September
Bike Workshop- Brakes!
This workshop is sponsored by MacBike, the bike co-op on Macalester's campus.
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Expressions for Wellness & Effectiveness (EWE) Workshops
Expressions for Wellness & Effectiveness (EWE) Workshops Mondays 7-9 PM L'Orange Gallery Walker Community UMC, 3104 16 AV S MPLS
First and Third Mon WRITING JAMES LIVINGSTON
Second and Fourth Mon ART JANET COURT
UNTIL THE END OF DECEMBER
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Audio Electronics
Audio Electronics, project building more self selected project oriented than previous versions of class
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World War II: A Rich Source of Metaphor for our Time
PLEASE CALL RAY IF YOU WANT TO TAKE THIS CLASS - 651-714-0288
RAY will cancel the class if he does not hear from anyone by Thursday.
At this point in US History, World War II can almost seem like it is a forgotten war. What lessons and understandings might we reach by looking back onto many of the peculiarities, ideas, and stories from the time? This class will delve further into the metaphor that Nazism and the Third Reich offers us as a means to understand the present political situation in the US and the world. NOTE: If you would like to get in touch with Ray please call him.
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The Movies: Cultural Enrichment or Co-Dependence?
PLEASE CALL RAY IF YOU WANT TO TAKE THIS CLASS - 651-714-0288
RAY will cancel the class if he does not hear from anyone by Monday.
Do movies enrich us culturally or have they become an addiction because we simply don't want tell our own stories anymore and worse yet we don't even want to communicate with each-other? In this effort we will be examining such classics as the Devils General, and anti-war movie from the German point-of-view made in 1955 staring Kurt Jurgens. The Godfather, a movie in part made by Italians, it is the tragedy of the American tragedy in microcosm. There will be several other classics offered in this class, such To Have and Have Not starring Humpfrey Bogart and Lauren Bacal.
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Indigenous Imperative: Native Thought and its Implications for Our Future
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. 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.
NOTE: Ray does not use email all that much so if you want to get in touch with him
before the class please call.
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Questioning Ourselves
As radicals of all kinds, we often want things to change, and work toward the change we seek in whatever ways we see fit. What are we trying to change? Is it working? Why do things change when they do? Many of us are also dedicated to continually questioning, to thinking critically, to getting to the root of the problem. Are we doing that to the extent that we could be? What have we accomplished in this generation? When have we failed?
This reading and discussion group is dedicated to taking a good, hard look at ourselves and what we're doing, in an effort to make ourselves and our work as effective as possible. Sometimes it's easy to coast along and keep doing the same thing, in thought or in action. This can lead to stagnancy, inertia and burnout. Who needs that? Self-critique ain't easy, but it's always necessary.
To this end, we will be reading critical theory: critiques of activism, organization, democracy, identity and safety. You may not agree with everything we read, and we might not all come to the same conclusions. That's okay. The idea is to get people thinking and talking. Engaged, passionate thought and discussion are welcome and encouraged!
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Radical Parenting Art & Discussion Workshops
These workshops will provide participants with a forum to discuss & reflect on the many topics related to radical child raising. Each session will include time for creativity & artistic expression relating to the subject. YOU DON'T HAVE TO BE A BIOLOGICAL PARENT TO PARTICIPATE, anyone who cares about youth are welcome to attend! Child care will be provided and youth are welcome. At least one workshop will include a field trip (for female-identified folks) to participate in the YO MAMA program at Juxtaposition Arts with the amazing Amoke Kubat.
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Good Vibes: Energy Healing & Increasing Bliss
We will share healing time, stories, guided meditation, & techniques for relaxation, self-healing, & healing others. Energy healing topics include: working with universal energy, patterns of energy movement in & around the body, sensing & moving blockages, breath, & symbols. Reiki & Qi Gong topics will be covered. Please dress for comfort & bring a pillow if you can (no worries if you can't).
*Please note: Despite the potentially provocative title, this class is NON-SEXUAL, open to all ages, & will have an environment of Super Safe Space. The title is in reference to how GREAT energy healing can feel!
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Complete Bicycle Overhaul at Sibley Bike Depot (September)
This intermediate class will build upon the skills taught in the Basic Bike Maintenance class and expand through overhauling an entire bicycle. It's recommended that students have taken the Basic class or have a similar beginning familiarity with bicycle repair. Participants will take apart, clean, and repack all bearing systems. In addition, they 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.
Note: All class participants will fix up SHOP BIKES during this class! Bikes fixed up will go into one of Sibley's many community programs designed to promote biking!
The class will be 4 Thursdays September 22, 29, October 6, and 13th from 6:30-9 each day.
Please don't hesitate to email me with any questions!
