Please note: Classes that are required are listed with a red title and asterisk.
Conceptual Quantum Physics 101 Credits: 3 Level: 1 Instructor: "Instructor Ferraz" Class Description:
A little physics, a little chemistry, a little magic. The term "Quantum Physics" has a specific definition, but it has become synonymous in the Public Mind with "Weird Stuff That No One Understands Except Insane Geniuses." In this class, we will cover the basic concepts of Quantum Physics, which are actually pretty simple, and then go on to join the insane geniuses. The class will help you understand the core ideas of Quantum Physics well enough to explain it to someone else, and to use it in your own metaphysical endeavors.
Required Materials:
None
Estimated Completion Time: 6-8 weeks Prerequisites:
None.
Safety Precautions:
None.
Included Lessons:
Introduction to Cosmology Credits: 2 Level: 1 Instructor: Adeptus Oberon Zell-Ravenheart Class Description:
The great bowl of the night sky—the Celestial Sphere—that surrounds our tiny world has always been a subject of magickal and Wizardly studies. In this Class, we will study the mysteries of the Cosmos, and the ultimate questions: Where did we come from? And where are we going? In this class, you'll receive a brief overview of the many facets of Cosmology, including scientific notation, the big bang, and questions of whether or not we're alone in the Multiverse. You’ll also consider the other aspects of studying cosmology.
Course objectives:
To understand what exponential notation does and why it is used.
To be introduced to the field of cosmology, the cosmos, and some related vocabulary.
To define and know the difference between Cosmology, Cosmogony, and Cosmogenesis.
To consider the possibilities of cosmological study here in the Grey School.
Required Materials:Grimoire for the Apprentice Wizard Estimated Completion Time: 2-3 weeks Prerequisites:
None
Safety Precautions:
None
Included Lessons:
The Stars and Constellations Credits: 2 Level: 1 Instructor: Adeptus Oberon Zell-Ravenheart Class Description:
On a clear moonless night, we can see 2000-3000 stars. From the earliest times, these have been grouped into pictures called constellations (“stars together”). Many of these have myths and stories associated with them, which we will learn in this class.
Required Materials:The Grimoire for the Apprentice Wizard. Estimated Completion Time: Prerequisites:
None.
Safety Precautions:
None.
Included Lessons:
Moon 201: The Science Credits: 3 Level: 2 Instructor: Adeptus Oberon Zell-Ravenheart Class Description:
The moon is the largest, brightest object in the night sky. In this class, you’ll study the science of Earth’s only natural satellite, learning fun facts and little-known trivia as you go. You’ll also learn about the Apollo 11 moon landing, and will hear the voice of the first man on the moon. This class is a pre-requisite for “Moon 301- The Magick.”
Required Materials:
This class will require you to rent and watch the film, Apollo 13. Many people own this film, and it is quite easy to find in video rental stores.
Important note: This class includes required sky viewing. You
must be able to go out at least 1-2 hours after sunset, in order to
have the skies be dark enough for good viewing. You also may not want
to take this class when weather in your area tends to be cloudy, rainy,
etc.
Naked Eye Astronomy 201 (was 101) Credits: 3 Level: 2 Instructor: "Instructor Ferraz" Class Description:
Since the dawn of time, humans have gazed at the night sky. “Naked eye astronomy” refers to observations of the heavens that are conducted without the use of a telescope or other magnifying lenses. In this class, you’ll learn the basics of watching the cosmos, and will think about how to incorporate your observations into your magickal life.
Required Materials:
None. Note, though, that this class includes required sky viewing. You must be able to go out at least 1-2 hours after sunset, in order to have the skies be dark enough for good viewing. You also may not want to take this class during times when weather in your area tends to be cloudy, rainy, etc.
Estimated Completion Time: 1 month (may take slightly longer if night skies are uncooperative). Prerequisites:
None.
Safety Precautions:
None.
