Batman: The Dark Knight Taught 0-1 Credit
Adam Carlson EXCO-317
Deep in the heart of Gotham City, criminals are cautious. They are wary of a hulking presence: a class on Batman. Batman: the Dark Knight Taught will explore the past 25 years of the comics, touching on minor story lines, the two Tim Burton films, and the television show Batman: the Animated Series. The class will meet once a week. Cape and cowl not required.

Introduction to Beat Literature 0-1 Credit
Robin Lyon EXCO-302
A brief and overall introduction to the context, key figures, and literature of the Beat movement of the 1950's. We will read key literary works, as well as examine letters, journals, criticisms, and audio and video recordings.

Brazil: Language and Culture 0-2 Credits (CANCELLED)
Leonardo Soares and Matt Fidanque EXCO-304
Come learn the most beautiful language of the Americas. This course will be an introduction to Brazilian Portuguese, taught by a native speaker. We will cover basic grammar with emphasis on conversation. In addition, we will look at Brazilian culture including music, food, film and some folklore. No previous knowledge of Portuguese is required.

Filipino 101 0-1 Credit
Yolanda Salviejo EXCO-303
Consonants, vowels, pronunciation, vocabulary, pattern sentences (including greetings, requests, interrogatives, and singular and plural forms), terminologies, and questions.

The Shaping of Middle Earth: Tolkien's Silmarillion 0-2 Credits
Shelly Bradley EXCO-301
This is an exploration of J.R.R Tolkein's thought on and evolution of writing about Middle-Earth. We will read the Silmarillion in its entirety, as well as relevant portions of Tolkien's notebooks.

Thai 2 0-1 Credit
Ella Ornstein and Ben Paley EXCO-309
This is a second-level Thai language course. If you did not take Thai 1 last semester, you will need consent from the instructors. We will build on the vocabulary and grammar learned last semester, and continue to work on reading and writing skills. In addition, we will have fun! The text Teach Yourself Thai by David Smyth will be required. Ja sanuk na! Mah si!

UFO Exco 0-1 Credit
Aaron Clark EXCO-306
The UFO ExCo will take a serious look into the realm of UFO's and aliens. Topics will include ancient UFO's, the Roswell Incident, Men In Black, alien abductions, crop circles, and more. There will be weekly class discussions based on the most recent information available.

Visions and Revisions: Contemporary and Creative Writing By and About Jewish Women 0-1 Credit
Chanel Dubofsky EXCO-311
This course will examine Jewish women's identity as portrayed in contemporary Jewish women's fiction, essays, and poetry. We will focus on topics such as sexuality, mothers and daughters, biblical women, food, body image, and the media. We will also explore our own identities as Jewish women through creative writing exercises. Students will need to purchase The Ladies Auxiliary by Tova Mirvis, and for the first class meeting read Merle Feld's "We All Stood Together" and do the first exercise on the syllabus.

Blunt Object Head Troma 0-1 Credit
Robynn Europe and Reed Brooks EXCO-605
Surf Nazis Must Die!, Class of Nuke 'Em High II: Subhumanoid Meltdown, The Toxic Avenger, and Vegas in Space are only some of the titles we will encounter in our adventurous journey through the wonderful world of Troma Films. Graphic violence, excessive gore, and strong sexual content all create that troma-tic ambiance. Weekly movie viewings and engaging discussions. This course is magical like an axe to the head!

History Through Bond 0-2 Credits
Apostol Dyankov and Michael Fruhwald EXCO-604
Interested in Bond? But of course you are! We will examine issues of politics, society and culture captured for more than 40 years in the bloodied lens of the most successful film series in history: the tale of agent 007. You will discuss and respond to our lectures and showings of the best Bond flicks out there. For 2 credits you will also produce your own take on Ian Fleming's character. No previous knowledge of the movies is required.

Love and Gender Roles in the High School Drama 0-1 Credit
John Weil EXCO-603
Japan, despite its modernity, is often considered to be somewhat behind the first-world in its treatment of women. This course seeks to explore gender relationships as shown in two high-school drama anime: Princess Nine and I! My! Me! Strawberry Eggs.

