In this introduction to academic writing, we will focus on arguments–the ways that writers take positions and the ways they support those positions, and the ways that arguments change depending on the context. Although “having an argument” is a term used to describe disagreements, even fights, for our purposes, we will explore arguments as a way of explaining why you believe as you do. We will examine arguments made by other writers, and work on constructing our own.

Accompanied by live drumming, we will learn dances originating in Africa and migrating to Brazil during slavery. We will dance to the driving, rapturous beat from Brazil known as samba. For the people of the villages surrounding Rio de Janeiro, samba is considered their most intense, unambivalent joy. In addition, we will dance and sing to contemporary cross-cultural beat from Bahia: Samba-Reggae and the Candomble religious dances of the Orixas. We will also learn dances from other regions of Brazil, such as Baiao, Frevo and Maracatu.

Algebraic Thinking develops problem solving and critical thinking skills by using algebra to solve context-based problems. Problems are approached algebraically, graphically, numerically and verbally. Topics include linear, quadratic, and exponential functions, right-triangle trigonometry and data analysis. Collaborative learning is emphasized.

In this course, students will learn basic finger-spelling, vocabulary, conversation sign and ASL grammar. Introduction to deaf culture includes invitations to participate in Deaf Coffee and other Deaf activities on campus and in the community.

In this year-long course, students will learn the Arabic alphabet, and to read and write in modern standard and classical Arabic, the language spoken in all of the 22 Arab states and many Islamic countries (all Muslims have to pray in Arabic). By the end of the year, students will be able to speak at a novice level. Students will also learn some short poems and stories, as well as Arabic culture and some conversational Arabic.

In Conversational Arabic we will practice and learn the everyday spoken language used in daily life, which is more informal than the formal written language covered in Beginning Arabic. Each quarter will build on the previous quarter’s learning. We will use the book Spoken Arabic for Foreigners, An Introduction to the Palestinian Dialect by Dr. Moin Halloun.

Doing well while doing good is a challenge. Whereas some kind of help is the kind of help that helps, some kind of help we can do without. Gaining wisdom to know the paths of skillful helping of self and others is the focus of this four-credit course. We will explore knowing who we are, identifying caring as a moral attitude, relating wisely to others, maintaining trust and working together to make change possible.

This is the first of a three-quarter sequence in which students are introduced to the subject of audio production and its relation to modern media. Fall quarter will focus on analog mixers and magnetic recording with some work in digital editing. Main topics will include field recording, digital audio editing, microphone design and application, analog multi-track recording and audio console signal flow. Students will have weekly reading assignments and weekly lab times.