IAP 2018 Activities by Category - Multicultural Activities

Francesco Maurelli, World Esperanto Youth Organisation, Vice President

	Jan/17	Wed	06:00PM-07:00PM	2-147
	Jan/18	Thu	06:00PM-07:00PM	2-147
	Jan/19	Fri	06:00PM-07:00PM	2-147
	Jan/22	Mon	06:00PM-07:00PM	2-147
	Jan/23	Tue	06:00PM-07:00PM	2-147
	Jan/24	Wed	06:00PM-07:00PM	2-147
	Jan/25	Thu	06:00PM-07:00PM	2-147
	Jan/26	Fri	06:00PM-07:00PM	2-147

Enrollment: Unlimited: No advance sign-up
Attendance: Participants must attend all sessions

Come and join us, learning the international language Esperanto. With 130 years of life, Esperanto helped to connect millions of people worldwide, overcoming language and cultural barriers. It is easy to learn and fun to practice with other speakers around the world. Don't miss the opportunity!

Contact: Francesco Maurelli, 32-230, 415 900-7213, MAURELLI@CSAIL.MIT.EDU

ASL and Deaf Culture Officers

Enrollment: Limited: Advance sign-up required
Sign-up by 12/27
Limited to 30 participants
Attendance: Participants must attend all sessions
Fee: $20.00 for enrollment

The ASL and Deaf Culture @ MIT is proud to announce that we will be offering a beginner's ASL class during IAP.

A series of 8 classes, 1 hour each, will be held on-campus (location and times TBD).

Enrollment is limited and we are requiring that ASL students pay $20 (once) to participate in the course. If this price prevents you from being able to join the class, please get in touch with goretkin@mit.edu

This ASL class will be taught by a Deaf instructor who has taught ASL at MIT several times in the last few years.

If you are interested, please join our mailing list: https://groups.mit.edu/webmoira/list/asl-interest

Sponsored by the Office of the Dean for Graduate Education and the MindHandHeart Innovation Fund

Sponsor(s): American Sign Language and Deaf Culture Club
Contact: American Sign Language and Deaf Culture officers, asl-officers@mit.edu

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class

Joe Paradiso, Alexander W. Dreyfoos Prof. in Media Arts & Sciences

Enrollment: Unlimited: No advance sign-up
Attendance: Participants welcome at individual sessions
Prereq: None

Although ‘Prog’ (a.k.a. Progressive) Rock is strongly associated with the iconic British arena bands of the early/mid 1970s, it’s become a thriving international musical phenomenon.  Over the past decades, it has cross-fertilized with many different kinds of music (drawing from classical, jazz, academic, and world music at least as much as rock) and spawned many subgenres, including Rock-in-Opposition, Canterbury, Zeuhl, Space Rock, Krautrock, Symphonic Prog, Mathrock, etc.  In most of its forms, Prog is often known for the extreme virtuosity of its musicians, the complexity of its compositions, quirky and dynamic meters, the use of groundbreaking studio techniques, and the edgy timbres and sounds of its instruments.  Although mostly veiled in cultural obscurity, Prog Rock is now a worldwide phenomenon, with avid musicians, fans, and scenes active in every populated continent.  The Prog scene isn’t ‘retro’ - it works as a musical laboratory that hatches bold new musical ideas that diffuse into the mainstream often many years later  In this lunchtime IAP seminar, I will provide a ‘tasting tour’ through Prog Rock, introducing some of its most fundamental and vital bands while emphasizing, exploring, and celebrating this edgy music as we sample needledrops from essentially every subgenre of Prog hailing from all corners of the globe.  Further info will be posted at http://prog.media.mit.edu

Sponsor(s): Media Arts and Sciences, Music and Theater Arts
Contact: Joseph Paradiso, E14-548P, 617 253-8988, JOEP@MEDIA.MIT.EDU

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An Introduction to Prog Rock

	Jan/10	Wed	12:00PM-01:30PM	E15-341
	Jan/12	Fri	12:00PM-01:30PM	E15-341
	Jan/17	Wed	12:00PM-01:30PM	E15-341
	Jan/18	Thu	12:00PM-01:30PM	E15-341
	Jan/19	Fri	12:00PM-01:30PM	E15-341
	Jan/24	Wed	12:00PM-01:30PM	E15-341
	Jan/26	Fri	12:00PM-01:30PM	E15-341
	Jan/31	Wed	12:00PM-01:30PM	E15-341
	Feb/02	Fri	12:00PM-01:30PM	E15-341

1: Intro - Prog's genesis in psychedelia, classic prog, etc.

