University Atlantia # 48 (December 4, 1999)

The December session of the Atlantian University will be hosted by the Barony of Tir-y-don on December 4th, 1999. The site is Ferguson Hall on the campus of Christopher Newport University in Newport News, VA.

Additions, Changes, and Cancellations

Registration and Classes:

Registration and a list of classes is available through the University Chancellor and her staff. Mistress Keilyn FitzWarin, Beth Morris, 7814 Morning Glen Lane, Alexandria, VA 22315, (703)339-1109, email university@atlantia.sca.org

Hotels:

We have a great deal with the Days Inn Oyster Point. $55.00 per night for as many as you can fit. (Note -- Virginia law limits it to 5 people.) This is a wonderful hotel with a heated pool open year round. Lots of extras. Hotel reservations can be made at 1-800-873-2369. Please say 'SCA' when making your reservations. Reservations must be made by 12 November 1999. We have 50 rooms so please make reservations early. A list of other hotels in the area is available from the site autocrat.

Directions to Hotel:

From All Points (except Marinus): Take you best route to I-64 East to Newport News, Virginia. Take exit 256A to Oyster Point Rd. Turn left at the first stoplight - Canon Blvd. Turn right at 2nd stoplight - Middle Ground, 2nd left on Fishing Point Dr. The hotel will be on the right.

From Marinus - Take your best route to I-64 West to Newport News. Take exit 258A (Rt. 17 South). Turn right at the 1st stoplight onto Diligence Drive. Right at the 2nd stop light onto Thimble Shoals Blvd and right at 2nd stop light onto Fishing Point Drive.

Directions to the Site:

From All Points: Take your best route to I -64 East to Newport News, Virginia. Take Exit 258A (Rt. 17 South). This road is also called "J. Clyde Morris Blvd." * You will pass Riverside Hospital on your left. At the next light turn right onto Warwick Blvd. Make the next left onto Shoe Lane. The site is immediately on the left. It looks like an old high school.

From the Hotel: Turn right out of hotel. Turn right onto Thimble Shoals Blvd. Turn left on Jefferson Ave. Turn left onto J. Clyde Morris. Follow from * above.

Contact information:

Site Autocrat: Mistress Adelicia of Cumbria, Carolyn Prickett. 453 Mayfield Place, Newport News, VA 23608. Phone 757-833-3139 (before 9:30 please). Email: addie@stonegate.net.

For any and all University specific information please contact the University staff.


Welcome to the 48th Session of the University of Atlantia!

Given the success of our earlier experiment, we are asking that any class fees be paid directly to the instructor at the class session. We hope that this will smooth out registration and bookkeeping for instructors, attendees and the University staff. However, if you pre-register for a limited enrollment class and are unable to attend, please contact us (or send word that day) so that someone else may take your spot and the instructor is not out the cost of supplies.

Lunch will not be provided on site. Please bring your own or plan to purchase it locally (there are restaurants nearby).

Thank you to Mistress Tannis, Countess Adelicia, and the folk of Tir-y-Don for hosting this session and to Dr. Mario Mazzarella of Christopher Newport University for securing the site for us.

My humblest thanks to Mistress Thjora for her labors in pre-registration, Lady Elisabeth for her kindness in laying out the University catalog and Master Gregory for maintaining the University website, where will be posted any class additions, changes or cancellations. The University website can be found at: http://www.pbm.com/~lindahl/atlantia/university_atlantia.html I also deeply thank Princess Kyneburh and Lord James, Earl Mika, Baron Tirloch, Baroness Beatrice and Lady Quenthryth,, and Lady Tehair for preparing tracks of classes for this session.

You can preregister by email by sending your names (both Society and modern), address, whether or not this is your first University, and a list of classes you plan to take to university@atlantia.sca.org or by USPS using the form included in the catalog and sending it to Kirsten Niemann, 2303 Arbor Drive, Richmond, VA 23222. You may, of course, register on-site, but then you risk the chance that a class you wish to take will already be filled. As a rule, we will try not to over-fill most classes, and pre-registrants get first crack!

The next session of the University will be hopefully be held in the spring, again hopefully at a site in the northern part of the kingdom. The following session, in the summer, will be held in the west-central region of the kingdom (e.g., Caer Mear, Isenfir, Black Diamond, Drachentor, etc.). The winter session for 2000 will once again be in the southern portion of the kingdom. If you are interested in hosting or teaching at a subsequent session of the University, please contact the Chancellor.

And now, without further ado, the Classes!

10:00 AM

All classes are one hour in length, unless otherwise noted in the course description.

101-A Scribe's Toolbox (Enid nic Eoin). A presentation and display of the supplies and resources used by an active scribe, including: a discussion of alternative materials for illumination and gilding; types of brushes, pens, and paper; and supplies used in an 'emergency kit' for taking scribal supplies to events. Some printed materials and a bibliography will be supplied. (2 hours).

102-Making the Medieval Turn Shoe: 800 - 1450 AD (Gawain Kilgore). In this class you will learn how to: make a pattern to fit your foot, turn this pattern into the pattern for a medieval shoe, cut out your leather, and learn the proper period construction / sewing techniques to recreate a medieval shoe. The cost for the kit for the class will be $15.00. It will include the leather, awl, needles and thread needed for construction of your shoes. Class limited to 15 participants. (full day).

