001 Tasting the Nigerian Side of Life
Abiola Ahove '11 and Adeola Awodele '11
This course is intended to introduce people to some Nigerian delicacies, but will also serve as an introduction to a segment of Western African culture, as we will incorporate the other senses as well— sight, touch, hearing and smell— into understanding and experiencing Nigeria. As we cook, we will talk about important topics that will be rooted in the particular food being prepared.
Cost: None   Enrollment: 12
January 6–9, 9:30–11:30 a.m.
Cutter/Ziskind Kitchen

002 Essentially Greek
Zoe Kosoff '11
Do you find the flaky layers of baklava irresistible? Have you ever partied with phyllo dough, cheese and butter while listening to Greek techno? This course presents Greek cooking as an introduction to Greek culture in a social environment. All dishes are vegetarian, and Greek dancing lessons will be included, time permitting.
Cost: None   Enrollment: 12
January 12–16, 9:30–11:30 a.m.
Cutter/Ziskind Kitchen

100 The Armchair Beekeeper
Cynthia Allen '83, beekeeper
Are honey bees industrious social insects who symbolize a hard working society? Ecological meters indicating the health of our planet? Vicious attackers poised to invade our backyards? Or perhaps a combination of all three? We will study the biology of the European honey bee, the crucial role they play in today's U.S. agriculture, and the possible causes of Colony Collapse Disorder (CCD), a condition that is devastating bee colonies and creating a crisis that will soon effect what we have to eat. Students will learn to separate bee fact from fiction in literature, movies, and folklore. We'll also indulge in a varietal honey tasting. Due to winter weather, there will be no live bees in this course.
Cost: $15   Enrollment: 15
January 5–9, 9:30–11:30 a.m.
Seelye 107

101 When Am I Going to Use What I Learned in Intro Physics?
Joyce Palmer–Fortune, Physics Department
This is a review of the six major concepts in introductory physics in the context of real life applications. There is barely enough time in an intro physics course to introduce the big ideas and practice applying them in mathematically simple systems, and we often miss the beauty and awesomeness of the big ideas in physics. Students can use this course as a time for thinking about the "big picture" in physics and to appreciate how the ideas apply in a bigger setting. Some of the topics covered will include: physics of muscles and our bodies, energy and power in our homes, the speed limit of the universe and micromechanical systems. This course is ideal for students who are in between Intro Physics I and Intro Physics II, but is open to anyone.
Cost: None   Enrollment: 20
January 20–23, 1–3:00 p.m.
McConnell 203, Physics Lab

102 Animal Tracking
Scott Johnson, ESS
Have you ever seen a track in the mud, sand or snow and wondered what it was? Want to become a nature detective? Learn to read animal tracks to figure out what kind of animals passed by— and maybe even what they were up to. Learning these skills will make even a casual walk across campus into an adventure. This course will start on campus with the basics, and then head out into the woods in search of critters varying from porcupines and weasels to fox and moose. Please dress for hiking outside.
Cost: None   Enrollment: 11
January 20–22, 1–5 p.m.
Meet at the Smith Boat House

200 A Local Grand Tour: Renaissance Prints and Drawings in Western Massachusetts
Christine Andrews, Art Department
Here is a chance to view some of the outstanding collections in the art museums of Western Massachusetts, with a bonus. Our museum visits will include special viewings of prints and drawings by Renaissance artists, highlighting the work of sixteenth–century German artist Albrecht Dürer. An orientation session and viewing at the Smith College Museum of Art will be followed by trips to the Mt. Holyoke and Amherst College museums of art and the Sterling and Francine Clark Art Institute in Williamstown.
Approximately $9 (transportation)   Enrollment: 10
January 13, 1–3:00 p.m., Cunningham Center, Museum of Art
January 14, 1:00 p.m., Trip to Mount Holyoke and Amherst College museums
January 15, 10:00 a.m., Trip to Clark Art Institute