Alicia
alicia@sibleybikedepot.org
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Planning radical families
This course is for folks who care about reproductive justice and radical politics. We will talk about what makes our radical families work, and how we make decisions that support radical families--not just our own, but all forms and types of radical intentional families around the world.
The reproductive justice movement is a feminist movement to address the social and political forces that constrain family planning choices. Radical family planning is for those who are in the privileged position of being able to plan their families around the values of the reproductive justice movement.
Consider the following:
¨ Society encourages white, non-poor, and able-bodied women to have children. It discourages poor people, people of color, queer people and people with disabilities from doing so.
¨ The state forcibly takes children away from families who disproportionately happen to be poor and non-white, especially Black and Native American families.
¨ White affluent families in the United States consume more resources than any other family demographic in the world.
The purpose of this class is to create intentional community around family planning and reproductive justice, and to support radical families of all kinds. We include child-free folks, parents, and queer and intentional families of all configurations. Our discussions center around how we define family for ourselves and how we plan our families in ways that support radical politics and social justice. We share information about coparenting, doulas, natural family planning methods, single parenting in community, abortion access, adoption issues, involvement of childfree people in the lives of children, easing the burden on parents and any other information that supports fairness for families. Also, the blog is up! radfam.tumblr.com
Dates are:
Fri, 9/16/2011 - 17:00 - 19:00
Sun, 10/16/2011 - 17:00 - 19:00
Fri, 11/18/2011 - 17:00 - 19:00
Fri, 12/16/2011 - 17:00 - 19:00
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Mind-Body Meditation
Being calm in daily life can often be the difference between performing well and performing poorly. Meditation teaches us to calm our mind, even in the face of adversity and challenges. In this class, we will learn and practice a variety of meditations. Practiced regularly, these meditations help us to cultivate oneness of mind and body and true calmness in daily life.
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Commuting by Bicycle at Sibley Bike Depot
Whether it’s less than a mile or 15 miles to the store, school, or work, commuting by bike is fun and rewarding. Riding your bicycle for transportation is extremely empowering, good for your health and saves you money. This course will give you skills and confidence to start riding your bike in traffic and around town. This class assumes that you can get on a bike and pedal, but no further experience is required.
We’ll talk about how bikes should behave on the road and practice handling skills, like shifting and riding straight while you check behind. We will discuss what to consider when you use your bike as transportation, such as clothing, accessories and routing. Then we’ll go for a ride! The ride will take place as it starts to get dark, so please bring at least the legal nighttime requirements: a front light and rear reflector. If you do not have these items, we’ll have some for you to borrow. Helmets are required for this course, and we have a few loaners if you don’t have one. And of course…bring your bike!
The class is 2 weeks long on Sundays from 4:30-6:30
September 18th and 25th
Please don't hesitate to contact me with any questions!
Alicia
alicia@sibleybikedepot.org
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The Fantasy of the American Dream in Post-Modern Culture
Over the last thirty-years we have seen a return of social conservatism within our culture, particularly within our economic policies. This has led to a growing gap between the rich and the poor, to the consolidation of wealth and power in the hands of the few, and to the erosion of the basic infrastructure within urban communities. Why? Many scholars argue that the laissez-faire values that have been resuscitated within American politics have enabled the ruling class to control media outlets in ways that garner public consent and shape public policy. This course is an honest attempt to investigate the history, theory, and effects of what many scholars call neo-liberalism--this political project of the new conservatism. If you have any interest in politics, economics, and philosophy, as it pertains to our current state-of-affairs, then you would be interested in taking this course.
Writing and Performing Political Theatre
The instructor has an MFA in Theater with a playwriting emphasis and has produced social/political-minded work in San Francisco, Minneapolis, and Illinois. The class will emphasize techniques for effective character construction as the basis for creating a script, along with fundamental elements such as dramatic conflict, obstacles, and character arc. Specific in-class exercises will be used as well as homework assignments designed to generate material. Suggestions for creative use of different performance modalities and techniques will be developed through movement-based exploration in class, as well as use of video/audio resources. As the class continues each student performs his/her work-in-progress, with instructor feed-back and direction. The class culminates with a full student performance of their work.
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Gourmet Vegetarian: The Diet of Sustainability
UPDATE: The Farm of Minnesota, a CSA farm run by Dan and Donna Moe, will be the source for all of the vegetables used in class. I will be exchanging time on the farm for weekly supplies. To make suggestions for produce, visit the blog called "Source Found." Beginning on September 14th, a Wednesday, the Seward Co-Op will provide a full kitchen for our use! Until then, however, a location is yet to be found.
