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

Dr. Larry Swain

Signum MA Faculty • Signum Tutorials Program • SPACE Preceptor

Larry Swain used to work in IT and libraries after receiving his B.A. in Religion-Greek and Linguistics. After 15 years, he earned an M.A. in Medieval Studies at the Medieval Institute at Western Michigan University and then a Ph.D. at the University of Illinois at Chicago. [see full bio...]

Current and Upcoming Modules

August 2025

Tolkien & Inklings Studies Tutorials [ST]

November 2025

Tolkien & Inklings Studies Tutorials [ST] (2 Sections)

February 2026

Advanced Old English Series: Readings in Prose

Ancient Greek 6

Latin for Beginners 9 Closed Cohort

March 2026

Advanced Old English Series: Readings in Poetry

Ancient Greek 7

Latin for Beginners 10 Closed Cohort

April 2026

Advanced Old English Series: Readings in Poetry

Ancient Greek 8

Latin for Beginners 11 Closed Cohort

Highlighted Modules

Language

Non-Sequential Series

Language

Series of 12

Language

Series of 12

Language

All Modules

Advanced Greek Readings: Gospel of John Non-Sequential Series

Discussion-based Medium intensity

Come join us as we read the Gospel of John in the original Greek! This module will review grammar where needed, discuss the latest lexical tools, touch on textual issues, but mostly work through this text at a relaxed pace.

Advanced Greek Readings: Gospel of John 1

Advanced Old English Readings

Discussion-based Medium intensity

These selections will help introduce students to the breadth and depth of Old English texts available for advanced study. Each month, Dr. Larry Swain and/or Dr. Isaac Schendel surveys the group to see which text students are most interested in exploring next. Some of the texts we could explore in ...

Advanced Old English Readings: Cynewulf's Christ II

Discussion-based Medium intensity

Cynewulf is one of the few poets whose name we know from the Old English period. He composed 4 narrative poems casting saints' lives into Old English poetry. "Christ II" is so named because it is one of three poems dealing with key moments in Christ's life: the "Advent" and Incarnation, the Ascensio...

Advanced Old English Series: Readings in Poetry and Prose Non-Sequential Series

Discussion-based Medium intensity

In this series of Advanced Old English Readings we 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...

Advanced Old English: Alice in Wonderland

Discussion-based Medium intensity

Dr. Peter Baker, then of the University of Virginia, translated Lewis Carroll's Alice in Wonderland into Old English. This module will work with and translate back into Modern English this fun and delightful text, [read more]

Dr. Peter Baker, then of the University of Virginia, translated Lewis Carroll's Alice in Wonderland into Old English. This module will work with and translate back into Modern English this fun and delightful text, Æðelgyðe Ellendæda on Wundorlande: Alice's Adventures in Wonderland in Old English.

Advanced Old English: Tolkien's Old English Poetry
Discussion-based Medium intensity

Most people know that J. R. R. Tolkien was a scholar as well as a writer of speculative fiction. His scholarship was extensive and one of his primary areas was Old English language and literature. But fewer fans know that he also composed poetry in Old English, especially in the early stages of his ...

Most people know that J. R. R. Tolkien was a scholar as well as a writer of speculative fiction. His scholarship was extensive and one of his primary areas was Old English language and literature. But fewer fans know that he also composed poetry in Old English, especially in the early stages of his career. This module will attempt to gather and translate Tolkien's Old English poetry from the various sources in HoME and other sources where they are printed.

Ancient Greek for Beginners Series of 12
Mixed Lecture/Discussion High intensity

Want to read the NT in the original Greek? The Greek translation of the Old Testament? This module’s for you! The first module seeks to introduce 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, f...

Want to read the NT in the original Greek? The Greek translation of the Old Testament? This module’s for you! The first module seeks to introduce 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. 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.

