course
offerings
FALL 2008
Please
consult the Fall 2006 Registration Supplement on the registrar's webpage
for ExCo CRNs.
ExCo
instructors registering for credit, use the Exco-xxxC-01 section on PRESTO.
The
ExCos are split into the following large categories:
Language, Culture, and Religion
Arts, Crafts, and Do-It-Yourself
The
Experimental College—affectionately known as ExCo—is a
credit-offering, student-run department of Oberlin College. It was established in 1968 through
legislation passed by the Educational Plans and Policies Committee and the
College Faculty. ExCo's main goal
is to serve as a free community educational program open to everyone, with a
non-traditional definition of education.
The number of classes offered through ExCo varies each semester, but
there are usually between 60 and 90.
Because the ExCo committee designs no specific curriculum for the
department, each semester's courses reflect the current interests of the Oberlin
community. ExCo instructors may be
townspeople, College or Conservatory students, or faculty and staff
members. Instructors are fully
responsible for the content of their courses: materials, class size, meeting
places and times, everything.
About Registration
The ExCo Fair for Fall 2008
courses will take place on Wednesday, September 3rd, from 6:00 pm to 8:00 pm in
the Root Room in the Carnegie Building on the Oberlin College campus.
The
ExCo Fair is a place for students to learn about and to sign up for ExCo
courses (proxies may be sent to sign up for absent students). Admission (receiving consent to
register) to all classes is done by lottery, except when an application or
audition is used. Registration is
done through either PRESTO or at the Registrar's office.
To
register for College credit for an ExCo course, students must be consented by
the ExCo instructor and can then register using PRESTO. The deadline for
ExCo add/drop is September 11th, the same as the Registrar's deadline for other
College courses. No exceptions
can be made, and ExCo has no control over this deadline. Please consult the Fall 2008 Schedule
of Classes on the Registrar's webpage, http://catalog.oberlin.edu/, for ExCo
Course Registration Numbers (CRNs).
For
courses with enrollment limits, admission will be determined after the Fair has
closed. Instructors
are also responsible for contacting all students who signed up about whether or
not they were admitted.
About Credit
Students
currently enrolled in the College of Arts and Sciences and/or the Conservatory
of Music may receive academic credit for work in ExCo courses. Course work requirements vary from
course to course, as supervised by the Committee. At present, students may apply no more than 5 ExCo credits
towards graduation.
ExCo
courses are offered for a specific amount of credit (usually 1 or 2
hours). However, PRESTO assigns 0 credit hours as a
default, so students must use the Variable Hours Option to receive higher
amounts of credit. Students wishing to receive less
than the standard amount of credit are still expected to complete all the work
required for the course.
Instructors may receive credit for up to one credit more than the number
for which the course is being offered.
The ExCo Committee
The
ExCo Committee is made up of Oberlin College students who volunteer their time
and energy. Committee members are
responsible for reviewing class applications, coordinating registration and
paperwork, and dealing with public relations and the day-to-day concerns of
ExCo instructors and students. We
also put together the catalog that you are now holding.
Currently
the committee members are:
Matt
O�Connell
Alex Roseman
Emma
Schneider
If
you have questions or comments about ExCo, or if you want to join the
committee, please stop by our office, Wilder Hall room 302. If the office is closed when you visit,
please note the office hours posted on the door, e-mail us at exco@oberlin.edu,
visit our webpage at www.oberlin.edu/exco, or call us at 440-775-8096.
Drag Ball: History, Planning and
Gender Performance! 0-1
Credit
Hailey Laws EXCO-735
The purpose of this course is to lend a
general understanding of the elements involved in the planning and history of
Drag Ball. It is also intended to
prepare the next head planner to take on the task of organizing the event the
following year. The course will
provide a detailed and ongoing discussion of the processes of fundraising,
academic coordinating, contacting performers, etc., but will also include
analysis of the function of Drag itself in the United States, specifically
within the context of Oberlin.
Course work will include film screenings, discussion, as well as the
planning and execution of the event itself. Class meetings will be personal and discussion based. Activities include but are not limited
to: discussion of films watched inside and outside of class that concern gender
performance; assembling a Drag Ball budget; discussions of themes and aesthetics,
and who we want to hire as guest speakers/performers.
Animal Rights 101 0-2 Credits
Ian Santino EXCO-101
We will explore whether the systematic
use of animals in our society is acceptable, whether it needs to be reformed,
or whether it needs to be eliminated. We will examine a variety of questions:
Is it justifiable to eat and experiment on nonhuman animals? What is speciesism
and is it defensible? How does the human use of nonhuman animals relate to
systems of oppression like racism and sexism? Class meetings will focus on
in-depth engagement with and discussion of these issues. All perspectives
welcome.