There are a couple of preconceived notions in the world of "Haute Cuisine." One: that good food is reserved for those who can pay for it, and two: that vegetarian meals are a joke. Well, it's my purpose as a chef to turn those preconceived notions inside out, because the reality is that the best cuisine is that which uses vegetables, as flavor ingredients as well as for substance, in the most effective and dynamic manner.
As an avid vegetarian myself,as well as a cook, I am creating this course to show people the true diversity of edible plant life in this world, and how to turn this plethora of delicious ingredients into something creative, dynamic and flavorful as well as satisfying and nutritious. Most of all though, I am creating this class to encourage the adoption of the most sustainable, healthy, and palatable diet known to man: ovo-lacto vegetarianism. We will, however, cover many aspects of the vegan diet as well as raw vegan dishes. Bottom line, this class will teach people how to create food that is as organic as it gets, prepared from scratch, and "good" in two ways. "Good" in the sense of extremely tasty, as well as "Good" in the sense of good for the environment, diversity, and life on this planet.
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French / Frances: World of French/ El Mundo Frances by John Xavier
Introduction to the World of French - Sections I & II
New and continuing students are welcome to this survey of French culture, including language history, geography, and various nations:French Canada, Caribbean, and countries of Africa.
From the first day you will speak French and later we'll even learn a couple of songs. We'll also learn about "The French Connections" to Minnesota and The Midwest.
Class Schedule:
Tuesdays 6:30 - 8:00
Weekly
Section I
Sept 27 - Oct 25
Section II
Nov 15 - Dec 20
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Black Folk: Culture Defeats Holocaust
This class explores in depth the social and institutional struggles of African-Americans in the United States. Dealing the the problems and effects of racism, and the state of race relations today.
Thursdays 6-8PM
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DJ on WMCN Macalester College Radio
Like many college radio stations, WMCN does not limit itself to any particular genre[s]. Our programming consists of a broad spectrum of music from indepedent record labels and artists, along with a spattering of talk, news, and announcements.
Unlike most radio stations of any sort, however, WMCN is a truly freeform broadcast. We have 68+ unique weekly programs, each with its own host DJ[s] and theme. While we do select our DJs in part based on their tastes and knowledge, they determine the playlists for each broadcast of their own shows independently, with no need for approval from management and no "master list" to choose from.
Since the majority of our listeners are Macalester students, we try to provide a mix of genres proportional to their tastes, while representing as many genres as possible in the spirit of liberal arts philisophy. If you see an underrepresented genre you enjoy, do a little research on influential/innovative/independent artists in that genre, and APPLY FOR A SHOW THIS SEMESTER!
If you live near the Macalester College campus, you can pick up an application at the station (in the Basement of 30Mac) , at the Campus Center information desk, or you can find a copy online at www.macalester.edu/wmcn. Applications are due back to the station by WEDNESDAY SEPTEMBER 15TH.
Canvas Drawing Studio (Youth Only)
An open space for drawing, sketching and creating. Work on your craft in a fun, relaxed atmosphere. Open to teens between 7th and 12th grade. Facilitated by Kara Newbauer. Every Monday at the Canvas (1610 Hubbard Ave., Saint Paul). 6:30-8pm. Free.
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Canvas Poetry Circle (Youth Only)
An open space for poets, spoken-word artists, rappers and songwriters to share their work and get some feedback from their peers. Open to teens between 7th and 12th grade. Facilitated by two-time National Poetry Slam champion Kyle "Guante" Myhre. Every Wednesday at the Canvas (1610 Hubbard Ave., Saint Paul). 4-6pm. Free.
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Environmental Injustice and Global Resistance: A Documentary Series / La injusticia ambiental y Resistencia Global: Una serie documental
In this class, we will watch documentaries that show how issues of the environment and social justice are intimately related. Peoples around the world suffer the burdens of environmental destruction, but these sufferings are not equitably distributed. The causes come from corporations and wealthy nations, but through racism, imperialism, and capitalism, the effects fall disproportionately on poor and marginalized peoples. Yet, resistance is possible! We will watch films that show the causes of environmental injustices as well as forms of resistance through building social movements and grassroots communities. We will follow the films with discussions -- in both English and Spanish with translation.
En esta clase, veremos Documentales que muestran comos los temas del medio Ambiente y de justicia social estan cercanamente relacionados. Gente en todo el mundo sufre las consecuencias de la destruccion del ambiente, pero estos sufrimientos no son distribuidos equitativamente. Las causas vienen de corporaciones y de paises ricos, pero a traves de Racismo, imperialismo y capitalismo, Los efectos caen desproporcionadamente en los pobres y en la gente marginada. Todavia, la resistencia es posible!!, veremos documentales que muestran las injusticias ambientales y a la vez formas de resistencia a traves de la construccion de movimientos sociales y de la comunidad de base. A los documentales les seguiran debates en Ingles y Espanol con traduccion.
