2009-10 Courses: Fall

This course will examine qualitative and quantitative approaches to social research methods. Research traditionally has been conceptualized as the systemic, objective, valid, reliable collection and analysis of empirical data to solve a problem, to build theory, or add to existing knowledge. The broader goal is to improve the quality of life for all human beings. Yet most students fall short of where to begin or who they are in the process. This course will present a unique, balanced presentation of the foundation of qualitative, quantitative, and mixed methods focusing upon personal leadership style. It will bring the researcher to the middle of the process by examining approaches and intention. This approach helps students understand fundamental differences and similarities between and among research epistemologies and methods.

This is a continuing course for those students who have studied Russian before and are ready to move forward in their mastery of Russian grammar, vocabulary, and conversational skills. Students will also have a good opportunity to better their writing and reading abilities as well as their comprehension skills through constant exposure to authentic Russian literature, the best of Russian films, and a variety of Russian music. Diverse learning settings and intensive in-class activities will help build the necessary confidence in using Russian as a communication tool. Class is conducted largely in Russian by a native-speaking instructor.

In this course, students will gain a basic foundation in Spanish vocabulary and grammar. The course work will focus on verbal, written and reading exercises to acquire essential vocabulary and develop communication skills. Many aspects of Latino and Spanish culture and society will be presented throughout. The course is taught primarily in Spanish and involves work in affinity groups. The fall course is the first in a series of three quarters of beginning level Spanish.

This student-centered class will cover the imperfect tense, familiar and formal commands, por and para, the subjunctive and more. Students will develop better comprehension for Latino and Spanish culture, a strong base for second year Spanish, and prepare for listening comprehension and response with native Spanish speakers. This class has a strong grammatical component.

This course builds upon previous work to strengthen communication skills and fluency in Spanish and is the first of a three-quarter sequence. Coursework focuses on intensive conversation, reading and writing, as well as practice of grammatical structures. Group conversations and written work will focus on practical themes as well as on many topics related to Latin American societies and Hispanic cultures. Communication in class takes place entirely in Spanish. Students uncertain about entry into intermediate level should contact faculty to arrange for level assessment.

This course covers the central competencies in special education assessment. It provides a basic knowledge of the purposes, implementation and interpretation of formal and informal assessments. Participants gain an understanding of how to administer, score, interpret and report on formal and informal assessments, and analyze the accessibility and appropriateness of assessments for students with disabilities to determine the effectiveness of Individual Education Plans, and modifications and accommodations to general curriculum. Students are required to complete five 6-hour classes and 36 hours of practicum.

This course is an introduction to statistics for students with limited mathematical skills, little if any formal exposure to data and data analysis, and no experience with statistics. This class will introduce the student to the statistical process, including data collection, ways of organizing data, an introduction to data analysis and an opportunity to learn how practitioners present their findings. We will examine several case studies, explore how data is used in explaining common events, and develop a more critical understanding about how statistics allows us to understand the world around us. (Note: Please bring a calculator.)

Many idealistic, well-intentioned new teachers find themselves frustrated by their early experiences in public schools and soon leave public education entirely. This frustration is not inevitable. This course, taught by an Evergreen graduate with more than 30 years’ experience teaching in public schools, will explore the skills needed to become a passionate, powerful teacher in the 21st century. We will investigate some of the inevitable struggles - both political and personal - that teachers encounter in public schools today, and we will hear how passionate teachers overcome those tensions. This course may be of particular interest to upper-division students who are considering careers in education, but will also interest any student who wishes to look closely at issues in public education today. As part of this course, students who plan to apply to the Master in Teaching program can complete the classroom observations required for application.

What conditions sparked the genius of the American transcendentalist movement, and what forces shape our world today? What are the competing visions of the American Dream? Manifest Destiny or primeval garden? Capitalist success or sustainable community? Activism or apathy? Altruism or self-interest? What constitutes self-reliance? Is there a split in the American psyche that is both deeply connected to and conflicted about the connection to the natural world? How did the idealism and intellectual rigor of Emerson, Thoreau, Fuller, and other transcendentalists help negotiate social change? We will compare the vision of the transcendentalists with contemporary poets, naturalists, activists, and African-American and Native American writers. Working as writers, poets, and storytellers, we will explore the development of an alternative dream of America that embraces the natural world, social justice, community, and creativity.

We will engage in critical reflection and analysis of a variety of texts, developing tools of literary criticism and historical analysis. Students will experience a rigorous program of reading, writing, artistic expression, and critical discussion. Writing and research assignments are designed for the committed student who wants to work deeply and to write well. Instructional strategies include lectures, workshops, performances, and seminars.

Each quarter there are some graduate courses offered through the Master of Environmental Studies program which may be open to advanced undergraduate students on a space-available basis. In the fall of 2009, these courses include:

• Ecology of Harmful Algal Blooms (Faculty: Gerardo Chin-Leo)
• The Behavior and Ecology of Pacific Salmon (Faculty: Larry Dominguez)

For more information about these courses, please visit the MES website: www.evergreen.edu/mes/.

Each quarter there are some graduate courses offered through the Master of Public Administration program which may be open to advanced undergraduate students on a very limited, space-available basis. For more information about these courses, please visit the MPA website: www.evergreen.edu/mpa/.

Visual literacy skills enhance communication, advance learning, and expand thinking. They are essential for effectively navigating today's social and cultural environment. In this course we will explore Western and non-Western art while focusing on how we see, how we learn, and how visual information can be used generally in communication and specifically in education. Our study will be enhanced by weekly art and media workshops which will include work with digital photography, video, iMovie, and presentation software.

This poetry course will focus on the Japanese masters Basho, Busson, Issa and others. Students will research and study the lives of ancient poets and explore traditional forms of haiku, renga and haibun. Students will practice writing poetry in these ancient forms and will work collaboratively and individually as they create a portfolio of poems. Beginners and science students are especially encouraged to take this class.

There is a sense of personal satisfaction and creative accomplishment to be gained from working with wood. The aim of this course is to provide a way to realize that intention through an understanding of the basic principles of designing in wood, the physical properties of the material, and the fundamental skills necessary to shape timber to a purpose. One section of this course is reserved for freshmen and sophomores.

As we become critical writers, thinkers, and productive citizens in a world where "complex issues of environmental quality, justice, and sustainability are paramount," how can we follow Thoreau's example and live "deliberately?" This intensive writing class will engage in and critically examine that form of nonfiction called the "essay." Its purpose is to refine writing and research skills and to provide practice in writing the personal, expository, and argumentative essay. As we develop our skills as writers, researchers, and critical thinkers, we will use a variety of resources and essays that both ground us in the historical roots of the past, and challenge us to explore the possibilities of the future.

This course is designed to assist Prior Learning from Experience students in writing their documents. We will explore various techniques for deriving, clarifying and expressing meaning from life experience. Students will identify specific knowledge they have gained and will explore various writing techniques available for self-expression. Students should be prepared to work collaboratively on creating their document content as they work in small groups to discuss ideas and give feedback on each other's writing.