Paideia 2023

Welcome To Paideia—Reed’s Annual Festival Of Learning!

Paideia is your chance to learn something new—and share what you know. Take over the classroom and plunge into a subject you’re passionate about, from the history of punk to the manufacture of chalk to Bollywood dance.

The Greek word Paideia (Παιδεία) is difficult to translate, but denotes education in its broadest sense. For the ancient Greeks, this included philosophy, poetry, mathematics, physics, rhetoric, gymnastics, music, and medicine. At Reed, Paideia is a weeklong festival that takes place every January when students become teachers. The festival features hundreds of hands-on workshops led by students (plus some by alumni, staff, and professors) that are open to the entire Reed community. 

When and Where

Paideia 2023 will take place from Saturday, January 14, to Sunday, January 22, 2023. Paideia will be held in-person and virtually this year.

Schedule

The Paideia 2023 schedule will be available on events.reed.edu in early January.   

How Do I Sign Up To Teach A Class?

Classes can be on any topic you can imagine. They can be fun, silly, serious, informative, and more. Below are a few classes that were offered during Paideia 2022. 

  • Architecture of Reed College: From Gothic to Post Modern
  • The Anatomy of a Political Campaign
  • Queering Rock Climbing: Movement Techniques, Technical Skills, and Inclusive Stewardship
  • Personal Finance and Investing...aka Make Money and Don't Go Broke
  • Guided Forest Therapy Walks
  • The Philosophy of Doctor Who
  • Beatbox: The Forgotten Pillar of Hip-Hop
  • Experimental Comedy
  • The Neurobiology of Trauma
  • Indigenous History: Stories and Legends of the Yaqui Tribe
  • Reed Lightsaber Academy

The Paideia 2023 application closed on Sunday, 11/27/22. 

COVID-19 Protocol

  • Although masking is not required, instructors have the discretion to require attendees to wear a mask to their in-person session(s).
  • Alumni will be able to attend and teach on campus.
  • Non-Reed community members are permitted to attend Paideia as long as they are accompanied by a Reed community member (student, staff, faculty, and alumni). 
  • All attendees will be required to follow the regulations set in Reed College’s COVID-19 Prevention & Response Plan.