Schedule: (all classes meet Thursday evenings, 6:00-8:00pm) (Todas las clases se reuniran los Jueves de 6:00 a 8:00 pm)
9/30/10 – Darwin’s Nightmare
- on the environmental and social effects of the fishing industry around Lake Victoria in Tanzania.
- Los efectos ambientales y sociales de la industria de la pesca en el Lago Victoria en Tanzania
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Frances/French
"Introduction to the world in French" - Survey of French world civilization, including history, geography and various cultures. Includes: France, Canada, Caribbean and Africa. Introduction to numbers and daily expressions ( name, food, travel, etc.)
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Ingles/Spanish:Intercambio de Idiomas, Dual Language.
En esta clase los que hablan español aprenden ingles y los que hablan ingles aprenden español. Como parte de la clase, practican el nuevo idioma con los otros participantes. Aqui usted tendrá un ambiente comodo para aprender ingles/ español para el trabajo, para mejorar la pronunciacion o para la razon que sea según el nivel, las metas y el interés que Ud. tenga. Si se le hizo dificil aprender ingles o espanol, en esta clase tendrá exito. Usaremos materiales desarrollados por experiencias enseñando ingles en Mexico y Columbia pero esta bienvenido a llegar con sus preguntas, libros o cualquier material que le gustaria entender mejor.
In this class, Spanish- speakers will learn English and English-speakers will learn Spanish. After learning new concepts, you can try them out with native speakers of the other language in your class. Whether you need to know English / Spanish for work, to improve pronunciation or spelling, for travel, to make new friends, or anything, you'll have a friendly atmosphere to practice learn that will accomodate your interests, goals, ability level. Even if you've tried before and found it difficult, this class will work for you. We will use different materials developed through experience teaching English independently in Mexico and Colombia, as well as teaching high school Spanish here in the U.S. Explore topics of real life, work with a variety of resources, and begin creating a language portfolio if you want. Learners will develop personalized vocabulary, enhanced phonetic awareness, and a wide range of second language acquisition skills. You are welcome to bring your questions, books, or any materials that you would like to understand better. Time will be provided for individualized attention as well.
Requirements: Recommended basic materials will be listed on the first day of class.
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Jovenes Adolescentes
La clase para las Jovenes Adolescentes es enfocada a la autoestima, al desarrollo emocional, fisico y hasta espiritual de una joven. Se enfoca en trabajar en metas.
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Cardio Kick Boxing
Cardio Kick Boxing es una clase de ejercicio enfocada en trabajar el abdomen, esta basada en karate, kung-fu (o artes marciales), el Cardio Kick Boxing es uno de los ejercicios mas completos donde puede quemar hasta 1000 calorias por una hora intensa de ejercicio.
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Zumba Fitness
Es una clase que se dedica al bienestar y enfocada a la salud Fisica y Mental, nos ejercitamos, es una mezcla de Baile, Aerobicos y mucha diversion.
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Computacion
Ayudar a los estudiantes a entender la internet, ayudar a resolver problemas comunes, actualizaciones, instalacion de softwares, etc.
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Dibujo
Dibujo es la imagen que representa el arte de lo que te gusta, de lo que piensas, de tus emociones y la habilidad de demostrar tu don o profesion. La clase de dibujo seria ensenando lo basico despues a dibujar y por ultimo como pintar los dibujos.
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Cocina Mexicana
Seran clases de comida variada tales como mariscos, ensaladas y un poco de soya. Tratando de no usar aceites ni grasas para mantener una mejor salud.
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Experiment in Collaborative Creativity.
The activities in our group will be experiential. We will begin with a few warm up exercises to get acquainted and hopefully get in the flow of creative collaboration. The group includes some personal sharing and reflective writing. The main activity will be choosing a subject to explore, sharing personal stories related to the subject, then creating a piece of work that represents parts of each members story. The form of the work is open to our imagination. The structure of the group evolves as needed and as the collaborative process moves forward. Decisions are reached by consensus. What comes out of the collaboration will be ??????.
A few of the questions and explorations inherent in the activities are how to balance individual needs with the needs of the group/community; how to value and integrate differences and keep conflict stimulating, creative, and productive; when boundaries inhibit integrative processes and when they promote integration; what mix of flexibility and holding the line leads to "successful" co creating,etc.
Throughout the experiment members are encouraged to evaluate the process on both personal and social levels for discussion when the activities conclude. The nature of the class/group experiment requires regular attendance for the full 8 weeks in order to build on the previous exercises and experiences.
