The Jewish Mystical tradition provides a window into the inner dimensions of reality. The kabbalistic system outlines the essential nature of the universe, and Chasidic tradition developed the spiritual "technology" for meaningful transcendental experience. Drawing on traditional and modern soucres, this course will examine the variety of Jewish mystical experience, providing student with the basic tools and know-how to engage in further mystical exploration. Together, we will delve into the secret world of the esoteric, and explore the hidden depths of our communal soul. No previous experience required.

An in-depth look at the life and art of Bob Dylan, his albums, his greatest song(s). We will meet once a week for 2 hours to discuss lyrics, poetry, and his development as an artist over the 40+ years of his career. The only requirements are class participation and two papers.

This course is an introduction to basic conversational Cantonese, and will include grammar and vocabulary. Besides being a language course, this class will also provide a better understanding of Southern Chinese-Cantonese. It will meet twice a week with an optional third day for a Hong Kong movie showing. Many of the materials will be provided. As a prerequisite at least a year of Mandarin must be taken.

This course is a continuation of Conversational Cantonese I. The class will meet twice a week with an optional third day for a Hong Kong movie showing. Some materials will be provided. Quite intensive. Prerequisite at least 2 years of Mandarin, Conversational Cantonese I, or demonstrating ability.

This course is open to anyone who is interested in learning about the four basic systems of the Catholic religion, i.e., sacramental, moral, ecclesiastical, and spiritual. Participation does not require any previous knowledge of Catholicism. Class size is limited to ten but a second group will be formed if needed.

Too cool for school? Embark on a postmodern-flavored journey over the rough terrain of contemporary trash culture. Refreshments provided.

This is a survey of the television show "Xena: Warrior Princess." Along with considering the themes presented by the show, we will also be reading a script of a contracted but unproduced episode of six and the writer of this and two other episodes will be joining us for a discussion of her work.

A chance to really get involved in the Oberlin Community. Come and tutor high school students in math. Spend a couple hours a week helping out students in Oberlin High School and get credit for it.

When we see certain fictional characters, we get an emothional response of "Wow, that character is a badass!" What is a badass? What aspects of portrayal, personality, ability, and character cause us to assign the term to a fictional character? We will attempt to answer these questions through an analysis of science fiction and fantasy film and literature.

Tour through Kemet (Afrocentric Architecture Theory) and its monumental architecture from Cairo to Abu Simbel, and the elements that have influenced architecture throughout the ages.

Welcome to Spaceyland! This course will explore a selection of Kevin Spacey’s work as an actor. Classes will meet once a week for two hours and there will be weekly movies and/or readings. Please come to the ExCo Fair if you are interested and fill out an application.

An exploration of Lewis Carroll’s Alice in Wonderland by looking at the story itself, the story behind it, and art created around it. Meets once a week requiring three projects of artistic or critical nature when taken for two credits.

The purpose of this course is to provide a comprehensive examination of the RA role within residence halls and how the community living experience impacts the overall college experience. In addition, the course offers opportunities to develop life skills and competencies needed for effective leadership, community buildidng, interpersonal communication, problem-solving and crisis intervention. The course is required for all RA candidates.

Students for Students is a group whose primary goal is to create an enrichment program which draws upon the strengths and talents of college students to create a reciprocal learning relationship with local elementary students. We provide fun and educational activities for children in grades K-5. The primary requirements for this class are energy, dedication, and creativity.

We’ve all felt left out of a conversation at least once. And it’s not even the "I don’t know as much as everyone else" kinda left out, it’s the "I should know something about this, but I have no idea" kinda left out. Are people who have something intelligent to say or ask in conversation smarter than you? No! They just know more stuff! So come and learn—the more stuff you know, the better equipped you are to learn, to think, to do, and, most of all, to impress people with how much stuff you know.

"Waits has become the apotheosis of the American eccentric." – Rolling Stone

An analytical and interpretive study of the music (and films) of Tom Waits, possibly American’s most influential and innovative "folk" musician of the 20^th century, in a biographical context. No prior knowledge is assumed. Meets once per week with additional optional film viewings.

