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

June 2025August 2025

July 2025 Modules

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Beginning Quenya 3
Continuing Series  Spotlight  Candidate  Hybrid

Pre-recorded lectures will be supplemented by live meetings Fridays at 7:00 PM Eastern for four 1-hour practicum sessions on July 11, 18, 25, and Aug 1.
Beginning Quenya aims to take students with any level (or no level) of previous language experience and introduce them to the quest to learn Quenya, Tolkien's most developed invented language.

The first module of Beginning Quenya will introduce students to the pronunciation and basic inflections of the language, with a dose of vocabulary and basic sentence translation as well as an introduction to the Tengwar system.

Future modules will eventually bring students to a more complete understanding of the language with the aim of eventually diving into "primary source" Quenya and Tolkien's numerous Quenya poems, and even into student compositions in Quenya itself!

Each module of the course will be structured around a weekly lecture and practicum, with a pre-recorded lecture released to the students at the beginning of each week, explaining new concepts and giving (optional) exercises to aid in student mastery of each topic. These lectures will be followed by a weekly discussion section/practicum, where each section can work through problems, clarifying questions, and practical exercises as a group to reinforce each lesson.

Optional learning resources will be provided for the students each week, but the most important part is to simply listen to the lectures and take part in the practicum sessions!

Note: The 8-session structure will be announced once available. Thanks!
Precepted by Patrick Lyon (Lecturer)

Beginning Swedish 3
Continuing Series  Candidate

Meeting Tuesdays & Thursdays at 7:00 PM Eastern for eight 1-hour sessions on July 3, 8, 10, 15, 17, 22, 24, 29
In an interactive language course, we will explore the grammar, culture, and vocabulary of the largest Scandinavian language spoken today. From Vikings to Volvos to IKEA, Sweden is internationally recognized as a leader of cultural thought and political neutrality. The Swedish language is from the branch of North Germanic languages, meaning a lot of built in cognates exist for speakers of other Germanic languages (including English).

Kom och tala svenska med mig!

Note: All sessions will be live recorded and shared with all enrolled students afterward for review and to allow those who cannot attend live to still participate in the class.
Precepted by Dr. Paul Peterson

Book Club: Harry Potter and the Half-Blood Prince 2
Cluster  Candidate

Meeting Mondays & Thursdays at 10:00 PM Eastern for eight 1-hour sessions on July 3, 7, 10, 14, (skip 17 for preceptors' retreat), 21, 24, 28, 31
Avis! Let's read the sixth Harry Potter book!

We will get together twice a week to explore the series, reading through the books at a relaxed pace. Connect with fellow readers and share your insights as we discover (or rediscover) the magic.

Over two months, we will follow sixteen-year-old Harry's adventures as he fights to discover the secret of Voldemort's immortality. Rivalries become deadly and betrayals lurk around every corner...

This book club is all about sharing the moments of unexpected, joyful discovery through close reading. Focusing on the text, we will share our personal readings and experiences. We will learn from our classmates in a kindness-first, supportive environment.

Together, we can tackle some big questions about the series. What was it about the Harry Potter books that resonated with so many people? To what extent is it possible or indeed desirable to separate art from artist?

Most of all, however, we will have an inclusive dialogue that embraces a multiplicity of views and enriches our experience of the text.
Precepted by Dr. Julian Barr

Creative Writing: One Month Story
 Candidate

Meeting Tuesdays & Thursdays at 9:00 PM Eastern for eight 1-hour sessions on July 1, 3, 8, 10, 15, (skip 17 for preceptors' retreat), 22, 24, 29
We will walk through a complete project from pre-writing through writing, revising, editing, (revising, revising, revising), proofreading, and talking about publication options. Are you interested in finally getting down that memoir of your childhood? making a storybook for your grands? turning that daydream into a novelette? This adventure is for you! Whether your story is a draft, an outline, or a daydream, your project is welcome here in a place where we are aiming to finish it!

