflake the crayola tempest
-If you were misled & looking for our thieves guild Contact Dragonflyhouse@hushmail.com; They are studying karma and etiquette.
Location

Fatal A-Track-tion? Power, Possibilities and the Central Corridor Light Rail
Construction on the largest public works project in state history is already underway, but what future will it bring? Beyond connecting the downtowns of Minneapolis and St Paul, what will the Central Corridor Light Rail project bring to the communities it runs through? Greeted both with trepidation and excitement, this project is seen as an opportunity for transit equity and accessibility. It also is seen as an open door for gentrification to undermine the hard work of the diverse communities that have revived small business on University Ave.
This class will bring policy experts and local activists to share their perspectives on where this project comes from and where it's going. Through informal discussion, short readings, and guest speakers, we will talk about what steps are being taken to prevent displacement and instead support and connect those living along the corridor. This class will be a chance for neighbors who are directly effected by in the project to connect with the processes and struggles that are jostling to reshape the cities.
Topics will include:
The Hiawatha Line and regional transit planning
University Avenue's people and history
The Rondo Neighborhood and Interstate 94
Construction impacts on local business
Redevelopment, placemaking and gentrification
Location

Introduction to the Commons
Thursdays, 5:30 - 7:00pm
July 7 - Aug 18
Location: the Students Cooperative on 1721 University Avenue SE
(it's located across the street from the University of Minnesota Bell Museum)
This will be a study group centered around a few core readings: From Garrett Hardin to Elinor Ostrom.
"The commons" refers to resources that are collectively owned or shared among populations. It can include everything from natural resources and common land to software.

Stuff that's tricky to do with a camera
Do you understand your camera?
I like to imagine that I do, but my camera's pretty confusing, too.
All you need to understand is shutter speed, aperture and film speed, but with all the things to shoot and ways these interact, it can be pretty tricky!
Have you ever tried to do a photo project from the internet? I've done a bunch, developing film in coffee, for instance, that's pretty easy. Long exposures with flash stencils mirages? I do okay at that, but there's a trick to it, there's certain things you have to understand to do it. We can learn together.
Come by with any concern, or try to learn how to do specific things with long exposures, which will be my focus for the summer. You do need something like an SLR to do long exposures, but I may be able to provide these if I am told of a need in advance.
Look at these fish. If you do crafts or visual art and want to know something about photography, then I have fun experiments you may appreciate.
http://www.flickr.com/photos/lotusduck/5557830464/
We will have weekly classes in July and August, not including July 4th.
Mondays are field days, where we shoot and Fridays we will have an open studio for those interested in editing their photos or learning about editing or even developing film!
Open studios are Fridays, starting at 7p, and you can stay as late as 10.
You don't have to attend all the open studios or all of the field sessions! We will try to keep in touch so that we know what materials to have and whether or not to wait up for you before we take off on ADVENTURES.
Location

House Dance Nation
I will be providing a few of the most popular House Dance steps for all levels of students especially beginning-intermediate level students. This is not a typical class where I will be teaching house dance routine. We will simply work on movements, as a workshop style and I will give time for each of you to practice and guide each student through the newly-learned step.
*House Dance Nation is a sharing space. The main purpose of House music and dance is to unite all people and make every feel comfortable to let loose and get down in an environment where all feel comfortable. We do not base our movements on judgement, as we move towards freedom.
House Dance is a style of club dancing that was created in the mid-70s after the death of disco. "House Music is Disco's Revenge" according to Frankie Knuckles, a founding creator of House Music. It is a style unique to the underground scenes of cities around the world.
The styles and movement are rarely seen in many parts of the mid-west these days, however anyone that may have had the privilege of visiting nightclubs or some of the daytime House events ~or Rituals ~ in larger cities such as New York's Coney Island Dance Party and Chicago's Smart Bar might ask themselves "what is this funky movement everyone's doing, and why haven't I seen THAT in my city?!?!" Well, now's your chance to get acquainted with what you've been missing out on... and no worries, you really haven't been missing out... While you sitting back being a wallflower, your soul has been dancing. NOW is the time to learn some new movements. No longer will your Wallflowerness exist... ~ It's Time to get down.
Description of House Dance:
The movement is comparable to break dancing, hip-hop or even ancient styles such as afro-carribean dance, yet the movement involves a lot of foot work. We will explore some movements such as, or similar to the loose legs, voguing, and the Charleston.
Location