Shoujo Anime Survey 0-1 Credit
Rebecca Schlichtig EXCO-602
"Shoujo" is the term for anime directed towards a female audience (but of course everyone can enjoy!) We will watch two shoujo-themed anime series: Ayashi no Ceres and Fruits Basket. Requirements include readings and quizzes, as well as a midterm and a final.

The Western Film Tradition 0-1 Credit
Molly Samuel and Nick Valvo EXCO-601
We will watch westerns. Afterwards, we will discuss them.

X-Co: The Mythology Episodes of the X-Files 0-2 Credits
Carly Bogen and Danielle Indovino EXCO-606
Ever been paranoid that the government is out to get you? Found yourself whispering "Trust no one!" in the dark? Looked around and muttered "This is not happening"? Worried about goat suckers? This is the exco for you! Come watch seasons 1-5 and the movie of the X-Files! We will watch and then discuss in small groups. So sign up and get yourself a nightlite! Seasons 6-9 will be offered in the Spring.

Alternative Tunings: Just Intonations 0-1 Credit
Nathan Sutter EXCO-407
This is a course for composers, performers, and musicians of any type who are interested in expanding their knowledge and experience of tunings other than 12-tone equal temperament. We will focus on Just Intonation and briefly cover other tuning systems and the history of tunings in the western world.

Beginning Belly Dance 0-1 Credit
Adriane Dellorco and Jean Lowe EXCO-406
An introduction into the art of belly dancing in the Egyptian Cabaret style. you will learn about belly dance history, culture, and technique. Two sections are offered once a week each, with a required Belly Dance Jam every Saturday afternoon. Hip scarves and mix tapes will be for sale.

Beginning Modern American Swing 0-1 Credit
Kira McGirr, Leah Frank, Tomlinson Fort, and Amie Patchen EXCO-403
This course will teach students the basic steps of East Coast swing (6-count) and Lindy Hop (8-count), including some Charleston and jazz dance. The focus will be on refining fundamentals, having fun, and learning to put swing dance into its historical and social context.

Classical Music of North India 0-2 Credits
Hasu Patel and Amie Weiss EXCO-401
The course is offered by a professional musician and is aimed to give students an introduction to the theory and practice of the classical instruments of Hindustani music: Sitar, Tabla, and Vocal. Students will be given knowledge of Raga Sangeet and context surrounding this sacred music. The course will be taught in traditional style with certain rules regarding the instruments, practice, fellow students, and Guru. Instruments are available for learning through the teacher and Conservatory. A must for the students pursuing music major at the Conservatory to differentiate the music in its entirety.

The Dead Hear Footsteps 0-2 Credits
Josh Luxenberg and Hannah Rechtschaffen EXCO-610
"The Dead Hear Footsteps: Radio Noir" is Oberlin’s only radio drama. Each week we will write, produce, and act in a half-hour episode revolving around Hardin Lovelace, the hard-bitten private detective in the stormy city of Bayside. The show will be broadcast live on WOBC 91.5 FM. The final episode will be performed in front of a live audience. Additionally, we will watch some film noir and listen to radio noir, including Firesign Theater's "The Further Adventures of Nick Danger."

Didgeridoo Making and Playing 0-1 Credit
Brandon Oberlin and Kayle Sawyer EXCO-402
Weekly class teaches students to play the didgeridoo, an aborigine wind instrument, including everything from tone production to the difficult circular breathing techniques. Students will make their own didgeridoos out of PVC pipe. Class also teaches the fundamentals of teaching others to play the didgeridoo.

Oberlin College Marching Band 0-2 Credits
Angela Knotts EXCO-409
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 or acquiring skills in any of these areas, please join us. No application required. All ranges of experience welcome.

Steel Drum Ensemble 0-1 Credit
Noah Smit and Emily Shultz EXCO-410
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.

ViBE Intermediate Jazz Technique 0-1 Credit
Elizabeth York and Abigail Wallace EXCO-405
This class concentrates on intermediate jazz techniques like isolations, kicks, turns and other stylized movement. Student must have had previous dance experience, preferably in ballet, jazz, or modern, though experience in other forms will be considered. This is not a beginning course, but one for building skill. It is also designed to train dancers for ViBE dance company.