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

Creative Writing: Plot & Structure (Year of the Novel)
Cluster  Spotlight  Confirmed

Meeting Mondays & Thursdays at 8:00 PM Eastern for eight 1-hour sessions on July 3, 7, 10, 14, (skip 17 for preceptors' retreat), 21, 24, 28, 31
Whether you plan ahead or improvise, create the structure to hold your story and amplify its strengths. By studying and practicing different story structure methods, you’ll discover or possibly invent the right structure to deliver your tale. There will be in-class exercises, journaling, and between-session work on your story.

The module will follow an 8-session structure as shown below:
Outline 8-Session Structure
Week 1 Session 1: Starting with Scenes
Session 2: Basic structures and the Plots they would support
Week 2 Session 3: Basic Shapes and the Plots they would support
Session 4: Story Check-In
Week 3 Session 5: Basic Character Arcs and the Plots they would support
Session 6: Complex Character Arcs and the Plots they would support
Week 4 Session 7: Leveraging the MICE quotient in short stories
Session 8: Story & Structure Check-In
Precepted by Sparrow F. Alden

Egyptian Hieroglyphs 2
Continuing Series  Candidate

Meeting Mondays & Wednesdays at 8:00 PM Eastern for eight 1-hour sessions on July 2, 7, 9, 14, 16, 21, 23, 28
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 student 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: Lancelot, Gareth, and the War with Rome
 Candidate

Meeting Tuesdays & Thursdays at 6:00 PM Eastern for eight 1-hour sessions on
on July 8, 10, 15, 17, 22, 24, 29, 31
This module explores three short, stand-alone tales from Le Morte Darthur, depicting Arthur, his knights, and the wider world they inhabit.

“The Tale of the Noble King Arthur that was Emperor,” shows Malory’s version of King Arthur as military leader and conqueror of Rome. Adapted from the late Middle English alliterative tradition, this tale was not included in Caxton’s original 15th century printing, but only discovered in 1934 with the finding of the lost Winchester Manuscript.

“A Noble Tale of Sir Launcelot du Lake,” shows Lancelot’s kidnapping by Morgan Le Fay, and the political and romantic complications that arise as a result. Alternating between high romance and low farce, this tale shows key Arthurian players at their best and worst.

And finally, “The Tale of Sir Gareth,” follows Gawain’s younger brother Gareth from obscure and seemingly-lowly origins, through dangers, trials, and mockery, to his eventual triumph as full-fledged knight. It is also, evidently the only tale, in the complete Morte Arthur that Malory invented himself!

Note: Students may participate in this series in any month even if they did not take a previous class in the series.
Precepted by Dr. Liam Daley

Introduction to Japanese Religions II
Continuing Series  Candidate

Meeting Mondays & Wednesdays at 8:00 PM Eastern for eight 1-hour sessions on July 2, 7, 9, 14, 16, 21, 23, 28
Picking up from where we left off in the first module, we will continue to explore the basics of Japanese religious history.
Precepted by Dr. Robert Steed

Intro to Classical Mythology
 Spotlight  Candidate

Meeting Saturdays 4:00 PM July 12 & 19, Sunday 4:00 PM on July 27, and Saturday Aug 2 at 4:00 PM.
As classical mythology is often the gateway into mythological studies, so too will this course be your gateway into classical mythology. We will explore the mythology of the Greco-Roman world in broad strokes, familiarizing ourselves with gods and heroes, before ending the module by dabbling in a bit of comparative mythological study. In doing so, we'll look at excerpts from a few classical authors (in translation), as well as some artifacts and possibly even some historical sites.

The module will follow an 8-session structure as shown below:
Outline 8-Session Structure
Week 1 Session 1: Welcome to Classical Mythology Lecture
Session 2: Discussion about the Myths of the Twelve(ish) Olympians
Week 2 Session 3: Living in a World of Humans and Gods Lecture
Session 4: Discussion about Myths of Love & Daring
Week 3 Session 5: Heroes & Demigods Lecture
Session 6: Discussion about Myths of Herakles
Week 4 Session 7: Comparative Mythology Lecture
Session 8: Discussion about Mythic Forms and Archetypes
Precepted by Joshua Sosa