Get to read one of the best epics written in the last century – well, half of it this semester.

This course will be writing intensive and hopefully supportive rather than pressured. The writing focus will be on the personal narrative and on memoir. Every life is valuable and everyone has something valuable to share. Free writes of up to 1 hour will be a daily requirement and class time will be spent talking about writing difficulties and workshopping in various ways. By the end of the semester I expect at least 30 polished pages. Respect is of the utmost importance.

This Poetry/Prose workshop is designed for writers of all levels to generate writing and receive feedback on their work. Weekly meetings and assignments will be required, as well as a reading journal and a final project. Students will critique others’ work in a workshop setting. Those taking the course for two or three credits will also learn how to lead a writing workshop; they will lead workshops in pairs. This class will work in partnership with Oberlin Community of Writers (OCoW)

A screening of Kunihiko Ikuhara’s magnificent surrealist anime series, "Revolutionary Girl Utena". The class will cover the entire series plus the Utena movie, as well as additional material if there is interest. Class will meet once a week.

This course will follow and explore the image of the Femme Fatale throughout time. Our primary sources will be literature and cinema. Our task will be to define ‘the Femme Fatale’ (and perhaps even become one). 2 papers and a final project will be required.

Assist in the helping of Oberlin Middle and High School students in developing Public Affairs Radio to be broadcast M-F 5-6 pm on WOBC. Your creativity will be used to brainstorm with kids to come up with interesting ideas or stories that they would want to discuss and guide them through their radio shows. Join us in using WOBC as a tool of empowerment for teenagers in this community.

This course will explore the high school experience through various media, with a concentration on the acclaimed television series "My So-Called Life." Class work will include a weekly writing assignment and a final project. This course will be comprised of both high school and college students. "School is a battlefield…for your heart." Come discuss survival tactics.

In this class we will explore queer representation in film. Major themes will be exploitation, cultural identities, artistic direction, and sex.

A course for long-time as well as new fans of the Simpsons who wish to get together with others to watch and discuss the progression of the show over the course of 12 seasons. As a final project, students will each create a Simpsons episode.

A look at the first 18 seasons of the British sci-fi series "Doctor Who" and its social history. One viewing and one discussion meeting a week.

This course is designed to give students a basic appreciation and understanding of the blues as an idiom in and of itself, and the manner in which it has been translated into other musical genres. The weekly class will incorporate listenings, films, and discussion in order to foster participation by all students -– this class will try to transmit the feeling and groove of the blues and in order for that to work effectively students must become involved in the material.

We will learn to sing traditional folk songs from the Republic of Georgia. Emphasis will be on getting the music to a performable level. We will work to capture the essence of this unique and exciting tradition, which has its roots in a sense of power and community. Although singing or musical background would be helpful, it is not a requirement. In Georgia, everyone singings. We will meet twice a week for 1 hour.

Orchestra: students who play violin, flute (western or non-western) or sitar are welcome to take part in a mini orchestra that will teach classical Hindustani music.

Have you always wanted to know more about the musicians that shaped classic rock: Jimi Hendrix, the Doors, Pink Floyd, the Grateful Dead? This course will examine the musicians’ histories, influence on society, and the music they created. Class will meet 2 hours a week, and students will be excpected to listen to music outside of class.

Their albums enter the top 200 charts at #1. They sell out 60,000 seat stadiums in less than 10 minutes. Their unique blend of jazz, funk, rock, and bluegrass, along with their frequent jamming has earned them the title of being the top touring band in America for the past five years. The course will study the 10 year history of the Dave Matthews Band, the lives of the band members, and both musical and lyrical analysis to nearly all of the band’s songs.

A chronological voyage through the musical characters and concepts that have created rock music: Chuck Berry to the present. Lecture/listening sessions.

Live Poetry is an original "play" which is a compilation of skits, poetry performance, and singing. Political issues of race, class, gender and sexuality abound. Actresses, actors, and technical suport needed. November performance, meet twice a week.

