Course Descriptions

Persona Development

Instructor: Baroness Anastasia Alexandrovna Andreeva, OL

Cost Per Student: $2

Minimum/Maximum: 1/15

Learn how to develop your ideas about what kind of medieval person you are! We

have a handout and worksheet we will be working from. Please have an idea of

what you want to be or at least an idea of what culture and period. You must

attend the class to get the handout.

 

Research and Documentation

Instructor: Baroness Anastasia Alexandrovna Andreeva, OL

Cost Per Student: $2

Minimum/Maximum: 1/15

This is a how to get started with SCA research and documentation. We will

discuss where to go, what to do, and what is expected when you are being judged.

 

Medieval Medicine

Instructor: Baroness Anastasia Alexandrovna Andreeva, OL

Cost Per Student: $4

Minimum/Maximum: 3/8

Herbology as it pertains to the medieval and Renaissance housewife. We will talk

about the basis of medicine during the middle ages and discuss cultures and

periods and recipes. There will be examples to look at and share. An extensive

handout will be provided.

 

Medieval Cosmetics

Instructor: Baroness Anastasia Alexandrovna Andreeva, OL

Cost Per Student: $4

Minimum/Maximum: 3/8

Herbology as it pertains to the medieval and Renaissance housewife. We will talk

about the herbs, where they came from, different cultures and periods and

recipes. There will be examples to look at and share.

 

Expectations of Retinue

Instructor: Maistarinna Ula Brennasdottir

Cost Per Student: $1

Minimum/Maximum: 1/20

An overview of what goes on behind the scenes of a retinue. This class will

cover retinue roles & responsibilities, interaction with Royalty, court

considerations and any other retinue related topics that arise. While the

instructor's experience is primarily with Kingdom level courts the theory

extends to Principality and Baronial levels.

 

Introduction to Double-Faced Tablet Weaving Technique

Instructor: Viscountess Caoimhe ingen Domnaille

Cost Per Student: $3

Minimum/Maximum: 1/6

This form of tablet weaving is a more complex then the forward/back method yet

allows the weaver to recreate a huge proportion of the period tablet weaving

examples. The earliest European example of this technique is an 8th Century B.C.

fragment from Ancient Rome though over the next 1000 years, the majority of

finds come from Northern and Northwestern Europe including; Scandinavia

(primarily within the Migration Period 4th to 7th Century and the Viking Age),

Britain, Ireland, Germany and present-day Russia. This method can be also be

used for creating bands for lettering, numbers, heraldic devices- you name it!

Handout includes instructions on creating, drafting, and weaving your own

patterns.

 

Medieval Embroidery – Six Basic Stitches

Instructor: HL Cerridwen Ravenhawk of Conway

Cost per Student: $2

Minimum/Maximum: 1/10

This class is for the novice as well as the experienced embroider. This is a

hands-on class as well as the history of embroidery in the Middle Ages. You will

learn about the different types of materials, motifs, and stitches used in

different periods. You will learn 6 basic stitches and you will leave feeling

confident that you could start your own project or that you have learned

something new. Please bring a white or light coloured piece of material

(preferably linen or cotton), embroidery hoop and embroidery needle if you have

them and embroidery floss. I will have loaners available if you do not have an

embroidery supplies. If you have a project that you are working on please bring

it and share it with us.

 

Tuning Your Bucket: Singing in the SCA

Instructor: Viscountess Natal'ia Volkovicha

Cost per Student: $2

Minimum/Maximum: 1/10

An introduction to the proper use of your voice for singing in an SCA

environment. We will go over warm ups, cheats, and sneaks that will help you to

use your singing voice without hurting your instrument. Student will be expected

to sing, so bring your confident and beautiful voices to share in the joy of

musical presentation. There will be a short handout which will include some

lyric sheets and discussion of period music, folk music and filking.

