This is an advanced architectural design studio that will investigate the notion of narrative and journey in designed spaces at the urban scale, building scale, and smaller scale such as exhibitions and sculpture. Students will be asked to analyze one or more precedents in terms of narrative and journey by developing methods of notation and mapping to present their analysis.

This course is open to second year Division II and Division III students and Five College seniors completing or anticipating advanced architectural or other design studio projects. The Advanced Design + Media Lab course provides a structured and critical creative environment for students to explore, experiment and design in both an individual and collaborative studio setting. In this course, students will develop their own individual design projects, identifying their own approach, scope and thesis, then executing their creative acts throughout the semester.

This course is an exploration into the emerging field of New Literacy Studies and the implications for its broadening theoretical, educational and cultural implications for new perspectives of youth in the postmodern age. The course builds complex understandings of the conceptual framework of multiple literacies that offer an alternate view of literacy, which has been traditionally seen as an acquisition and performance of skills. Students explore a New Literacies perspective of literacy as social practice, which is shaped by context and culture, time and space, politics and media.

Philosophers have long asked about the nature of happiness and its contribution to 'the good life.' Happiness is something we all want, but what is it, and why do we all want it so much? Are some people naturally happier than others? What makes us happy and why? This course will examine happiness from a number of different perspectives. We will look at what philosophers have said about the nature and importance of happiness in our lives, including some who argue that happiness should not be our ultimate good or goal.

Aikido is essentially a modern manifestation of traditional Japanese martial arts (Budo), derived from a synthesis of body, sword, and staff arts. Its primary emphasis is defensive, utilizing techniques of neutralization through leverage, timing, balance, and joint control. There is no emphasis on strikes or kicks as one is trained to blend and evade rather than conflict. Beginners will practice ukemi (falling), body movement, conditioning, and several basic techniques. 5-College students will be graded pass/fail.

This course will present the forms of Muso Shinden Ryu Iaido, a traditional style of drawing and sheathing the Japanese katana. Each form includes at least the four parts: 1.Nukitsuke, drawing; 2.Kiritsuke. killing cut; 3. Chiburi, cleansing the blade; and 4. Noto, returning the sword to the scabbard. Each kata represents a swordsman's response to a particular scenario of opponents and their actions. These kata are solo in nature and will not involve paired exercises. Equipment and uniforms will be provided for those registered. 5-College students will be graded pass/fail.

This course is for students who want to learn how to whitewater kayak. No Previous experience is required, though participants must be able to swim and be comfortable in the water. Topics covered will include: a variety of strokes, basic self-rescue and safety knowledge, eddy turns, ferrying, 'river reading' and rolling the boat. This course is the same as OPRA 0124. The class will meet Wednesdays in the pool 1:00 to 2:20 pm from January 23 to March 13. After spring break the class will also go outside on Fridays 12:30 to 6:00 pm from March 29 until May 3.

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, sea kayak, 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.

This class begins after Spring Break and meets on Thursdays from 3/28 to 5/2. It is for students with little or no climbing experience. Students will learn basic safety techniques, rope work, knots, and climbing techniques. Enjoy the opportunity to exercise your body and mind using the indoor climbing wall and local climbing areas. This class is the same as OPRA 152. 5-College students will be graded pass/fail.

This class begins after Spring Break. Students should be experienced top rope climbers and competent belayers. We will cover rope management, anchors, belaying the leader and self-rescue. We will actuate this information outdoors. The goal of this course is to prepare climbers to be competent seconds for multipitch climbs and to provide instruction in lead climbing. Class will meet on Tuesdays 12:30-6:00pm from 3/26 until 4/30. 5-College students will be graded pass/fail.