Pacific Northwest History introduces multicultural aspects of historical developments of this region. Students are exposed to Native American perspectives on the eventual occupation of their lands by European imperialists, the origins and outcomes of competition among Europeans for the Pacific Northwest, and challenges placed on non-European ethnic groups from the 19th century to the present. The history of Tacoma is used to highlight the role of capitalism in creating governing bodies and class differences among white European Americans who collectively discriminated against the aspirations of people of color.

A continuation of the Persistence program from the academic year, and it is open to new students wishing to participate in a student-centered pedagogy. This is not a program for students looking for an external, faculty-given pedagogical structure; students will take a very personal stake in their educational development and make their own educational decisions. Travel to Peru, not necessary for enrollment in the program, offers access to communities in northern Peru to experience life in safe and healthy pueblos. This course allows students to choose the direction and goal of their research, including upper-division and graduate study.

4-credit option: During this six-day intensive, we will spend a substantial amount of time outdoors. Our activities will include visiting gardens and habitats, learning to identify medicinal plants from various cultural traditions, exploring techniques and issues related to growing and harvesting many of these plants, maintaining a nature journal, considering broader contexts—including garden design and garden/herbalist relationships—and documenting our plant knowledge.

8-credit option: Following the 4-credit option, we will spend an additional six days exploring traditions in which it is common to know safe, local medicinal plants, as well as to create simple preparations that support the family and community. Specifically, we will learn about a number of wild and cultivated plant species, as well as techniques for making a variety of preparations. We will meet herbalists and explore contemporary issues related to practicing the centuries-old art of herbalism. We will also engage in research and will document our experience and knowledge.

Who were the Beatniks of the 1950s and how did they culturally revolutionize America? Students will research, present, discuss and write poetry on the writings of the Beats. Students work collaboratively and independently writing poetry as they live in a beautiful setting overlooking Admiralty Inlet. An Italian chef prepares our meals, as well as offers optional yoga lessons on the beach. This program is open to all students with an open mind who may be beginner, intermediate or seasoned poets. Students can expect to gain an understanding of the historical significance of the Beats, grow substantially in their poetic writing voice, and leave this program at the end of the summer with a collection of poems.

“Political economy” concerns principles on which our economy is organized, grounded in moral philosophy. The course starts by developing ecological economics principles and a political economy of sustainability to address current ecological, social and economic crises; then contrasts these against dominant growth economics, assesses main themes and modern schools of Western economic thought, emphasizing the limits of markets and government roles shaping markets; and finally, outlines practical policies and business models to create a sustainable economy.

What is a fair political structure? In this course, we will be specifically concerned with the nature of justice in a society such as ours, one that not only aspires to the political values of equality and freedom but also exhibits diversity in many ways—particularly in religious and moral commitments and in conceptions of identity. We will discuss several contemporary theories of justice and we will explore their applications to contemporary political issues.

This course will examine key issues that motivate public policy but interminably divide Americans who support divergent values, goals and strategies. Topics will include government secrecy, civil liberties and security in wartime, same-sex marriage and adoptions, the death penalty, affirmative action, gun control, workfare as welfare reform and privatization of public schools. It will be taught via the Internet through a course Web site, an electronic message board, a chat room for seminars and e-mail. For more information: http://academic.evergreen.edu/curricular/problems/home.htm

Power comes in many forms, from the brute strength of military force to the persuasive impact of principled individual action or argument, from the mass mobilization of social protest to the exercise of economic power to shape political agendas. For power to work it must manifest
itself in political life and move through the arcane complexity of American government to become law and public policy. This course explores these transformations.

This academic/farming practicum includes hands-on instruction in a variety of farm-related topics, including irrigation system design and management, farm and business planning, composting, management of green and animal manures, insect, weed and pathogen identification, biology and management strategies, farmscaping, livestock husbandry, mushroom cultivation, small farm marketing strategies, and more. Students can also work with facilities for vermiculture, composting and biodiesel production, and will explore their personal agricultural interests through research. Students will participate in overnight field trips to farms and weekly potluck meals. Student projects will produce a body of work and demonstrate a level of knowledge that would justify upper division credits.

One of our most important tasks as writers is to discover the topics and themes that hold the deepest meanings for us. Each week we will pursue intensive “writing marathons” that allow us to write fearlessly and share freely. Then we will develop discrete pieces that draw out the full significance of our most promising topics, focusing particularly on form, structure, voice and tone. Our overall goal is to become more centered and self-directed writers.

Working with introductory graphic design concepts and color theory, students will experiment with several practical and diverse printmaking techniques, including reduction relief printing, screen printing and letterpress. Pertinent readings and PowerPoint presentations on the contemporary applications and histories of these techniques will supplement comprehensive demonstrations and in-class work time. However, students should expect to work outside of class hours to complete all assignments. The course will conclude with a print exchange.

This studio intensive is designed to introduce students to nontoxic intaglio printmaking techniques, including dry point, line etching and engraving. Students will also learn about basic printmaking culture and theory. Technical demonstrations will take place most mornings and students will work on assignments the remainder of each day. Please enroll only if you are certain you will be able to attend all the classes in their entirety.

As software and musical instruments merge, it becomes more important to understand the basics of how computers are built and work together. This program will familiarize students with computer based MIDI software and hardware and synthesizers, and will cover some of the technical mysteries critical to comprehending use. This program is mostly about exploring the musical production process. Class structure will consist of lecture/workshop sessions, individual studio times and consulting times. This course will teach students how to gain perspective in how technology facilitates creative and arts-oriented processes.

This course is the concluding experience for the 24-credit special education endorsement core competencies. It looks at current special education research with an emphasis on best practices. Additional topics include effective skills in communicating and collaborating with parents,
para-educators and professionals; early childhood special education trends and curriculum; planning the transition of special education students between education settings and into a post-secondary environment; and use of technology in special education.

In this course we will explore and apply ideas from the humanistic and transpersonal psychology traditions on the topic of authentic (feelings-based) forms of communication. Class time will be divided among book seminars, experiential activities and projects. This course is designed to be of particular value to those interested in pursuing careers in psychology, education, or social work, as well as for anyone interested in communicating more effectively.

This weekend intensive course focuses on the fundamentals of public speaking, and is aimed at helping students improve their speaking confidence and ability regardless of current level of experience. Students will learn to control speech anxiety, compose well-organized presentations and develop performance skills necessary for effective public speaking. Students will also study persuasive communication and the effective use of visual aids. All students will receive individualized feedback and coaching in order to identify problem areas, improve skills and gain confidence in their ability to speak in the classroom, workplace, or community. The course satisfies prerequisite credit in selected MIT endorsement areas.