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

July 2023September 2023

August 2023 Modules

Advanced Old English Series: Readings in Poetry
First in the Series

Meeting Mondays & Thursdays at 7:00 PM Eastern for eight 1-hour sessions on August 3, 7, 10, 14, 17, 21, 24, 28.
Welcome to the Readings in Poetry page for the Advanced Old English Series in which students explore, in alternating months, a work of prose and then a work of poetry to introduce students to the breadth and depth of Old English texts available for study. Each month Dr. Swain surveys the group to see what they want to tackle next from month to month.
Precepted by Larry Swain

A Journey Through The History of the Lord of the Rings: The War of the Ring (HoMe 8)
(Section 1)
Continuing Series  Hybrid

Webinars: Webinar Meeting Mondays at 10:00 PM Eastern for four 1-hour sessions on July 31 and August 7; 3:00 PM Eastern on August 14; and 10:00 PM Eastern on August 21.

Discussion Sessions: Discussion Meeting Thursdays at 10:00 PM Eastern for four 1-hour discussion groups on August 3, 10, 17, 24
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 the third book in The History of The Lord of the Rings, The War of the Ring (Volume Eight of The History of the Middle-earth), as well as readings from and discussion of highlights in that volume. It will include a guest appearances from Tolkien scholar, John Garth, and from Marquette University Archivist, William Fliss.

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 the Lord of the Rings: The War of the Ring (HoMe 8)
(Section 2)
Continuing Series  Hybrid

Webinars: Webinar Meeting Mondays at 10:00 PM Eastern for four 1-hour sessions on July 31 and August 7; 3:00 PM Eastern on August 14; and 10:00 PM Eastern on August 21.

Discussion Sessions: Discussion Group Meeting Thursdays at 11:00 AM Eastern for four 1-hour discussion groups on August 3, 10, 17, 24
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 the third book in The History of The Lord of the Rings, The War of the Ring (Volume Eight of The History of the Middle-earth), as well as readings from and discussion of highlights in that volume. It will include a guest appearances from Tolkien scholar, John Garth, and from Marquette University Archivist, William Fliss.

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 Sara Brown (Section 2) and James Tauber (Lecturer)

A Journey Through The History of the Lord of the Rings: The War of the Ring (HoMe 8)
(Section 3)
Continuing Series  Hybrid

Webinars: Webinar Meeting Mondays at 10:00 PM Eastern for four 1-hour sessions on July 31 and August 7; 3:00 PM Eastern on August 14; and 10:00 PM Eastern on August 21.

Discussion Sessions: Discussion group 3 Meeting Thursdays at 3:00 PM Eastern for four 1-hour discussion groups on August 3, 10, 17, 24
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 the third book in The History of The Lord of the Rings, The War of the Ring (Volume Eight of The History of the Middle-earth), as well as readings from and discussion of highlights in that volume. It will include a guest appearances from Tolkien scholar, John Garth, and from Marquette University Archivist, William Fliss.

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 Sara Brown (Section 3) and James Tauber (Lecturer)

Beginning Greek 10
Continuing Series

Meeting Tuesdays & Thursdays at 9:00 PM Eastern for eight 1-hour sessions on August 3, 8, 10, 15, 17, 22, 24, 29
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 Larry Swain

Big Bold Beowulf: A Study of the Poem

Meeting Tuesdays & Thursdays at 5:00 PM Eastern for eight 1-hour sessions on August 3, 8, 10, 15, 17, 22, 24, 29
Always wanted to study Beowulf? Here's your opportunity. In our 8 hours together, we will delve into the worlds of the poem, examine the major critical elements, and seek to understand the poem better.
Precepted by Larry Swain

Creative Writing: Anatomy of a Scene

Meeting Mondays & Thursdays at 10:00 PM Eastern for eight 1-hour sessions on August 3, 7, 10, 14, 17, 21, 24, 28
A scene is arguably the most fundamental building block of a story, but is often overlooked in creative writing courses. In this craft-focused module, we will dissect the structure of a great scene. Considering short examples from classic books, films and TV shows, you will discover how a great scene establishes context, advances the plot and reveals character. Using Signum’s collaborative feedback method, you will have the opportunity to develop individual scenes in a supportive workshop. Whether you are a beginning writer or looking to further your skills, this module will help you create scenes with intentionality and precision.

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

Creative Writing: Story Revision Workshop

Meeting Mondays and Thursdays at 8:00 PM for eight 1-hour sessions on August 3, 10, 14, 17, 21, 24, 28, 31
We will meet to discuss strategies for revising a piece of writing, including finding your own vision for your story, big-picture developmental editing, and crafting scenes. Writers are encouraged to apply revision strategies between sessions and discuss their work during class if they want to share. Writers will also have the opportunity to explore different editing strategies to help them shape their story into their own vision.

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

Creative Writing: Workshop
Spotlight 

Meeting Monday & Thursday at 6:00 PM for eight 1-hour sessions on August 3, 7, 10, 14, 17, 21, 24, 28.
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.
Precepted by Will Estes

Introduction to Vajrayana Buddhism

Meeting Mondays and Wednesdays at 9:00 PM Eastern in eight 1-hour sessions on August 2, 7, 9, 14, 16, 21, 23, 28
Building on the previous two Intro to Buddhism modules in this sequence, we will explore the colorful and varied forms of Vajrayana Buddhism, focusing especially on developments in Tibet, but not ignoring the larger world of esoteric Buddhism. The various sects, arts such as the creation of sand mandalas, ritual practices, and various forms of teaching will all be explored.
Precepted by Robert Steed

