Please note: Classes that are required are listed with a red title and asterisk.
Animal Care and Empathy Credits: 1 Level: 1 Instructor: "Dean Kayser" Class Description:
This class is a preparation for students participating in the ACE award, as well as any student interested in working or volunteering in an animal care capacity.
Dragonlore 101: Europe Credits: 2 Level: 1 Instructor: "Dean Kayser" Class Description:
This
class covers the basics of dragonlore and myth in Europe. This is
one of a 6 part study of dragonlore. Other classes will cover dragon
lore in Asia and the Near East, in the Americas, in Africa and
Oceania and modern dragon lore in film and literature.
Dragonlore 102: The Americas Credits: 2 Level: 1 Instructor: "Dean Kayser" Class Description:
This
class covers the basics of dragonlore and myth in the Americas. This
is one of a 6 part study of dragonlore. Other classes will cover
dragon lore in Asia and the Near East, in Europe, in Africa and
Oceania and modern dragon lore in film and literature.
Magickal Zoology 101 Credits: 2 Level: 1 Instructor: "Dean Kayser" Class Description:(See Grimoire for the Apprentice Wizard, pp. 252-260)
Beast Mastery concerns everything to do with animals of all kinds—especially animal communication. This includes knowledge of zoology and the lore of Totems. Beast Mastery includes not only natural animals, but legendary and mythical creatures as well. In this class you will learn the secrets and mysteries of the animal world.
Required Materials:
None
Estimated Completion Time: One month Prerequisites:
One of the assignments involves raising a butterfly. If this class is done during the winter months, or there are other reasons why you can't physically raise a butterfly, then online viewing of the life cycle is acceptable. Another part involves a visit to a zoo to observe the animals in an "unnatural environment."
Safety Precautions:
None
Included Lessons:
Magickal Zoology 102: Working with Animal Energies Credits: 2 Level: 1 Instructor: "Dean Kayser" Class Description:This class
considers animal habits, folklore, and symbolism, and how we can use
that information when working with animal energies. Although much of
this class pertains to Northern American traditions, throughout the
lessons the students will be observing animals that are indigenous to
where the student lives, as well as doing research on some of the more
widespread animal stories and traditional meanings. There are research
projects to do, possible field trips to take, and essays to write. The
final essay asks the students to briefly reflect on interpretations of
animal lore and behavior as studied in the class. Required Materials:There are
no required textbooks or materials for this class. Estimated Completion Time: Approximately 6 weeks. Prerequisites:There are
no pre-requisites for this class. Safety Precautions:
While there are no specific safety warnings, the Grey School of Wizardry is not responsible for any incident that may occur as a result of the misuse of the information in this class.
Included Lessons:
So You Want to be a Brown Wizard? Credits: 3 Level: 1 Instructor: "Dean Kayser" Class Description:Brown Wizards take on
many roles in our society ranging from researchers who want to learn about
animal behaviors to veterinarians who try to heal them, people working in K-9
units of the police or military who train animals to make use of their superior
senses of smell and hearing, stage performers who work with animals in their
performance act, volunteers who work in shelters or activists who work for
better living conditions for mistreated animals, and many more roles. In this
class you will learn about the many ways in which Brown Wizards can use their
skills in either a professional or volunteer setting and what training is
available to you as a budding Brown Wizard to further your skills. As part of
the class you will be required to “job shadow” either a professional or
volunteer Brown Wizard for at least a day. Required Materials:A person to job shadow for at least one day (5
hours or more) as well as necessary transportation for that day. Estimated Completion Time: 2-3 weeks Prerequisites:
None.
Safety Precautions:
None.
Included Lessons:
Bee Mastery 201: Meet the Bees Credits: 2 Level: 2 Instructor: "Dean Meighen" Class Description:
In this class, you will learn about the entomology of bees, especially the various honey-producing bees. You will learn about the importance of bees to our ecology and economy, as well as about various threats bee colonies may face. As part of the class you will learn to build a home for mason bees.
Required Materials:
Materials for making beeswax candle:
22 cm (9 inch) piece of wick
1-2 beeswax sheets (about 20x40 cm, 8x16 inches)
Scissors for trimming wick
Additional materials for optional activities and a cooking activity as indicated in the lessons.
Estimated Completion Time: 4 weeks Prerequisites:
None
Safety Precautions:
Care should be taken in the handling of the scissors in the craft
project. If you wish to observe live bees, do so only from a safe
distance and preferably behind glass.
Included Lessons:
Birdwatching 201 (was 101): Backyard Credits: 2 Level: 2 Instructor: "Instructor Mitchell" Class Description:
Introduces the concepts of birdwatching, useful tools, use of store-bought houses and feeders, simple bird anatomy and physiology, and identification of common backyard species. This is a “gateway class,” one that will open the door to other classes, Majors, Minors, and departmental awards.
