June 2026 Modules

Why are the works of J.R.R. Tolkien still so relevant to us in the 21st century? In this course, we will look at some of the central themes of his novels, including Family, Home, Good vs. Evil, and Loss, exploring how Tolkien is still speaking to us almost fifty years after his death.
There are no required texts for this course, however, you may find having a copy of The Hobbit and The Lord of the Rings very useful (any edition).

The module will follow an 8-session structure as shown below:

Outline	8-Session Structure
Week 1	Lecture 1: War and Home
	Discussion 1: Why is Tolkien still relevant?
Week 2	Lecture 2: Family, friendship, and fellowship
	Discussion 2: Hope and Heroes
Week 3	Lecture 3: Good and Evil
	Discussion 3: Fantasy: Recovery, Escape, and Consolation
Week 4	Lecture 4: Gender and Race
	Discussion 4: Nature and the Landscape

Unlock profound imagery and meaning in just a few words. This module explores the timeless art of haiku, blending theory with live practice. Each week, dive into the essence of the shortest form of poetry, from its core principles and spiritual roots with a special guest scholar, to its classic and modern masters. Then, immediately apply your insights in a collaborative workshop where your own haiku will come to life. Theory one day, transformation the next. Craft your visions, one word at a time.

Course Outline:

Week One
• Introduction to haiku
Week Two
• Cultural/Religious connections to Haiku with guest speaker Dr. Robert Steed
Week Three
• Haiku Classic masters: Matsuo Bashō, Yosa Buson, Kobayashi Issa, Masaoka Shiki
Week Four
• Modern Haiku
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This is the textual language of the early classical Chinese philosophical and literary tradition, bearing a relationship to modern forms of Chinese like that of classical Latin to a modern Romance language. Just as one does not need to know Italian to study Latin, no prior knowledge of modern forms of Chinese is needed to study the classical language. This language served as a kind of "lingua franca" throughout East Asia for much of history, much like the role Church Latin served in medieval Europe. In this module we will begin building the grammar, syntax, and vocabulary to eventually be able to engage with the texts associated with Chinese thinkers such as Confucius, Laozi, Zhuangzi, and Mozi. If a cohort forms, we can continue this study within a continuing sequence. We will focus exclusively on developing the ability to read it as a literary language.

Building upon our exploration of Garner's foundational fantasy The Weirdstone of Brisingamen, this follow-up course delves into its darker, more complex sequel, The Moon of Gomrath. Where our first course examined Garner's introduction to the magical world of Alderley Edge, this second instalment investigates his evolution as a writer through a narrative that Philip Pullman noted "presents a less conventional fantasy on every level." We'll analyse how Garner introduces the dichotomy between "High Magic" (controlled, patriarchal, rational) and "Old Magic" (wild, feminine, emotional), exploring how this tension manifests through Susan's profound connection to ancient Celtic forces and Colin's desperate attempts to save her. The course will particularly focus on Garner's emerging literary voice—more direct, stripped-down language and a less linear plot structure that would come to define his later work.

Our discussions will examine how The Moon of Gomrath subverts traditional fantasy conventions through its abrupt, ambiguous ending and its refusal to provide neat resolutions. We'll explore Garner's masterful evocation of "both the wonder and terror of the mythical forces that hide behind the mundane surface of the world," and how the book rewards readers on multiple levels—offering adventure for younger audiences while presenting complex philosophical themes for adults. The course will conclude by considering how this sequel, with its "deeply melancholic and powerful story," marked Garner's transition toward more challenging literary territory, establishing themes he would explore throughout his distinguished career. Join us as we continue our journey through Garner's mythic landscape, where ancient magic awakens in modern England with consequences both thrilling and profound.

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！

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.

Leadership is one of the most enduring and complex themes in J.R.R. Tolkien’s legendarium. From reluctant leaders like Frodo to commanding figures such as Aragorn, Tolkien explores leadership not as a single style but as a dynamic interplay of voices, virtues, and choices.

This course examines leadership through Tolkien’s works using the GiANT 5 Voices framework, connecting modern leadership theory with literary analysis. Participants will identify their own leadership voice, analyze the leadership styles of key Tolkien characters, and explore practical leadership tools as they appear, explicitly or implicitly, within Middle-earth. The course culminates in applying these insights to real-world leadership contexts, helping learners grow as thoughtful, adaptable, and values-driven leaders.

This course is ideal for all readers of Tolkien, leaders, and lifelong learners interested in the intersection of literature, leadership, and personal development.

The module will follow an 8-session structure as shown below:

Outline	8-Session Structure
Week 1	Session 1: Discovering Your Leadership Voice
	Session 2: Leadership in Tolkien's World
Week 2	Session 3: Leadership Voices in Middle-earth
	Session 4: Leadership Voices in Action
Week 3	Session 5: Leadership Tools
	Session 6: Tools at Work through Tolkien
Week 4	Session 7: Tapping into All Five Voices
	Session 8: How Would You Lead Middle-earth?

“I tell you there are more worlds, and more doors to them, than you will think of in many years!”

Let’s read George MacDonald’s darkest fantasy! Exploring his family’s haunted residence, Mr. Vane uncovers a portal to a strange mirror dimension. He plunges into a parallel realm where ravens speak, skeletons do battle, and sleepers dream of a world redeemed… And where Lilith, exile of Eden, holds dominion.

A mesmerizing allegory of death and salvation, Lilith exerted a powerful influence on C.S. Lewis’ Narnia. H.P. Lovecraft hailed MacDonald’s novel for its “compelling bizarrerie.”

One of the most crucial elements of education for millennia was teaching the ability to harness the potential of the memory. From the time of Homer until the 19th century, bards and bureaucrats both would have used established methods to organize and categorize their thoughts and remember crucial pieces of information. The legendary memories of men from Homer to Cicero to Shakespeare had less to do with their unique genius and more to do with their application of ancient methods of memorization, that can still be learned today. In this module, students will learn the ancient memorization techniques that allowed bards to recite thousands of lines of poetry and Shakespeare's actors to perform dozens of complicated monologues, and discover its applications to life in the 21st century.