Requirements: Curiousity, a willingness to share personal information related to the chosen subject matter, open to exploring in a non linear fashion, and respectful interaction, and regular attendance to derive the full benefit of the collaboration, especially in the earlier weeks of the experient.
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Salsa Caribena
Es una clase muy dinamica la cual nos mantendra ejercitados. Se puede practicar en pareja o solos, esta acompanada de musica con ritmo de Salsa, pasaremos un tiempo divertido, al final de estas 8 clases, estaran felices de poder bailar Salsa Caribena!.
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Tejido de 2 agujas
El tejido es un arte hecho por las manos con dos agujas, se pueden hacer bufandas, gorros, sweaters.
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Clases de Danza y Baile
En esta clase se practica baile social tal como salsa, cumbia, merengue y tambien danza folklorica mexicana. Esta clase funciona tanto para ninos y adolescentes como para adultos.
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Create a Free WordPress Website for your Business or Organization
Learn how to develop a free website for your small business or community organization using WordPress. Secrets of the City's Matt Bartel explains how to set up a site, how to navigate the settings so that the site represents your business, and tips on how to generate traffic. Please bring a picture of your business or an image or logo representing your business on a flash drive. Free, but donations to Twin Cities Media Alliance cheerfully accepted.
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Anticipating Collapse
Preparing for Collapse
Collapse is coming. Collapse of exactly what? The U.S. dollar? Agro-industrialism? Civilization itself? Ecological environment? Is it already here?
This discussion group will explore these possibilities and more in an attempt to understand the impending feeling of a fore-coming collapse. Many communities anticipate some sort of rupture to this current state of culture/society. What will this look like? What perspectives are worth considering when attempting to understand the nature of collapse?
A great attempt will be made to keep meetings from becoming alarmist or conspiratorial. This is an opportunity to mingle in many perspectives of collapse. People who are primarily interested in propagating their own vision without space for others are not welcome. This is a sincere effort to understand the nature of collapse to give solid ground to any efforts of preparation. Once a semi-solid understanding of collapse is reached, discussion on preparation will be held. The intention of this group is to be productive in moving forward towards preparation.
Expect meetings weekly during the month of October.
Basic Bike Maintenance at Sibley Bike Depot (registration CLOSED!)
PLEASE NOTE: The class was just pushed back one week. The class will now begin September 26, rather than September 19 as initially scheduled. Information below is now updated.
Intro to fixing and maintaining your own bike! No previous experience required. This is a 4-week class, Sunday afternoons 4:30-6:30, September 26, October 3, Oct. 10, Oct. 17. Classes are taught by the staff and board at Sibley Bike Depot, a not-for-profit community bike shop at 712 University Avenue in St. Paul
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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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Becoming Riflemyn - Rifle Marksmynship
This course will supply knowledge and skills required to become a Riflemyn. A riflemyn is a person capable of hitting 20" targets from 500 meters with standard equipment. Information covered will range from fundamental to advanced skills, depending on progress of the students. The goal of this course is to expand responsible rifle knowledge into urban culture. Students will be able to transfer their knowledge to members of their respective communities.
The course will likely be several meetings, beginning with classroom orientation of safety and basic firearms knowledge. This will include discussion of types of rifles for prospective buyers. A comprehensive text will be provided. This will be followed up with one or more range days where one will be able to learn the concepts and knowledge of becoming a Riflemyn. Students are encouraged to provide their own rifles, though this is not necessary. An ideal student will be open to eventually purchasing a rifle and being comitted to learning the trade of Riflemynship through dedicated practice. Please email the facilitator upon registering to explain your level of interest.
It should be noted that while this is an introductory course, it is complete in riflemynship content. If one is dedicated to learning and open to absorbing the information, one will have the skills to acheive a standard of marksmynship that exceeds 99% of rifle owners. We call this the Riflemyn standard. Those who acheive this standard will be considered a Riflemyn, and will recieve a nifty patch. This course is in no way a statement of political belief or motive. It is simply the knowledge of skill. While all are welcome, outwardly oppressive or offensive perspectives will not be tolerated.
Batucada do Norte – Brazilian Drumming Ensemble
Batucada do Norte is a community group dedicated to studying and performing the many street drumming styles found in Brazil during Carnival. Founded by brothers Tim and Pat O’Keefe in 2006, the group has performed at many events throughout the Twin Cities, including the annual May Day Parade, the Minneapolis Mosaic Festival, and the Minnesota History Museum’s Nine Nights of Music. Our weekly gatherings will include both instruction in the basics of Brazilian rhythms for beginners, and rehearsals of the group’s repertoire. No prior musical experience is necessary to join, just open minds and open ears. Some musical instruments will be provided.
