Minutes of Free University Meeting December 4, 2005
PRESENT: Christopher, Asher, Darren, Paul, Chris (writing about Free University), Possum, Alan, John, Randy, Victoria, Tim
COURSE PROPOSALS FOR JAN 2006
Alan 'Introduction to Media Studies' (Monday evening)
Add room for flexibility
Rewrite description (why take this course)
Course approved
Christopher, 'Judo for Gentle People'
In Kensington Market space with mats (cost $40 per session)
Chris has had to pay himself some weeks
January course with beginners and intermediate with up front cost of $40 per person for the course.
If this is a problem for individuals they should contact us and we may be able to find a subsidy.
How is Judo anarchist? It is normally taught in a very hierarchical way, but not here.
Course approved
Randy, 'Secret History of the World'
Presents conspiracy of elite to control economic and political affairs.
Now a global conspiracy.
Readings, websites, perhaps a DVD of video clips
Suggestion that Randy present only 'semester one' at this time (accepted)
Perhaps a week near the end of the course on criticisms of conspiracy theory (perhaps Chomsky)
More work needed on blurb (to more accurately describe the course)
Readings for each week
Other voices critical of conspiracy theory.
Course accepted
Asher, New version of his course on political economy
Mostly online texts
Critique of mainstream economics
Thinkers such as Michael Albert
Change blurb so that it describes the course (e.g. the questions addressed, what the discussions will be about)
It is a critical perspective on mainstream economics
Add texts to course
Contact info
Course accepted
Darren
(1) His writing group which started as a Free U course is still meeting!
(2) Add a beginner's writing group
Darren presented a program of exercises, readings and supportive critique, and visiting writers (mainly underground, zine writers)
Saturday or Sunday 11-2pm
Limited to first eight people (waiting list after that)
Course is not limited to fiction.
Approved
Paul proposed an idea for a course in video production for 8 people and 10 weeks.
It would include visiting speakers and visits to LIFT, Trinity Sq Video etc.
It would involve development of ideas and writing
Leading to each person making a short film (probably electronically)
Venue: Cine Cycle on Spadina Ave
It was agreed that this course will be included in promotion for January but Paul will present a more worked-out course outline for the next meeting in early January.
FLYER: Asher and Christopher will do a general flyer
Course instructors are encouraged to do flyers/posters for individual courses
Alan will do promo to NOW and EYE and listserves Goodwork and Instant Coffee
NEXT MEETING: Sunday 9 January at 5pm at 457 Bathurst Street (at College)
OTHER BUSINESS: John raised the issue that Ontario Indymedia is currently not active and it would be a good idea to ask around if anyone is interested in getting it going again.