Grassroots Organizing: Media 101
July 13, 6-8pm
Location: 626 Selby Ave, conference room above Mississippi Market
This interactive course is designed to give folks the tools they need to become better advocates for their communities. Working with the media can seem like an intimidating process, but this workshop will give you the hands-on skills you need to feel confident. Specific skills addressed in Media 101 include writing and submitting letters to the editor and op-eds, writing media advisories and releases, pitching reporters to cover an event, and building relationships with media outlets. Be prepared to do some writing and role-playing (though in a fun, not intimidating way!). All are welcome.
Location

Finding Your Audience Online
So you're online: you have a blog, or a website. Now how do you find your audience? Whether you're looking for like-minded souls to read your writing or share recipe tips or whether you're looking to spread the reach of your organization with a more robust online presence, this class will give you valuable tips and tools to help you find your audience. Topics include:
• How can you use social media to best effect?
• Content: how much is too much?
• How much should you be "yourself" and how much should you give people what you think they want?
The class is sponsored by the Twin Cities Media Alliance, a nonprofit organization advocating media literacy and community connections.
Location

Fierce Light Yoga
Wednesdays, July 20 - Aug 17
Location: Powderhorn Park Rec Center
Inspired by the documentary film FIERCE LIGHT: When Spirit Meets Action, this class will explore ways to ground, center and power yourself as an activist/revolutionary/artist/member of a burgeoning movement towards global peace and abundance. We'll work with yoga, mind-body centering practices, powerful breath work, energy clearing and guided meditation. Learn ways to release feelings of isolation and smallness and begin to live by creative power. If there's interest, we'll practice using creative expression (writing, art, song) to channel inner light into transformative action in your community, movement, family, ecosystem.
Beginners and experienced yoga students both more than welcome, AND please don't feel that you need to already be an 'activist' to benefit from the class... if you feel drawn towards greater engagement with the present moment, want to root down into your passion and power, to find your cause and your stake in our gorgeous hungry tenuous world, come on down to Fierce Light Yoga!
Please bring a yoga mat and a blanket (if you can...if not let me know and I'll find an extra mat/blanket for you).
"We never thought it could get this bad, but we never imagined it could be this good. That the human could display such incredible creativity and connectivity and ingenuity as is happening now in this movement that has no name, in this great turning." -Joanna Macy
Location

Biochemistry
Come and learn about how our bodies work on the chemical level. Why do we get diabetes? Why is alcohol hard on your liver? Why is getting burned bad for my skin? I am a medical student, and am trying to bring science to populations of people who would like to learn, but may not do it otherwise. I will go in depth on a number of topics and I will get 'science-y.' For that some amount of basic chemistry or biology experience in your past would be helpful. This will be what you want to get out of it. If you want to know the names and memorize all the pathways, great. If you don't feel like memorizing it (who would?) don't feel like you need to. THERE ARE NO EXAMS, THIS IS FOR FUN AND YOUR INFORMATION! All I hope for, is to get people interested in science and how their own bodies work. If you are an undergraduate student and want to take this as a stress free walk through before you take the real thing, great. If you are a medical student and want to use this as a way to review for the boards, (that is what I am doing), also great. And if you just want to know about your body but never had the time, money or chance to learn about biochemistry, I'll help make sure you are following along. Regardless of why you want to come, I promise to make this a fun environment. This will take place twice a week for one hour.
Ben Brasseur

Aura Strengthening and Psychic Self-defense
This workshop is designed especially for those who work in the helping fields, such as counselors, nurses, massage therapists and others, including anyone who seeks to feel more comfortable with a stronger, more resilient and less porous energy field.
We will discuss and practice time-tested ways of managing and strengthening our energy field through intention and visualization, as well as learn some practical tips to assist us in becoming more comfortable in our home, work, and personal space.
Dress comfortably and come see if what we offer can help you feel more buoyant.