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What's Your Story? Citizen Journalism 101
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School Choice, Charter Schools, and Minneapolis: Exploring the Privatization and Marketization of Schooling in Our City
The class will be a majority reading and discussion group with the potential to get involved in some education activism, through our class or through other projects that are already in the works in the area. I will have interesting and relevant readings prepared. However, the class will be a project of all involved and all will have a say in what we read, discuss, and do together.
We will work together to understand how the impact of school privatization via charter or contract schools, and other trends and policies that seek to transform public education to align with neoliberal and free market ideologies. We will discuss how this transformation benefits/negatively impacts different groups of people in the cities, the possibilities for radical change in the way we think about educating young people, and the relevance of the public school system in its current form to our daily lives and desires. There are many ways we can explore these issues including but not limited to:
- privatization and the increasing role of philanthropy in public education
- the commercialization of schooling and students and parents as consumers
- the increasing hierarchization of public schooling (i.e. magnet schools) and unequal distribution of resources
This is an ambitious class with many fruitful directions to take - directions that we can decide on as a group based on our collective interests.
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Mahadrin Klezmer Ensemble
This band offers a creative outlet for the study, performance, and ultimately, preservation, of klezmer music in a relaxed and non-judgmental, but serious, environment. While some degree of basic musicianship is requested (ability to play by ear and/or sight-read, basic competence on at least one instrument), the group is open to musicians with different levels of musicianship and backgrounds. Don't know what klezmer is? Come find out firsthand and learn to play one of the world’s greatest and most quickly evolving musical folk genres. This is an ongoing course and all of the information provided before is still applicable.
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CANCELED Spanish Book Club
Pienso dar una "clase" que es más bien un club de lectura. Pienso leer un par de libros durante el semestre (el número dependerá del nivel de interés y de las habilidades de los estudiantes), para luego discutirlos en clase. El primer día de clase decidiremos el primer libro y la cantidad de tarea (50-100 páginas a la semana o algo así) Las clases se darán 100% en español. Tanto los aprendices como los nativos son bienvenidos a asistir, pero tengan en cuenta que la clase requiere un nivel alto o medio-alto de español, es decir que tendrán que formular oraciones completas usando todos los tiempos verbales, el subjuntivo, etc. NO se darán lecciones de gramática.
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"The Book: On The Taboo Against Knowing Who You Are" and the Philosophy of Alan Watts
In 1966 Alan Watts, self proclaimed philosophical entertainer, published what many regard as his master work, "The Book: On The Taboo Against Knowing Who You Are". In this book, Watts attacks a belief at the foundation of Western culture and technology: the self as a separate ego, separated from and in conflict with the rest of the world. Furthermore, Watts provides an alternative view based on Hindi and Vedantic philosophy.
"The Book" is essentially a synthesis of Watts' work as a philosopher, writer, speaker, and student of Eastern and Western religion; beautifully articulated metaphors, witty aphorisms and mind expanding insights all packed into a concise 146 pages.
Come join me as we discuss "The Book" in detail. The class will be an open forum where we can delve further into the ideas at the center of the human potential movement.
The course will span six weeks, with each week covering one chapter (there are six in all). Food, drinks, intellectual stimulation and merriment are sure to be provided. What more do you need to know?
Of course, the only requirement for the class is that all members read "The Book". For those who cannot obtain a copy, an online version can be found here:
http://www.leary.ru/download/watts/Book%20On%20The%20Taboo%20Against%20K...
**All new members please contact me at Rogaz23@aol.com for information on meeting times as they vary from week to week (the EXCO email system is not working).
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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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Reporting 101
You’ve always wanted to get into writing and reporting, but you need some
basic skills. In this two-part session Gary Gilson teaches the basics of
identifying and developing a story idea, digging, cultivating sources,
organizing the material, identifying a lead and writing clearly, cogently and
engagingly. And on deadline.
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Bits and Bites -- Programming First Steps
Do you think that programmers are born with keyboards in their hands? Programmers are made, not born -- you too can code with the best of them. If you're interested in breaking down the barriers and mystique around programming, join us! Learn to code in a chill, non-judgmental environment.
Your facilitators, Gregg and Amanda, come from non-traditional programming backgrounds, and used to be N00bs. We have no patience for alpha geeks, macho baloney, and geek superiority.
Our big project is a web application that allows you to play a "Choose Your Own Adventure" that you write yourself! (example: http://cyoa.lind-beil.net/).