Changing the
World: Perspectives on Nonviolent Movements 0-1 Credit
Hannah
Harris and Tom Lock EXCO-111
This
course will cover a brief history of nonviolence as a means of social change by
focusing on several specific nonviolent movements, including Gandhi,
desegregation in Nashville, and democracy in Chile. We'll watch a series of
films and guest professors from various college departments will come to share
their expertise. Students will be required to write three short, one-page
response papers to the films we watch.
Re-evaluation
Counseling Continued 0-1
Credit
Shelley
Friedmann EXCO-122
In
Re-evaluation counseling, two or more people take turns listening well to each
other, working to recover the ability to think brilliantly about their lives.
Throughout the course, you will develop the ability to be a strong ally to
others and you will learn how to use support to move your life forward. Specifically, this class will focus on
thinking about different kinds of oppression and how these oppressions
influence our lives. This class is
geared towards those students that have already taken a fundamentals class, or
have some previous background in Re-evaluation Counseling. If you are interested in this class but
have no previous experience, please contact the instructor.
Get
Out the Vote: Organizing in Urban Communities 0-2
Credits
Laura
Rios (NOT AN OBERLIN STUDENT) EXCO-140
This
course is designed to equip students with the skills to run an effective
non-partisan voter campaign based on the principles of community
organizing. Students will learn
the fundamentals of GOTV campaigns and in the process gain familiarity with
low-income and Latino and African-American Communities. Students will be taught abbreviated
versions of the IAFs 10-day National Training and participate in fieldwork.
SexCo 0-2
Credits
Kayla
Cohen and Zoe Gravitz EXCO-165
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.
Bonner Life 101 0-1 Credit
Donna M. Russell EXCO-190
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.
Antiracist Organizing and White Privlege 0-2
Credits
Kailey Kawolics EXCO-1??
Many of us have seen and been part of predominantly white activist
organizations on campus that are struggling to analyze the different ways power
functions, figure out what it means to do anti-racist/multi-issue organizing, and/or
change our work to reflect anti-racist priorities. This course is intended to fill some of those needs. This course is designed for white
privileged folks, but is open to anyone.
ESL Tutoring ExCo 0-2
Credits
Katrina Forman EXCO-802
This class will teach students how to
teach English as a Second Language.
You will spend most of the ExCo time teaching, along with myself or
another experienced ESL teacher.
We will also have at least four meetings as a class to familiarize you
with teaching techniques and resources, evaluate class progress, and share
experiences and problem-solving techniques. We also hope to familiarize you with and engage you in local
immigration issues through assigned readings and facilitated discussions.
Beginning Swedish Language and
Culture 0-1
Credit
Emma Anderson and Erika Ruberg EXCO-247
Villdutalar
svenska? (Do you want to speak
Swedish?) Then join this
exco! We will cover basic grammar
and vocabulary, as well as watch some Swedish films, eat Swedish-style food,
and even learn some Swedish fold dances.
Elementary
Korean I 0-2
Credits
Hae-Young Chung, Mmo-Ran
Park, Hwan Choi, and In Lak Choi EXCO
257
Who do You Think You Are? Creating Your Spiritual Autobiography 0-1
Credit
Debbie Dacone EXCO
292
The spiritual discipline of journaling provides an avenue through which we can approach God and learn a deeper sense of self as God's beloved. This course will meet weekly during lunch for one and a half hours. During that time a specific topic will be presented, students will have time to reflect, journal, and share the fruits of that experience with others in the class. Tips for keeping a journal and using it as a means of self-understanding and discovery will be shared, along with the journal entries of well-known people. While the spiritual journey unfolds in different ways for different people, this course will be offered from the perspective of Christian spirituality.
Sacred Dance: Pathway to Well-Being 0-1
Credit
Jessie Ferriols EXCO-290
This course will provide students knowledge and experience of the
mind-body dynamics that facilitate health and well-being. In this experiential process, the
students will reflect on, sing, and dance sacred phrases from major spiritual
traditions, i.e. Jewish, Christian, Islamic, Zoroastrian, Native American,
Buddhist, Hindu, etc. This course
will engage the student in cultural awareness, art, and self-expression that
will enhance personal and educational development.
Astrology 101 0-1
Credit
Sarah Caleb EXCO-2??
Astrology 101 is an introduction to the many uses of
astrology. This course will teach
that you are more than just your sun sign. We will cover the zodiac, the planets, and the houses, and
how these three components (plus others) craft a natal chart. We will be working on developing
interpretational skills of charts (natal, relationship), and we will also be
working with crafting horoscopes.