Trade School Day (Internet Version) July 25, 10am-8pm
On July 25, 2010, from 10am - 8pm an experimental storefront will offer a space for hosting internet technology classes for community organizers.
To sign up, you should visit the storefront during the week before, or send an email to chachasikes@gmail.com (keeping this a little low key due to limited resources.)
Specifically, we want to bring something like Trade School to Minneapolis (http://ourgoods.org) - something which EXCO is already doing! :) -- we are offering this space as a way to try this out in a storefront setting so we can learn from it for a bigger event down the road.
Here is the best place to look for more information: http://garden.localbiology/internet-variety-store
That isn't all that's going on: INTERNET VARIETY STORE
A variety store featuring artisan, open source internet products.
The Internet is making a special appearance in Minneapolis this summer. Come experience the Internet through events, classes & interactive installations. At night, we will transform the space to the city's hottest evening open source community coder lounge.
JULY 20- 26, 2010
* Weekdays: There will be open-to-the-public puppet movie making/'how to teach programming' activity between 2-4pm each day (limited to 15 people due to space)
* Weeknights, there will be a community coder lounge for awesome coder folks who build tools for communities. Bring your computer.
Location

Crisis in the Borderlands
Crisis in the Borderlands: Resistance In AZ
Sunday July 18th, 2010. 7 pm
Bedlam Theatre
1501 6th Street South
Minneapolis, MN 55454-1162
Suggested $5 donation- no one turned away.
The situation in AZ has reached a crisis point. Borderland communities, long under the pressure of an oppressive and violent border enforcement policy, have been besieged and attacked by a series of racist new state laws that seek to undermine the very fabric of our communities.
New AZ State laws have mandated racial profiling (SP 1070), cut off access to social services for mix-status families (HB 2008) and targeted Raza Studies programs in high schools (HB2281.) A new bill on the horizon proposed by State Senator Russel Pearce wants to get rid of birth-right citizenship for children of undocumented parents. These kinds of policies, motivated by deep hatred, seek to criminalize border communities and spread fear.
Come join in a discussion about the history of US border enforcement policy, the continuing and increasing raids under Obama and the growing resistance in Arizona. Learn how you can support border communities in resistance and help us build a movement for justice, equality and hope in direct opposition to border militarization, white supremacy and state-sponsored terror.
Crisis en la frontera
Location

Movies: Cultural Enrichment or Co-Dependence?
In other words, there are classic movies which add to our cultural enrichment such as Joe Macbeth (starring John Garfield), and The Godfather (starring Al Pacino). However, the co-dependence theme comes up when we are no longer able or willing to tell our own stories. After a hard day on the job or at school, all we wanna do is rent a movie so that we can quote "unwind." This speaks to an intellectual laziness which could end up helping to unravel a society which is already unravelling.
If you are interested in this class, please call at 651-714-0288.
Location

Indigenous Imperative
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.
Location

Running for slowpokes
I envision this as a pretty casual workshop/running group that would follow the couch-5k training program together, share struggles and successes, and perhaps run a race, if the participants are interested. I am no expert, but I do have some resources and experience to share about the nuts and bolts of running and will likely have various "new runner" friends come by to share their stories and run with us. I think this workshop would be the best fit for woman-identified people ages 16 and up, but will certainly not turn anyone away. For maximum benefit, sign up with a buddy who lives in your neighborhood! Come to first class dressed in comfortable clothing, and the best athletic shoes you have. Have a light dinner or snack and a glass of water about an hour before. bring a water bottle if you like, but there are fountains in the park. We will likely not have a secure place for our valuables, so plan to only have your car or house key with you during class.
Location

We Are an Image From the Future: The Greek Revolt of December 2008
A reading group on the recent book We Are an Image From the Future: The Greek Revolt of December 2008.

