Shimer-type Electives

by: Erin Piasecki

Elective classes at Shimer, at least in name, bear resemblance to what one would find in any Liberal Arts college in the country, but that is often one of the few similarities. This past fall's electives: German, Feminist Theories, and I Ching, because of Shimer's dialogical method, often took on an entirely new depth and character.
   
German For Reading was facilitated by Barbara Stone and introduced students to most of the basic grammatical structures of the language to help prepare them to read original German texts. Of all the courses, German is probably the most similar to a "typical" elective you would find in other schools. Largely, this is because of the dialogical component inherent to learning any language, native or foreign. Barb says of the materials used for study: "In addition to grammar exercises and reading passages to practice the grammar, we have read some poems by Rilke, the Grimm's fairy tale Rapunzel, and the Christmas story from Luke - the Luther translation." 
 
Feminist Theories, a recurring favorite course at Shimer, was taught by Ann Dolinko. Students read and discussed notable authors such as Andrea Dworkin, Audre Lorde, Luce Irigaray, and Judith Butler. Katy Martin Seaver, a second year student in Ann's class, says "I liked the way the course was planned out so that the texts all flow into one another and are anchored to the core curriculum. I think that's the hallmark of any well structured Shimer class." As the course description indicates, Feminist Theories seeks to "look at how the gender roles of men and women are socially constructed." Ari Robbins, a third year student, says "What I appreciated in Feminist Theories is the value in not trying to define what 'human' is. Judith Butler deconstructs the definitions used to describe people in terms of male or female identity, which always leaves someone out who does not fit neatly into either one. It was a meaningful discovery that that there is an oppressive element inherent in our language, in that people are unable to be seen and define themselves for who they really are."
 
I Ching, was taught by Shimer's facilitator for eastern studies, Ron Kidd, and concerned one of the most well known and commentated upon texts of the eastern world. The I Ching is a book of divination made up of 64 oracles, which date from Bronze Age China, and commentary, which was added on by various parties throughout the following centuries and is known as the Ten Wings. Reading for the course was equal parts historical context and contemporary scholarship. There was also a component of practical divination with yarrow stalks, in which students took turns each class asking questions and divining answers from the I Ching. Howard Ruan, in his first semester at Shimer, found that "I Ching was different from other Shimer classes because you cannot read just the text itself and discuss it, you must read about the text to get at the idea or the spirit of what the I Ching really is. One can really only make conjectures about most things, which is the most frustrating and wonderful part, for me."

Shimer students are looking forward to a full slate of electives and tutorials this spring in both the weekday and weekend programs. They will include: Contemporary Critical Theory facilitated by Albert Fernandez, Film Genre Student: The French New Wave facilitated by Marc Hoffman, Morality of Capitalism facilitated by Jim Donovan and Marsha Enright, Tale of Genri facilitated by Ron Kidd, Biblical Studies facilitated by Don Moon, and Empiricism facilitated by Harold Stone. You can read more about the classes being offered this spring online.