This beginning graphic workshop will examine the history of the comic strip as well as the simple act of creating short narratives with sequential images and text. We will also explore character and plot development, professional illustration practices and create visual stories that reflect your personal vision and experiences. The only prerequisite is that you have the desire to tell stories with pictures and words. This course combines popular culture, art history and visual story development, coupled with art studio workshops.

Credits awarded: 4 credits in expressive arts

Learn the history, evolution, and craft of improvisational acting to develop
critical thinking, foster team building, develop spontaneity, sharpen concentration and listening skills, solve problems, develop basic elements of storytelling and stretch creative imagination. With the focus on taking risks and exploring moment to moment, improvisation allows the student to access once again the aspect of self that creates in the form of play. Overcome inhibitions in a supportive, creatively stimulating environment that emphasizes process rather than performance.

Credits awarded: 4 credits in performance studies.

This program covers the relationships of Native Americans and other indigenous peoples to environmental justice and sustainability. We will study environmental injustices such as toxic contamination, corporate and military projects harming natural and cultural resources, and the growing impacts of climate change. We will also study how indigenous environmental justice movements are counteracting these threats with cultural revitalization, treaty rights and sovereignty, natural resource protection, sustainable planning, and alliance building. This course would be very helpful for students pursuing an MES or Tribal MPA and to MIT students.

Credits awarded: 2 credits each in Native American studies, world geography and environmental studies