New and Updated Course Descriptions

HMN 110 - Self-Reliance

This course has been deactivated and no longer offered at MCC

3 Credits

Principles of independent living. An introduction to the literature and philosophy of self-reliance, and to practical ways people can provide more of their own needs for energy, shelter, food, possessions, and self-education. Each student will design his/her own self-reliance project. In addition there will be numerous hands-on class projects: home energy audits, barter, cold-frame construction, solar collector construction, organic gardens, and/or others. Discussions will focus on the economic, ecological, resource, and personal implications of a life of self-reliance and simplicity.

Prerequisite(s): Waiver of accuplacer reading and sentence level tests; score of 71 or higher on reading test and 82 or higher on sentence level test; or completion of TRS 200 with a C or better; or completion of TRS 105 with a C or higher; or completion of ESL 201 with a C or higher, or ENG 200 placement.

Learning Attributes: WR

Course Learning Outcomes
1. To take personal responsibility for the basic necessities of life and understand how they are expressions of our moral selves, not just neutral physical things.
2. To introduce students to the concept of appropriate technology and its application to solving current global problems.
3. To teach students self-reliance skills in the areas of shelter, energy, food, barter, and -- most importantly -- self education. An important part of the course will be practical problem solving and independent research. This course is designed so students must teach themselves and then teach the rest of the class.

Course Offered Fall, Spring