Ancient Greek 1

Ancient Greek 2

Ancient Greek 3

Ancient Greek 4

Ancient Greek 5

Ancient Greek 6 February 2026

Ancient Greek 7 March 2026

Ancient Greek 8

Ancient Greek 9

Ancient Greek 10

Ancient Greek 11

Ancient Greek 12

Bible as Literature: Minor Prophets
Mixed Lecture/Discussion Low intensity

This module explores the Minor Prophets. What is a prophet? How was a prophet expected to "operate" in the Ancient World? How do Hebrew prophets compare to prophets from other traditions in their world? What is the message of the prophets? These questions and more will be addressed in this module. T...

This module explores the Minor Prophets. What is a prophet? How was a prophet expected to "operate" in the Ancient World? How do Hebrew prophets compare to prophets from other traditions in their world? What is the message of the prophets? These questions and more will be addressed in this module. Those with Hebrew, Greek, or Latin are welcome to use their skills in this module, though these are not required.

Bible as Literature: The Gospels in the Their Contexts
Lecture-based

This module considers the gospels in their contexts; addressing their genre, the communities to whom they are addressed, their origins, early tradition and legend about how they came to be, comparisons of their literatures to other Hellenistic and Near Eastern ones, the synoptic problem, and related...

This module considers the gospels in their contexts; addressing their genre, the communities to whom they are addressed, their origins, early tradition and legend about how they came to be, comparisons of their literatures to other Hellenistic and Near Eastern ones, the synoptic problem, and related issues.

Big Bold Beowulf: A Study of the Poem
Discussion-based Medium intensity
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.

Chaucer in Middle English: The Canterbury Tales
Lecture-based Low intensity
Read what Chaucer wrote in his own language! The famed Canterbury Tales are a wonderful read in Middle English and this module will focus on The Miller’s Tale.

Christmas Carols in Latin!
Discussion-based Low intensity

In this mini module of four one-hour sessions, we will have fun with Latin Christmas Carols. Any "homework" is optional, texts will be provided, fun shall be had!!! Come and enjoy! Note: This mini module is a special group experience designed for a small and intimate group of 3 to 4 students...

In this mini module of four one-hour sessions, we will have fun with Latin Christmas Carols. Any "homework" is optional, texts will be provided, fun shall be had!!! Come and enjoy! Note: This mini module is a special group experience designed for a small and intimate group of 3 to 4 students for the cost of 1 Token.

History of the Book Arts
Mixed Lecture/Discussion Low intensity

This module gives an overview of writing and alphabets, literary and other works written on stone, papyrus, wax, and parchment. More from Dr. Swain about this module: I love reading and writing. Both are "technological" revolutions that effected historical moments in human history. Th...

This module gives an overview of writing and alphabets, literary and other works written on stone, papyrus, wax, and parchment. More from Dr. Swain about this module: I love reading and writing. Both are "technological" revolutions that effected historical moments in human history. This module will look at the development of writing and of reading, the kinds of materials we have written on, and how we prepared those surfaces to record our words. We will learn vocabulary that is used to talk about all this. There will be a lot of pretty pictures!

Latin for Beginners Series of 12
Mixed Lecture/Discussion Medium intensity

Designed for absolute beginners as well as past Latin scholars who want to review at relative leisure, Signum’s 12-module Latin in a Year series surveys core Latin grammar and basic classical vocabulary. Each month, students will tackle new grammatical concepts and paradigms, learn new vocabulary, a...

Designed for absolute beginners as well as past Latin scholars who want to review at relative leisure, Signum’s 12-module Latin in a Year series surveys core Latin grammar and basic classical vocabulary. Each month, students will tackle new grammatical concepts and paradigms, learn new vocabulary, and practice translating short sentences and longer passages. Optional homework is available for the overzealous. Each one-month module builds on the previous one, so students with prior experience are encouraged to communicate with our Director and Professor Acker to find the right entry point. See the list below for some general guidelines of what material is explored over the course of each module. •••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••• Month 1: Overview of nouns and verbs (present active verbs, 1st and 2nd declension) Month 2: Adding new tenses (imperfect and future active) and a new declension (3rd) Month 3: 3rd and 4th conjugations (existing tenses) and new pronouns Month 4: New verb tenses (perfect system) and more pronouns; numerals Month 5: Passive verb forms; 4th declension nouns; more pronouns Month 6: 5th declension, but mostly participles Month 7: Comparatives, superlatives, and some irregular forms Month 8: Basic subjunctives Month 9: Irregular verbs and conditions Month 10: Subjunctives, deponents, datives, and more irregular verbs Month 11: (more) finicky grammar Month 12: Basic readings ••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••