Japanese for Advanced Beginners 4 (Genki II)
Continuing Series  Candidate

Meeting Tuesdays & Thursdays at 9:00 PM Eastern for eight 1-hour sessions on July 8, 10, 15, 17, 22, 24, 29, 31
Join us as we continue learning (advanced) basic Japanese, focusing on the areas of reading and listening comprehension, with some attention to speaking and writing. Over the course of this module series we will work our way through the Genki II textbook, building upon the foundation built from the Genki I text. 一緒に日本語を勉強しませんか

Recorded Series: All sessions of this series are being recorded and provided afterwards to enrolled students in order to support the learning of the group.
Precepted by Dr. Robert Steed

Japanese for Beginners 3
Continuing Series  Candidate

Meeting Tuesdays & Thursdays at 6:00 PM Eastern for eight 1-hour sessions on July 8, 10, 15, 17, 22, 24, 29, 31
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

Japanese: From Zero - 24
Continuing Series  Candidate

As soon as we obtain enough interest in this class we will be in touch to work out a meeting time that works for the group. Thank you for keeping your Blackberry availability up to date!
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, Katakana, and Kanji, and covering 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

Japanese Through Culture 12
Continuing Series  Candidate

Meeting Tuesdays & Thursdays at 5:00 PM Eastern for eight 1-hour sessions on July 8, 10, 15, 17, 22, 24, 29, 31
In this series we’ll study Japanese using different tools such as videos, games, and different exercises. We’ll explore different aspects of Japanese culture and work on more complex vocabulary, grammar, and sentence patterns. We’ll also watch lots of videos, play games, and read graded readers among other things.

Note: Japanese Through Culture is for students who already have a basic level of Japanese.
Precepted by Pilar Barrera

Latin for Beginners 4
Continuing Series  Candidate

Meeting Wednesdays & Fridays at 2:00 PM Eastern for eight 1-hour sessions on June 27, (skip 2 and 4), 9, 11, 16, 18, 23, 25, 30
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

Meeting the Horned God of the Witches
 Spotlight  Confirmed

Meeting Wednesdays & Fridays at 3:00 PM Eastern for eight 1-hour sessions on July 2, (skip 4 for U.S. Independence Day), 9, 11, 16, 18, (skip 23), 25, 30, August 1
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 Dr. Anna Milon

Men Marrying Up: Marriage and Romance in Tolkien
 Candidate

ASKED: Meeting Tuesdays & Fridays at 8:00 PM Eastern for eight 1-hour sessions on July 8, 11, 15, 18, 22, 25, 29, August 1
Typological motifs are a prominent feature of Tolkien's legendarium, including the motif of marriage and romance. Marital relationships appear among the Ainur (both Valar and Maiar) and the Children of Ilúvatar (both Elves and Men): some happy, some tragic, and some in-between. Tolkien's stories of marriage and romance represent a kind of "wisdom tradition" with relevant applicability to modern society and modern relationships. Most notably, men are always the ones who "marry up" in Tolkien's world, demonstrating a profound respect for women and femininity in society.

The module will follow a 4-week outline as shown below:
Week Outline
Week 1
  • Introduction to Marriage & Romance in Tolkien
  • Typological motifs –– Manwë, Varda, & Melkor (The Silmarillion)
  • Ainur Marriage and Non-Marriage (The Silmarillion)
  • Week 2
  • Introduction to Marriage & Romance in Tolkien
  • Elf=Maia Marriage –– Thingol & Melian (The Silmarillion)
  • Man=Elf Marriage –– Beren & Lúthien (The Silmarillion)
  • Tragic Marriage –– Túrin & Finduilas Nienor (The Silmarillion)
  • Week 3
  • Heroic Marriage –– Tuor & Idril (The Silmarillion)
  • Elf=Maia Marriage –– Thingol & Melian (The Silmarillion)
  • Half-Elven Marriage –– Eärendil & Elwing (The Silmarillion)
  • Human Marriage –– Aldarion & Erendis (Unfinished Tales)
  • Week 4
  • Man=Elf Marriage –– Aragorn & Arwen (The Lord of the Rings)
  • Elf=Maia Marriage –– Thingol & Melian (The Silmarillion)
  • Man=Woman Marriage –– Faramir & Éowyn (The Lord of the Rings)
  • Human Marriage –– Aldarion & Erendis (Unfinished Tales)
  • Precepted by Dr. Joel D. Ruark

    Old Norse 4
    Continuing Series  Candidate

    Meeting Tuesdays & Thursdays at 9:00 PM Eastern for eight 1-hour sessions on July 8, 10, 15, 17, 22, 24, 29, 31
    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.