Storytelling Workshop 0-1
Credit
Liz Hibbard EXCO-2??
This is an opportunity for students to refine and improve their
storytelling abilities. Through
weekly assignments and comments from the group, we will identify areas for
improvement and effective techniques.
We will explore wide variety of styles and genres, from personal
experience, to creation myths, to jokes.
Computers, Math and Science
Scientific Illustration 0-1
Credit
Ariel Kahrl and Erin Child EXCO-321
This course is
designed for students who want to gain skills in biological illustration.
Emphasis will be placed on accurately depicting botanical, fossil, and animal
subjects in order to enhance understanding of these organisms and their
processes. Field trips will give students the opportunity to draw from zoo and
museum specimens. No previous art or biology experience is required, but a
strong interest in biology is highly recommended.
Competitive
Computer Programming 0-1
Credit
Kateryna
Kuksenok EXCO-360
In
this course, we will meet once a week to learn techniques and discuss
strategies for programming competition.
We will conduct mock programming contests using the same software
environment used at ACM International Collegiate Programming Competition and
discuss methodologies for solving problems quickly. Prior programming experience required; C, C++, or Java
recommended.
Chosen: Buffy The Vampire Slayer ExCo 0-1
Credit
Elena Gambino and Connor Goldsmith EXCO-604
An intellectual reading of Buffy the
Vampire Slayer, the often underestimated cult hit and landmark program in
serialized television. This course will assume basic familiarity with the
program, through new viewers are certainly welcome.
Calvin and Hobbes ExCo 0-1
Credit
Timothy Morgan and Ondrea Keith EXCO-404
Modern cartoonists consider Calvin and Hobbes to the incredibly
influential and any fan will attest to its quality and relatability. But what makes it such a great
strip? This class will explore the
question, looking to the singular personality of its author, Bill Watterson,
and to its wealth of themes and ideas. Fan and non-fans equally welcome.
Apocalypse
Films: Uncovering the Meaning Behind Mankind�s Obsession with the End of Time 0-2
Credits
Jody-Ann Allen and
Jonathon Comeau EXCO-410
Crime Solving in British Murder
Mysteries 0-1
Credit
Daria Taback EXCO-415
Do you secretly have fun watching the
BBC with your parents? This
ExCo delves into the crime-ridden worlds of Lynley, Barnaby, Poirot, Wadsworth
and Homes. We will uncover all
sorts of gruesome and puzzling mysteries, and meet an array of serious, campy,
and hilariously over-the-top British characters. We will then test our own detective skills by playing crime
solving games and drinking lots of English Breakfast tea.
HBO�s Rome 0-1
Credit
Chris Motz and Ploy Keener EXCO-421
Tired of just watching clips in Drew
Wilburn�s classes? This course
will cover the first season of HBO�s Emmy award winning series ROME, including
discussions of historical accuracy and reading on the history and archaeology
of the Roman Empire.
Fullmetal Alchemist: The ExCo 0-1
Credit
Edward Underhill and Laura Blum-Smith EXCO-425
Fullmetal Alchemist, an award-winning
anime series from 2003, chronicles the adventures of Edward and Alponse Elric,
two brothers skilled in �alchemy�, the science of breaking matter down and
reconstructing it as something else.
In this class, we will view the episodes and discuss the themes running
throughout the show, including family, heroism, morality, death, and humanity. No previous knowledge of anime is
required.
Penetrate the Veil: Examining the Films of David Lynch 0-1
Credit
Daniel Grosser EXCO-426
This course aims to introduce and subject to analysis the films of
David Lynch. Screenings will be
separate from discussions, so the class will meet twice a week. Films will include Eraserhead, The
Elephant Man, Blue Velvet, Wild At Heart, Lost Highway, The Straight Story,
Mulholland Drive, INLAND EMPIRE, some short films, and the pilot and first
season of Twin Peaks. There are no
prerequisites, but students will be expected to participate actively and
thoughtfully in the discussions and to produce several pages of written
material on chosen films by the end of the course.
I Want to Believe: The Truth
According to the X-Files 0-1
Credit
Linden Cady EXCO-430
An investigation of memory,
relationship, and conspiracy in the riveting science fiction drama The
X-Files. If the truth is out
there, who defines "truth" and how do changing perceptions and
narratives alter it? Focus on
seasons 3-5, previous acquaintance with the show helpful but not necessary.