2; Canterbury

3: Rock in Opposition

4: Zeuhl

5: Space Rock and Neopsychedelia

6: French & Quebecois Prog

7: Rock Progressivo Italiano

8: Germany, Berlin, and Krautrock (perhaps some Scandinavia too)

9: Japanese Prog

Joe Paradiso - Alexander W. Dreyfoos Prof. in Media Arts & Sciences

Srinivasan Raghuraman

Enrollment: Unlimited: No advance sign-up
Attendance: Participants welcome at individual sessions
Prereq: None

Carnatic Music is a form of Indian Classical Music associated with South India. Unique in several respects, most first-indulgers and curious internet sweepers are likely to feel some or all of the following:

• This form of music utilizes more modes/pitches than others.
• This form of music calls for a lot of vocal/instrumental acrobatics.
• This form of music uses many complex rhythmic patterns.
• This form of music is boring!/It is hard to sit through a 3-hour concert!
• This form of music is unintelligible.

As is the bane of many classical art forms, a little understanding of the how Carnatic Music works would go a long way in actually appreciating it and enjoying it.

In this course, we will study Carnatic Music as an art form. Discussions will include (in no particular order)

• The history of the art form and its performance today
• Technical aspects of the art form including sruti, rAga, tAla, etc.
• The role and various forms of improvisation or manodharma sangIta
• Compositional aspects
• Performance aspects

and much more. The expectation is that this course equips one with the necessary knowledge and skill set to appreciate and enjoy a Carnatic Music performance today. No prior knowledge in Carnatic Music or any other form of music is expected, only a desire to understand what makes Carnatic Music work.

Jan 23, 24, 25, 10:00 AM - 12:30 PM.

Venue: 4-370.

If you are interested, please fill this form so that I may get a sense of the class size and also email updates: https://goo.gl/wEnjYC

Sponsor(s): SANGAM
Contact: Srinivasan Raghuraman, SRIRAG@MIT.EDU

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Appreciating Carnatic Music

	Jan/23	Tue	10:00AM-12:30PM	4-370
	Jan/24	Wed	10:00AM-12:30PM	4-370
	Jan/25	Thu	10:00AM-12:30PM	4-370

Srinivasan Raghuraman, Srinivasan Raghuraman

Enrollment: Unlimited: Advance sign-up required
Sign-up by 01/31
Attendance: Participants welcome at individual sessions
Fee: $10.00 for space and teaching fees

Come learn capoeira! First-timers especially welcome! Open to all ages and ability levels. 

Capoeira is a Brazilian martial art that combines elements of dance, acrobatics, and music. Developed as a method of self-defense disguised as a dance, Capoeira was born out of the Brazilian slaves’ desire for freedom. Capoeira is a dynamic physical dialogue - a conversation through movement which can take on many shades of meaning. 

Class includes a warm up followed by learning movements and sequences. We will often conclude with a "roda" or circle in which capoeira is practiced with the traditional instruments. 

Wear athletic attire and bring water. Unlimited enrollment; advance sign-up requested. While you're not required to come to all sessions of the class, you will improve the most if you attend weekly. 

Location: Community Arts Center, 119 Windsor Street, Cambridge, MA

Price: $10/class; free for undergraduates

Contact: Julia Kester, W98-562, 908-432-1774, julia.kester@gmail.com

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Capoeira class

	Jan/11	Thu	07:00PM-08:30PM	119 Windsor St Cambr
	Jan/18	Thu	07:00PM-08:30PM	119 Windsor St Cambr
	Jan/25	Thu	07:00PM-08:30PM	119 Windsor St Cambr
	Jan/31	Wed	07:00PM-08:30PM	119 Windsor St Cambr

All levels, beginner friendly

Ziwen Jiang

Enrollment: Email application
Attendance: Participants must attend all sessions

The MIT China Development Initiative Club is hosting a forum on innovation and technology between students from top Chinese and U.S. universities. Specifically, we will focus on the role of technology in environmental development, governmental operations, and nonprofits in both China and the US. 