Notes: Make sure that you register for this class at a time of year when birds are present and active around your home. This class includes work done during the 2006-07 Winter Bird Count Challenges by GSW students Cashew, Filia Chironis, Luna Silverstone, Tigersmoondiva, and Xander Gael.
Required Materials:Grimoire for the Apprentice Wizard. You’ll need a
place to feed/water and to watch birds—ideally in your own yard, but
another location close to your home would also work. You’ll also need
simple materials for watering or feeding birds.
Estimated Completion Time: 1 month Prerequisites:
None
Safety Precautions:
None
Included Lessons:
Birdwatching 202 (was 201): Caretaking Credits: 2 Level: 2 Instructor: "Dean Meighen" Class Description:
In this class, you’ll learn about feeding and watering birds, and will consider what helps create successful bird habitat. Fieldwork within the class will include working with different bird foods and observing birds in their natural habitat. For your final project, you’ll set up, maintain, and observe a feeding station for two-three weeks, and will report on your results.
Required Materials:
Grimoire for the Apprentice Wizard and Companion for the Apprentice Wizard, plus the birding field guide of your choice. I recommend The Sibley Guide to Birds, by David Allen Sibley, ISBN 978-0679451228. You’ll also need the materials needed to make a simple feeding station (this can be as simple as a metal pie plate and a rock), two separate kinds of seed, and a camera to take pictures of the finished project. You’ll submit your photos by email or classic mail. Make sure to register for this class at a time of year when birds are present and active around your home area. (If you can’t watch birds, you can’t pass the class!)
This class includes work done during the 2006-07 Winter Bird Count Challenges by GSW students Cashew, Luna Silverstone, Xyaida, and Lodge Ghost, Lord Richter.
Estimated Completion Time: 1 month Prerequisites:
Birdwatching 201: Backyard
Safety Precautions:
Apprentices should wash their hands well after working with birdbaths or bird feeders.
Included Lessons:
Blessed of Bast: Cat Myth, Magick and Lore Credits: 2 Level: 2 Instructor: "Dean Stefanowicz" Class Description:
“I am Cat and I walk alone and all ways are the same to me.” ~Rudyard Kipling, The Cat Who Walks By Himself
This class discusses the mystical, enigmatic kitty in the realms of myth and magick. Here you will learn about sacred cats and cat deities, cat myths and lore, and cat magick.
Dragonlore 203: Asia and the Near East Credits: 2 Level: 2 Instructor: "Dean Kayser" Class Description:
This
class covers the basics of dragonlore and myth in Asia and the Near
East. This is one of a 6 part study of dragonlore. Other classes
will cover dragon lore in Europe, in the Americas, in Africa and
Oceania and modern dragon lore in film and literature.
Dragonlore 204: Africa and Oceania Credits: 1 Level: 2 Instructor: "Dean Kayser" Class Description:
This
class covers the basics of dragonlore and myth in Africa and Oceania.
This is one of a 6 part study of dragonlore. Other classes will
cover dragon lore in Asia, in Europe, in the Americas and modern
dragon lore in film and literature.
Required Materials:
Access
to a copy of Destination
Truth, Season 1,
Episode 3 (Ropen/Chupacabra), Season 1, Episode 5
(Mamlambo/Tokeloshe), Season 2, Episode 3 (Wild Man and Swamp
Dinosaur), Season 2, Episode 9 (Haunted Cave/Burrunjor), Season 2,
Episode 13 (Ninki Nanka/Kikiyaon).
Estimated Completion Time: 4 weeks Prerequisites: Safety Precautions: Included Lessons:
Magickal Zoology 201: The Magickal Bestiary Credits: 2 Level: 2 Instructor: "Dean Kayser" Class Description:
In addition to the “natural” animals you can find in zoos, woods, fields and pets shops, there is a world of legendary and mythical beasties which have not been cataloged by zoologists. Some of these are creatures of legend that have been reported but not yet captured, while others may be entirely fanciful. And some are mythical versions of animals we know, as wildly interpreted and imaginatively illustrated by those who were unfamiliar with them.
Required Materials:Grimoire for the Apprentice Wizard, Companion for the Apprentice Wizard Estimated Completion Time: 4 weeks Prerequisites:
None.
Safety Precautions:
None.
Included Lessons:
Totems And Familiars Credits: 2 Level: 2 Instructor: "Dean Kayser" Class Description:(See Grimoire for the Apprentice Wizard, pp. 252-257)
Totems are animal species that you strongly identify with. That is, if you were an animal yourself, what kind would you be? A Familiar is an individual living animal with whom you are deeply connected and psychically bonded. Your Familiar should be attached to you specifically, and not just a family pet.
For this class, it is nescessary that you have a familiar. If you cannot keep animal companions, please do NOT sign up for this class.
Required Materials:
An animal companion to live with you.