Latin for Beginners 1

Latin for Beginners 2

Latin for Beginners 3

Latin for Beginners 4

Latin for Beginners 5

Latin for Beginners 6

Latin for Beginners 7

Latin for Beginners 8

Latin for Beginners 9 February 2026

Latin for Beginners 10 March 2026

Latin for Beginners 11

Latin for Beginners 12

Life in the Middle Ages Non-Sequential Series
Mixed Lecture/Discussion Low intensity

This series will look at what life in the Middle Ages was like. What did people eat? What about entertainment? What about work? What was literature like? People will encounter texts, artifacts, and art to help gain a better understanding of life in the Middle Ages. Each module in the Life in th...

This series will look at what life in the Middle Ages was like. What did people eat? What about entertainment? What about work? What was literature like? People will encounter texts, artifacts, and art to help gain a better understanding of life in the Middle Ages. Each module in the Life in the Middle Ages series will focus on a different theme: 1. The Lives of Peasants 2. The Lives of Clergy 3. The Lives of Nobility

Life in the Middle Ages: Peasants

Life in the Middle Ages: Clergy

Life in the Middle Ages: Nobility

Readings in Greek
Discussion-based Low intensity

This series will help introduce students to the breadth and depth of Greek texts available for intermediate-level study. Each month, Dr. Larry Swain surveys the group to see which text students are most interested in exploring next. Some of the texts we could explore in a given month include: • [read more]

This series will help introduce students to the breadth and depth of Greek texts available for intermediate-level study. Each month, Dr. Larry Swain surveys the group to see which text students are most interested in exploring next. Some of the texts we could explore in a given month include: • Stump the Swain: Easy Classical Greek Readings • Easy Koine Greek Readings • Advanced Greek Readings: Gospel of Matthew • Advanced Greek Readings: Gospel of John Series • Advanced Greek Readings: Paul's Letter to the Galatians Note: Please refer to the Required Texts section on a month's iteration page to see which texts the group has decided upon for a given month.

Readings in Latin
Discussion-based Medium intensity

This series will help introduce students to the breadth and depth of Latin texts available for intermediate-level study . Each month, our preceptors survey the group using the In...

This series will help introduce students to the breadth and depth of Latin texts available for intermediate-level study . Each month, our preceptors survey the group using the Intermediate Latin Series survey form to see which text students are most interested in exploring next. Some of the texts we could explore in a given month include: • Latin: The Vulgate Gospel of Matthew • Latin: Plautus' Miles Gloriosus (the Braggart Soldier) • Latin: Augustine's Confessions • Intermediate Latin Readings: Catullus • Intermediate Latin Readings: The Vulgate Bible 1 • Intermediate Latin Readings: The Vulgate Hester • Intermediate Latin Readings: Caesar’s Gallic Wars • Intermediate Latin Readings: Martial’s Epigrammata • Intermediate Latin Readings: Gesta Romanorum • Intermediate Latin Readings: Horace • Advanced Latin Readings: Cicero's Pro Archia Oration • Advanced Latin Readings: Aesop's Fables • Advanced Latin Readings: Hobbitus Ille • Advanced Latin Readings: Silius Italicus' 'Punica' • Advanced Latin Readings: Vergil's Aeneid in a Year Note: Please refer to the Required Texts section on a month's iteration page to see which texts the group has decided upon for a given month.

Readings in Middle English before Chaucer: Havelock the Dane
Discussion-based Medium intensity
Havelock the Dane is lovely fairy tale type story that sits between heroic epic and developing Romance genres looking into a now distant past, and showing how an unjustly treated child grows to be a great king.

Former Modules

Old English for Beginners

If you have any questions along the way, please reach out to [email protected].