Course catalog
Explore courses taught by the Fractal community, or browse by semester.
25 courses
Tai Chi
Starting with a main course of tai chi movement, we'll explore the theory and practice of qigong with topics like standing meditation, breathing, Chinese alchemical theory, and diet.
with Paul K. · Fall 2026
$30.00
Intro to Negotiation
While there's no strategy that works across all situations, there is tremendous value in thinking through the elements that generally lead to a successful negotiation. Along with readings, and discussion, students will engage in a number of negotiation exercises.
with Ethan L. · Fall 2026
$200 – $300 sliding
$75 scholarship option available
DJing with Vinyl 101
Learn how to DJ the old fashioned way: all analog. just two turntables + a mixer + your brain!
with Ryan L. · Fall 2026
$25.00
Build Your Own Sovereign AI Assistant
Everyone has an AI chatbot. Almost nobody has an AI that knows their schedule, notes, projects, and how they actually work. We'll each build a personal AI assistant on top of tools you already own: email, calendar, files and you'll leave with an AI assistant that knows you.
with Nate A. · Fall 2026
$300.00
Chinese Political Philosophy Reading Group
The fierce competition of the Warring States period gave rise to The Hundred Schools of Thought, a golden age of philosophy laser-focused on one question: how do we organize society, and specifically, how do we organize our state so that it isn't eaten by one of the other states?
with Ethan L. · Fall 2026
$40.00
The Unified Economic Models of Faust, Friedman, and Frankenstein
What do horror movies and Milton Friedman's teachings have in common? Faustian deals! And no matter who you are, you've made one - maybe even tonight - to be here learning even more things in one of the USA's already-most-educated suburbs. But who pays the real price?
with Nainika S. · Fall 2026
$30 – $120 sliding
$30 per session
Future Fusion FoodLab: Salty Tales
Have you ever wondered where witchcraft and alcohol intertwine? Come by for experimental fermentation, folklore, mythology and a generally good time of exploring global community histories and how they relate to our food practices.
with Kat K. · Fall 2026
$0 – $120 sliding
sliding scale is possible from 120- 200. if someone wishes to pay for someone elses spot to make sponsored tickets available this is also possible.
Textile Archaeology
A history of human anthropology as depicted by the scraps of fabric we developed, documented, left behind, and still wear today - including a taste of forensic palynology! What CAN'T fashion tell us about ourselves?
with Nainika S. · Fall 2026
$100.00
An Interactive Introduction to GPS Signal Processing
A team-based hackathon exploring GPS signal processing, from designing a global positioning system from first principles to processing real GPS signals and producing a position solution.
with Edward B. · Fall 2026
$80.00
Life gets busy, and this is purely a mechanism to incentivize attending the sessions once you have signed up. I will happily refund the entire cost of the course if you attend all four sessions.
Community Made: Success and the Relationships That Create It
Over three sessions, we'll read and discuss Jayson Gaignard's new book, Community Made: The Truth About Success and the Relationships That Create It. Tuition for this class includes a hardcover copy of the book.
with Aaron L. · Fall 2026
$0 – $30 sliding
Includes a copy of the book
Feeling Alive 101
Tired of feeling so much stress and scarcity, and ready to feel alive again? Let's remember together.
with Olivia P. · Fall 2026
$250.00
If cost is a barrier, please reach out!
112 Ways to Learn the True Nature of Reality
Vijnana-Bhairava Tantra meditation technique sampler
with Bhairavi C. · Fall 2026
Free
Story Class
Series of workshops in storytelling
with Olivia P. · Fall 2026
$15 – $30 sliding
If cost is a barrier, please reach out!
Investing in AI Infrastructure Leveraging AI
AI is changing investing in two major ways: driving the largest infrastructure buildout ever, while giving individual investors powerful new tools for research and analysis. This course will map the AI landscape, introduce investing fundamentals, and demo tools and processes.
with Chris J. · Fall 2026
$15 – $90 sliding
$15 for first session, additional $75 for full course
Community Survey
Take a look at groups as different as Rotary Club, the Marine Corps, and Burning Man in this overview course. What issues and questions does every collection of people face, and what are some of the ways they resolve it?
with Skyler C. · Fall 2026
$200.00
Death, and
A casual, recurring space to practice talking about death and other hard stuff — no syllabus, no experience required 😉, just getting better at the conversation.
with Rebecca C. · Fall 2026
$25.00
How to Dance Ecstatically
Learn how to feel good on the dance floor. No experience required.
with Max G. · Fall 2026
Free
Community Involvement: Finding the Right Path for You
Do you want to engage more in the community around you, but aren't sure where to start? We'll dive deep into opportunities for involvement here in Somerville, and explore how to find ones that are right for you!
with Ben W. · Fall 2026
Free
Running + Writing
Discover how running and writing reinforce one another.
with David T. · Fall 2026
$25.00
Personal Style Lab
A playful exploration of personal style - figuring out what we like, experimenting outside our usual comfort zones, and getting fresh ideas from other people. Bring your clothes, your curiosity, and an openness to trying something a little different.
with Axa N. · Fall 2026
Free
Intro to Fractal Boston
New to Fractal Boston, or curious about learning more? During this "Intro to Fractal Boston" event, we'll start with some background on how Fractal Boston began and offer an introduction to the events and activities that happen in the community so you can get involved.
with Aaron L. · Fall 2026
Free
How to Operate a Telescope
Learn the basics of stargazing and how to operate a telescope.
with Ted Z. · Fall 2026
Free
Intro to Somerville City Government
Come learn how Somerville city government works: who has which powers, which departments do what, and how residents can actually influence decisions. This is for you, whether you want to advocate for change, volunteer on a campaign, run for office, or just understand your city!
with Ben W. · Fall 2026
Free
Intro to Salsa Dance
Learn the basics of salsa dancing through four sessions
with Allan S. · Fall 2026
$12.00
This will pay for venue rental
Read the Room: DJing, Mixing & Moving a Dancefloor
Learn how to DJ from the ground up: choosing tracks, reading a room, mixing smoothly, and building the energy of a set. No experience required—we’ll go from “what do all these knobs do?” to playing a short live set.
with Kris M. · Fall 2026
Free