It don’t mean a thing if it ain’t got that swing…

Continuing to learn a variety of 20^th Century American vernacular Swing Dance traditions. Styles to be covered: triple step (jitterbug), savoy style lindy hop, blues, balboa, shag, and LA smooth style lindy.

An introduction to the beautiful and liberating art of belly dance where you will learn the joy of shimmies, circles, and choo-choos. No previous dance experience required, but you must apply to be in the class. 25 person maximum size.

We need: musicians, color guard members, drum majors, choreographers and drill designers! If you are interested in practicing your skills in any of these areas of acquiring skills in any of these areas, please join us. No application required. All ranges of experience welcome.

The Oberlin Wind Ensemble will sight read, rehearse, and perform music of the standard military and concert band repertoire. Rehearsals will be once a week to prepare for two concerts per semester.

This class will accommodate fiddlers who are just beginning to those who are at an advanced levels. We will be learning traditional Appalatian fiddle tunes and listening to many of the different styles in old time music. The emphasis will be on learning tunes by ear in the oral tradition.

An introduction to the techniques and traditions of steel drum performance. Students will also learn to play other percussion instruments. The class culminates in a group performance at the Cat in the Cream.

We will first learn how Tibetans, Tuvans, and the Inuit use their throats to make extra-special singing. Then, we’ll use these techniques to make our own songs. Final project includes participation in a concert. No musical knowledge required.

The Aikido ExCo is an introduction to the basic principles and techniques of Aikido, a Japanese martial art. Aikido employs circular motion and blending in order to control and subdue an opponent without necessarily causing injury. Founded by Morechei Neshiba, Aikido is build around concepts of openness, relaxation, and being able to respond to any attack, no matter what its form, direction, or intensity. As Aikido is not dependent on strength, it is suitable for all ages and physiques.

Learning the rules, scoring, and basic bidding of contract bridge for beginners. Studying bidding conventions and playing techniques for intermediate players. Sundays, 2:00-3:30 beginner session, 3:30-5:00 intermediate session, at Whitney’s house. Bridge is fun!

This class is open to players with no experience as well as to tournament veterans. Beginners will learn rules, basic end-game technique, opening theory, etc. More advanced players will improve analytical combination visualization, mating combinations, etc. Teaching Assistants will take different groups according to previous playing experience.

This course will present the technical aspects of all types of climbing. It will begin with an in depth view of all the gear used to climb. We will then study the different types of climbing which include sport, trad, alpine, big wall, ice and snow and glacier travel. We will also cover rescue, self-rescue, and training. We will meet once a week on Thursday nights for two hours. There will be weekly readings and four exams.

Introduction into the exciting world of Color Guard. Course will focus on flag and dance basics. Students will learn basic spins, tosses, and routines as well as correct guard/dance technique, turns, and basic moves. There are no prerequisites. Emphasis will be on perserverance, fluidity, and progress. There will be a fee for flags and flag pole.

This course is an introduction to the sport of fencing. The weapon we will be teaching is the traditional introductory blade, the foil. We will teach the basic techniques of form, footwork and corresponding bladework through drill and practice. No degree of physical fitness is assumed in the beginning. Stretching and cardiovascular exercise will be an integral part of the course.

Laser Tag! Learn new team games and strategies, and make up your own! Will take occasional trips to play off campus, but most meetings will play somewhere around Oberlin. Fee is $25 for your very own set, care of Toys ‘R Us.

The Beginning Karate ExCo has been offered to Oberlin College students and community members for the past 12 years. Training for mind, body, and soul, the ExCo is open to beginners as well as to those who have trained in a martial art before. Taking the ExCo makes one eligible to join the Oberlin Karate Kai, which is a chartered Oberlin College organization. The ExCo as well as the Kai are run completely by students, who have trained for a significant amount of time. There is no limit on class size, so everyone who is interested in taking the class will get in.