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stepping across the gaps- [Being in] Becoming culturally competent in the human services field
This course seeks to continue the dialogue and action steps for human
services workers working across lines of race, class, sexuality, politics and
religion to discern a shared set of values and ethics to inform a culturally
competent practice. It is assumed that we will not ever arrive at competence
but continually strive towards it evaluating our practice in context of the
people and families we work with (our clients), our colleagues and our higher
ideals. Special attention will be paid to the NASW Code of Ethics as well as
other Codes of Ethics (NACSW for instance). Of special interest is whether
(and how) we as human service workers (or foster parents!) in the social,
youth and family work fields are able to harmonize our different ethical, and
religious standards to overcome institutional and personal oppression along
lines of racial, class, sexual, political and religious difference.
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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.
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Indegenous 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.
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Improv Comedy: The Short and Long of It
Learn the basics of improvisation and then start doing it! We will cover
short and long form improv as well as games like you'd see on Who's Line is
it Anyway? Lecturing will be kept to a minimum as this is a subject best
learned through actual practice. All skill levels welcomed: from beginners to
salty veterens.
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From Abbie Hoffman to Hothead Paisan: A Brief History (and Practice) 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, among others. We’ll watch movies, have discussion, and participate in some low cost/low tech (but potentially high visibility) culture jamming of our own.
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Climate, Development, and Energy: Renewing Our Future
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.
Is
this about the environment? Development? Culture? Technology? Foreign
policy? Social justice? Community empowerment? Your worldview? Global
Citizenship? The answer is yes. With so many facets, we will encourage
participants to work with us to develop a focus for their inquiry and
identify outside readings, news sources, and initiatives for them to
pursue – Macalester students can expand them into for-credit independent
studies. During class time, we’ll use these focuses, guest speakers,
and discussions of current events to investigate the problem as a whole.
We’ll discuss the affects of global warming on our society, economy,
and world, the global and local human response, the structure of a society
up to the challenge, and how we can renew our future. Our intimate relationship
through energy to our local communities, global economy, and biosphere
will play a central role in our discussion. You will have some prior
knowledge whether you’re an economics student, an environmental activist,
or a local resident – no one is unqualified or unrelated. Prerequisites
are a strong interest in looking at the world as a whole and investigating
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The Richest Man in Babylon: A Study in Personal Finance
We will be exploring basic tenants of financial self-sufficiency. The Richest Man in Babylon was originally a series of pamphlets distributed by banks to warn customers of investing in risky stocks prior to the crash of the stock market on Black Thursday in 1929. The lessons outlined in the book are timeless and are told in entertaining parables. We will explore and discuss these lessons and relate them to how we can set up our own savings plan in the similar market situation we have found ourselves in. This is an introduction to personal finance and is designed for students who are looking to balance their saving vs. spending budgets. Students are expected to read the text and minimal take home work will be involved.
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Socialism in the 21st Century: An Introduction to Marxism
This course will provide an introduction to socialist politics and the ideas of Marxism.
*FIRST MEETING: Monday, September 28, 7pm, Blegen 115, West Bank, University of Minnesota
The current global economic crisis has led to a growing questioning of capitalism and increased interest in Marxism. Merriam-Webster reports that socialism was the third most searched-for term during 2008 in their online dictionary. Sales of The Communist Manifesto have skyrocketed, with Amazon.com reporting a 700% increase since the banking collapse.
While many have sought to dismiss socialism and Marxism as outdated, the growing polarization of wealth, brutal wars, environmental devastation, and global instability that have accompanied the current wave of corporate globalization have even forced many in the corporate media to acknowledge that Marx’s analysis – that capitalism leads to war, inequality, crisis, etc. – may have been right.
This class will provide an opportunity for participants to read and discuss some classic works of Marxism and get a basic understanding of Marxist analysis. At the same time, understanding that Marxism is not a rigid dogma, but a guide to action, we will focus on how to apply Marxist ideas in today’s world.
The class will meet every week or two, depending on people’s schedules, at a location yet to be determined. Topics examined will include Marxist analyses of economics, history, philosophy, the state, religion, the environment, alienation, women’s oppression, the media, and more. In addition to short lectures and a focus on discussion among class participants, the course will include movies and guest speakers. This course assumes no prior knowledge and is intended for anyone who would like an introduction to Marxism.
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Women's Circles - Every Woman's Voice Makes A Difference
In the circle, each woman has the opportunity to speak. We allow ourselves to be seen, heard and validated, and in turn we see, hear and validate the women around us. We begin to reclaim and harvest our wisdom and allow each other's wisdom to penetrate our hearts. Together, we strengthen our voices and are empowered to shine. Come experience the Awesome Women circle process, and be nourished, nurtured and inspired. ---------------------------------------------------------- Pam Nelson, CMIC, is a transformational life/wellness coach, and a trained Awesome Women Circle facilitator. She has co-facilitated the Body Wisdom & Vital Energy workshops through EXCO for six terms now, where she has led a modified circle process several times and it was enthusiastically received! She is committed to empowering others to reconnect with their innate inner guidance and to reclaim their voice and the gifts of their whole life's experience.