Contact: Ziwen Jiang, ziwenj@mit.edu

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iMUSE Conference - Day 0

Jan/21

Sun

09:00AM-07:00PM

MIT Campus / Dorms

List of activities:

-Delegates check-in, meet with student hosts

-Welcome socials & ice-breakers

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iMUSE Conference - Orientation

Jan/22

Mon

09:00AM-07:00PM

Media Lab / Boston

List of Activities:

-Delegates TED Talk

-MIT Campus Tour

-Visit to MIT Media Lab

-Boston Excursion / Scavenger Hunt

-Project Team Formation

-Welcome Dinner

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iMUSE Conference - Entrepreneurship

Jan/23

Tue

09:00AM-07:00PM

Boston

List of Activities:

-Visit to Google

-Visit to BrainCo Inc. (Startup at Harvard Innovation Lab)

-Networking night with startups at MIT BioTech Incubator at Harvard

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iMUSE Conference - Service / Non-Profits

Jan/24

Wed

09:00AM-07:00PM

New House

List of Activities:

- Visit to Cambridge Innovation Center, presentation and UX design workshop with Visual.io

-Service debrief and workshop with PBHA Chinatown Afterschool Program and Harvard Square Homeless Shelter

 

-Group Projects 1st team meetings

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iMUSE - Global Media [OPEN TO PUBLIC]

Jan/25

Thu

03:00PM-04:30PM

Sloan E62-262, Open to Public

List of Activities:

- Guest Talk by Peter Doucette (BOSTON GLOBE Chief Consumer Revenue Officer)

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iMUSE Conference - Government / Boston

Jan/26

Fri

09:00AM-07:00PM

Campus

List of Activities:

- Visit to and Presentations with Boston City Hall

- Movie night out at Boston AMC Lowes

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iMUSE Conference - Project

Jan/27

Sat

09:00AM-07:00PM

Boston

List of Activities:

-Hot pot dinner @ iHouse

-Gordon Engineering Leadership Workshop

-Project work time

-PBHA Service Conference @Harvard Science Center

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iMUSE Conference - Closing Ceremony

Jan/28

Sun

09:00AM-01:00PM

MIT Campus

List of Activities:

- Project presentations

- Closing ceremony

Francesco Maurelli, World Esperanto Youth Association, Vice President

Jan/11

Thu

06:00PM-07:00PM

2-147

Enrollment: Unlimited: No advance sign-up

Presentation and discussion about the role of languages and communication in today's world, with an analysis of the international language Esperanto. With its 130 years of existence, it is the most spoken planned language in the world, with more than 1.5 million learners only on Duolingo.

Come to this seminar to learn and participate, and to know all information about the Esperanto course at IAP.

Contact: Francesco Maurelli, 32-230, 415 900-7213, MAURELLI@CSAIL.MIT.EDU

Francesco Maurelli, World Esperanto Youth Association, Vice President

Feb/02

Fri

06:00PM-07:00PM

2-147

Enrollment: Unlimited: No advance sign-up

IMPORTANT - DATE CHANGE - The new date is FRIDAY February 2nd!

 

Did you know that a Scottish poet was a Nobel prize candidate for his original work in Esperanto?

This seminar will highlight the literature production in the international language Esperanto, starting from the very beginning of the language to today's trends and directions. Both original and translated literature will be presented.

Contact: Francesco Maurelli, 32-230, 415 900-7213, MAURELLI@CSAIL.MIT.EDU

Francesco Maurelli, World Esperanto Youth Organisation, Vice President

Feb/01

Thu

06:00PM-07:00PM

2-147

Enrollment: Unlimited: No advance sign-up

Classical, rock, melodic, sca, country, rap... you name it, we show it!

Despite its young age, the musical production in Esperanto has been very vivid, with contributions from all over the world. Don't miss this fun seminar to learn abut music in Esperanto and how young people today uses this simple yet expressive language.

Contact: Francesco Maurelli, 32-230, 415 900-7213, MAURELLI@CSAIL.MIT.EDU

Dana Riechman, International Student Programming Administrator & Advisor

Jan/18

Thu

12:00PM-01:30PM

E19-202, Bring a pen or pencil to take notes!

Enrollment: Limited: Advance sign-up required
Sign-up by 01/16
Limited to 80 participants

 

 

Would you like to know how to properly pronounce the names of your fellow classmates or your students? Get an opportunity to practice at this workshop led by several students from the CSSA (Chinese Students and Scholars Association).