    The Old Saxon for Old English Readers
     Candidate

    Meeting Mondays & Thursdays at 8:00 PM Eastern for eight 1-hour sessions on July 7, 10, 14, 17, 21, 24, 28, 31
    Old Saxon, the continental cousin to Old English, was the language spoken in Northern Germany from the ninth to the twelfth century. It is closely related to and mutually intelligible with Anglo-Saxon, so Old English students will easily be able to read and understand it. The language boasts a number of smaller texts, but the Hêliand, an epic poem of nearly 6,000 lines, remains its most prestigious literary monument. It tells the story of Jesus Christ (the “Hêliand,” meaning “Savior”) reimagined as a Saxon lord with a retinue of twelve thanes, and it is comparable to the Old English Beowulf. In this module, we will read and discuss selections of this poem. Some familiarity with Old English is required.
    Precepted by Dr. Isaac Schendel

    The Poetic Corpus of J.R.R. Tolkien: The Mature Years 3 (Volume 2: The Years 1919-1931)
    (Section 1)
     Confirmed  Hybrid


    Monday Lectures (Live-Recorded): Meeting for four 1-hour Lectures with Dr. Sara Brown (and/or guest Chris Vaccaro) meeting on Mondays at 11:00 AM Eastern Time on July 7, 14, 21, and 28.

    Discussion Sessions: Discussion group meetings with Dr. Sara Brown on Thursdays at 11:00 AM Eastern for four 1-hour discussion groups on July 10, 17, 24, and 31.
    Module description from Dr. Sara Brown (Lecturing Preceptor):

    In this triad of modules we explore Volume 2 of The Collected Poems of J.R.R. Tolkien: Three-Volume Box Set, edited by Christina Scull and Wayne G. Hammond. All are welcome to join the class whether new to the series or continuing from a previous module!

    JRR Tolkien one of those rare authors whose poetry is as accomplished as his prose writing. Up to this point, though, those who wished to focus primarily on Tolkien’s poetry had to access a significant number of books and online resources to do so, as they were scattered far and wide. But now for the first time, a collected volume of Tolkien’s poetry is available, and it is a Tome of Significant Size!

    In this hybrid course, we will read and discuss a selection of these poems, enjoying them for their aesthetic appeal as well as analysing them for Tolkien’s style, use of language, and the poetic forms he employed. This is a hybrid course, in which one class per week will be a lecture and the second class will be group discussion.

    There are so many poems in these volumes that the intention is to spread the course over several months. If you can’t make one or more of the months, feel free to dip in and out as suits you!
    Precepted by Dr. Sara Brown (Lecturer)
    with guest Dr. Chris Vaccaro

    The Poetic Corpus of J.R.R. Tolkien: The Mature Years 3 (Volume 2: The Years 1919-1931)
    (Section 2)
     Candidate  Hybrid


    Monday Lectures (Live-Recorded): Meeting for four 1-hour Lectures with Dr. Sara Brown (and/or guest Chris Vaccaro) meeting on Mondays at 11:00 AM Eastern Time on July 7, 14, 21, and 28.

    Discussion Sessions: Discussion group meetings with Dr. Sara Brown on Fridays at 11:00 AM Eastern for four 1-hour discussion groups on July 11, 18, 25, and Aug 1.
    Module description from Dr. Sara Brown (Lecturing Preceptor):

    In this triad of modules we explore Volume 2 of The Collected Poems of J.R.R. Tolkien: Three-Volume Box Set, edited by Christina Scull and Wayne G. Hammond. All are welcome to join the class whether new to the series or continuing from a previous module!