This ExCo provides the opportunity for students to compete in horse shows at very low cost. OCET members may choose to take lessons and compete in either hunt seat or western riding styles.

Get outta Oberlin and ride the rural pavement with me. All levels are welcome (though the more experienced, the better). We can break up into groups so everyone gets to do their pace, and distance. If you’ve never gone on a group bike ride, you’ve never lived. Some bike repair lessons will be included. Bike required.

Rock climbing: introduction to basic safety and climbing skills.

An introduction to the art of juggling and all the sub-disciplines it has come to encompass. Students will meet for two separate one-hour meetings a week to work on group and solo juggling and discussion of juggling culture. No prior experience expected – interest and dedication are more important than skill.

The frisbee exco will be a fun time learning and playing ultimate frisbee.

We will learn all the basics of Water Polo, focusing on treading, ball skills, and some swim conditioning. All levels are welcome. We will be practicing will the water polo cub and drawing from their collective knowledge and resources. There will be three intercollegiate tournaments in the fall. This is a great way to get in shape. Class meets Monday and Wednesday 8-9:30 pm, with occasional Saturday afternoons.

This course will explore the art of yoga. Students will learn body movement, breathing techniques, yoga philosophies and ideologies, and creative responses to the material discussed in class (artwork, poetry, and music)

This course provides the basic skills needed to repair your bicycle as well as moving deeper into more technical aspects of bicycle repair and wheel-building.

Come learn bike repair then use that knowledge to teach local youth. This combines mentoring, hands on learning, and bike repair in the greatest course that could ever be created.

Participants will bake once a week, learning about shaping breads, crusts, sourdoughs, bagels, rolls, challan, and dessert breads. There may be a course fee of up to $20.

All you ever wanted to know about chainmail construction and the artistry of calligraphy. After this class, you’ll be proficient in both. Course requirements: patience, persistence, great attention to detail, manual dexterity. No prior experience assumed, but feel free to share what you know! Students are expected to purchase supplies for themselves and pay a $5 course fee for chainmail rings.

We’ll make lots of yummy desserts, all with no refined sugar. And every dessert will have at least a vegan alternative. We will be making everything from truffles to cheesecake to berry cobbler. I will prove to you that vegan, sugar-free desserts can be just as good, if not better, than their non-vegan, full of sugar alternatives. If you don’t believe me, sign up and see for yourself. We will meet once a week and there will be a fee of $50 per person. At the end of the semester we will celebrate our semester with a big dinner party. No cooking experience necessary!

Help create and maintain an independent do-it-yourself shop for independent punk bands, art shows, film shows and whatever other activities we can think up. Class meets 2 hours a week and requires at least 2 hours of outside work per week.

Do you care about mobiles? Want to make some? And learn about Alexander Calder? Then this is the ExCo for you. Create and experiment with mobiles and show them off in a final exhibit.

Make photographs without expensive equipment! Course topics include 19^th century processes, photographic transfers, and home-made cameras. No prior knowledge of photography required. The will be a course fee ranging from $50-100.

This course will introduce basic concepts of sustainable agriculture and organic gardening. The focus of the course will be to provide practical skills and experiences in a variety of aspects of organic production, including: soils, tillage, seed propagation, composting, intensive gardening techniques, interplanting, alternative methods of weed, pest, and disease control, greenhouse production, season extension, harvesting, and local marketing. The course will also include special presentations, field trips, and lectures focusing on how community-supported agriculture can provide an alternative means of connecting largely urban communities to the rural roots of their food supply.

Help make the yearbook the way YOU think it should be! No experience required – photographers and layout designers needed. Photographers must posses own camera.

Cooking Cooperatively is designed to create a small collective of people who are interested in the culinary arts as well as committed to exploring the environmental and ethical issues surrounding the ways in which we produce, purchase, prepare, and eat our food. The class is less focused on following recipes and lecturing as it is on sharing ideas and tastes and helping each other think more about the impact that something so simple and often overlooked as food has on our daily lives and on the planet. Inexperienced cooks and people of all dietary preferences are encouraged to apply. Topics covered range from the Slow Food Movement, sustainable agriculture, and dietary preferences to using leftovers, making bagels, and preparing a proper curry. Classes will meet twice a week.