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Body Wisdom & Vital Energy Workshops
Introduction to reconnecting with the body's innate inner wisdom and its ability to heal itself at all levels, mind-body-spirit. This course is experiential in nature - you will actively explore exercises that support self-awareness, body-awareness, grounded- and centeredness, and an overall sense of well-being. Among other things, we will explore guided visualization/meditation, the energy healing modalities of Reiki and Qigong, and conscious connection with the Earth. Workload determined by participant's desire to apply new learning to their lives, and journaling about what they observe. No prerequisites. Dress comfortably, bring a journal, a mat/blanket for the floor, and an open and curious mind!
We're excited that we'll be presenting new material, and that we'll be joined by two different talented presenters who will generously be sharing their valuable healing work:
Sept. 20th: Dave & Pam, Intro to Body/Vital Energy, and Transitions
Oct. 4th: Dave & Pam, Loving ***this is a deeper dive, please be advised!***
Oct. 18th: Jesse Sia, grounding and Spring Forest Qigong
Nov. 1st: Ron Moor, Hands on Healing (held in 4th Flr Lounge/Old Main)
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David Nelson & Pamela Nelson
This will be our sixth term offering this course, and it continues to morph and grow as we go along! We are committed to offering the space to introduce participants to available alternatives in reconnecting to inner wisdom and improving/maintaining their vital energy, both our own work as well as that of other complimentary wellness practitioners.
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Yoga para Mujeres
Una clases de yoga para soltar estres, relajarse, estirar y abrir el cuerpo en un ambiente comodo. La clases esta presentada en espanol y es para mujeres principiantes hasta avanzadas en la practica de yoga. Vistense en ropa comoda y no coman por dos horas antes de la clase.
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Introduction to Electronics
Introduction to Electronics gives a brief and condensed overview of the world of analog electronics and discrete components. This course starts from the beginning and assumes you know nothing about electronics. It is intended to give you a foundation in electronics for future studies and/or to open up job opportunities where basic electronics knowledge is useful. The book I will be teaching from is "Electronics Technology Fundamentals: Electron Flow Version second edition" by Robert T. Paynter and B.j. Toby Boydell.
What will be covered in this course:
-Component names and functions
-Engineering Notation
-Principles of electricity and electrical flow
-How to measure Voltage, Current, and Resistance
-How to read the resistor color code scheme
-Reading basic schematics
-Ohm's Law and calculating circuit values
-DC (Direct Current) Principles and Circuits
-AC(Alternating Current) Principles and Circuits
-Series, Parallel, and Series/Parallel circuitry
-Magnetism
-How to use test equipment (i.e. Power supply, Oscilloscope, Function Generator, etc.)
-Soldering
We will be doing some math exercises and we will be working with our hands from time to time. The math we will be doing is at a "pre-college" algebra level and we will be using calculators. I strongly encourage you to bring a SCIENTIFIC calculator, though I have a few to provide if needed. I encourage those without much of a technical aptitude to give the course a shot. I will be more than happy to make a techie out of you ;-)
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Changing the Narrative of our Mental Illness
Through the use of storytelling we will explore our experiences with mental illness. Then with the group process we will explore the individual and collective meanings that uphold the meanings of our mental illnesses. We will then be listening for an alternative story that can tell us about our preferred way of being.
This class is both a self healing class and an exploration of social justice issues through the eyes and minds of those of us coping with mental illness.
I will be listing the readings here as they become available:
1. Trafficking in the World of Possibilities
2. The Narrative Construction of Reality
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Danza Mexicana
Para ninos a 10 a 20 anos. Seria danza de Mexico
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**CLOSED ** Basic Bike Maintenance at Sibley Bike Depot (September)
***Registration closed*** - please register for our October class!
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. You aren’t expected to know anything beforehand – the only thing you need to bring is yourself, your bike if you want, and a creative desire to learn!
Participants are encouraged to attend regularly, as each week builds upon skills and theories developed in previous sessions. Participants are encouraged to bring their own bicycle to work on; however, shop bicycles will also be available for tutorial and repair.
Class Schedule: September 13-27 - Three consecutive Sunday afternoons 4:15-6:30pm
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Complete Bicycle Overhaul: Sept-Oct
Class Time: Thursday evenings September 24-October 15 6:30-9pm, Sibley Bike Depot (712 University Ave in St. Paul)
- 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
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