University of Atlantia

Where we find the artifacts indicating that tablet weaving was performed, what are those artifacts and when and where do they indicate tablet weaving was practised.

An introduction to being a royal retainer for those currently serving as a retainer, may possibly be a retainer in the future, or wonder what the people standing behind the big chairs are doing.  We will discuss the responsibilities, etiquette, and expectations as well as the benefits of serving your royals or baronage in this position.

Students will appreciate a hands-on approach to making a simple mead by understanding and mixing the three basic components of mead: water, honey, and yeast.  Students will also learn how to take and use measurements to manage the mead making process.

A Pas d’Armes is the most formal and elegant form of a tournament. Even a simple pas requires quite a bit of dash to accomplish well. And a full-on formal pas is a challenge to all: The organizers, the participants, and yes, the heralds. To do it right, there cannot be only one! This session will endeavour to acquaint the student with what is necessary and what is desirable in the matter of being the herald-in-charge of a formal Pas d’Armes. References will include King René’s Book of the20Tourney and other historical and SCA authorities on the subject. At the completion of the course, the student will understand the requirements of a Pas and be fully prepared to lead, coordinate, and instruct the heralding thereof. Well – anyway, they’ll have some idea of what they’ll need to do!

This class addresses basic teaching skills as well as making potential instructors aware of learning style diversity. Activities will include completing a learning style assessment and developing a structured lesson plan for a class of their choice.

Please bring normal lined paper notebook paper if you want to practice. This class will cover the basics of Gothic calligraphy including styles and penmanship skills

This class will cover clothing, education, religion and life of the Khazars who lived in the region of the Khazar Sea, now called the Caspian.  Noted for the high level of education, tolerance of all faiths, elected government, arts, trade, and fierceness in battle.  The Khazars were a bulwark to the flow of Islam into Europe and slowed the movement of the Rus (Vikings) into the south.  Will cover the period from 750-1100AD.

No partner needed, no experience needed, just a desire to have fun, and learn something new. Dances will depend upon interest of the participants. Possible dances include: Gelosia, Anello, Petit Vriens, and Amoroso

A hands-on introduction to rapier fighting covering basic stance, attacks, and defense, as well as drills and things you can do to around the house to practice. Students are encouraged to bring an SCA legal rapier fighting foil, epee, or heavy rapier.

This class was born of desperation.  Too many women wanted me to make them a camica, and I simply could not answer their requests other than to teach them to make their own.  This is an entirely hands-on class, so bringing the needed materials is necessary. We'll cut and at least begin a basic Venetian woman's camica, and look at documentary evidence for embellishment and alternate shapes. Students must bring approximately 5 yards of 3.5 oz (or finer) white linen or comparable other fiber, tailor's pencil (or a regular one if you're ok with marking cutting lines with one); Sewing machine, scissors, yard stick, general sewing implements. Without these materials it will be impossible to make good headway in finishing the project. An extension cord would be helpful.

This class is a discussion of various glass beads found within the timeframe of 500 to 1100. We will look at different cultures and their beads and how those cultures are similar and dissimilar to each other. By looking at different types of beads, we can further our understanding of specific types of jewelry used to compliment garb.

An overview of some of the different possibilities of performing Anglo-Saxon poetry, including recitation, chant and song. Discussion on the role of improvisation in both poetry and accompaniment. Bring an instrument if you care to.

This is the required course to become warranted as an Atlantian Minister of the Lists.

Imagery from pre-history through 1600, as well as collaborating archeological references and a small amount of contemporary records present a complete template for making thread/yarn from wool as it was made prior to 1600. Wool is processed and spun differently from linen, and this class will focus on the identification of tools and methods used to create wool thread /yarn.

The fastest way to warp your cards for two color tablet weaving. One hour. Demonstration and then each student will warp a set of cards

A discussion of the job and expectations of a head retainer.  What can you expect as a head retainer or ask of your head retainer?  How can you avoid burn out of yourself or your retinue?  What kind of organizational tips and tricks can be employed to make the job easier?  Also, how can you effectively communicate with the royals or baronage, retinue, and others with whom you will be interacting?

A brief overview of the theory of Galen’s medicine, which was prevalent in period.  This class started when someone asked why period cordial recipes were what they were – definitely not a modern sipping cordial!  This class will be somewhat informal, more of a conversation than a lecture.  While the instructor is a brewer, she has experience in Traditional Chinese Medicine and homeopathy as well, and will offer her experience in comparative alternative medicines to help shed light on how medieval Europeans might have thought about medicine.

Been to War and seen someone's spiffy Heraldic display, but thought such was beyond you? Ever wanted to know how it was done in period and how to do it in the here and now? We'll take a quick trip down Heraldry Lane to see some period examples of Cool Heraldic Spiff (tm), then discuss some practical, perfectly attainable means whereby you too can show off your arms to the Known World! No prior heraldic experience needed; bring a graphical depiction of your arms and learn how to up your Spiff Factor.