ViBE Intermediate Tap 0-1 Credit
Sarah Bogorad and Teresa Soleau EXCO-404
This course is designed to bridge the gap between beginner and intermediate levels in Tap, and is specifically geared towards training dancers for possible acceptance into ViBE dance company. In addition to teaching tap history, technique, and choreography, we will explore different tapping styles, particularly through film.

Introduction to Latex and Gnuplot 0-1 Credit
Burt Betchart EXCO-703
The goal of this course is to provide an expedient introduction to the software programs Latex and Gnuplot. Latex is the de facto standard for the communication and publication of scientific and technical documents. Gnuplot is a powerful graphing program that is very useful in conjunction with Latex. This course will be particularly useful to those in disciplines such as physics, mathematics, chemistry, and computer science. There will be 1 hour of class time and 1 hour of outside work per week.

Aikido 0-1 Credit
Jeremy Van Cleve and Michael Thompson EXCO-109
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 Morihei Ueshiba, Aikido is built 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.

Basics of Bridge 0-1 Credit
Joshua Levy EXCO-102
Bridge has long been thought of as a game for grandparents. The past ten years, however, has seen many young people learn the game. This class will teach you the terminology as well as everything you will need to play this great game. The only requirements are to come prepared to learn and ready to have fun.

Beginning Fencing 0-1 Credit
Maxwell Teitel-Paule, Desiree Herrera, and Sara Lindner EXCO-112
Learn to enjoy not only the competition, but the art behind fencing. We will teach the basic techniques of form, footwork, and corresponding bladework through drill and practice, using the traditional introductory blade, the foil. No degree of physical fitness is assumed in the beginning. Most of our students are beginners, but everyone is welcome!

Beginning Karate 0-1 Credit
Johanna Lundy and Alex Hirschhorn EXCO-100
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, a chartered Oberlin College organization. The ExCo as well as the Kai are run completely by students, who have trained for a significant amountof time. There is no class size limit, everyone who is interested will get in.

Chess 0-1 Credit
Jonathan Hirsch EXCO-103
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.

Ice Hockey 0-1 Credit
Sarah Benjamin and Paul Hansen EXCO-104
The Oberlin club ice hockey program is open to everyone, regardless of experience or skill. We practice once a week, and then crush our opponents to the cheers of our massive fan club!

Introduction to Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu 0-1 Credit
Gregory Lawson EXCO-106
Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu is a grappling martial art in which practitioners use chokes and joint locks to subdue their opponents. This class will introduce the basic positions, principles, and techniques.

Advanced Rock Climbing for Climbing Wall Staff 0-1 Credit
Robin Walker EXCO-105
Have you seen the brand new Climbing Wall? Do you want to get a job working at it? This class will teach all the skills necessary to be a safe, fundamentally sound rock climber and to be able to teach those skills to others. The course will progress from basic climbing safety, through specific climbing techniques, and then to lead climbing, with a Fall Break trip to an outdoor climbing location for intensive practice. Passing the class's written and practical tests will be sufficient to work at the wall.

Water Polo 0-1 Credit
Karin Swanson EXCO-115
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 with the water polo club and drawing from their collective knowledge and resources. There will be at least three women’s intercollegiate tournaments this spring, and two co-ed tournaments. Practice will be two to three afternoons a week.

Alexander Calder and Make Your Own Mobiles 0-1 Credit
Madeleine Stern EXCO-206
Alexander Calder was an amazing artist who was full of creativity and good humor in every aspect of his life. Do you want to learn about him and then make your own mobiles? It is really fun and totally awesome. This could be the ExCo you have been waiting for.

Exploring Comics 0-2 Credits
Steven Kwan EXCO-205
Comics are a medium unlike any other, with their own history, techniques, and vocabulary. This class will explore the medium of comics by reading, making, and sharing them. Examples and reading will draw mainly from contemporary American independent comics, but we will also look at work from Europe and Asia and anything else students are interested in. Discussions will cover art and writing styles, self-publishing, and experimentation across media, but will also incorporate social issues such as gender and sexuality, political commentary, race, and representation.