201 Catrinas de Cartón: Día de Los Muertos Traditions
Amanda Chesnut '10
The popular papier mâché skeleton figures, or calaveras, of Día de Los Muertos (Day of the Dead) are a uniquely Mexican art that reflects a tangible relationship with death. The fashionably festooned Catrina who represents death herself, is arguably the most recognizable papier mâché face of Día de Los Muertos. We will make the elegant and feared Catrina and learn about the Mexican approach to death: to laugh so we don't cry. Suggestions for Google images: Catrina, Día de Los Muertos, Calaveras de Cartón.
Cost: About $25 (art supplies)   Enrollment: 12
January 5–9, 1–3:00 p.m.
Hillyer 205

202 Origami
Susan Barker, Sophia Smith Collection
In this class you will learn the craft of origami (Japanese for ori to fold and kami paper, literally folding paper). The folds that will be included are: basic bases, flapping and regular cranes, envelopes, a picture frame, a bookmark, the fox, water bombs for paper covered lights, lotus blossoms, a set of nesting boxes, and the Turkish map fold. Practice paper will be provided but students will bring their own origami paper. An exhibit of some of these folds is available at http://sophia.smith.edu/~sbarker/pageseven.html
Cost: $10   Enrollment: 10
January 12–16, 9:30–11:30 a.m.
Wright 200

203 Watercolor Note Cards Inspired by Flowers
Lauren Bennett, Art Department
Learn how to create small watercolor paintings and turn them into unique note cards. You will work from life and from photographs using flowers or other natural findings as inspiration, incorporating a variety of media from ink pens to wax crayons. Students will see demonstrations of basic watercolor techniques and learn about color and how to use everyday materials like Saran Wrap and salt to create special effects in their paintings. A complete watercolor kit will be provided for $26.00. No drawing or painting experience necessary.
Cost: $26   Enrollment: 10
January 5–9, 3:15–5:15 p.m.
Hillyer 205

204 Make it Yourself!
Meleta Buckstaff '09
With a little time and creativity, you can make almost anything, inexpensively and ingeniously using recycled materials. Old paper, cardboard, folders, cereal boxes, etc., become new notebooks and envelopes. Old sweaters become scarves. Learn to make a skirt from a pillowcase. Make jewelry from old neckties. Few things are more satisfying than receiving a compliment on something and being able to say that you made it yourself.
Cost: $7   Enrollment: 12
January 20–23, 1–3:00 p.m.
Wright 201

205 Beading and Jewelry
Jessica Kaplan '12
You will learn bead–stringing techniques, minor metalworking and beading and crimping techniques to complete a necklace with a semi–precious donut stone focal component, selected by each student. We will also make an anklet or bracelet with multiple strands of seedbeds.
Cost: About $10   Enrollment: 15
January 12–16, 1–3:00 p.m.
Wright 200

300 Beginner Qigong/Tai Chi
Makani Freitas, Admission Office
These two ancient Chinese movement systems use slow, continuous motion which is believed to cultivate internal energy and help it flow throughout the body. Qigong movement is a useful introduction to Tai Chi, which follows a specific pattern of choreographed moves. In this class we will learn various exercises and forms from each system, accompanied by relaxing music. Intended for all ages, abilities and fitness levels. No previous experience is required.
Cost: Donation for handouts and music   Enrollment: 15
January 6, 8, 13, 15, 20 and 22, 4:15–5:30 p.m.
Ainsworth 304

301 Exercise, Discipline and Ecstasy: A    –based Dance Class
Michelle Marroquin, graduate student in Dance
This course is designed to get you out of the winter slump and into sensing, moving, and exercising every part of your body. Drawing from Gyrokinesis spiraling workout, we'll open up the body, stretch it in all directions and strengthen the abdominal and back muscles. We'll finish the class with a sweat–producing, body–flushing dance that gets our blood flowing and our inner heat activated. This class is open to all levels of movers, dancers, athletes and non–athletes. Everyone can get something out this.
Cost: None   Enrollment: 20
January 20–23, 9:30–11:30 a.m.
Berenson 3

302 Introductory Taekwondo
Aliza Leventhal '09
This is not a fitness course, although your flexibility and stamina will be tested; and this is not a meditation course, although your mental strength will be pushed. This introductory Taekwondo course focuses on the fusion of body and mind for the most beneficial outcome. The aim of the course is to provide basic technique for students to use in a defensive manner (including blocks, punches and kicks), and using the focus–inducing element of this Korean martial art. Much like yoga, Taekwondo provides an outlet for physical activity for you to challenge all of your internal energy into. The outcome is fantastic.
Cost: None   Enrollment: 20
January 12–16, 9–11:00 a.m.
Ainsworth 304

