Welcome to SPACE, our adult continuing education program which offers interactive monthly courses for personal enrichment! Learn more here.

March 2023May 2023

April 2023 Modules

Advanced Old English: The Blickling Homilies

Meeting Mondays & Wednesdays @7:00 PM Eastern for eight 1-hour sessions on April 3, 5, 10, 12, 17, 19, 24, 26
April is often mostly a Lenten month (though in 2023 Easter is April 9). The collection of homilies known as the Blickling Homilies has a number of Lenten homilies, especially at the beginning of the collection. It is then fitting to have the two together! The homilies were collected together from diverse sources in the second half of the tenth century. The collection is contemporary then with the Genesis A manuscript and the Beowulf manuscript and Aelfric of Eynsham. But these prose texts appear Mercian in dialect, and would have made Tolkien happy. They are called "Blickling" because they were discovered in the library of Blickling Hall in Norfolk.
Precepted by Dr. Larry Swain

A Journey Through The History of Middle-earth: The Shaping of Middle-earth (HoMe 4)
(Section 1)
Continuing Series  Hybrid

Meeting for four 1-hour Webinars with James Tauber/ John Garth. Meeting on April 3,and April 10 at 10:00 PM Eastern; April 17 at 3:00 PM Eastern; April 24 at 10:00 PM Eastern.
Section 1: Meeting with Patrick Lyon on Thursdays at 10:00 PM (Eastern Time) on April 6, 13, 20, 27.
Christopher Tolkien’s twelve volumes on the History of Middle-earth give unparalleled insight into the development of J.R.R. Tolkien’s legendarium. They contain early drafts of familiar texts, different conceptualizations of well-known stories, and in some cases completely new material.

This module is part of a series of modules covering all twelve volumes of The History of Middle-earth. This particular module will provide an overview of Volume Four, The Shaping of Middle-earth, as well as readings from and discussion of highlights in that volume. It will include a guest appearance from Tolkien scholar John Garth.

Whether you’ve read the History of Middle-earth before or not, the hope is that these modules will make the volumes more accessible and will enhance your appreciation of the works of J.R.R. Tolkien. There is no requirement that you do every single module in the series as each will be largely standalone, although in later modules, references will be made to earlier volumes.
Precepted by Patrick Lyon (Section 1) and James Tauber (Lecturer)

A Journey Through The History of Middle-earth: The Shaping of Middle-earth (HoMe 4)
(Section 2)
Continuing Series  Hybrid

Meeting for four 1-hour Webinars with James Tauber/ John Garth. Meeting on April 3,and April 10 at 10:00 PM Eastern; April 17 at 3:00 PM Eastern; April 24 at 10:00 PM Eastern.
Section 2: Meeting with Sara Brown on Thursdays at 11:00 AM (Eastern Time) on April 6, 13, 20, 27.
Christopher Tolkien’s twelve volumes on the History of Middle-earth give unparalleled insight into the development of J.R.R. Tolkien’s legendarium. They contain early drafts of familiar texts, different conceptualizations of well-known stories, and in some cases completely new material.

This module is part of a series of modules covering all twelve volumes of The History of Middle-earth. This particular module will provide an overview of Volume Four, The Shaping of Middle-earth, as well as readings from and discussion of highlights in that volume. It will include a guest appearance from Tolkien scholar John Garth.

Whether you’ve read the History of Middle-earth before or not, the hope is that these modules will make the volumes more accessible and will enhance your appreciation of the works of J.R.R. Tolkien. There is no requirement that you do every single module in the series as each will be largely standalone, although in later modules, references will be made to earlier volumes.
Precepted by Dr. Sara Brown (Section 2) and James Tauber (Lecturer)

A Journey Through The History of Middle-earth: The Shaping of Middle-earth (HoMe 4)
(Section 3)
Continuing Series  Hybrid

Meeting for four 1-hour Webinars with James Tauber/ John Garth. Meeting on April 3, and April 10 at 10:00 PM Eastern; April 17 at 3:00 PM Eastern; April 24 at 10:00 PM Eastern.
Section 3: Meeting four 1-hour discussion classes with Sara Brown on Thursdays at 3:00 PM (Eastern Time) on April 6, 13, 20, 27.
Christopher Tolkien’s twelve volumes on the History of Middle-earth give unparalleled insight into the development of J.R.R. Tolkien’s legendarium. They contain early drafts of familiar texts, different conceptualizations of well-known stories, and in some cases completely new material.