Current Issues in the Ethics of Science 0-2 Credits
Deb Wechselblatt and Amzie Pavlisin EXCO-507
The primary goals of this course are to introduce and engage participants in the principles of economic, political, social, and ethical approaches of doing research in the sciences. Topics include genetic engineering, cloning, animal testing, and alternative energy, and they will be covered in an environmentally conscious manner.

Grassroots Organizing 0-2 Credits
Linda Mindrutiu EXCO-500
The goal of this course is to train students to become active and effective grassroots organizers through campaign work with OhioPIRG and class trainings. The course structure is three-fold: theory, training, and practice. The theory will explore philosophies through readings and discussions, which will be complemented by trainings of grassroots activism skills. Finally, students will apply this to hands-on practice as they develop and implement a critical component of a campaign, such as coalition-building, media, grassroots, or research.

Bonner Life 101 0-1 Credit
Angela Logan EXCO-501
Bonner Life 101 will serve as an orientation to the College, the Lorain County community, and the Bonner Scholars program. Divided into two parts, it is designed to give Scholars an opportunity to explore issues relevant to new students in a college environment while learning more about issues of community service and community building. Admission is limited to first-year members of the Bonner Scholars program.

HIV Educators 0-2 Credits
Diana Fleisher and Lindsey Gauzza EXCO-503
In order to be a good HIV Educator, you yourself need to be educated in the physiology, biology, testing, treatment and other issues surrounding HIV and AIDS. One also needs to know how to facilitate, build strong groups, and understand how a person infected with HIV lives. This extensive training will prepare people to become HIV Educators so that they can educate the Oberlin College and greater community. The class will be split into two sections: in the first section people will learn about HIV, STI’s, facilitation, myths surrounding the disease, role-play/risk reduction methods, ice breakers and other group building activities, and hear from an HIV+ speaker. In the second section people will build a curriculum, present this curriculum to a group, learn how to contact a school to present there, and take part in the planning and implementing of one AIDS Awareness Week activity.

Issues in Women’s Health (Section 01) 0-2 Credits
Rosa Goldberg EXCO-504-01
Issues in Women’s Health (Section 02) 0-2 Credits
Victoria Ligon EXCO-504-02
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.

Re-Evaluation Co-Counseling 0-1 Credits
Steven Kleinman EXCO-502
This class is an introduction to Re-evaluation Co-counseling. There will also be discussion on the liberation of oppressed groups such as People of Color, young people, and those oppressed by classism. It will meet once a week for 2 hours.

Sexual Assault Support Team (SAST) 0-2 Credits
Pegah Rahmanian and Klara Miriam Elfstrom EXCO-509
The SAST ExCo is designed to provide a supportive environment where students can examine the impact sexual violence has had on their own lives, while placing that violence in a larger context of systems of oppression and control. The course does not assume any past experience with issues of social justice, anti-violence activism, or sexual violence, nor must one be a survivor of sexual violence to take this class.

Sexual Information Center: SExCo 0-2 Credits
Lee McKeever and Hailey MacNear EXCO-510
This course offers information about sexuality and sexual health issues, including , sexual practices, contraception, safer sex, anatomy, common sexual health problems, STIs, pornography/erotica, birth, adoption, abortion, sex work/prostitution, gender issues, and sexual orientation. Class meets once a week for 2 hours, and an optional counseling skills session is offered for an additional 1 hour a week. Students successful in both sessions may apply to be SIC counselors, but you need not want to be a counselor to take the class.

US Labor History 0-1 Credit
Gil Kudrin EXCO-505
This course will cover the movement of organized labor in the US from the inception of the Industrial Revolution to the present. It will explain the contributions by various political and social tendencies, the strategies that led to organized labor's greatest victories, and the frequent clash of interests inside the movement itself that often led to defeats. The instructor has participated in part of this history.