Participants will learn mediation skills on the social justice model. It is the mission of the center that trained mediators provide facilitation service, educational forums and promote social change and community building. They will also provide resources for conflict management and workshops for the community. Participants will be required to read relevant materials, participate in group activities to enhance faciliation skills. A written report of the semester will be due to the Ombuds office on the first day of exam period. The Ombuds office will provide fees for materials.

The course will introduce students to the concept of community organizing and examine the role of organizing as a tool for neighborhood revitalization.

Participants will learn about, and participate in various aspects of community development. This will include guest speakers, group discussion, and strategizing around issues of social, economic, and ethical development. The interrelatedness of these issues will be combined with land use, i.e. sprawl and brownfields, transportation, preservation and conservation, and environmental issues. At least one countywide public forum will be a product of this class.

The goal of this course is to train students to become active and effective citizens through campaign work with OhioPIRG. We will read and discuss philosophies of activism such as those of Saul Alinsky and Ralph Nader. Also, each student will be responsible for developing and implementing a critical component of the campaign such as coalition building and media. There are no prerequisites and no course fee.

Ever wondered how to break into the sex toys business? Do you want to start selling marijuana? Or, do you just want to make a lot of money and take over the world? Learn how to be an enterpreneur. You can start your own business to make a difference in your community, fund your dreams and goals, or just get filthy rich. Learn how to invest and let money work for you instead of working for money. Through books, games, guest speakers, fileld trips, and an all class project, we wil explore the art and science of enterpreneurship and financial literacy.

How do different groups of women and individuals interact with the health care system, their bodies and popular health culture? What can we do about it? Through readings, discussion and informal research projects, we will address the day to day health concerns of ourselves and different women, and how these connect to larger theoretical and political issues. Themes connecting the whole semester include the ways class, race and sexuality change women’s health experiences and options, and the importance of informed choice in every area of health.

This course will focus on Latino identity and its role in the American political and cultureal landscape. Class will meet once a week for 1 1/2 hours, and students will be expected to discuss their thoughts and ideas regarding each class assignment. Assignments may include: short response papers on texts, films, or current events. and creative projects.

Students who are alredy involved or are interested in community service will have the opportunity to gain deeper knowledge and understanding for Oberlin’s commitment to service and form a network with other service leaders. We will also develop ways of designing and implementing service projects, and skills for effective leadership and management. Class meetings are primarily discussions, forums, and workshops led by various faculty, staff members, and community representatives.

Oberlin College Mentors is an opportunity to develop a long-term, mutually rewarding relationship with a local child. This is a fun way to create ties to the city of Oberlin and the community. Disclaimer: In committing to this ExCo, you are making a commitment to a child. Serious applicants only, please.

The Prison Activism Exco will have two main components. The first component is educational, studetns will learn about different aspects of the Prison Industrial Complex through a series of readings and discussions on an array of subjects. The second component is sustaining and expanding the different projects of Oberlin Action Against prisons. The class will meet for 1 hour, twice a week.

We will be reading variety of modern cartoons created by queer women and discussing issues such as representations of women in cartoons and pop culture, and how race, different identities and communities, gender, class, and self-identity are dealt with in these cartoons. Cartoonists will include Alison Bechdel, Diane DiMassa, Jennifer Camper, Ariel Schrag, and others.

We will be reading tutors at NorthEast Pre-Release Center (a minimum to medium security prison in Cleveland). In addition to reading assistance, however, we will participate in discussions and workshops as one large class (inmates and students together) to make sense of the prison system in general and our relations to it in particular.

The SAST ExCo covers a broad range of topics pertaining to sexual and domestic violence, assault and abuse through readings, discussions, counseling, role-plays, practice sessions and outside speakers. Class meets once a week for 2 hours; role-play meets once a week for one and a half hours.