The persistence of the ideology of jihad in modern Islam drives revivalists and apologists to disagree over the meaning of “jihad” and whether it should be understood to necessitate violence or as an interpersonal spiritual struggle. This course examines the most important modern debates about Jihad and how each position engages and appeals to the foundational Islamic sources (e.g. Qur’an, Muhammad, Sharia/Islamic Law) and Islamic history for legitimacy.

The Islamic religious tradition from its beginnings in seventh century Arabia through the present day, with particular emphasis on the formative period (A.D. 600–1000) and on modern efforts at reinterpretation. Topics include Muhammad and the Qur’an, prophetic tradition, sacred Law, ritual, sectarianism, mysticism, dogmatic theology and popular practices. Emphasis on the ways Muslims in different times and places have constructed and reconstructed the tradition for themselves. The course concludes with examples of modern Islamic thought (modernism, feminism and militancy).

Modern civilization relies profoundly on efficient production, management and consumption of energy. Thermodynamics is the science of energy transformations involving work, heat and the properties of matter. Engineers rely on thermodynamics to assess the feasibility of their designs in a wide variety of fields including chemical processing, pollution control and abatement, power generation, materials science, engine design, construction, refrigeration and microchip processing.

Fundamentals of Tennis: 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

Weight Training: Students in this course will practice and learn the basics of using weighted and unweighted exercise to train flexibility/mobility, strength, speed, endurance and coordination. Students will design and receive feedback on an individualized weight training program. Each class session will include cardio warmup, stretching, and weight lifting. Participants who have never been involved in a fitness program are especially welcome, along with experienced students of weight training methods The instructor for the Fall this class will be John Snyder

This course focuses on the beginner canoe paddler. Participants MUST BE ABLE TO SWIM. Learn the basics of whitewater canoeing on local waterways. This course starts on flatwater with learning the basics of how to propel and steer a canoe, and then progresses to moving water with the possibility of paddling class I-II whitewater. This class will focus on canoe strokes, eddy turns, ferrying, river reading, prudent risk management and decision making, and basic canoe rescues This course runs through November 1st, as weather and river levels permit

This course will focus on enjoying cycling and learning to be competent road riders. Western Massachusetts is a beautiful area filled with some of the best road and gravel biking in the region, and we will ride in a different location each class. We will also learn how to change a flat tire, and how to share the road with other people and vehicles. No need to own your own bike- you can borrow a Hampshire bicycle for this class This course runs from September 11th through November20th 2024 Participants must know how to ride a bicycle.

This course is an opportunity to experience many activities that make up outdoor adventure. Students will be introduced to natural areas in the Pioneer Valley and Western Massachusetts. Activities may include hiking, biking, canoeing, maps and compasses, and trail maintenance amongst other offerings. This course is an opportunity to get out each week and learn new outdoor adventure skills. No experience with any of the outdoor activities is required to participate in this class! There will be one required overnight Saturday November 2nd-Sunday November 3rd.

This course explores visual narrative over sequences of images as used in time based and interactive media and graphic novels. Students will become familiar with the discipline of sequential art and the tools necessary for composition, panel design, visually translating written scripts, time based media in both linear and non-linear modes as well as composition and over reaching visual arc of panels on physical pages as well as on a screen.