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Academic Fine-Print for Grownups:
This course offers students an exciting, hands-on journey that blends literary adventure with the rich, spooky worlds of ancient folklore and Renaissance magic. Set against the atmospheric backdrop of haunted Scottish highlands, enchanted Celtic fairylands, and Elizabethan playhouses, your child will step into the role of a myth-hunter to investigate how Shakespeare wove real-world alchemists, creepy witches, and legendary monsters into his greatest plays. Through a mix of imaginative storytelling, lively discussions, and creative exploration, we will discover how ancient myths and timeless characters continue to shape the books, movies, and stories we love today. It’s an engaging, warm environment designed to spark curiosity about history, literature, and the magic of a great tale.
Learning Goals:
Mythological Origins & Folklore: Students will explore the ancient and medieval roots of Shakespeare's greatest stories (from Ovid’s classical romances and Celtic fairyland legends to European woodwose myths and Scottish witch lore) to analyze how timeless motifs endure across generations.
Historical Literacy & Early Science: Students will investigate the real-world history and early modern beliefs behind the plays, including Jacobean witchcraft trials, Renaissance medical philosophy, Elizabethan cosmology, and the practices of early alchemists like Dr. John Dee.
Critical Thinking & Literary Analysis: Students will develop logic and interpretation skills by examining how Shakespeare adapted historical chronicles (such as Holinshed's) and transformed feared household spirits and fate-weavers into theatrical comedy and high drama.
Ethical & Collaborative Dilemmas: Through interactive discussions and creative exploration, students will practice perspective-taking by weighing complex themes like Fortuna versus free will, the cost of ambition, and how human culture uses storytelling to make sense of tragedy and chaos.
For your Curriculum Records, we will cover:
Elizabethan & Jacobean History
History of Science (Renaissance Medicine & Alchemy)
Comparative Mythology & Folklore
Philosophy & Theatrical Cosmology
Literary Adaptation & Narrative Analysis
Dramatic Arts & Cultural History
Dates and Location:
Section A: Ages 8+ will meet Mondays from 2-3pm Eastern, and will run from Monday, January 11 through Monday, March 8. All 9 classes will be held over Zoom.
Class Etiquette: I expect and require gentle, respectful language in my classes, and ask that all students come to class prepared to treat each other with kindness. These classes are a great opportunity for your kiddos to practice social/soft skills, with the underlying perspective that we’re all in this together.