Date: Thursday, January 18th
Time: 12pm to 1:30pm
Location: E19-202, 50 Ames Street
Open to MIT community

Please register so we can anticipate how many will attend (for materials), or please send an email to Dana Riechman at riechman@mit.edu

Co-sponsored by CSSA and ISO (International Students Office)  

Contact: Dana Riechman, E18-219S, 617 253-3795, RIECHMAN@MIT.EDU

Hiroko Matsuyama

Jan/19

Fri

02:00PM-03:30PM

E40-496, Lucian Pye Conf Rm

Enrollment: Limited: Advance sign-up required
Limited to 20 participants
Fee: $10.00 for Materials (due at time of registration)

Hiroko Matsuyama, an accomplished instructor of the Ohara school of Ikebana, will show you the basics of this ancient art as you create your own flower arrangements.

To register, please contact Christine Pilcavage at csp18@mit.edu. Your registration is not complete unless you have paid your $10 registration fee. You will forfeit your registration if you do not pay by Wed. January 10 and your place will be given to the next person on the waiting list. 

Please note there is currently a waitlist for this class. 

 

Sponsor(s): Center for International Studies, MIT Japan Program
Contact: Christine Pilcavage, csp18@mit.edu

Anandana Kapur, Fulbright Fellow at the MIT Open Documentary Lab

Enrollment: Unlimited: No advance sign-up
Attendance: Participants welcome at individual sessions

Come attend screenings of documentary films followed by discussions on a few things that define India today – love, innovation and spies. We will also talk about approaches to documentary filmmaking, behind the scenes choices and DIY tips for those who want to make a film of their own. Anandana Kapur is an award winning filmmaker from India whose works have screened in over 35 countries. She also teaches courses on documentary practice, gender and rights based media.

The last workshop of this screening series will showcase excerpts from works in progress.  A key focus will be on how documentary aesthetics can shape conversations for change. Some of the suggestions may shape the trajectory of future works!

Ps: Bring some coffee, popcorn or a friend…or two.

Sponsor(s): Comparative Media Studies/Writing
Contact: Anandana Kapur, anandana@MIT.EDU

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Much Ado About Knotting

Jan/09

Tue

03:30PM-05:00PM

outside E15-335

Are matches made in heaven or via multi-million dollar enterprises?

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Jasoosni: Look who's watching you!

Jan/16

Tue

03:30PM-05:00PM

outside E15-335

Is that a friend from a gym or an undercover spy?

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The Great Indian Jugaad; Conversations

Jan/23

Tue

03:30PM-05:00PM

outside E15-335

The Great Indian Jugaad: MIT loves hacks, India adores Jugaad!

Conversations: Stories by the "Invisible" Women of Delhi

Kyoko Wada

Jan/27

Sat

02:00PM-03:00PM

W20-307

Enrollment: Unlimited: Advance sign-up required
Sign-up by 01/25

Join us for a Japanese tea ceremony performed by Mrs. Kyoko Wada, who has been studying the Japanese Tea Ceremony for more than 30 years. She will share "the happiness of the tea ceremony" with you and invite you to take this opportunity to leave your worries and problems at the door. Be transported to Japan by the calligraphy, ceramics, flowers, lacquer, and incense. Experience the four elements of the "way of tea:" harmony, respect, purity, and tranquility. Imagine how they can bring harmony into our daily interactions. Take the first step of what can become a lifetime of study and meditation. No limit but advance sign up required (see contact below)

Sponsor(s): SpousesandPartners@mit
Contact: Kyoko Wada, iap.chado@gmail.com

Sam Kanner, Joyce Wu, Ray Chin

Enrollment: Limited: Advance sign-up required
Limited to 15 participants
Attendance: Participants must attend all sessions
Fee: $20.00 for instruction

Kyudo, Japanese archery, means the "way of the bow" and was considered the highest discipline of ancient Japanese samurai. Kyudo is based on standing Zen meditation used by Zen Buddhist monks as a means of cultivating self-awareness. Beginners will receive instruction in the basic form of kyudo.  Training will take place on the first day (1/20), followed by actual shooting on the second day (1/21). People are required to come on Saturday to be trained in order to shoot on Sunday.

Cosponsored by Byakko Kyudo.

