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GSW Clock Tower
3 Oct 2023, 5:49 am

Department of Beast Mastery Class Listing

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.


Required Materials: None.
Estimated Completion Time: 1 week
Prerequisites: None.
Safety Precautions: None.
Included Lessons:

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.


Required Materials:

None


Estimated Completion Time: 4 weeks
Prerequisites: None
Safety Precautions: None
Included Lessons:

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.


Required Materials:

None


Estimated Completion Time: 1-2 weeks
Prerequisites: None
Safety Precautions:

None


Included Lessons:

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.


Required Materials: None
Estimated Completion Time: 1-2 weeks
Prerequisites: None
Safety Precautions: None
Included Lessons:

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.



Required Materials:

None


Estimated Completion Time: 1-2 weeks
Prerequisites: None
Safety Precautions: None
Included Lessons:

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:


  1. The Hobbit by J.R.R. Tolkien

  2. The Neverending Story by Michael Ende

  3. Harry Potter and the Goblet of Fire by J.K. Rowling

  4. Dragonsdawn by Anne McCaffrey

  5. Fanuihl by Daniel Hood

  6. Streams of Silver by R.A. Salvatore

  7. Dancing with Dragons by Patricia C. Wrede

  8. The Dragon and the George by Gordon R. Dickson

  9. Sojourn by R.A. Salvatore

  10. Dragons of Autumn Twilight by Margaret Weis and Tracy Hickman

  11. Elvenbane by Mercedes Lackey and Andre Norton

  12. The Last Dragonlord by Joanne Bertin

  13. Heart's Blood by Jane Yolen

  14. Joust by Mercedes Lackey

  15. Deathgate I: Dragon Wing by Margaret Weis and Tracy Hickman

  16. Journey to the West by David Kheridan

  17. Eragon by Christopher Paolini

  18. Eddie's Blue-Winged Dragon by C. S. Adler

  19. Voyage of the Dawn Treader by C. S. Lewis

  20. The Loch by Steve Alten

  21. Mistress of Dragons by Margaret Weis

  22. Dragon Quartet by Marjorie Kellogg

  23. The Dragon DelaSangra by Alan Troop

  24. 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:

  1. Neverending Story (1984)

  2. Final Fantasy: Advent's Children (2005)

  3. Dragonheart (1996)

  4. Dragonheart: A New Beginning (2000)

  5. Mulan (1998)

  6. Reign of Fire (2002)

  7. Harry Potter and the Sorcerer's Stone (2001)

  8. Harry Potter and the Chamber of Secrets (2002)

  9. Harry Potter and the Goblet of Fire (2005)

  10. Pete's Dragon (1977)

  11. Dragonslayer (1981)

  12. Flight of Dragons (1982)

  13. Dungeons and Dragons (2000)

  14. Spirited Away (2001)

  15. Saiyuki Vol. 1 (2003)

  16. Yu-Gi-Oh! The Movie (2004)

  17. The Lord of the Rings: The Return of the King (2003)

  18. The Hobbit (1977)

  19. The Cave (2005)

  20. Dungeons and Dragons: Wrath of the Dragongod (2005)

  21. Fullmetal Alchemist (any volume)

  22. Loch Ness (1996)

  23. Lair of the White Worm (1988)

  24. Dragonstorm (2004)

  25. Dragonworld (1994)

  26. Godzilla (1998)

  27. Q- The Winged Serpent (1982)

  28. Record of Lodoss War (1990)

  29. Inuyasha Vol. 2 (2002)

  30. Quest for Camelot 1998)

  31. Sleeping Beauty (1959)

  32. 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:

Animal Omens
Credits: 2
Level: 4
Instructor: "Headmaster Kingsley"
Class Description:

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.

 


Estimated Completion Time: 6 weeks
Prerequisites: None.
Safety Precautions: None.
Included Lessons:

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 as competitor. 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:

Beast Mastery 799A: Practicum Lecture
Credits: 3
Level: 7
Instructor: "Dean Meighen"
Class Description:

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.

 


Included Lessons:

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