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This sixth-month programme consists of six individual learning modules, and each module entails eight lessons spread over four weeks. The focus of these modules is three-fold. Module 1 introduces, in a relaxed and stepwise manner, the essential grammar of the Latin language—from the basics of noun declensions (Module 1) to the uses of the subjunctive (Module 6). Grammar is not an end in itself but helps us to understand texts in a more accurate manner and to become more fluent. The grammar which you will learn roughly follows the order prescribed by Shelmerdine’s Introduction to Latin (second edition only), which will serve as textbook throughout the modules. Across six modules, your Latin vocabulary will grow to roughly 2,000–3,000 words. The preceptor will also tailor, to an extent, the vocabulary you learn in accordance with your specific subject interests (see below). We will learn to enjoy reading basic Latin texts, including adaptations of original Latin texts (as your level increases), modern texts and literature in Latin (such as The Hobbit or simply daily news), and tailored texts which I will create according to your own interests (whether philosophy, art, Tolkien-based, science, or anything else really). In a given week, the basic idea is for the first lesson to be more instructional, focused on explaining key grammatical constructions, while the second lesson will take the form of a workshop, where we will translate passages together and discuss any issues, and where the preceptor can help answer questions from homework assignments. Depending on the class’s interests, we can also divide into groups. Note: "Basic Latin" does not involve translating English into Latin (so-called ‘prose composition’) or learning how to speak Latin (oral communication). Both of these are higher-level competencies, which you might encounter in intermediate or advanced Latin courses. [show less]

How do films create meaning? How do images, sound, performance, editing, and storytelling work together to shape our understanding of a story, a character, or an entire world? Lights, Camera, Meaning is an ongoing film studies series taught by Maggie Parke that explores cinema as both an art form and a cultural force. Through close analysis, discussion, and accessible critical frameworks, students will develop the tools to read films thoughtfully and engage more deeply with visual storytelling. Topics may include the language of cinema, adaptation across media, screenwriting and story development, genre studies, animation, fantasy and speculative film, directors and creative voices, popular franchises, and the evolving relationship between film, culture, and audiences. Drawing on examples from beloved classics, contemporary cinema, and adaptation-rich works such as Tolkien and beyond, the series invites students to consider not only what stories mean, but how films create that meaning. Designed for students from any background, Lights, Camera, Meaning combines rigorous analysis with an enthusiasm for storytelling, offering a welcoming space for anyone who wants to watch films with sharper eyes, deeper insight, and greater appreciation for the craft of cinema. [show less]

Why do certain stories, characters, franchises, and cultural phenomena capture our imaginations? What can our favorite films, television series, books, games, music, and fandoms teach us about storytelling, identity, community, and culture? Taking Fun Seriously is an ongoing series taught by Maggie Parke that explores popular culture as a rich and meaningful subject of study. Through discussion, close analysis, and accessible critical frameworks, students will examine the media they love while developing a deeper understanding of the industries, communities, histories, and cultural forces that shape them. Topics may include fandom and fan communities, popular franchises, adaptation and transmedia storytelling, celebrity and fan culture, global media phenomena, mythology in contemporary culture, genre trends, and the ways audiences engage with stories across platforms and generations. Drawing on everything from Tolkien, fantasy, and science fiction to K-pop, anime, film, television, and emerging cultural trends, the series invites students to explore not only what we love, but why we love it. Designed for students from any background, Taking Fun Seriously combines scholarly inquiry with enthusiasm, curiosity, and playfulness, creating a welcoming space for anyone interested in examining popular culture with both critical insight and genuine delight. [show less]