Included Lessons:
The History of Astronomy Credits: 2 Level: 2 Instructor: "Dean Kayser" Class Description:
Astronomy is one of our oldest sciences. It dates back to the first people who gazed at the sky and wondered about the heavens. This class will take a panoramic view of astronomy from its earliest beginnings to its current issues. We will investigate some of the discoveries that have been important in the development of human civilization, and we will touch lightly on some of the great people who have shaped the world of Astronomy.
The Solar System Credits: 2 Level: 2 Instructor: Adeptus Oberon Zell-Ravenheart Class Description:
Eight planets revolve around a medium-size yellow star we call the Sun. Together, the Sun, planets, dwarf planets, moons, comets, asteroids, meteorites, and radiation fields make up our Solar System. The “Third Rock from the Sun” is our home: Mother Earth. In this Class we will explore our Solar System from the Sun to its outermost fringes. This is a fun class where you will learn to make astronomical instruments for tracking the motions of the sun and stars.
(See Grimoire for the Apprentice Wizard, pp. 261-269)
Required Materials: Estimated Completion Time: Prerequisites: Safety Precautions: Included Lessons:
Objectives: To learn about the architectural design used by ancient cultures to create observatories for viewing the sun’s, moon’s, major planets’ and stars’ influence on the lives of the people of the time.
Required Materials:
None.
Estimated Completion Time: about one month Prerequisites:
None.
Safety Precautions:
None.
Included Lessons:
Physics 301: Mass, Force and Waves Credits: 3 Level: 3 Instructor: "Dean Meighen" Class Description:
Part one of a (nearly) non-mathematical introduction to the study of Classical Physics and its relationship with magic. Students will explore the concepts of Mass, Force, Gravity, Energy and Waves. Numerous “Thought Experiments” will be conducted in the laboratory of the mind. Emphasis is placed on understanding why Physics works rather than doing math to prove it, and on applying this understanding to the forces at work in magic and spellcasting.
Required Materials:
None.
Estimated Completion Time: 4-6 weeks Prerequisites:
None.
Safety Precautions:
None.
Included Lessons:
Planets 301: The Terrestrials Credits: 2 Level: 3 Instructor: "Instructor Ferraz" Class Description:
Which of the planets reaches a sunny daytime temperature of more than 400 degrees Celsius? On which planet could you experience a rainstorm of sulfuric acid? What planet would you visit to climb the solar system’s largest volcano? Find the answers to these questions and more in this class, as we explore the terrestrial planets: Mercury, Venus, Earth, and Mars.
Required Materials:Grimoire for the Apprentice Wizard and Companion for the Apprentice Wizard.
Estimated Completion Time: 1 month Prerequisites:
None.
Safety Precautions:
None.
Included Lessons:
Planets 501: The Gas Giants Credits: 2 Level: 5 Instructor: "Instructor Ferraz" Class Description:
In this class, we’ll explore the mundane and magickal
natures of the giant gaseous planets: Jupiter, Saturn, Uranus, and Neptune.
Required Materials:
None. One of the assignment options involves watching the film
2010: The Year We Make Contact.
Cosmogony: The Origin and Fate of the Universe Credits: 2 Level: 6 Instructor: "Instructor Ferraz" Class Description:
Cosmogony is the branch
of science that deals with the origin of the universe. In this class, we’ll
talk about some of the noteworthy theories of cosmogony and consider their
foundations as well as the questions they raise. We’ll also consider some of
magickal allegories suggested by the theories of cosmogony.
Note: This class takes a definitive
science-based view of the universe’s origins. Although many people support a
creationist view of cosmogony, that view will not be addressed in this class.
Required Materials:
A balloon (not inflated),
tape measure, masking tape, and permanent marker.
Estimated Completion Time: 1 month Prerequisites:
None
Safety Precautions:
None
Included Lessons:
Farseeing Eye 601: First Light Credits: 3 Level: 6 Instructor: "Instructor Ferraz" Class Description:
All wizards are “seers,” and for hundreds of years, wizards have used telescopes to peer into and scry the heavens. In this class, we’ll explore the nature of light, consider some of the world’s greatest telescopes, and ponder what we can learn from looking into the celestial sphere… and beyond. At the center of these investigations comes First Light, a wonderful book that takes us into the world of the great telescopes and the people who have devoted their lives to exploring the stars.
