This course will begin by discussing Gutenberg's invention of the Printing Press, and the immediate impact it had on society. Do-it-yourself ethics will be examined through the scope of self-reliance in relation to examples of off-grid communities and their energy production methods. We will look at all forms of alternative energy production and investigate the mechanics, durability and surrounding conditions to these machines to better understand the reasons behind them. Each student will design and build a simple personal energy machine based on their surroundings, interests and skill levels.

Asian immigrants began to arrive in the United States in large numbers during the mid-nineteenth century, but Asian history in the Americas dates back at least to the late 16th century when Filipinos and Chinese arrived in Mexico aboard Spanish galleons plying the silver trade. Today, about half of the people immigrating to the United States are from Asia, and along with other immigrants and people of color, Asian Americans are transforming the face of America. This course will survey primarily Asian American history from 1850 to the present but will include discussion of the Asian diaspora in Canada, Mexico, and the Caribbean. We will explore the changing experiences of Asian immigrants and Asian Americans within the larger context of immigration and race relations in American history. Important questions such as, what is Asian American Studies and who is Asian American will be discussed. The course will focus on the experiences of Chinese, Japanese, Korean, Filipino, Southeast Asian, Mongolian and Asian Indian immigrants as well as Pacific Islanders. This course will also look at the origins, purposes and perpetuation of stereotypes and myths about Asian Americans and explore the possible future of their role in the academy. Finally, we will look at where the field of study is headed including the roles of mixed race, adopted, and queer Asian Americans.

The 21st century is the golden age of young adult literature. Award winning writers who have traditionally written for the adult market are now trying their hand at young adult literature - fantastic writing is coming out of this genre. We will examine the literature, discuss its role in our society, and determine what it means for young adults and other readers of this genre. We will examine mainly northwest literature, discuss its role in our society, and determine what it means for young adults and other readers of this genre.

This is a drawing course with course is an Introduction to comics & sequential art. Focus will be on fundamental principles of drawing and various cartooning methods. Techniques will be introduced for drawing people, buildings, modes of human transportation, and creating scenes based on the language of cinematography. Page design and layout will be also covered. Students will use sketchbooks for traditional observational drawing and will investigate methods of illustrating symbolic imagery. This course will also emphasize content by encouraging students to find their personal voice through the use of self-portraits. Students will be asked to create their own personal narrative using past experiences to provide context for the work. Historical evolution of sequential art and the graphic novel will also be introduced.

Like Shakespeare, Jane Austin is more popular today than in her own lifetime. Because of her popularity, her novels have been made into numerous film adaptations. But what is it about these films that draw huge crowds of movie-goers to see stories many of us know by heart? What is it about her stories that make us see every version ever made of the novels and make us think wistfully: "If only I were Jane. . ." In this introductory class to we will explore these questions as well as the cultural impact and historical significance of Jane and her texts.

Live sound engineers must have the engineering skills to safely control vast amounts of electric and acoustical energy, and the artistic skills to mix a tasteful, enveloping show. This course will heavily stress the underlying principles of acoustics and electro acoustics, while encouraging students to listen critically and to mix artistically. Students will submit listening, research, and recording projects to evaluate their development. Advanced topics will be omitted or only briefly mentioned if needed to allow for complete explanation of key concepts.

At their best, diaries and journals allow us to glimpse the interior worlds of other human beings and, in so doing, shed light on the human condition. In this course, we'll read the work of famous published diarists and keep journals of our own. We'll also look at some contemporary blogs, emphasizing local bloggers, and discuss blogging as a literary artform. Throughout the course, we'll consider these questions: What literary merit do diaries, journals and blogs have? How might an awareness of audience affect a diarist's approach? What kind of structure should a journal have? How can journal entries be used as the building blocks for larger, more “serious” literary projects? And last but not least, what can these readings teach us about what is means to be human?

The purpose of this interdisciplinary course is to explore the transformations of African musical cultures as they have evolved around the globe and contributed to the world's musical heritage. Music is explored, as culture, to understand, social, historical contexts, the vast array of musical instruments, ensemble types, and the structural organization of the music itself. Both indigenous styles and modern acculturated forms will be examined to understand transformations in African music from past to modern times and so students can become familiar with local community resources for an engaged appreciation of course materials. (This course was canceled 01/14).