Sponsor(s): MIT Japan Program, Center for International Studies
Contact: Christine Pilcavage, x8-8208, csp18@mit.edu

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Training

Jan/20

Sat

01:00PM-05:00PM

MAC Court

Kyudo training

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Shooting

Jan/21

Sun

09:30AM-03:30PM

Rockwell Cage, North Court

Kyudo shooting

MIT Language Conversation Exchange Team

Jan/24

Wed

08:30AM-10:00AM

Stata Student Street

Enrollment: Unlimited: No advance sign-up

 

Bonjour! Salut! Ciao! Start your day off right with coffee and conversation. Meet other language lovers and learners, practice your Spanish, brush up on your Japanese.

Eat, Meet, Speak

Brought to you by the Language Conversation Exchange and the School of Science Quality of Life Grant.

 

Sponsor(s): MIT Language Conversation Exchange
Contact: MIT Language Conversation Exchange, E23-473, 3-1614, lce@mit.edu

Shekhar Shastri

Enrollment: Unlimited: Advance sign-up required
Sign-up by 01/15
Attendance: Participants must attend all sessions

Romantic poetry was considered the supreme form of aesthetics in ancient Indian literature. Strikingly uninhibited in their content and intensity, the works of poets such as Bhartrhari, Kalidasa, and Jayadeva are unparalleled in their sublime expression of love which provide deep insight into ancient Indian society, culture, and relationships in general. In addition, a brief background in Indian aesthetics would be provided to help in understanding the literary works and the sensibilities of the era under study; paintings inspired from the above-mentioned love poetry would be shown and discussed.

Students would be encouraged to create original works on their own deriving inspiration from the works studied in the class. The final session will take place in the Indian Art gallery at The Museum of Fine Arts, Boston.

Comments from IAP 2011-14 students:

“ … very engaging and dynamic ... what a wonderful way to learn Indian culture. … drew us in immediately …very stimulating ... beautiful ... moving”

Instructor

Shekhar Shastri is an entrepreneur, poet, and filmmaker and is a Director of Meru Education Foundation, which produces educational programs on the arts and culture of India. He writes poetry and plays in Sanskrit, Hindi, Urdu, and English. He has produced four films, one of which was nominated for a National award in India.

To register, please email:  shastri.shekhar@gmail.com

Sponsor(s): Mechanical Engineering
Contact: Shekhar Shastri, shastri.shekhar@gmail.com

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	Jan/23	Tue	07:00PM-09:00PM	TBD
	Jan/25	Thu	07:00PM-09:00PM	TBD
	Jan/30	Tue	07:00PM-09:00PM	TBD
	Feb/01	Thu	07:00PM-09:00PM	TBD

First four classes at MIT.  Fifth and final class at MFA, Boston - date TBD.

Shekhar Shastri

MIT Language Conversation Exchange team

	Jan/17	Wed	01:00PM-02:00PM	56-154
	Jan/31	Wed	01:00PM-02:00PM	4-153

Enrollment: Unlimited: No advance sign-up
Attendance: Repeating event, participants welcome at any session
Prereq: none

Twice monthly lunch mixer for language enthusiasts to meet native speakers and exchange about language and culture! All MIT community members welcome. Multicultural foods will be served at each lunch. This is a great way to find a language partner.

Eat, Meet, Speak

Sponsored by the School of Science Quality of Life Grants

Sponsor(s): MIT Language Conversation Exchange
Contact: The MIT Language Conversation Exchange Team, E23-473, 617 253-1614, lce@mit.edu

Dana Riechman

Jan/30

Tue

02:00PM-03:30PM

E19-202

Enrollment: Limited: Advance sign-up required
Sign-up by 01/29
Limited to 50 participants
Prereq: Registration

Table Etiquette Around the World

 

Not Traveling this IAP?  Travel Around the world with us!

* Have you ever been intrigued by different cultural customs during mealtime?

* Have you ever felt uncomfortable while eating in another culture and are curious

to learn how to avoid embarrassment?

MIT student groups and ISO staff will be presenting the customs of enjoying a meal in their respective cultures. "Travel" the world with us and collect stamps on your newly acquired "food passport" to show how much you know about table manners across the globe.

Full meal will not be available, but snacks from around the world will be served.

Please register so we can anticipate how many will attend.

Sponsor(s): International Students Office
Contact: Dana Riechman, E18-219, 617-253-3795, riechman@mit.edu