Intended for someone who has never been to Pennsic before, this class discusses how to get ready for the event. Topics include selecting a camp, pre-registering, what to budget for, how to pack, safety considerations and what to do when you first arrive

This one is for beginners who have wondered how those intricate interweaving borders were done. hands on class. no artistic talent needed. Knotwork is not just for scrolls.

This will cover the style of theater popular in Italy in the 16th Century, originally as street theater then becoming Court sponsored throughout Europe. It will deal with the origins, stock characters, and scenarios. It will address the improvisational nature of Commedia. The class will note the further development of Commedia after period and in the Society today.

These easy dances come from 16th century France.  No partner needed, no experience needed, just a desire to have fun, and learn something new.  Possible dances include: Horse's, Maltese, Washerwoman's', Scottish, and Pease Branles

An overview of mead’s beginnings in Europe:  what we know about honey and honey-based alcohol up to and in period, what we think we can say (and what we cannot say) about mead as used in rituals, referenced in literature and mythology, and evidenced in archaeology.  A lot of the references date in prehistory, but I guarantee we will not venture past 1600 AD.

A brief overview of Scottish archery from the late Middle Ages to 1600,  drawn from accounts of battles and historical resources. Also to include suggestions on equipment and garb, plus a few comments about medieval Scottish football, the great kilt, and Sir William Wallace.

Heraldry need not be only for the field... in this class we will discuss ways to combine heraldry and food.

How it was made, how you can make it. Materials Fee: There will be an optional fee for the handouts to cover printing costs

Want to know how to run the most popular tournament styles in Atlantia?  Want to know what the MOL's do with all of those index cards?  This class will discuss how to properly run the elimination-style tournaments used in the Kingdom

At the Inns of Court in 16th century London gentlemen learned a set of 9 dances. Queen Elizabeth danced these at their revels. no experience necessary

This class will teach the body mechanics and timing of Capoferro’s scanso della vita and scanso del pie dritto, two body voids with a counterthrust in single-time. Students must bring a fencing mask and a heavy rapier, preferably at least 40” long.

Medieval  spindlers, whether with a spindle and whorl, or a wheel, used a different process to create thread/yarn than modern spinners.  This class will focus on reproducing the physical process of spindling (spinning with a spindle and whorl) based on imagery from pre-history through the Renaissance.  The class is open to everyone, whether you've never spun or have been spinning for years. The class will focus solely on spinning, with a brief (

Now that they've warped the cards, teach them how to use them. I will provide each student with a cheap and easy student loom, (a board with two sticks in it), demo how to set up the weaving, show them the basics, and let them fly

A three part class on 1) identifying and testing materials, 2) historical uses, 3) advantages of each type. A variety of samples will be on hand to learn more about fabric.

This class is aimed at the newer member of the SCA, or someone just starting out in the fascinating science of making their own garb. In this entirely hands-on class, we will measure, cut, and possibly sew up a quick pair of pants that will get you through until you are ready to do a real "Pair of Pants" - or maybe longer if you don't like that whole not-sewn-all-the-way-up feeling. Students must bring 3-4 yards of medium-to-heavy weight pre-washed fabric, sewing machine, measuring tape, general sewing implements. Without these materials, progress on the project cannot be made. An extension cord would be helpful.

Class will cover the basic terms, definitions, requirements, procedures and paperwork a person should be familiar with to successfully "pull off" an event and be considered a good autocrat by your seneschal. A handout with checklists and suggestions will be offered to every attendee as well as the opportunity to offer personal opinions about what makes an event a "good" event (and probably have your words become part of the upgraded handout).

This class will cover the making and care of brushes.  $5 for materials.  CD available $10

The purpose of this class is to provide pointers to fighters seeking to improve their physical and mental skills to perfect their game, whichever that game may be. The principles that will be discussed in this class apply to heavy and light fighting, as well as any other martial art that you may be interested in. As the name of the class indicates, this is a holistic approach to fighting and we will be discussing proper nutrition, various forms of exercise, as well as traditional and non-traditional methods of preparing your mind and your body for a bout – be either practice, pick-up or competition.

The discipline specific required training class for rapier MITs or for rapier marshals wishing to satisfy their every 2 years training update. Learn the process of becoming a rapier marshal, recent and upcoming rules changes, and get your marshaling questions answered.

Information about combat archery on the rapier melee field. This includes an overview of the rules for both combat archers new to the rapier field, rapier fighters wanting to learn combat archery, and rapier fighters who just want to learn about combat archery.

You can't plan for every contingency...sometimes you can only roll with the punches.  This class is one cook's journey through madness, mayhem and the (now) ridiculously funny.

This class will discuss and go over the forms and procedures used in the growing Atlantian Youth Combat divisions.

An introduction to casting metals.  Lecture will cover materials, preparation, carving, casting and clean up.