This module is part of a series of modules covering all twelve volumes of The History of Middle-earth. This particular module will provide an overview of Volume Four, The Shaping of Middle-earth, as well as readings from and discussion of highlights in that volume. It will include a guest appearance from Tolkien scholar John Garth.

Whether you’ve read the History of Middle-earth before or not, the hope is that these modules will make the volumes more accessible and will enhance your appreciation of the works of J.R.R. Tolkien. There is no requirement that you do every single module in the series as each will be largely standalone, although in later modules, references will be made to earlier volumes.
Precepted by Dr. Sara Brown (Section 3) and James Tauber (Lecturer)

A Journey Through The History of Middle-earth: The Shaping of Middle-earth (HoMe 4)
(Section 4)
Continuing Series  Hybrid

Meeting for four 1-hour Webinars with James Tauber/ John Garth. Meeting on April 3,and April 10 at 10:00 PM Eastern; April 17 at 3:00 PM Eastern; April 24 at 10:00 PM Eastern.
Section 4: Meeting for four 1-hour discussion classes with Patrick Lyon on Thursdays at 8:00 PM (Eastern Time) on April 6, 13, 20, 27.
Christopher Tolkien’s twelve volumes on the History of Middle-earth give unparalleled insight into the development of J.R.R. Tolkien’s legendarium. They contain early drafts of familiar texts, different conceptualizations of well-known stories, and in some cases completely new material.

This module is part of a series of modules covering all twelve volumes of The History of Middle-earth. This particular module will provide an overview of Volume Four, The Shaping of Middle-earth, as well as readings from and discussion of highlights in that volume. It will include a guest appearance from Tolkien scholar John Garth.

Whether you’ve read the History of Middle-earth before or not, the hope is that these modules will make the volumes more accessible and will enhance your appreciation of the works of J.R.R. Tolkien. There is no requirement that you do every single module in the series as each will be largely standalone, although in later modules, references will be made to earlier volumes.
Precepted by Patrick Lyon (Section 4) and James Tauber (Lecturer)

Arcane: League of Legends

Meeting Mondays and Wednesdays at 8:00 PM Eastern for eight 1-hour sessions on April 3, 5, 10, 12, 17, 19, 24, 26.
Breathtaking animation, sound design, and worldbuilding combined to make Arcane one of 2021's unexpected animated hits.

Join us for this SPACE module where we'll do an episode-by-episode watch and discussion of this fantastic show.
Precepted by Keli Fancher

Beginning Greek 7
Continuing Series

Meeting Tuesdays & Thursdays at 9:00 PM for eight 1-hour sessions on April 4, 6, 11, 13, 18, 20, 25, 27
Want to read the NT in the original Greek? The Greek translation of the Old Testament? This module’s for you! We continue our study introducing learners to the basics of ancient Greek: the alphabet, introduction to the verb system (tenses and moods) and the noun system (the very helpful article, first and second declension). Over several modules, the students will learn the foundations of the language and then students will be able to read texts.
Precepted by Dr. Larry Swain

Creative Writing: Intro to Scriptwriting (10-Minute Scenes)
Spotlight 

Meeting Tuesdays and Thursdays at 2:00 PM for eight 1-hour sessions on April 4, 6, 11, 13, 18, 20, 25, 27
Learn the fundamentals of dialogue, action, and dramatic structure in this introduction to writing for performance. Working within the limits of one set, three actors, and ten minutes, participants in this class will learn the basic building blocks of script-writing by crafting short, stand-alone narratives for the stage. Though we will be looking at a few contemporary short plays as examples, the bulk of this class will focus on writing and workshopping your own original scripts.
Precepted by Dr. Liam Daley

Creative Writing: Long Project Preparation

Meeting Mondays and Thursdays at 6:00 PM Eastern for eight 1-hour sessions on April 3, 6, 10, 13, 17, 20, 24, 27.
Well-prepared writers enjoy more completion success! We will build worlds, plan character arcs, and try to define the bones of our stories during a month of glorious sub-creation! When you declare your intentions to the group, that act of bravery alone adds momentum to your writing efforts after the month is over. (This Module is great preparation before National Novel Writing Month)


Note: For more information about the Collaborative Feedback Method in SPACE, please check out our video here.
Precepted by Sparrow Alden

Creative Writing: Workshop

Mondays and Thursdays at 8:00 PM Eastern for eight 1-hour session on April 3, 6, 10, 13, 17, 20, 24, 27.
We will meet to blend learning, discussion, and playing games with reading, appreciating, and commenting on one another’s work as it is submitted for peer review. Writers are encouraged—but never required—to submit new pieces in any state of draftiness or readiness up to 2,000 words each week for peer reading and feedback. Our Collaborative Feedback method, developed here at Signum University, asks us to comment at the author's comfort level through a structured reader (not editor) response. We gather to encourage the story that the author wants to tell. Our philosophy of kindness first might just turn around your previous experience of writing groups.

