A yearlong course that introduces the basics of Modern Standard Arabic, this course concentrates on all four skills: speaking, listening, reading and writing. Beginning with the study of Arabic script and sound, students will complete the Georgetown text Alif Baa and finish Chapter 13 in Al Kitaab Book I by the end of the academic year. Students will acquire vocabulary and usage for everyday interactions as well as skills that will allow them to read and analyze a range of texts. In addition to the traditional textbook exercises, students will write short essays and participate in role plays, debates, and conversations throughout the year.

Elementary Chinese I: This course will be taught by a visiting professor of Chinese from the Hampshire College China Exchange program and supervised by Professor Kay Johnson. It will cover the first semester of beginning Chinese. The second semester of beginning Chinese language will be offered during the spring semester. The course will follow the Integrated Chinese textbook series. The class will cover speaking, reading, and writing Chinese characters. Required books are: Integrated Chinese Textbook Level 1, Part 1; Integrated Chinese Workbook Level 1, Part 1; Integrated Chinese Character Workbook, Level 1, Part 1.

This course introduces the third mostly widely used language in the United States and Canada. It is intended to give an overview of both the language and the culture of the deaf community. Emphasis will be focused on learning basic grammatical structure as well as developing receptive and expressive signing skills used in everyday conversation, and also being able to give a skit in American Sign Language. Cultural aspects of the Deaf community will be shared through readings, videotapes/DVDs, and class discussion.

This course introduces the third mostly widely used language in the United States and Canada. It is intended to give an overview of both the language and the culture of the deaf community. Emphasis will be focused on learning basic grammatical structure as well as developing receptive and expressive signing skills used in everyday conversation, and also being able to give a skit in American Sign Language. Cultural aspects of the Deaf community will be shared through readings, videotapes/DVDs, and class discussion.

Third Year Chinese I: This course will be taught by a visiting professor of Chinese from the Hampshire College China Exchange program, D. Song and supervised by K. Johnson. Students entering this class will be expected to have completed Intermediate Chinese or the equivalent of an intensive college-level second year Chinese language course. The class will cover the final chapters of Integrated Chinese Level 2, part 2 and then proceed to Reading Into A New China. Emphasis will be placed equally on speaking, reading, and writing. By the end of the Fall semester, students will be expected to have mastered all of the grammar patterns and characters (both recognition and writing from memory) introduced in the Integrated Chinese series, Levels 1 and 2 and Reading Into A New China, vol. 1. The second semester of Third Year Chinese will be offered during the spring semester.

T'ai Chi: T'ai Chi( in Wade Giles) or Taiji (in Pin Yin) is an enjoyable exercise which gives a feeling of exquisite mental calm and emotional ease. T'ai Chi does not strain your joints or ligaments, but actually heals them and teaches your body to move with perfect efficiency. T'ai Chi will not strain your heart or circulatory system, but is a gentle and effective tonic to your heart. T'ai Chi is especially beneficial to the functions of your internal organs and builds up your body from the inside out. T'ai Chi has it's origin as a valid martial discipline. Our emphasis will be the contrasts and similarities of the health art and martial art. This 2 hour class is open to beginner and experienced students. During the first few classes students will be sorted into appropriate practice groups depending on experience and ability. More advanced practices and intermediate form work will happen during the second hour of the class. 5-College students will be graded pass/fail.

The Connecticut River Valley is a bioregion rich in natural variety and beauty. This course will be an opportunity to explore the natural places in our own backyard while examining the concept of wilderness in contemporary society. The social, spiritual, ecological, artistic, accessible and personal perspectives of wilderness will be the foundation of this place-based education class. By hiking and paddling we will attempt to develop a sense of place with some truly magical local outdoor sites. Readings and projects will further develop this concept of a backyard wilderness. Each class will venture outdoors to participate in activities including a swamp walk, working with a outdoor universal access program, using primitive earth-based skills, and overnight camping in order to understand wilderness perspectives experientially. Class is co-taught with Joe Olbrych. THIS CLASS IS OPEN TO FIRST-YEAR STUDENTS.

This course will offer an overview of the theoretical tenets of experiential education and how they can be applied in a variety of settings, including the outdoors,and alternative and traditional classrooms. Topics to be addressed include current issues in experiential education, oppression and empowerment in education, teaching experientially, creative expression, and the historical and philosophical basis of experiential education. The course format will include readings, discussion, guest speakers, field experiences, and individual research and presentations on experiential education. An emphasis of the course will be for students to develop curricula based on experiential learning by creating student facilitated workshops and gaining exposure to experiential education methodology currently employed in the local area. The course is designed for Division II and III level students. 5-College students will be graded pass/fail.