BeforeTolkien

Senior Course (14 yrs. and up),  $185 - Prerequisite: Must have read The Hobbit and The Lord of the Rings Trilogy

Sojourn through the ages, reading Greek and Norse mythology and Christian tales. Each class will take time to discuss Tolkien’s works in light of the bigger, weekly discussions. The reading list includes titles that influenced J.R.R. Tolkien and his writings, and students can begin to glimpse the great wealth of inspiration that inspired the timeless characters of Tolkien's work. While some readings may be challenging, they serve as a great reminder of the early legends and stories that continue to shape our culture and persistently fascinate the imagination.

ClassicAdventure1

Intermediate Course (13 yrs and up), $185, 14 week course– No prerequisite 

There is a reason why mankind has always been fascinated with tales of adventure. They are not simply stories of the clash of swords, bold exploration, and derring-do - they contain a wealth of truth about our world and ourselves. In this course, students will use Socratic discussion to uncover the deeper meanings in some of western culture's best-loved adventure stories.

ClassicAdventure2

Intermediate Course (12 yrs and up), $185 – No Prerequisite

Fantastic tales of heroism, honour, mystery, and courage! Students follow the exploits of warriors, kings, seafarers, and hosts of adventurers, using Socratic discussion to uncover the deeper meanings in these classic and well-loved stories.

ClassicMystery

Senior Course (14 yrs and up), $185 - Prerequisite: One Intermediate level course

Whodunit – and why? Plunge into the whirl of profound truths that weave through these beloved masterpieces of mystery literature. Discover the foggy secrets of the first detective novel ever written, match wits with Sherlock Holmes, and test your own solution to a mystery its own author died without revealing! Both thrilling and full of timeless ideas, these stories are a true treat for mystery-lovers.

ClassicAdventure2

Intermediate Course (13 yrs and up), $185 – No Prerequisite

An overview of some of the thrilling tales which helped to provide the foundation for one of the most popular modern genres, Classic Science Fiction explores stories of fantastic futuristic feats and astonishingly ambitious adventures. We will discuss the true nature of heroism and bravery, as well as the ethics and philosophy of science itself in our unpacking of these gripping classics.

DickensTheAdventuresOfNicholasNickleby

Intermediate Course (13 yrs and up), $185 – No Prerequisite

By utilizing the Socratic Method of discussion, students will uncover timeless truths embedded in Nicholas Nickleby.Hot-tempered, daring, and wonderstruck Nicholas Nickleby breaks the law to save his friend Smike from his tyrannical, one-eyed master.  Only nineteen years old, the two of them find themselves on the run, seeking their fortune wherever they can find it. Hilarity strikes as Nicholas finds himself in crazy situations only Dickens could dream up, but he must also use his wits and his fists against an array of villains who are determined to destroy him. Drama, humour, true love, tragedy, and surprises abound in a young Charles Dickens’ masterpiece.

GreekMyths

Senior Course (14 yrs and up), $185 - Prerequisite: One Intermediate level course

In the world’s youth, Greek bards came up the world’s first fully-developed epic fantasy, full of unforgettable characters. Soar over the bold Odysseus’s ship as he navigates hydras, enchantresses, and the perils of a treacherous sea – will he ever come home to reclaim his rightful kingdom? Brimming with cunning warriors, clever maidens, heartbreak and heroism, the Greek mythos is not to be missed!

This course is designed to build students up in familiarity and comfort with the original stories of legendary Greek heros, in the context of the writing that the Greeks themselves would have enjoyed. Students will discover the complex immortal world of the gods, demi-gods, and mortal heros through narratives and Greek plays. This course builds into other WISDOM courses, such as The Gods of Mount Olympus, Foundational Great Books, Continued Great Books, and Before Tolkien, to continue the study of the strong creative roots of myth which we still enjoy in our culture today.

(Note to parents: This course's materials reflect ancient Greek understandings of the world, and this includes their understanding of human sexuality. Readings are carefully selected to be useful to a Christian education, but ultimately it is up to parents to decide what is appropriate material for their child.)

HistoricalFiction

Intermediate Course (12 yrs and up), $185, 14 week course– No prerequisite

Newly revised!

Glimmerings of imagination tangle with tales of true-life heroes in the pages of historical fiction. Never was history more easy to remember and enjoy than by living through stories set in various eras. Students will immerse themselves in the events of an array of centuries and delve deeper into the meaningful lives of the characters who, while fictional, can make the context of a real time period ring true for all readers.

JaneAusten1

Intermediate Course (13 yrs and up), $185, 14 week course– No prerequisite 

Is Fanny just a weak wimp? Which one is "Pride" and which one is "Prejudice"? Should Emma be sent to prison for her constant meddling? Find out for yourself! The Jane Austen course will cover three of Austen's books - Mansfield Park, Pride and Prejudice, and Emma. The character development and differences between Fanny, Lizzie and Emma will be discussed, as well as those topics and questions which will arise from the participants own critical reading of the text.

JaneAusten2

Intermediate Course (13 yrs and up), $185 – No Prerequisite

Only Jane Austen could concoct such a perfect blend of drama and wit! Here are three more of her masterpieces to savour. Discover the secrets of Northanger Abbey, walk the fine line between Sense and Sensibility, 
and learn what can be achieved with just a bit of Persuasion. Add Socratic discussion to the mix, and you’ve got the perfect recipe for a fine time of it!

 
 
 
 
Part of The Gilbertine Institute