Here's a description of the book from AK Press:

Basic Bike Maintenance at Sibley Bike Depot (July) - REGISTRATION CLOSED
Learn the basics of fixing and maintaining your bicycle! Come learn bike repair skills with the knowledgeable staff and volunteers at Sibley Bike Depot, your friendly community bike shop in St. Paul.
July 18th, 25th, August 1st, and 8th, four Sunday afternoons 4:30-6:30pm at the Sibley Bike Depot, 712 University Avenue in St. Paul. Contact Kevin@sibleybikedepot.org with questions.
If this class fills up and you would like to get updates about when new classes will be happening, please visit sibleybikedepot.org and sign up for our email newsletter at the top of the site.
Location

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.
Location

University Struggles: We Are the Crisis!
We will read some recent texts about strategies for university struggles from some accomplished organizing collectives in California and Washington: Advance the Struggle, Gathering Forces, and Democracy Insurgent. These folks are quite impressive in terms of the theoretical sophistication of their reflections on the current struggles.
Here are links to a couple key articles that we can start with for reflecting on March 4th and strategies...
http://advancethestruggle.wordpress.com/2010/04/12/crisis-and-consciousn...
http://gatheringforces.org/2010/04/26/the-debate-on-strategy-in-the-anti...
We can also read texts that they draw on, as well as other reflections on recent struggles across the US, in Europe, and around the world. Other options for reading include broader analyses of higher education (such as Marc Bousquet's How the University Works) and its history (such as Christopher Newfield's Unmaking the Public University: the Forty Year Assault on the Middle Class).
We will invite other education activists from around the world to join us in these discussions via blog conversations on common readings.
The time and day of the class will be determined by all participants through an online poll here:
http://www.doodle.com/tu42qxpnddmh6a3f
<.... more description coming soon!!!>
Locations

Loom Building and Weaving
Participants will be building their own small looms and learning some basic weaving techniques. At the end the 3 week session we hope to hold an art show with work from the class participants. The class and show will take place at the "They Won't Find Us Here" gallery - 3500 Bryant Ave S, Minneapolis.
We will have a total of three classes on July 7th, 14th, and 21st with a final show on the 24th. Each class will take place from 4 to 7 pm.
Supplies will be provided but participants are encouraged to bring the following if they are able:
A hammer, Yarn, Fabric, Twine or other creative weaving materials. Snacks to share are also a plus!
Call Britt (414 732 9481) or Molly (612 720 3030) with any questions!
Location

Class in America - How to Get the Conversation Started
Class is one of the divisions in American society that we don't talk about but should. In this workshop, we'll confront issues of class, understand hidden class biases and discriminations, and talk about how to deal with it. Through journaling, discussion, videos, and creative projects, we'll explore what class really means in America, how it affects life choices, politics, etc.
There will be no outside reading or homework for this class.
Location

Girls on the Move! (Postponed)
Title of Course: Girls on the Move!
Facilitator: Emily Hanson
Email: eehanson21@gmail.com Phone: 651-323-0037
Class Time: Friday afternoons 1-4 PM and Tuesdays 3-4:30 PM
Class Dates: July 10,14, 17, 21,24, and 28
Place: Sibley Bike Depot, 712 University Ave.
Course description: This is a short, three-week basic bike maintenance class just for girls! It is targeted toward girls ages 9-13, but girls slightly younger or older are welcome. We will cover the basics of bike maintenance in a fun, hands-on shop setting, learn the tools and parts of a bicycle, and go on fun rides on Tuesday afternoons. We will also cover safe riding, how to find the best route for your bike trip, and have fun in an empowering female environment! This class is intended to get girls excited about the world of biking, which is often dominated by men. They can bring in their own bike to fix, and if they don’t have a bike of their own, they can begin accumulating shop hours so that they can earn a bike to keep!
Class size: Minimum ____4_____ Maximum ____12_____
What experience do you bring to this class? I just started working on bikes less than a year ago, and have been hooked since taking the basic bike maintenance class at Sibley. I currently have a grant through Macalester to be working with Sibley this summer, spending lots of time in the shop learning and developing youth programming. Mostly, I bring lots of enthusiasm for biking and all its benefits, and want to spread that excitement to girls!