The Youth Energy Project 0-2 Credits
Sam Merrett and Avery Book EXCO-506
The goal of this course is to explore sustainability and social change through the lens of energy in Oberlin, Ohio. The first half will be spent learning the fundamentals of energy and its relationship to economic, environmental, social, and political issues, as well as learning about the skills required to be a successful local activist. The second half will be spent applying this knowledge through community-based projects such as helping to teach a class at a local school, performing energy audits, or organizing a City Council initiative or referendum about energy. Class will meet once a week for three hours, have weekly reading assignments, and additional out-of-class time will be spent working on projects.

Bikes and Kids 0-1 Credit
Gabe Peterson EXCO-809
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.

Intergenerational Exchange 0-1 Credit
Brad Gillette and Peter Kelterborn EXCO-805
The purpose of this course is for Oberlin College students to gain an understanding of the aging process. By the end, students should be able to know the difference between the normal physical and mental process of aging and myths regarding these processes. They will be responsible for attending the six educational courses offered by Kendal at Oberlin staff and maintain a relationship with a specific Kendal at Oberlin resident through weekly visitations.

Oberlin College Mentors 0-1 Credit
Marielle Ramsay EXCO-801
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. Note: In committing to this ExCo, you are making a commitment to a child. Serious applicants only, please.

Beginning Film Production 0-2 Credits
Emilio Oliveira EXCO-204
Film Production is open to people at all levels of experience in filmmaking. Beginners will learn about the history of filmmakers, work with equipment used for large and small budget work, and most importantly do field work. More advanced filmmakers will continue to enhance their technique and also help guide beginning members. Attendance at all classes and at least four Sunday labs (production and postproduction) is mandatory. The reading for this course is light, but extensive extra reading will be available upon request. There will be two tests and a final project that can be either a paper or a film or video project. The course is limited to ten students, and those interested must fill out an application form to be accepted.

Just Make a Film 0-2 Credits
Alex Morrison EXCO-813
A film-making survey course open to all majors. Gives the students the freedom to express themselves in an open, flexible and relaxed environment on an audiovisual medium without the rigorous guidelines. Students will create open length, individually selected works to be screened in an community setting. Course consists of screening, the completion of a journal, and a finished piece.

Living with the Earth 0-2 Credits
Elana Riffle EXCO-802
Come and get reconnected with nature. Learn how to make fire by friction. Sleep in a debris shelter. Be invisible. Learn medicinal plants. By cultivating and using wisdom that has been passed down for hundreds of year, all but forgotten by modern society, we can start to understand ourselves as an important link to the larger systems of creation and wilderness.

Expert Mixology 0-1 Credit
Brian Hogan and Jamila Watkins EXCO-814
Do you want to mix drinks? Do you want to make good tips? Do you want to be a bartender? Come and hang with us as we start the weekend right. Make drinks, taste drinks, and find out why that one has the funny blue color. This is a course that seeks to explore the art of fantastic bartending. We will meet for 2 hours a week. There will be written quizzes and a $50 lab fee. No experience necessary. You must be over 21, NO EXCEPTIONS.

Practicum on Organic Farming 0-2 Credits (CANCELLED)
Brad Masi EXCO-803
This course will introduce basic concepts of sustainable agriculture and organic gardening. The focus will be on providing practical skills and experiences in a variety of aspects of organic production. 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.

Students for Students 0-2 Credits
Curtis Ferguson and Gabrielle Brown EXCO-804
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.

The So-You-Want-To-Be-A-Reporter Exco 0-2 Credits
Jo Lutz EXCO-806
Learn to track down and write a spankin' good story from your peers in the field. Find your voice. Pick up useful skills with publication software and see how it all goes down at the office. Though the hands-on activities will focus on campus journalism, the course surveys different types of journalism and deals with larger issues like the role of the media, legal issues such as libel and censorship, how coverage is influenced, and why all of you should aspire to the mean-living yet noble life of the journalist.

Refine Your Radiance 0-1 Credit
Jessica Jones EXCO-808
In this class you can learn the basics of face, body, and hair care, as well as make-up application, hair styling tips, and all the little extras. We will meet once a week. There will be a $10 course fee for supplies. Maximum 12 students.