303 Lead Sport Climbing
Scott Johnson, ESS Outdoor Program
Have you ever been to the Smith climbing wall or maybe gone outdoor rock climbing and want to learn more? During the year, we offer regular clinics on top–rope climbing, but there is much more to learn. As opposed to top–rope climbing, where the anchor is set above you, with lead climbing you ascend a cliff or indoor wall while placing protection along the way. Although we will start with a quick review of belaying basics, the majority of the course will focus on lead belaying, placing protection and lead anchoring on sport rock climbs.
Cost: None   Enrollment: 12
January 20–23, 9:30–11:30 a.m.
Ainsworth 304

See also: Course 700 Music and Social Movements (in Music, Dance & Theatre)

400 Giving Birth: Anthropological, Physiological and Professional Perspectives
Michelle L'Esperance, midwife
This course will cover the anatomy and physiology of birth and its common variations. Students will make an in–depth comparison of the two current dominant paradigms in the United States— woman–centered midwifery and mainstream obstetrical practice. Topics will include: power dynamics between birthing women and their care providers, pain and pain "management" safety versus satisfaction, birth as an arena for intense socialization rituals, and the gap between current science and mainstream obstetric practice. Ideal for students considering careers in midwifery, obstetrics and gynecology, psychology, public health, reproductive rights, or medical anthropology.
Cost: $10   Enrollment: 20
January 5–9, 1–3:00 p.m.
Seelye 107

401 Henna Designs and Application
Ayla Qais '11
This course will introduce basic henna designs and the most convenient methods of applications. Patterns and designs from different regions of the world will be explored. The course is aimed at teaching students the basic techniques of henna application, providing them with the skills to improvise on designs and create their own by the end of the course.
Cost: $8   Enrollment: 15
January 5–9, 1–3:00 p.m.
Hillyer 205

500 Billiards for Fun and Profit
Eric Barnes, Philosophy Department, Hobart and William Smith Colleges
Pool cuts across boundaries of race and class in our culture, but it remains primarily a man's game. Women and men compete separately at tournaments, although men have no natural advantage. People often assume that women don't shoot well. But you can defy this stereotype. I will teach students of all levels the rules and skills of pocket billiards (i.e., pool). Students will learn the rules of 8–ball, 9–ball, cutthroat, and straight–pool. New players will begin by learning the fundamentals, while experienced players will begin with strategic issues like shot selection. No smoking or alcoholic beverages permitted during class.
Cost: $20   Enrollment: 12
Level 1: January 5–9, 1–3:00 p.m.
Level 2, January 5–9, 3:15–5:15 p.m.
Packards, 3rd floor pool room
Masonic Street, Northampton

See also: Course 701 Learn to Produce Your own Musical Recording (in Music, Dance & Theatre)

600 Video Games: Art, Learning or Entertainment?
Damon Blanchette, Center for Media Production
Through discussion, presentations, and playing, we will explore the impact of video games on culture, society, and individuals. Can video games be art? Are they effective in teaching and learning? Do violent video games create a violent culture? We will look at and play many types of video games out of the past 30–plus years, from Pac–Man to Grand Theft Auto and more. Participants are encouraged to bring their own game systems to play and show others, and of course their own ideas and experiences with playing video games.
Cost: None   Enrollment: 15
January 12–16, 1–3:00 p.m.
Seelye 212

601 Mac Mastery
Tony Caldanaro, Science Center
Esther White, ITS
Bruce O'Leary, Educational Technology Services
In this class you will learn how to customize and use your Mac efficiently and with ease. We will cover "best practices" using Apple's built–in applications and features (and a few free programs as well). Topics will include: System Preferences, email, calendaring, syncing, backup, problem solving, troubleshooting, and the future of Mac OS X. Bring your questions (and Mac laptop if you wish).
Cost: None   Enrollment: 15
January 12–16, 9:30–11:30 a.m.
Bass 102