Learn English Country dances that are done in square formation. Possible dances include: Hearts Ease, Rufty Tufty, Hyde Park, St. Martins, Parson's Farewell. Actual dances will be determined based on interest of the class. No partner needed, no experience needed, just a desire to have fun and learn something new. Musicians are always welcome.

Not everyone has time to make knotted lace or bobbin lace. This class teaches students how to make lovely edgings and insets of lace with a technique that is compact and convenient for travel. This lace is made using a needle, instead of the shuttles used in the Victorian era.  This lace making technique has many theories behind its beginnings which will be briefly discussed during the class.  Students will receive a ball of thread, pack of lace making needles, and patterns for lace edgings to practice with.  Students will also learn about other ways to use this technique in garb and costume embellishment.  Students are asked to bring a pair of scissors.

The class will look at the basic tools and supplies needed for historical shoe and pouch making. The class will cover leather types and suppliers as well as construction methods.

This is an introductory Tudor fashion class aimed at the specific garments worn by women during the first half of the 16th century.  Construction techniques and embellishment options will also be discussed.

The class will cover the heraldic use across the Islamic world including but not only the Mamluk use traditionally covered in the Society. It will discuss the Islam wide concepts of color and symbols. It will discuss the heraldry of the Mamluks (as a function of their society). It will discuss the Islamic-Christian crossovers in Spain. Finally, it will discuss the Turkish use of heraldry for both the Sultan’s splendor and for Military purposes. A summary of heraldry in the Islamic world today will follow.

Long before the Europeans tried it, glass was being decoratively engraved in the middle east. Materials Fee: There will be an optional fee for the handouts to cover printing costs of color handouts.

So you made Cheese and now you don't know what to do with it. We will discuss how you can use cheese in feast and recipes.

This is the discipline specific class required to become a Youth Armored Combat marshal. This class along with Field Marshalling 201 are the required classes to become a Youth Combat Marshal in Training (MIT).

The basics of how to sit Troll for an event. This class is intended for those who wish to help out at Troll, but not be in charge.

This class would cover some basics of herbs and oils useful at an event. I would like to cover everything from sunburn to muscle strain. I could offer a more advanced class for those that have a working knowledge of some herbcraft. I could also offrer a workshop on distillation of essential oils. I am a nationally certified massage therapist with 12 years of training in herbs and essential oils. I can provide handouts and or cds of class notes.

The recently discovered Gresley manuscript (ca. 1500) contains instructions for 26 previously unknown English dances, eight of which are accompanied by music. We will learn several of these dances, including Eglamour, Prenes in Gre, and a new reconstruction of Ly Bens Dystonys.

This class will teach an effective method for interpreting period documents via close reading for meaning that can be applied to any text from any era, though the focus of the class will be fencing manuals. Instructor is a professional English teacher. Class size is limited to 15 to allow for an adequate teacher-to-student ratio, but all are welcome to audit the class should it fill.

Basic Requirement to Become a Group Exchequer

This class covers basic etiquitte and format for a bardic circle.  Useful for those attending for the first time or thinking of running one.  Also included will be an updated copy of my novice's bardic songbook, with a CD of myself singing the songs so students can learn the tunes.   Opportunities to sing and tell stories will be available.

An overview of basketry in the ancient and middle ages with instruction in how to make a coiled basket using easily available natural materials.

This class will cover the definition and nature of mercenaries during the devastation of France between 1347 and 1400.

A whirlwind tour of plague, leprosy and syphilis in the Middle Ages and Renaissance, examining both modern and historical viewpoints. 

Learn about the armorial styles popular in the late period German areas of the Holy Roman Empire, including some things that you don't see very often elsewhere.

We are looking at the many uses of pewter in period – Utensils, pilgrim badges, etc.

This will be an overview of the various styles of multi-course harps used during the Renaissance period of music along with recordings of styles played on reproduction versions of these instruments. Yes, chromatic music was alive and well and uite playable on harp during the Renaissance.

We will discuss the steps of forming a new branch in the Kingdom of Atlantia including the required paperwork, suggested membership totals, timeframe, etc.  We will also talk about the challenges and rewards of going from being a prospective branch to an incipient branch to a full status branch.

This class would demonstrate the basics of making ointments, salves, tinctures, and tonics. I could also offer a class on the art and history of distilling essential oils. This class would demonstrate the process of distillation and show historical references to this process.

We'll discuss sources, instrumentation, and performance practice for music from the Middle Ages briefly, then play and sing some of the best surviving melodies together. Selections will be drawn from the trouvere and minnesinger repertoires, the Notre Dame conductus, the Cantigas de Santa Maria and other sources. Bring recorder, guitar, harp, drum or other instrument (or just your voice), as well as a music stand if possible.

Melees are often described as organized chaos. Learn how to get more organization and less chaos. We'll cover the duties and skills needed to be a small unit commander as well as be the mid or overall leader of an army. From a framework to put it all together to drills to help you improve your leadership, you should walk away being able to take charge of any army in 15 minutes or less.