Homework in this class includes reading, informal written responses, short answers, and work with web sites on light and spectroscopy. The final exam is a combination of reflective (and short) written responses and a single essay involving a bit of outside research.
Required Materials:First Light, by Richard Preston, is a required text for this class. It is available used for $2 or less and available in most libraries. Note: I suggest that you obtain a copy of before signing up for the class. This is a 250-page nonfiction text; it’s highly entertaining and an easy read for anyone with reasonable reading expertise. You’ll find yourself seeing the heavens with new eyes!
Estimated Completion Time: 1 month Prerequisites:
None
Safety Precautions:
None
Included Lessons:
As an apprentice wizard majoring in Cosmology, you are approaching the completion of your Major and the end of your studies. In this class, you will work with the Department Dean or an assigned professor to develop an individual and unique project that summarizes your knowledge in the field. You will use that knowledge to delve further into the field, creating a project of unique merit and worth. You will also work closely with your Professor to consider how to move from studying your Major in the classroom to working with it in real-life.
This class does not accept magister students, as it is the
culmination of the course of studies of the Apprentice Program.
Required Materials:
Required texts and materials: The official textbooks for this Class are the Grimoire for the Apprentice Wizard and the Companion for the Apprentice Wizard. You will also need access to plenty of other books, magazines, and journals, depending on your choice of final project, and it is important that you find and become familiar with your local library, whether in-school or public.
Estimated Completion Time: At least 2 to 3 months Prerequisites:
Prerequisites: Before joining these classes, students must be Seventh Years and majoring in Cosmology, and must have completed all other requirements for the Cosmology Major.
Magister students will not be accepted into this class.
As an apprentice wizard
majoring in Cosmology, you are approaching the completion of your Major and the
end of your studies. In this class, you will work with the professor to carry
out a unique project.
Please note:
1. This is a required class for Cosmology Majors, both
for graduation and Major completion.
2. This class has two sections: Cosmology 799a and Cosmology
799b. 799a is a lecture class, while 799b is a hands-on lab. You must enroll in
both classes simultaneously.
Completion: This class will require at least 2-3
months to complete.
Lessons:
1. Introduction and Class Syllabus
2. Analysis of a Sample Practicum
3. Choosing a Project
4. Creating a Resource List
5. Developing Your Project
6. Making Final Preparations
7. Carrying out the Project
8. Creating a Final Report
9. Marking the Occasion
10. MODEL A: The research project/paper
11. MODEL B: How to design and report on a series of
experiments
12. MODEL C: How
to design and report on a magical activity or collection
13. MODEL D: How to design, engage in, and
report on the results of a hands-on cosmology experience.
14. MODEL E: How to design and report on an outside
or volunteer work project
15. MODEL F: How to create and report on an external publication
16. MODEL G: How to create and report on a public
speaking opportunity
17. MODEL H: How to create a film
18. MODEL I: How to prepare a work of creative writing
19. Appendix A. Creating an Annotated Bibliography
20. Appendix B. Invention Strategies
21. Appendix C. Structuring the Research Paper or Project
22. Appendix D. Proofreading and Revision
This class does not accept magister students, as it is the
culmination of the course of studies of the Apprentice Program.
Required Materials:
Required texts and materials: The official textbooks for this Class are the Grimoire for the Apprentice Wizard and the Companion for the Apprentice Wizard. You will also need access to plenty of other books, magazines, and journals, depending on your choice of final project, and it is important that you find and become familiar with your local library, whether in-school or public. Estimated Completion Time: 2 to 3 months Prerequisites:
Prerequisites: Before joining these classes, students must be in Level 7 or higher and majoring in Cosmology, and must have completed all other requirements for the Cosmology Major.
Magister students will not be accepted into this class.