Boadicea
King Arthur
Grace O'Malley
King Canute
Pocahontas

... who were the people behind the legends?

When did they live? What did they stand for? Why was it important for them? And what does all this have to do with us?

Through stories, riddles, poetry, myth, and legend, learn how to bring the past to life.

Find out what we can learn from people whose stories have come down through the centuries.

Read about the characters. Learn to tell their stories. Use the information you find to enhance your creative writing and study skills.

In this course, you'll be encouraged to find parallels between the past and the present that are meaningful to you - and you'll learn about the structures in our society that have evolved as a result of some of the issues some people cared enough about that we're still tellling stories about them today.

About Leon

The course is offered by Leon Conrad, a riddle-writer, and word-weaver, who works as a creative writer, editor, storyteller, voice teacher and educator steeped in the wonder and wisdom of the traditional integrated and integrative classical liberal arts, and is a keen supporter of living traditions, including living traditions of oral storytelling. He is author of several books including Aesop The Storyteller (Aladdin's Cave Press, 2008), a collection of 12 versified Aesopic fables, and History Riddles (Liberalis Books, 2013). He is currently working on two books: Bible Riddles and The Unknown Storyteller. The latter is the culmination of a five-year research project into the dynamics of how story stories.

Requirements

Students will need standard stationery supplies, and access to digital resources, including word processing softward and EITHER a digital shared workplace OR a hard copy A4 ring-file binder with dividers. In both cases, they will need facilities to upload clear scans or pictures of homework tasks. All courses will be taught on line in a specialised learning environment - a fast broadband connection is advisable. Some background reading will be required.

Accessibility and Flexibility

Content will be adapted to individual levels and interests as much as possible. Special needs students can be provided for (please contact the tutor to discuss before enrolling) and assessments can be handed in via video rather than in written format, with videos uploaded to YouTube or WeTransfer and shared via private link on this site.