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A seat has been reserved in this module for any writer (especially a beginner) of marginalized identity to support them finding their voice. Please simply write to [email protected] to identify yourself if you wish to join the class.

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Note: For more information about the Collaborative Feedback Method in SPACE, please check out our video here.

Egyptian Hieroglyphs 1
First in the Series

Meeting Tuesdays and Thursdays at 9:00 PM Eastern for eight 1-hour sessions on April 4, 6, 11, 13, 18, 20, 25, 27
The Hieroglyphics series will present students with a basic understanding of Egyptian hieroglyphs, grammar, and knowledge about how to proceed with further study. In this sequence of courses we will discuss how to translate steles that you are likely to encounter in museums, as well as their cultural significance. As students progress, the class will tackle more complex translation. Each one-month module builds on the previous one, so students ready to learn Hieroglyphics will communicate with our Director and Professor Gaffney to make the right placement for everyone.
Precepted by Shawn Gaffney

Le Morte Darthur: Looking for Love in Malory's "Tristram and Isolde"

Meeting Wednesdays and Fridays at 2:00 PM Eastern for eight 1-hour sessions on April 5, 7, 12, 14, 19, 21, 26, 28.
Before it captured the imagination of Wagner and Tennyson, the doomed love affair between Tristan (or Tristram) and the Belle Isolde was recorded by England’s most prolific Arthurian chronicler, Sir Thomas Malory. Included within his sprawling Morte Darthur, Malory’s version of this narrative combines the best elements of the versions that came before and would influence all those that followed.

Placing Malory's version within the broader Arthurian context, this course begins with a brief look at some of Malory’s English and continental predecessors. From there, we read Tristram’s narrative from his anguished origins, through the love-triangle between himself, Isolde, and the scoundrelly King Marc (Tristram’s uncle and Isolde’s husband), to it's tragic conclusion. Amidst war, sorcery, political intrigue, and rancorous family conflicts, the two lovers attempt to snatch what happiness they can before it all comes crashing down.

The story also features the often-poignant and (for medieval audiences) hugely popular adventures of the Saracen knight, Sir Palomides—including his friendship and rivalry with Tristram, his unrequited love for Isolde, and his taking up of the hunt for the Questing Beast. All in all, The Tale of Sir Tristram contains in microcosm all of the major themes and relationship found throughout Le Morte Darthur and Arthurian literature as a whole.
Precepted by Dr. Liam Daley

Intermediate Latin Translation: The Vulgate Psalms

Mondays & Wednesdays at 10:00 AM Eastern for eight 1-hour sessions on April 3, 5, 10, 12, 17, 19, 24, 26
Designed for students who have completed an introductory Latin textbook and wish to explore real Latin texts at a gentle pace, this class will walk students through a selection of Psalms from the Latin Vulgate, adapting the quantity of texts and homework to meet the needs of the enrolled students. We will parse passages and read the psalms clause by clause, moving somewhat slowly to allow ample time for grammatical review as students test different translation techniques and absorb new abbreviations, grammatical quirks, and irregular or new forms.

Note: Students who took this module in 2023 are welcome to repeat it; the 2024 module will feature different psalms than its predecessor.
Precepted by Dr. Faith Acker

Introduction to Early Buddhism

Meeting Mondays and Wednesdays at 9:00 PM Eastern for eight 1-hour sessions on April 3, 5, 10, 12, 17, 19, 24, 26.
In this module we will explore the formation and development of early Buddhist traditions, focusing on the life of the historical Buddha, the Deer Park Dharma Discourse, the formation of the Sangha (Buddhist monastic community), and the foundational teachings of the Four Noble Truths, the Three Marks of Existence, and the Chain of Dependent Origination.
Precepted by Dr. Robert Steed

