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.