Estimated Completion Time: One month for the main course, but a lifetime of experience with your companion! Prerequisites:
None
Safety Precautions:
None
Included Lessons:
Dragonlore 305: Modern Literature and Gaming Credits: 3 Level: 3 Instructor: "Dean Meighen" Class Description:
This class covers modern dragonlore in literature and in traditional RPG gaming. This class is part of a 7 class course in Dragonlore. Other classes include Dragonlore in Asia, in Europe, in the Americas, in Oceania, in the Natural World and Modern Dragonlore in Film and Videogaming.
Required Materials:
Students will have to pick several of the following to read:
Book list:
The Hobbit by J.R.R. Tolkien
The Neverending Story by Michael
Ende
Harry Potter and the Goblet of
Fire by J.K. Rowling
Dragonsdawn by Anne McCaffrey
Fanuihl by Daniel Hood
Streams of Silver by R.A.
Salvatore
Dancing with Dragons by Patricia
C. Wrede
The Dragon and the George by
Gordon R. Dickson
Sojourn by R.A. Salvatore
Dragons of Autumn Twilight by
Margaret Weis and Tracy Hickman
Elvenbane by Mercedes Lackey and
Andre Norton
The Last Dragonlord by Joanne
Bertin
Heart's Blood by Jane Yolen
Joust by Mercedes Lackey
Deathgate I: Dragon Wing by
Margaret Weis and Tracy Hickman
Journey to the West by David
Kheridan
Eragon by Christopher Paolini
Eddie's Blue-Winged Dragon by C.
S. Adler
Voyage of the Dawn Treader by C.
S. Lewis
The Loch by Steve Alten
Mistress of Dragons by Margaret
Weis
Dragon Quartet by Marjorie Kellogg
The Dragon DelaSangra by Alan Troop
His Majesty's Dragon by Naomi Novik
Estimated Completion Time: 6-8 weeks Prerequisites:
You must have taken and passed both Dragonlore 201 and 202 to take this class.
Safety Precautions:
None
Included Lessons:
Dragonlore 306: Modern Film and Video Gaming Credits: 3 Level: 3 Instructor: "Dean Meighen" Class Description:
This class covers modern dragonlore in film and in video RPG gaming. You must have taken and passed both Dragonlore 201 and 202 to take this class. This class is part of a 7 class course in Dragonlore. Other classes include Dragonlore in Asia, in Europe, in the Americas, in Oceania, in the Natural World and Modern Dragonlore in Literature and Traditional Gaming.
Required Materials:
Students must watch several of the following:
Film List:
Neverending Story (1984)
Final Fantasy: Advent's Children
(2005)
Dragonheart (1996)
Dragonheart: A New Beginning
(2000)
Mulan (1998)
Reign of Fire (2002)
Harry Potter and the Sorcerer's
Stone (2001)
Harry Potter and the Chamber of
Secrets (2002)
Harry Potter and the Goblet of
Fire (2005)
Pete's Dragon (1977)
Dragonslayer (1981)
Flight of Dragons (1982)
Dungeons and Dragons (2000)
Spirited Away (2001)
Saiyuki Vol. 1 (2003)
Yu-Gi-Oh! The Movie (2004)
The Lord of the Rings: The Return
of the King (2003)
The Hobbit (1977)
The Cave (2005)
Dungeons and Dragons: Wrath of the
Dragongod (2005)
Fullmetal Alchemist (any volume)
Loch Ness (1996)
Lair of the White Worm (1988)
Dragonstorm (2004)
Dragonworld (1994)
Godzilla (1998)
Q- The Winged Serpent (1982)
Record of Lodoss War (1990)
Inuyasha Vol. 2 (2002)
Quest for Camelot 1998)
Sleeping Beauty (1959)
Shrek (2001)
Estimated Completion Time: 6-8 weeks Prerequisites:
You must have taken and passed both Dragonlore 201 and 202 to take this class.
Safety Precautions:
None
Included Lessons:
Paleontology 301: When Dragons Roamed Credits: 3 Level: 3 Instructor: "Dean Kayser" Class Description:
This one in a series of five classes focusing on paleontology, or the study of prehistoric animal life. This class will be an introduction to the basics of paleontology and the major theories surrounding dinosaur life and extinction. Other classes include The Saurischians, The Ornithischians, Early Mammals and Ice Age Mammals.
Required Materials: Estimated Completion Time: 4-6 weeks Prerequisites:
None
Safety Precautions:
None
Included Lessons:
Pride and Pard: The Beautiful Big Cats Credits: 2 Level: 3 Instructor: "Dean Kayser" Class Description:
This class covers the big cats of the world and big cat conservation. Developed orginally by Lynn Santer.
Required Materials: Estimated Completion Time: 4-6 weeks Prerequisites:
None
Safety Precautions:
None
Included Lessons:
Do
you own a rabbit’s foot and believe that it will bring you luck? Has your path
ever been crossed by a black cat and something bad happened to you afterwards?