This module is a community-based painting intensive where students learn and practice the art of watercolor painting and give each other feedback (and receive feedback from the preceptor) to complete a painting by the end of the weekend. An immersive painting experience! In one weekend, we're going to enjoy brainstorming and each completing a watercolor painting. Prompts, planning, constructive criticism/feedback, and painting together in community are all part of the plan, and you will finish the weekend retreat with at least one finished watercolor painting and the tools to make more! Proposed Schedule: ••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••• Saturday from 11:00 AM to 1:00 PM Eastern ••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••• Saturday from 2:00 PM to 4:00 PM Eastern: ••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••• Sunday from 11:00 AM to 1:00 PM Eastern ••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••• Sunday from 2:00 PM to 4:00 PM Eastern ••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••• Required Texts/Materials: There are no required texts for this module, but you will need the following materials to create a painting over the course of the weekend: 1) 100% cotton cold press watercolor paper, minimum 180lb thickness (with preference for 300lb thickness) 2) Medium sized round watercolor brush (sizes 8-12 will work well) 3) Masking tape 4) Container to hold water 5) Pencil with eraser 6) Water color paints: (A Good Limited Palette is Cadmium Red [warm red], Alizarin Crimson [cool red], Cadmium yellow [warm yellow], Lemon yellow [cool yellow], Ultramarine Blue [warm blue], Pthalo Blue [cool blue], Burnt Sienna [earth tone] 7) Paper towels / rags Optional: 1) Flat watercolor brush (for washes) 2) Liner brush (for fine lines) 3) Masking fluid 4) White gouache 5) Hair dryer/fan 6) Scrub brush [show less]

This course is an examination of Susanna Clarke's Piranesi. It details the multi-layered influences and implications of the novel. Class 1: Introduction to Portal Fantasy, Susanna Clarke, Piranesi art and Novel. Class 2: The Labyrinth in fiction. Assigned reading overview. Read and discuss pages1-39. Class 3: Surrealism and dream narratives. Assigned reading overview. Read and discuss pages 39-82. Class 4: The Allegory of the Cave. Assigned reading overview. Read and discuss pages 85-122. Class 5: C.S. Lewis Influence and Connections. Assigned reading overview. Read and discuss pages 125-170. Class 6 :Assigned reading overview. Read and discuss pages 173-217. Class 7: Assigned reading overview. Read and discuss pages 217-245. Class 8: Discussion of Complete Novel [show less]

Quite a few people have heard of Karl Marx and Marxism, but far less have ever stopped to learn what Marxism is really all about. Is it simply an economic theory, or a political movement? Is it a philosophy of history, or just a critique of capitalism? Why has it shaped revolutions, labor movements, academic disciplines, and political debates across the world for more than 150 years? For some, it represents the dream of economic democracy and liberation from exploitation. For others, it evokes authoritarianism, failed states, and political repression. This introductory course explores the foundations of Marxist thought in a clear, simple, and accessibly grounded way. Through four pre-recorded lectures and four discussion sessions, students will learn and discuss the core concepts developed by Karl Marx and later Marxist thinkers, including ideas like class struggle, historical materialism, exploitation, alienation, ideology, revolution, and socialism. The course will also provide an introductory examination of how Marxists understand capitalism, why they believe economic systems shape society and politics, and how Marxist ideas evolved through labor struggles, anti-colonial movements, and debates within the socialist tradition itself. We will end through looking at how Marxism has touched other disciplines beyond economics, culminating in a critique of J.R.R. Tolkien's The Lord of the Rings through the lens of Marxist literary criticism. No prior background in philosophy, economics, or political theory is required or needed, just your curiosity. Whether you are sympathetic to Marxism, skeptical of it, or simply interested in understanding one of the most important intellectual movements of the modern world, this course will provide the tools to think critically and historically about capitalism, socialism, and the future of human society. Lecture 1: The World of Karl Marx: History, Class, and Struggle Discussion Session 1 Lecture 2: Capitalism and Exploitation Discussion Session 2 Lecture 3: Revolution, the State, and Socialist Transitions Discussion Session 3 Lecture 4: Marxism Beyond Marx: Sociology, Literary Criticism, and The Lord of the Rings Discussion Session 4 [show less]

This class is geared towards students of Old English looking for a fascinating new poem to translate. The Old English "Phoenix" has an intriguing history as a work of poetry, adapting an older Latin poem, mixing it in with scripture, and meditating upon a Christianized meaning taken from an older source. As a study in both language and Medieval history, it is a treasure trove of a resource and a delightful adaptation of a mythic tradition. *Note: There will be a substantial amount of translation in-class, which will take a lot of time if students are preparing it all outside of class. Students do not have to come with the translation complete - it is more important to simply be there. Class 1: Introduction, "Phoenix" lines 1-47 Class 2: Lines 47-137 Class 3: Lines 137-227 Class 4: Lines 227-317 Class 5: Lines 317-407 Class 6: Lines 407-497 Class 7: Lines 497-587 Class 8: Lines 587-677 [show less]