Disney Movies 1937-1988 0-1
Credit
Jessica Bennett and Jennita Bryant EXCO-432
Remember the great days of Disney
animation? Well come revisit those
memories and experience the classics again. Classics such as Cinderella, Snow White, Robin Hood, and The
Jungle Book will all be viewed.
The class will focus on some of the themes, motifs, and reoccurring
characters in the movies. This will
be a great class to watch some of your favorite Disney movies and also to see
some that you might not have heard of.
Introduction to Japanese Cinema 0-1
Credit
Joseph Campbell EXCO-433
Humor
Writing 0-1
Credit
Keith Spencer EXCO-435
Students collaborate and workshop
together to create a new humor magazine at Oberlin. The goal is to formulate the students� wit and humor writing
ability.
The Mystery Science Theater 3000 ExCo 0-1
Credit
Sam Kunkel EXCO-466
The acclaimed American cult comedy
classic! We will look at the humor of the show and how it can be applied to
topics outside of class.
Argentine Tango I 0-1
Credit
Tim and Joanne Pogros EXCO-503
This
class will teach how to dance the Argentine Tango in the Close Embrace style of
the Milonguero. Students will learn the art of "lead and follow",
dancing chest to chest. Emphasis will be on sharing the same axis, navigation,
floor craft, non-verbal communication, moving with elegance, and musicality.
All students will receive a CD of Tango music. No experience or partner
required. Must have leather or hard-soled shoes.
Argentine Tango 2 0-1
Credit
Tim and Joanne Pogros EXCO-504
This course is a continuation of
close-embrace style Argentine Tango, as presented in Argentine Tango 1. This
intermediate level class will have emphasis on refining tango skills and
creating elegance and style, with the addition of some new choreography and
adornments. More time will be spent on the dance floor, as opposed to in
instruction. Prerequisites: completion of Argentine Tango 1 or adequate
demonstration of skill to instructor.
Beginning Modern American Swing 0-1
Credit
Mark Muthersbaugh and
Sarah Cassella EXCO-505
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.
Beginning Tap
Dance 0-1
Credit
Haley Gittleman and Rachel
Messing EXCO-518
This course will explore basic tap dance
for beginners. No experience is
required or expected. There will
not be a fee for this course, but you will have to acquire tap shoes if you
enroll (this will be facilitated by the instructor). We will meet twice a week for more than an hour, and put on
a brief performance at the end of the term.
The Rapper Sword Dance ExCo 0-1
Credit
Hannah Lindner-Finlay and Michael
Friedman EXCO-524
Rapper sword dancing is a fast-paced,
athletic, and fun traditional English dance, originally performed by
coalminers. It consists of 5
dancers each with a sword, doing a series of figures and some basic footwork to
fiddle music.
Continuing
Modern American Swing 0-1
Credit
Alia Mulder-Rosi and
Matthew Berliner EXCO-571
This course is designed for the
beginning dancer who wishes to keep dancing. In order to take this course you
must know the lindy hop basic and Charleston basic. Prerequisites are either
successful completion of the Beginning Modern American Swing ExCo or instructor
consent. This course will solidify the fundamentals of swing dancing in order to
achieve a smoother, more comfortable, better dance. We will emphasize the
importance of frame, connection and weight shift. We will also put these
rudimentary aspects of dancing in context of advanced moves, techniques, and
higher levels of musicality and expression. Students will gain a foundation of
knowledge upon which a lifetime of dancing and learning can be built.
Performance Swing 0-1
Credit
Elizabeth Zharoff EXCO-5??
Performance Swing will
focus on the performance of lindy hop, charleston, blues, and balboa. Each team member will be required to
choreograph a number and perform at various events. This exco requires an extremely high level of commitment and
time. Admission by audition
only. Prerequisites: Beginning and
Continuing Swing.
Steel Drum ExCo 0-1
Credit
Zachary Diamond and Rebecca Eiseman EXCO-413
Learn how to play steel drums! A portion
of class time will also be spent learning auxiliary percussion instruments. The
class culminates in a required performance in the Cat in the Cream. For those
interested, this performance is the only way to audition for Oberlin Steel.
Classical Music of North India 0-2
Credits
Janie Cowan and Hasu Patel EXCO-615
The course is offered by a professional
musician to give students an introduction to the theory and practice of the
classical instruments of Hindustani music: Sitar, Tabla, and Vocal. Students
will learn about Raga Sangeet and the 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
use through the teacher and the Conservatory. Course fee: $130 per student.
Oberlin College Marching Band 0-1
Credit
Rachel Stewart and Nicholas Holsing EXCO-645
During the fall semester, the Oberlin
College Marching Band teaches a halftime field-show to be performed at home
college-football games.