    JRR Tolkien one of those rare authors whose poetry is as accomplished as his prose writing. Up to this point, though, those who wished to focus primarily on Tolkien’s poetry had to access a significant number of books and online resources to do so, as they were scattered far and wide. But now for the first time, a collected volume of Tolkien’s poetry is available, and it is a Tome of Significant Size!

    In this hybrid course, we will read and discuss a selection of these poems, enjoying them for their aesthetic appeal as well as analysing them for Tolkien’s style, use of language, and the poetic forms he employed. This is a hybrid course, in which one class per week will be a lecture and the second class will be group discussion.

    There are so many poems in these volumes that the intention is to spread the course over several months. If you can’t make one or more of the months, feel free to dip in and out as suits you!
    Precepted by Dr. Sara Brown (Lecturer)
    with guest Dr. Chris Vaccaro

    The Poetic Corpus of J.R.R. Tolkien: The Mature Years 3 (Volume 2: The Years 1919-1931)
    (Section 3)
     Candidate  Hybrid


    Monday Lectures (Live-Recorded): Meeting for four 1-hour Lectures with Dr. Sara Brown (and/or guest Chris Vaccaro) meeting on Mondays at 11:00 AM Eastern Time on July 7, 14, 21, and 28.

    Discussion Sessions: Discussion group meetings with Patrick Lyon on Thursdays at 9:00 PM Eastern for four 1-hour discussion groups on July 10, 17, 24, and 31.
    Module description from Dr. Sara Brown (Lecturing Preceptor):

    In this triad of modules we explore Volume 2 of The Collected Poems of J.R.R. Tolkien: Three-Volume Box Set, edited by Christina Scull and Wayne G. Hammond. All are welcome to join the class whether new to the series or continuing from a previous module!

    JRR Tolkien one of those rare authors whose poetry is as accomplished as his prose writing. Up to this point, though, those who wished to focus primarily on Tolkien’s poetry had to access a significant number of books and online resources to do so, as they were scattered far and wide. But now for the first time, a collected volume of Tolkien’s poetry is available, and it is a Tome of Significant Size!

    In this hybrid course, we will read and discuss a selection of these poems, enjoying them for their aesthetic appeal as well as analysing them for Tolkien’s style, use of language, and the poetic forms he employed. This is a hybrid course, in which one class per week will be a lecture and the second class will be group discussion.

    There are so many poems in these volumes that the intention is to spread the course over several months. If you can’t make one or more of the months, feel free to dip in and out as suits you!
    Precepted by Dr. Sara Brown (Lecturer) and Patrick Lyon (Section 3)
    with guest Dr. Chris Vaccaro

    Who's Best? Who's Worst? The Highs and Lows of Classic Doctor Who
     Candidate

    Meeting Mondays & Wednesdays at 7:00 PM Eastern for eight 1-hour sessions on July 7, 9, 14, 16, 21, 23, 28, 30
    Doctor Who is the longest running Science Fiction program on television earning great recognition and accolades in the process. Despite this, Doctor Who is infamous for writing/producing some of the best in Science Fiction television, and at the same time arguably the worst.

    This Class will make use of a free streaming device (tubi) in order to view these episodes individually once again, so that we can discuss their merits or “demerits”; to view some of "the best" and "the worst" of Classic Doctor Who. Hartnell, Troughton, Pertwee, the Bakers, Peterson and McCoy are ready to open the TARDIS doors for us; Let the conversation begin!

    The module will follow an 8-session structure as shown below:
    Outline 8-Session Structure
    Week 1 Session 1: Criteria and Process
    Session 2: The Best: The Talons of Weing Chiang
    Week 2 Session 3: The Worst: The Macra Terror
    Session 4: The Best: The Caves of Androzani
    Week 3 Session 5: The Worst: The Twin Dilemma
    Session 6: The Best: The Daemons
    Week 4 Session 7: The Worst: Paradise Towers
    Session 8: The Best: The Dalek Invasion of Earth
    Precepted by Jay Moses