Free University

Revision as of 16:34, January 1, 2009 by Zre1 (talk | contribs) (Winter Study 2009 FREE UNIVERSITY)

Take or teach any classes you want during Winter Study.

Courses availible for Winter Study 2009 include: (If you're interested in taking a course, contact the instructor for additional information)

Argentine Tango As long as the beat is right, you can Tango to it. This includes everything from traditional tango music to Maroon 5's She Will Be Loved. Lessons will be every Tuesday night, from 8-9pm in the Goodrich dance studio (in the back). Lessons will be given more frequently if demand is high. Contact Marco (10mps) for more information.

Gender and New German Cinema Instructor: Ariel Kavoussi <Ariel.S.Kavoussi@williams.edu> Meeting Times: 3 Thursdays 7:00pm January 8th: The Night Porter (1974) January 15th: In a Year with 13 Moons (1978) January 22nd: The Second Awakening of Christina Klages (1978) Where: Paresky Theater

From the 1960s to early 1990s, Germany saw the emergence of a new generation of innovative and odd directors. These filmmakers created work that challenged what they saw as the "stagnant" presentation of gender in the established German cinema. The impact of New German cinema ("Junger Deutscher Film“) can be seen in the work of contemporary queer filmmakers even to this day. In this course, we will be watching 3 films (specifically from the 1970s) that deal with issues of sexuality in New German cinema. Each film screening will be preceded by segments from Ernst Hofbauer's "School Girl Report", an extremely popular German exploitation film. Screenings are to be followed by informal discussion with topics ranging from transgender representations to feminist reactions to sadomasochistic romanticism.

How to Make the Most of Your Mac All Mac's come with programs to make movies, record songs, build websites, etc. I'll be hosting two workshops a week on anything having to do with a Mac. If you have any questions about a Mac, proposals for workshops or would like to host a workshop of your own, email me (Marco) at 10mps. Check WSO at the beginning of Winter Study for a schedule.

Pranks Is it funny if your favorite teddy bear is stolen from your room during the night? What if you find it dangling from a flagpole the next morning? This course examines the practical techniques and ethical implications of pranking. Lectures/discussions examine case studies from history, fiction, and recent events. Laboratory assignments will include carrying out an appropriate prank on a target assigned from within the class, and a possible whole-class campus prank. Hour: TBD. Email corey.d.watts@williams.edu if interested along with hours you expect to be available.

Williams: Combat Evolved 3 A Halo class Welcome one and all to the third rendition of the mildly popular Williams: Combat Evolved, a class where I and several other team leaders will help to teach people how to play, work as part of a team, and otherwise have fun in the game of Halo for the Xbox and Xbox 360. Whether you've never played before or you consider yourself a veteran of the game and it's several iterations, this class is open to all. It will be organized into one to two sessions a week with team leaders to be determined across campus (due to proximity of applicants, making for easy meetings). During the sessions, you will first learn from and practice with your leaders and teammates, and then you will compete against the other teams across the campus system link in a variety of fun action packed game types such as Capture the Flag. This year we will also feature Halo 1 and 2 lessons as well as Halo 3. So step right up and join the action. No xbox or previous experience required. If you're interested, please email 09ejm@williams.edu for more information. Hope to see you online!

Yoga Dance Yoga dance will inspire, uplift, and sweep you away. It combines the deep relaxation of yoga with the amazing fun of dance. During the class students will move their bodies to the rhythmic flow of music and release negative energy that may have built up during the first semester. Yoga dance in an excellent way to put a smile on your face and meet new people. No Experience Necessary. Meeting Thursday Evenings from 7:30-8:30. Contact 10ahd@williams.edu


Courses available for Winter Study 2008 include: (If you're interested in taking a course, contact the instructor for additional information)

  1. Knitting
    • by Emily Brown
  2. Hunger Issues in the Berkshires
    • by Lauren Guilmette
  3. Vegan Baking
    • by Dae Selcer
  4. Argentine Tango
    • by Marco Sanchez
  5. Tea: History, Culture, and Tasting
    • by Kimberly Elicker and Kenny Yim
  6. Ubuntu Linux
    • by Jing Cao and Jerry He
  7. Get Engaged! - Community Corps
    • by Lehman Council for Community Engagement
  8. Campus Activism Skills
    • by Morgan Goodwin
  9. Swing Dancing
    • by Allie Wilkes and Walker Matthews
  10. WFCM DJ
    • by Ian Mitchell
  11. GREGORIAN CHANT
    • by Darel Paul

Past courses have included "How to Make Money on eBay", "The Art of Eskimo Warfare", and "The Fine Art of Seduction by Cooking: Kitchen Skills for the Dating Game."


  1. The Philosophy and Sociology of Streaking
  2. An Introduction to HTML
  3. The Films of Stanley Kubrick
    • taught by Dave Letzler
    • five-six screenings from Kubrick's oeuvre
  4. Gregorian Chant
    • taught by Joe McDonough and Prof. Paul (PoliSci)
    • An introduction to the theory and practice of chant/plainsong.
  5. Is Latin Dead?
    • taught by Joe McDonough
    • a brief introduction to the Latin language and how it works, for curious beginners
  6. Wanna be a DJ?
    • taught by Samantha Peterson '08 and the WCFM DJs
    • become a certified DJ over Winter Study, broadcast your own weekly show on WCFM throughout Spring Semester (and beyond)
    • compete with your new DJ friends for a glorious prize and eternal admiration
  7. Toot Your Own Horn
    • Taught by Alan Cordova
    • A brief introduction to the trumpet and how it works, for curious beginners.
    • Compete with your new trumpet friends for glorious prize and eternal admiration