Spanish Para Todos (Spanish for everybody!)
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.

REGISTRATION CLOSED - Basic Bike Maintenance (July)
REGISTRATION CLOSED! Please sign up for Sibley's August bike maintenance class on Sunday afternoons.
Class times: July 12-August 2 (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: classes@sibleybikedepot.org 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____

Introduction to Computer Programming
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.

Introduction to Auto Mechanics -REGISTRATION CLOSED
Title of Course: Introduction to Auto Mechanics
Facilitator: Benjamin Sai and Phil Schaefer
Email: b.spoken@gmail.com Phone:
Class Time: Thursdays 7 – 9PM
Class Dates: July 2nd – July 30th
Place: South Minneapolis
Course description: An introduction to auto mechanics geared to provide a foundation of knowledge for auto repair and maintenance. No experience is necessary and beginners are encouraged to attend.
This class can be customized to a variety of knowledge levels, but is planned to begin with identifying basic parts of an engine and tools. It would then move on to:
* basic maintenance (keeping fluids up and etc)
* air filter, oil change, and lube
* installing new spark plugs + cap and rotor
* changing the fuel filter and trouble shooting
Tools and a garage will be provided. There is potential to work on students vehicles, if available. A vehicle will be provided if needed. Any parts or consumables will need to be purchased by the owner of the vehicle.
Class size: Minimum __4_______ Maximum __10_______
What experience do you bring to this class?
Phil was a professional auto mechanic years ago. Ben has done basic auto repair for several years on a non-professional level.

Introduction to the Bible: Historical Context of Ancient Israelite Scripture
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.

How to be Green
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.

Governing Society: Politics, Economics, Public Policy.
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)
............................................................................................................................................................................
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.

Tap Dance: Technique, Choreography, Improvisation, and History
Title of Course:Tap Dance: Technique, Choreography, Improvisation, and History
Facilitator:
Molly Kay Stoltz
Email: mstoltz25@gmail.com Phone: (701) 290-5784 NEW!Class Time: THURS 4-5:30 PM
Class Dates: Aug. 13th, 20th, and 27thPlace: People's Center Gymnasium
Peoples Center
425 20th Ave. S, Minneapolis
Course description: We will be focusing on tap technique and choreography, working on the level of participants. All levels welcome, as long as you have had some tap experience and can provide your own tap shoes! If participants are comfortable, I would love them to bring their own exercises or choreography to share with the class, however, it is not necessary to participate. Music will be pre-recorded. Possibility of an informal performance at the end of the class, if participants are willing.
Class size: Minimum ___4______ Maximum ____12_____
What experience do you bring to this class? U of M BFA Dance Major Alum, Keane Sense of Rhythm performer

__PENDING RESCHEDULE__ Junior Mechanics Class at the Sibley Bike Depot (June)
__THIS CLASS WILL BE RESCHEDULED FOR SOMETIME IN JULY. PLEASE SEE HERE FOR UPDATES__
This class is designed for youth aged 12-18 to come learn bike maintenance and build up a bike to take home at the end of the program! During the three week class, youth will learn about all aspects of fixing and maintaining a bike, from oiling the chain to adjusting the brakes to overhauling the bottom bracket. Youth who pass through the class will have the opportunity to volunteer during Open Shop hours if they want to continue to learn about bikes!
Class time:
3:15-5:15 Mondays and Tuesdays, June 1-16.
Class contact: Kevin Kalla
kevinkalla@gmail.com