602  Linux on your PC.  A Fun, Free Alternative to Windows
Eric Jensen, UNIX Systems Administrator
This free operating system runs on just about any computer.  You may have used it on your own PC or in a classroom and wished you could make better use of it.  Linux has become very easy to use and excels in performance and security.  You will learn what Linux is all about and what benefits it can bring to your desktop.  You will install Linux on a PC (bring your laptop!), learn to manage the system, and install the freely-available software for Linux users.
Cost:  None                     Enrollment:  15
January 5 and 6
1-3 p.m.
Engineering 203

See also: Course 301: Gyrokinesis–based Dance (in Fitness & Health)

700 Music and Social Movements
Kirk Sanger, Residential Life
What is it about music as an art that gives it the ability to unite and drive cultural change? This course will explore various social movements and the musicians and music that surrounded or supported that social change. From African–American spirituals, folk, blues, rock, jazz, we will investigate their effect on slavery, unions, civil rights, and war. If you have a genuine interest in music and social change, this course will introduce you to musicians and music that you may not have been aware of and their affect on popular culture. Musicians we may cover: Pete Seeger, Woody Guthrie, Charles Mingus, Ani DiFranco, Public Enemy, Bob Marley, Bonnie Raitt. No prior music experience necessary.
Cost: None   Enrollment: 25
January 12–16, 9:30–11:30 a.m.
Seelye 109

701 Learn to Produce Your Own Musical Recording
Peter Blanchette, musician
Students will become familiar with all aspects of record producing. The technology— computers, microphones, signal–processors and software programs— will be introduced and demonstrated through participation in an on–going, bonafide recording project. Learn how producers efficiently record good initial "takes" of artists' material while simultaneously encouraging creativity. And learn how to edit and polish those initial "takes" into better–sounding demos. Each student will participate in the mixing and mastering of demos into CD–ready tracks and will acquire the basic experience needed to embark on a more complex recording project in any genre.
Cost: $10   Enrollment: 12
January 12–16, 9:30–11:30 a.m.
Electronic Music Studio, Sage Hall

702 Swing Lindy
Idy Codington, ACS
Dance to big band music and Elvis. Come learn how to dance East Coast swing and 20s, 30s Lindy hop. It's fun, it's easy and it was invented by teens. This is a partner–friendly class. Bring your favorite dance partner, or find a partner at class, but we will also change partners, because it's good to dance with different people. Come and see why these were dance crazes.
Cost: None   Enrollment: 25
January 20–23, 3:15–5:15 p.m.
Berenson Leeds Studio

703 Jazz Dance
Jillian Grunnah, graduate student in Dance
Jazz dance is one of the most dynamic and energizing forms of movement. By combining elements of African, tap, ballet, modern, hip–hop and other styles of dance, jazz becomes a stylized and personal mode of expression with an important place in American History. Students will learn the basics of American jazz dance. Through warm–up exercise and dance combinations, we will move and groove together.
Cost: None   Enrollment: 25
January 20–23, 9:30–11:30 a.m.
Scott Dance Studio

800 Editing Sylvia Plath's Correspondence
Karen Kukil, Mortimer Rare Book Room
In this course, students edit one letter of their choosing selected from the over 100 unpublished letters in the Mortimer Rare Book Room's Sylvia Plath Collection. Students learn the principles of accurate transcription and concise annotation using standard reference works and primary sources in Smith's special collections. Guest speakers may include friends and roommates of Sylvia Plath. Although there are no prerequisites, this course is a good companion to Cornelia Pearsall's earlier offering on Sylvia Plath's Ariel poems.
Cost: None   Enrollment: 15
January 20–23, 9:30 to 11:30 a.m.
Mortimer Rare Book Room

801 Breaking Through: Poetry Writing Workshop
Gail Thomas, Jacobson Center
Do you have ideas for poems, but haven't found a way to begin writing? Sometimes the best way to break through is to experiment with form. We will examine how form and subject work together to create memorable poems. In this poetry writing workshop you will experiment with prompts, exercises, and form to expand what you have to say. Each class will be divided between reading and discussing published poems and writing new poems generated from prompts and exercises. We will explore why poems either "work" or "don't work" and examine how each poem uses form to complement content.
Cost: None   Enrollment: 12
January 12–16, 1–3:00 p.m.
Seelye 102