 

Survey of Medieval Obstetrics/Maternity

Instructor: Viscountess Natal'ia Volkovicha

Cost per Student: $2

Minimum/Maximum: 1/8

The evidence of overwhelming, simply by the number of people in the world today

- people had babies in the periods we recreate. And while childbirth practices

have definitely come a long way, midwifery was much more advanced than modern

medicine would like to believe. Come learn a little about maternal and neonatal

care in the medieval period. There will be some frank discussion of topics that

may make weaker stomachs queasy. Students should bring a strong stomach, good

sense of humour and note-taking materials. *Not suitable for children*

 

Acting Shakespearean

Instructor: Princess Chiara la Fiamma

Cost per Student: $3

Minimum/Maximum: 2/12

This is a scene-study acting class based on the works of the Bard. Broaden your

understanding of Shakespeare's language and the Elizabethan world as it applies

to the physical, vocal and emotional realization of Shakespeare's Characters.

Please bring pencils, erasers, and wear garb you can move around in.

 

Devising Unique and Suitable Arms

Instructor: Riddari Steinn Vikingsson, Tanist Avacal

Cost per Student: $2

Minimum/Maximum: 1/12

A guide to developing a device which can pass. Viscount Steinn will explain the

various ways a device can be developed and the process involved to get a device

passed. Explanation of requirements of the College of Heralds and ways to meet

these requirements. There will be a picture dictionary which class registrants

can use to design a device. So, there isn't a need to be artistic.

 

Co-ordinating Court

Instructor: Baroness Constance Davies

Cost per Student: $1

Minimum/Maximum: 3/20

Come learn how to run Royal court from Their Royal Majesties' southern court

coordinator! What does it take to run a court? Learn the steps it takes and

bring your questions. A handout will be provided.

 

Introduction to Period Painting Techniques

Instructor: Boyarina Sina Eredeneva

Cost per Student: $2

Minimum/Maximum: 1/8

Come and learn the beginnings of period painting. We will be using ochres (earth

pigments) that are non- toxic. We will be using different binders to compare the

finished products and mixing our own paints. Supplies: please bring your own

paintbrush. If you don't have one, a paintbrush can be purchased from the

instructor for $1. Ochres will be supplied by the instructor to ensure

consistency and non-toxicity. Minors under the age of majority must have their

parents signed permission to attend. No children under 16 years of age.

 

Fealty: What does it mean and how does it affect me?

Instructor: Boyarina Sina Eredeneva

Cost per Student: Free

Minimum/Maximum: 1/20

Come learn about fealty relationships in the Middle Ages and their counterparts

in the SCA. This class will cover the many fealties that are an integral part of

the Society, how they work, what to expect. Also included will be an overview of

the different Orders (both fighting and non-fighting), as well Royal Peers.

Supplies: bring a chair and an open mind. You are welcome to take notes, a

handout will also be provided .

 

Scrimshaw: The Art of Engraving into Bone, Horn or Ivory

Instructor: Mistress Katherine Moore

Cost per Student: $1

Minimum/Maximum: One/Six

This is a late period decorative craft, often associated with whalers and

seafarers, can be documented into 1500's. Learn how to prepare your materials,

mark and ink your design.

Bone and tools supplied, tools may be bought. Bring a chair and your own

magnifying lenses if you need them. Wear appropriate clothing, you will be using

permanent ink! Minimum age: 10.

 

Beginner Drop Spindle

Instructor: Mistress Katherine Moore

Cost per Student: $1

Minimum/Maximum: One/Six

Never been able to figure out how to use a bottom weighted spindle? Come learn

this handy medieval skill! Previous bad experiences ignored. Spindle and

assorted wools supplied, spindle may be bought. Big hanging sleeves are a

disadvantage, please dress comfortably. Minimum age: 10.