Additionally, we continue to play as a pep band for fall sports. We offer opportunities for music
composition and arrangement, as well as drill design. We perform with brass, woodwinds, percussions and
color-guard. All levels of
experience are welcome.
Music Mentors 0-1
Credit
Melanie Emig EXCO-660
We will be working in the Oberlin public
schools, teaching group lessons, leading sections, and performing for elementary,
middle and high school students. We will also serve as mentors, taking the kids
to music events (rehearsals, concerts) at Oberlin. You don't need to be in the
Con or have any teaching experience! You also don't necessarily need to play a
traditional band or orchestra instrument.
Every Level of Pottery 0-1
Credit
Helen Levi EXCO-705
All levels of pottery welcomed! We will
lean new skills and experience guided and independent projects, both through
wheelwork and handbuilding.
Students will also learn basic studio management skills like recycling
clay and will prepare pieces for a show at the end of the semester. Course fee of $30.
Living Foods Preparation and
Lifestyle 0-1
Credit
Che Gonzalez and Jose M. Gonzalez, Jr. EXCO-720
This course takes healthy living up a
notch or two in the vegan world.
Lectures, food preparation demonstrations, and videos will be given as
introduction to Living Foods lifestyle.
There will be �hands on� classes with samplings of raw, vegan, and
mostly organic foods.
Prerequisites: a zest for life and an open mind. Fee: $15 to cover the cost of the food. Class limit: 12.
Fearless
Knitting 0-1
Credit
Cory Ellen Boberg and
Bethany Draeger EXCO-746
Expand your knitting horizons! Go beyond garter stitch and learn how
to make socks, delicate lace, or intricate cables. Learn how to read patterns - and maybe even design your
own! Students should be proficient
in casting on and the knit stitch.
Materials will be purchased by the individual students with an estimated
cost of $30-35.
Stained Glass 0-1
Credit
Rufus Nicoll and Harden Wisebram EXCO-795
Stained glass for beginners, but all
experience levels are welcome.
This course will teach you the basics of glass working during the first
half of the semester, and during the second half will let you pursue a personal
project.
Intro to 16mm Film Production 0-2
Credits
Katherine Ewald and Cody Darling EXCO-7??
We will teach you how to make 16mm
films. There is a $45.00 course fee.
Zachary
L. Evans 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.
Circus
Arts Skillshare 0-1
Credit
Aries
Indenbaum EXCO-805
Circus
Arts Skillshare will work to improve individual performances through a workshop
structure, theme lessons and group learning. Circus skills are recommended, but not required.
Beginning
Fencing 0-1 Credit
Gregory Solow, Jeremiah
Pearse, Adam Bernstein, and Hanna Jo EXCO-810
Come learn the beautiful and sexy art of
fencing! We will be teaching beginning foil, so no experience is required. Next
time you need to defend your honor, you'll be ready. $5 course fee for equipment
maintenance.
Jump Rope 0-1 Credit
Taylor Rogers and Mike Fry EXCO-815
Come learn about the world of
competitive jump roping! you will
learn how to jump freestyle, speed, double dutch, and chinese wheel among other things. You will also be exposed to
documentaries which reveal the hidden phenomenon of competitive jump rope. Be prepared to get a good work out,
learn about the sport, and have fun!
Go ExCo 0-1 Credit
Michael Stevenson EXCO-826
Learn the ancient Chinese game of
Go! Go is a board game that is
played professionally today in Korea, China, and Japan. Although its rules are simple, it is
widely believed to be one of the most strategically complex games in the
world. This class, like the
general Go community, will stress self-improvement and cooperative strategic
discussion.
Fundamentals of Rock Climbing 0-1
Credit
Kate Ewald EXCO-850
This class is designed to train the next
generation of climbing wall supervisors. The emphasis will be on how to teach
proper climbing safety. In addition, we will cover everything from basic
technique to bouldering, lead climbing, route setting, and how to 'crank down
hard!' There will be an outdoor climbing expedition to practice our new skills.
Volleyball 0-1
Credit
Chen Yan and Craig Packard EXCO-860
We
will learn the basis of volleyball - bump, set, spike, and defense positioning.
All levels are welcome. We will practice twice a week, alternating practice and
games.
Hula
Hooping 0-1 Credit
Sandra
Biller EXCO-8??
Ever want
to be the coolest person in the world?
This course will teach you everything you need to know about hula
hooping, including construction, basic and advanced tricks, and anything else
you can think of using a hula hoop for.
You may also have the option to perform in OCircus!