Japanese for Beginners 4
Continuing Series

Meeting Tuesdays and Thursdays @5:00 PM Eastern: one 2-hour session on April 4, then six 1-hour sessions on April 11, 13, 18, 20, 25, 27
In this series of modules, you will get familiarized with basic Japanese vocabulary and structures. Using a communicative approach, you’ll learn basic expressions, start to learn the hiragana script, and recognize katakana and kanji in a fun and interactive way. We will also explore Japanese culture in general. いっしょに日本語を学びましょう!
Precepted by Pilar Barrera

Korean for Beginners 1
First in the Series

Meeting Mondays and Wednesdays at 4:00 PM Eastern for eight 1-hour sessions, with classes on April 3, 5, 10, 12, 17, 19, 24, 26
What do Korean dramas, K-pop, webtoons, and Korean films all have in common? ... The Korean language!

This module is for those who are ready to begin their journey in Korean. In this first step, we will learn to read the Korean alphabet (Hangeul), cover basic vocabulary, and begin exploring grammar and honorifics. We will be following a textbook, but will also spend time exploring song lyrics and a webtoon. The textbook we will be following is: Yonsei Korean 1-1 published by the Yonsei Korean Institute.

Note: This course has the potential to become a series of modules for those who wish to pursue higher levels of proficiency.
Precepted by Sam Roche

Latin in a Year 4
Continuing Series

Meeting Tuesdays & Fridays at 6:00 PM Eastern for eight 1-hour sessions on April 4, 7, 11, 14, 18, 21, 25, 28 (this is the same Zoom link as last month)
This fourth unit of Signum SPACE's Latin in a Year sequence expects students to be familiar with present, imperfect, and future forms of all regular verbs (and sum/esse); nouns and adjectives in the 1st, 2nd, and 3rd declensions; and demonstrative and personal pronouns, using these new forms to translate sentences and short Latin passages. Building on these skills, students will learn the perfect active system of verbs (including pluperfect and future perfect), reflexive pronouns and possessives, several ablative forms, and numerals. As ever, students will translate sentences and short Latin passages as they apply and learn these and previous grammatical techniques. This module covers chapters 12-15 of Wheelock's Latin.
Precepted by Dr. Faith Acker

Middle High German 2: An Epic Continuation
Continuing Series

Meeting Tuesdays and Fridays at 8:00 PM Eastern for eight 1-hour sessions on April 4, 7, 11, 14, 18, 21, 25, 28
This module is a continuation of Middle High German 1 with the plan to continue with the 14th âventiure of the Nibelungenlied until we complete it. After that, we will switch to some Arthuriana - Iwein, by Hartmann von Aue, the German “translation” of Chrétien de Troyes’[s] Yvain, the Knight of the Lion. Also, if the students want to read something else, your preceptor is all ears!
Precepted by Dr. Isaac Schendel

Old English 4
Continuing Series

Tuesdays & Fridays at 7:00 PM Eastern Time for eight 1-hour sessions, with classes on April 4, 7, 11, 14, 18, 21, 25, 28
Ready to begin learning Old English? This series of modules introduces students to the vocabulary and structure of the earliest recorded form of the English language. One year of modules prepares the student to read texts from over a thousand years ago! Each one-month module builds on the previous one, so students ready to learn Old English will communicate with our Director and Professor Swain to make the right placement for everyone.

Tolkien's Great Tales: The Children of Húrin

Meeting Mondays and Thursdays at 6:00 PM Eastern for eight 1-hour sessions on April 3, 6, 10, 13, 17, 20, 24, 27
Although they were never completed in his lifetime, JRR Tolkien wrote what he considered his three "Great Tales" of the Elder Days and intended them to be a significant part of his wider Silmarillion. These Tales are The Tale of Beren and Lúthien, The Children of Húrin, and The Fall of Gondolin. Some parts of these Tales can be found within the published version of The Silmarillion, but the more recently available individual books provide additional and extensive details for each story.

In this course, we will have a ‘read-along’ discussion of The Children of Hurin. Each session we will consider our close reading of a section of the story, examining Tolkien’s use of language and narrative structure, as well as exploring ideas about what each Tale tells us about Tolkien’s secondary world.

Access to a copy of The Children of Hurin will be necessary, and you may find having a copy of The Silmarillion very useful.
Precepted by Dr. Sara Brown
If you have any questions about the SPACE program, please reach out to [email protected].