In this course we will create art from materials that are found, foraged and free. We will make our own charcoal, inks and papers. Along with these homemade materials, we will work with refuse, salvage and nature. The intention and significance of working this way will be discussed and considered in each artist's personal practice. Students will be asked to do a good amount of material collecting and processing outside of class. Time will be spent outdoors in many of the classes, regardless of the elements.

Understanding cinema as one of the most active forces in the visual, political, and social structure of place, we will screen and discuss films that have acted as social agents in the Americas. We will read major thinkers on class, social movements, and colonialism such as Hegel, Marx, Fanon, Malcom X, Castro, Marti, and Anzaldua. Thinking in dialogue with manifestos and cultural histories, we will screen films that challenge narrative structures, cinematic techniques, notions of political activism, means of distribution, and even the very notion of cinema.

This course addresses outdoor leadership from both a theoretical and practical perspective. Readings and discussions will focus on such topics as safety and risk management, group development theory, social justice issues, and the educational use of the wilderness. Practical lab sessions will cover such topics as emergency procedures, trip planning, outdoor travel, Leave No Trace, and the instruction of specific wilderness activities. Two weekend outdoor trips and teaching opportunities provide experiential learning in the class.

This class covers basic tennis techniques. Our focus will be on developing smooth confident strokes. Students will also spend time learning the rules of the game and playing. 5-College students will be graded pass/fail.

This course will give students background knowledge and first-hand experience in stretching, weight lifting, and aerobic conditioning. Students will learn the basics of flexibility training, using heart rate to guide aerobic conditioning, and assist in designing an individualized weight training program. Each class session will include stretching, running/walking, and weight lifting. People who have never been involved in a fitness program are especially welcome. 5-College students will be graded pass/fail.

The class will focus on improving foot, speed, agility, and explosiveness through drills and plyometrics. Class will meet ONLY for 6 weeks after the start of the semester. 5-College students will be graded pass/fail.

This class will utilize various techniques to improve one's strength and conditioning without the use of weights. All experience levels are welcome. The class is especially good for those interested in improving strength for sports. Five college students will be graded pass/fail.

This course is an opportunity to experience the many activities that make up outdoor adventure. Students will be introduced to natural areas in the local region. In the winter, activities may include snowshoeing and cross country skiing. As spring arrives, students will canoe, hike, and climb. This course is an opportunity to get out each week and learn new outdoor adventure skills. 5-College students will be graded pass/fail.

Please read expanded course description for FULL CLASS INFO. Debated to be the most superbly engineered sword in the world, the katana perseveres in modern times with deep roots in Japanese history. As one of the most popular icons of samurai warriors in feudal battlefields, Iaido reinvents the use of the sword and turns its power inwards as a means of personal precision, refinement, manners, and cutting of the ego in timeless battles that knows no era. NO PREVIOUS MARTIAL ARTS EXPERIENCE IS REQUIRED.

Please read expanded course description for FULL CLASS INFO. Students from OPRA #0115-1 (Beginning Kyudo) will review methods of properly handling equipment, equipment maintenance, and practice of Shichido. Once essential aspects of Shichido are secure, additional techniques are introduced such as two-arrow forms called Hitote and Tsukubai. Both will be practiced at short range and then gradually at a more distant target. Students will learn the difference in equipment required for long-range shooting and how to synchronize with other archers in their practice.