Japanese for Advanced Beginners 1
First in the Series

Meeting Tuesdays and Thursdays at 5:00 PM Eastern in eight 1-hour sessions on August 3, 8, 10, 15, 17, 24, 29, and 31.
The first in a series of modules in which we continue to explore the beauty of the Japanese language and culture. We will read tales, learn more complex structures, widen general vocabulary, and we will also start reading and writing kanji. みなさん、これからも一緒に日本語を勉強したい!楽しみにしています!
Precepted by Pilar Barrera

Japanese: From Zero - 2
Continuing Series

Meeting Tuesdays & Fridays at 9:00 AM Eastern for eight 1-hour sessions on August 4, 8, 11, 15, 18, 22, 25, 29
This course is for those who have an interest in Japanese culture and wish to continue our study of Japanese. We will continue using Hiragana and Katakana and will cover basic grammatical structures. Through use of conversational Japanese, we will continue to explore how the language is used in anime, manga, and music.

Japanese is a language of great nuance and depth. This module will open the door to that world and build a foundation for greater insight into Japan's culture and its people.
Precepted by Sam Roche

Knewbetta’s Guide to The Silmarillion

Meeting Mondays & Wednesdays at 6:00 PM Eastern for eight 1-hour sessions on August 7, 9, (skip 14 and 16 due to illness) 6:00 to 7:30 PM Eastern on August 21, 23, and then for one hour sessions at 6:00 PM Eastern on August 28 and 30.
Is The Silmarillion your favorite book? Is it your least-favorite book? Whether you’re reading it for the first or fiftieth time, KnewBettaDoBetta will help you see it in a more fun, relatable way!

Tolkien’s The Silmarillion is inarguably a complex read. KnewBetta seeks to make it more accessible by teaching the lore in an understandable way. His hope is that everyone can share his knowledge and passion! This course will look at characters, relationships, relatable themes, and meanings that you may not have explored yet.
Precepted by Knewbetta

Latin in a Year 7
Continuing Series

Meeting Tuesdays and Thursdays at 5:45 PM Eastern for six 1-hour and 20-minute sessions on Aug 1, 3, 22, 24, 29, & 31
This seventh unit of Signum SPACE’s Latin in a Year sequence expects students to be familiar with active and passive verb conjugations in all six tenses, nouns and adjectives in all declensions, major pronoun systems, and participles. In Month 7, students will work through four chapters of Wheelock’s Latin, learning new forms of known adjectives, discovering new ways to translate dative and ablative nouns and selected passive verbs, and studying new uses for the infinitive.



This module covers chapters 24-27 of Wheelock’s Latin:
- 24: Ablative Absolute; Passive Periphrastic; Dative of Agent
- 25: Infinitives; Indirect Statement
- 26: Comparison of Adjectives; Declension of Comparatives; Ablative of Comparison
- 27: Special and Irregular Comparison of Adjectives
Precepted by Faith Acker

Meeting the Horned God of the Witches

Meeting Thursdays at 4pm to 6pm Eastern on Thursdays in four 2-hour sessions on August 3, 10, 17, 24
The Horned God, alongside being modern paganism's most popular deity, enjoys a rich heritage in speculative fiction and popular culture. In this module, we will explore his ancient (and modern) origins, his appearances in both esoteric and popular literature, and his surprising role as an environmental figure. Throughout the module, students will gain familiarity with the four core figures that make up the Horned God (Pan, Cernunnos, the Sorcerer of Trois Freres, and Herne the Hunter), and key narratives associated with him. They will also have an opportunity to ponder the complex web of influences between modern paganism and speculative fiction.

This module builds on the work of Margaret Murray and the module 'The Witch-Cult Hypothesis', but does not require prior knowledge of the material covered there.
Precepted by Anna Milon

Middle High German 3: The Return of Brünhilde
Continuing Series

Meeting Mondays & Fridays at 6:00 PM Eastern for eight 1-hour sessions on August 4, 7, 11, 14, 18, 21, 25, 28
This module, a continuation of the Middle High German series, picks up where the previous module left off (ie. Middle High German 2: An Epic Continuation). Although each MHG cohort learns and reads at different speeds, this module will probably continue with the 14th Âventiure of the Nibelungenlied and then switch to Hartmann von Aue’s Iwein, the German adaptation of Chrétien de Troyes’[s] Yvain, the Knight of the Lion.

As always, students are welcome to make suggestions if they would prefer a different text or even a different genre – farces, courtly epics, sermons or even legal texts are just a few examples of what we could read.
Precepted by Isaac Schendel

Old Norse 2
Continuing Series

Meeting Mondays & Thursdays at 8:00 PM Eastern for eight 1-hour sessions on August 3, 7, 10, 14, 17, 21, 24, 28
This series of modules introduces you to the vocabulary and grammar of Old Norse, preparing you to read medieval sagas, eddic poetry, and even Viking-Age runic inscriptions. Each one-month module builds on the previous one, so students ready to learn Old Norse will communicate with our Director and Professor Anderson to choose the right placement for everyone.
Precepted by Carl Anderson

Tolkien and the Sea
Spotlight 

Meeting Monday & Wednesdays at 4:00 PM Eastern for eight 1-hour sessions on August 2, 7, 9, 14, 16, 21, 23, 28.
From the subcreation of Ulmo to travels from Cornwall to Avallonë, the Sea has played a special role in Tolkien’s world. This module looks at key instances of the Sea’s appearance in his writing corpus so that fellow readers can more fully appreciate the haunting beauty of water’s meaning and Tolkien’s imaginative ability. We will be reading excerpts from Tolkien’s legendarium, poetry, and creative historical works.
Precepted by Jennifer Rogers
If you have any questions about the SPACE program, please reach out to [email protected].