 

Haversacks

Instructor: Baroness Caitrin ni Cingeadh

Cost per Student: $2

Minimum/Maximum: Two/Ten

In this class students will learn how to construct and appliqué a design on a

haversack resulting in a finished product by the end of the day (maybe even by

the end of the class). Instructor will have supplies available including wool

fabric and yarn and paper appliqué designs. Student need to bring their own

scissors and needles. Students may also bring their own fabric and yarn if they

wish or choose from supplies available. Note: Straps made of fabric are included

in the class fee but inkle woven straps will be available from the instructor

for an additional $5.

 

Intro to Nalbinding

Instructor: Lady Geira inn Harfagra

Cost per Student: $5

Minimum/Maximum: One/Four

This is an absolute beginner class. If you have any nalbinding knowledge

already, this may not be for you. We will learn a variant of the York stitch,

and work towards making a mitten. For those with allergies, please be aware that

we will be using 100% merino wool. Students should bring a pair of scissors, and

note-taking material if desired. A second class will be added if there is

enthusiasm.

 

In Defense of NOT Turning the Other Cheek: The Medieval Christian Apology

for War

Instructor: Lord Cynewulf

Cost per Student: A curious mind and a ready smile

Minimum/Maximum: One/Twenty

There is an interesting conceptual conflict at the heart of European medieval

culture: it is spiritually dominated by a religion of peace, while also

constantly engaged in warfare. The nations of the middle ages were conceived in

war by warrior kings entrenched in the traditions of the warrior ethos. How did

medieval Christians reconcile the admonition to forgive and `turn the other

cheek' with the pervasive and deeply respected warrior heritage? Join me as I

lead you through the serpent-windings of medieval war theory, justification and

apologetic, surveying the most influential contributors to the discourse, from

the 5th century Roman scholar Vegetius to the 16th century Jesuit priest Suarez.

 

Beginner Card Weaving

Instructor: HL Finna Kettilsdottir

Cost per Student: $10 (includes shuttle and set of cards)

Minimum/Maximum: One/Six

This class is designed for beginners. Students will be taught to warp a set of

cards and weave some basic designs. This will be a fun class to learn the

basics, students will leave with materials to start their next project. Students

should bring a pencil and a pair of scissors.

 

Needle-felting

Instructor: Mistress Yrsa Ketilsdottir

Cost per Student: $3

Minimum/Maximum: One/Ten

Learn basic techniques of needle-felting – anyone can do it! Decorate your

haversacks and coats with this period technique. Students will get to keep

supplies to continue at home. Minimum age 8.

 

Medieval Knitting

Instructor: HL Aelana Cordovera

Cost per Student: $4

Minimum/Maximum: Three/Eight

The earliest surviving samples of knitting are high quality professional work in

silk for Egypt c. 1000 and Muslim Spain c 1275. This work was imported to Europe

for royal and ecclesiastical use. Knitting Madonnas from 1350 show women

knitting at home. A handout and kit is provided with patterns, needles and yarn

to knit an authentic replica change purse.

 

Biomechanics for the Female Fighter

Instructor: HE Gemma Delaroche, Tanista Avacal

Cost per student: $1

Minimum/Maximum:1/6

a class that explores the differences between male and female skeletal

structures. This affects movement, power generation and endurance. We explore

how those diferences, how to be aware of them and how to utilize them to your

own benefit.

 

Basic Blackwork

Instructor: HL Aelana Cordovera

Cost per Student: $2

Minimum/Maximum: Three/Eight

An introduction to basic stitches and instructions for following a pattern. A

handout and kit for a blackwork favour or bookmark will be started in class.

Students should bring their own scissors and clean hands.

 

 

Beyond the Bardic Fire: Period Performance for the Bravery Challenged

Instructor: Hlaford Wulfstan Hrafnsson, Skald of Tir Righ

Cost per Student: TBA

Minimum/Maximum: TBA

This class will introduce students to a selection of period works suitable for SCA bardic performance. Considerations such as research methods and resources and documentation will be discussed and students (and teacher!) will have opportunities to practice in a safe and friendly learning environment.

Cost per Student: TBA

Minimum/Maximum: TBA