Is it myth or fact that animals can sense danger? Many people have beliefs that
certain animal behaviors predict certain events. In this class, we will explore
many of these beliefs to determine if they are true omens or mere
superstitions.
Required Materials:A
scanner or digital camera to digitally reproduce any work you want to submit in
graphic format.
Dragonlore 407: The Natural World Credits: 3 Level: 4 Instructor: "Dean Kayser" Class Description:
This class covers dragons in the natural world. While it is not required, you may benefit from having taken the previous classes in this series. This class is part of a 7 class course in Dragonlore. Other classes include Dragonlore in Asia, in Europe, in the Americas, in Oceania, Modern Dragonlore in Literature and Classical Gaming and Modern Dragonlore in Film and Videogaming.
Required Materials: Estimated Completion Time: 4-6 weeks Prerequisites:
None
Safety Precautions:
None
Included Lessons:
Wolf Lore 401: Eurasia Credits: 2 Level: 4 Instructor: "Dean Kayser" Class Description:
This class will explore the basics of wolf behavior, as well their impact on humanity both as power animal and ascompetitor. Wolf Lore 402 will cover wolf lore in America and modern wolf lore in film and literature.
Required Materials:Optional Materials: Never Cry Wolf; book OR movie
Estimated Completion Time: 1 month Prerequisites:
None
Safety Precautions:
None
Included Lessons:
Birdwatching 501: Avian Superstars Credits: 2 Level: 5 Instructor: "Dean Meighen" Class Description:
In this class you’ll meet the superstars of the bird world: the fastest, smallest, biggest, most prolific, best talkers, longest-lived, furthest-traveled, and more. The class also features an overview of mythical birds, as well as those linked to Gods and Goddesses.
Required Materials:
No required texts. Some assignment options will involve watching films:
either Winged Migration, the 1-hour “Mountains” or “Ice World” sections
from Planet Earth (a miniseries that ran on the Discovery Channel in
2007), or March of the Penguins. All are readily available for purchase
and rental through multiple sources.
Estimated Completion Time: 1 month Prerequisites:
None
Safety Precautions:
None
Included Lessons:
Space Invaders: The Mortal Perils of Alien Fauna Credits: 3 Level: 5 Instructor: "Dean Kayser" Class Description:Invasive species have become an increasingly
difficult area to deal with in nature, as many habitats are shrinking and
animals are becoming threatened or endangered. In this class, we will focus on
invasive animal species (there are also invasive plant species). You will learn
which animals are considered invasive and for which habitats and what is being
done about them. You will conduct some research to determine whether the area
you live in has any invasive animal species and how you can become involved in
their eradication. Required Materials:A scanner or digital camera to digitally
reproduce any work you want to submit in graphic format. Estimated Completion Time: 6 weeks Prerequisites:
None.
Safety Precautions:
None.
Included Lessons:
You have nearly completed your major in Beast
Mastery. This Practicum Lecture Class, along with the Practicum Lab Class, will
be your final step toward your Major. In this class, you will explore how you
can make Brown Wizardry a part of your life outside of the Grey School. Note: You
must enroll in both sections at the same time: The Practicum 799a: Lecture and
the Practicum 799b: Lab.
This class does not accept magister students, as it is the
culmination of the course of studies of the Apprentice Program.
Required Materials:
None
Estimated Completion Time: 3 months or more Prerequisites:
You must be at Level 7 of your studies and have
completed all required classes for the Beast Mastery Major before enrolling in
this class.
Magister students will not be accepted into this class.
Safety Precautions:
None
Included Lessons:
Beast Mastery 799B: Practicum Lab Credits: 3 Level: 7 Instructor: Adeptus Oberon Zell-Ravenheart Class Description:
You have nearly
completed your major in Beast Mastery. This Practicum Lab Class, along
with the Practicum Lecture Class, will be your final step toward your
Major. Here, you will synthesize all of the knowledge attained while studying
to be a Brown Wizard, and you will prepare to embark on your Journeyman
adventure. While taking the class, you will interact one-on-one with your
Professor, and you will plan and execute a unique project in your chosen field
of interest. Note: You must enroll in both sections at the same time:
The Practicum Lecture 799a, and the Practicum Lab 799b.
This class does not accept magister students, as it is the
culmination of the course of studies of the Apprentice Program.
Required Materials:
Depends on chosen project.
Estimated Completion Time: 3 months or more Prerequisites:
You must be at Level 7
of your studies and have completed all required classes for the Beast Mastery
Major before enrolling in this class.
Magister students will not be accepted into this class.
Safety Precautions:
Safety precautions will depend on the nature of the practicum work
chosen. Always be careful when working with or being around animals, especially
wild and/or injured animals.
perfect