103-Introduction to Making Wound Glass Beads (Caitlin Cheannlaidir and Rhyannon sion Donnachaidh). This is a chance to try, hands-on, the lampworking technique for making wound glass beads. Wound glass beads are found throughout the Middle Ages, and using lampworking one can duplicate almost any type of wound bead. There will be a brief demonstration, followed by a chance to sign up for half-hour slots to try it yourself. In addition, information will be available about La Compagnia dei Maestri del Vetro, the Glassworkers' Guild. Hands-on participants are asked to bring safety glasses if they have them, and to wear clothing safe around flame. Everything else is provided. There is a $6.00 fee for hands-on materials and handouts. Class limited to 12 participants. (2 hours).

104-Dining with Platina (John le Burguillun). The life of Bartolomeo de Sacchi, an overview of De Honesta Voluptate, and a sampling of redacted recipes from this 1475 book on health and well-being.

105-Tablet Weaving the Easy Way (Anna Ridley). Interested in tablet weaving but dislike the amount of time it takes to set up a project? The continuous warping method can be set up in about 10 minutes and used for all period styles of weaving. This class will explain the continuous warping method and give examples of period projects that can be done with this method. Kit fee: $5.00. Class limited to 10 participants, but auditors are welcome.

106-Casting with Positive Masters (James Byrum of Hereford). This lecture class will cover several techniques for making copies of existing items. The techniques discussed will include period techniques such as sand casting, lost wax casting, and modern adaptations like RTV. These techniques are suitable for a variety of metals-from pewter to brass and bronze.

107-Bawdy Poetry (Ceridwen ferch Owain). [ CANCELLED ]Poetry is not only for stories of chivalry and epics of great import. It is a mechanism for whiling away an evening, and was quite bawdy from time to time. This class will be a study of the less lofty poetry of the Middle Ages, specifically the French bawdy poetry, but may extend to some Welsh sources and other blush-worthy pieces.

108-Minister of the Lists (MoL) 101 (Morwenna of Oakleigh). Which forms are for what? How many of these temp cards do I need? Exactly what are my responsibilities for paperwork and reporting? An attempt will be made in this class to get a hold on the Great Beast Paperwork, and explain the basics of the office of Minister of the Lists. Long-time MoLs, and people considering taking over the office for the first time -- Aall are welcome!

109-Fletching Modern and Period Target Arrows (Tnek the Ainissestor). Discussion and construction of modern and period style arrows for SCA target competition. Due to limited availability of equipment, only a few arrows will be made during the class. Fee: $3.00.

110-The Loathly Damsel: The Sin of Pride and the Test of Courtesy (Deirdre O'Siodhachain). [ CANCELLED ] This class offers a look at some of the stories in Arthurian literature where the presence of the Loathly Damsel-that absolutely hideous but wise woman-is used to reveal failures in knightly conduct and point out the remedy.

111-Wood Turning, Part 1 (Findlaech Mac Alasdair). This class will discuss the history and technology of wood turning and some of the basic tools and techniques used by turners.

11:00 AM

204-Illusion Food (Janina Krakowska z Cambion). Illusion food-what it is, how it was used in period, and techniques to create your very own edible tromp d'oeil!

205-Beyond Basic Blackwork (Beatrice LaGrave). Suggested for those who already have a working knowledge of double running stitch, and a basic (or better) knowledge of blackwork. This class will focus on some of the more advanced uses of blackwork, including overall patterns and filling stitches, as well as discussion of the materials, applications, and finishing techniques. Materials fee: $1.00.

206-Casting with Negative Masters (Kyneburh Boithuile). This lecture class will cover several techniques for making molds by carving out the desired shape, requiring no positive or original master. The techniques discussed will include stone molds, cuttlefish bone, and other carvable media. The techniques discussed in this session are suitable only to metals with low melting temperatures, such as pewter and lead.

207-Chaucer (Bran Trefonnen). This class will examine the full range of poetry written by Chaucer, with special attention to his use of language and treatment of common themes, as well as discuss his style and use of typical poetic devices. Class will also discuss his impact on English literature and poetry in particular.

208-Minister of the Lists: The Dreaded Tourney Tree (Adelicia of Cumbria). Umm -- So His Grace wants to run a magic tourney with 57 participants, but wants to narrow the field with an Ansteorran-style double-elimination the first four rounds, and he has just handed you a golf pencil and a sheet of paper. He'd like to see the initial byes and would like an estimation of rounds in five minutes, so he can present the tourney to Her Majesty for approval. AUGH! Tourney trees can be your friends, it just takes some practice. Class will learn to set up basic trees, and delve lightly into the more complicated trees.

209-Making a Flemish Bow String (Gregge the Archer). Learn to make a bow string. It is recommended that you bring your bow so you can properly size the string. There will be a small fee for materials. Class limited to 6 students.

210-A Sharp Wit and a Quick Tongue: Exercises for improving storytelling skills (Ruaidhri an Cu). The class will participate in exercises which may be used to overcome the hazards of forgotten lines, interruptions, lack of audience attention, etc. Notes on the exercises will be provided. Class limited to 20 students.

211-Wood Turning, Part 2 (Findlaech Mac Alasdair). This class will examine different types of wood and the fundamentals of turned furniture design and construction.

12:00 Lunch

1:30 PM

301-Period Pieces, Patronage, and Society for Creative Anachronism (SCA) Scrolls (Katherine Sharpe). A study of examples of period manuscripts and documents for their personal elements and how to relate these elements to personalize SCA award scrolls. Handout fee: $0.50.

302-Casting Practicum (James Byrum, Kyneburh Boithuile et al). This class will demonstrate the techniques of casting and give you a chance to make your own molds. The techniques demonstrated will include sand casting (positive masters) and casting in a stone mold (negative master). Previous casting experience is not required to take this class, newcomers to casting are encouraged to attend one of the morning lectures to gain an understanding of the process. A brief overview will be provided at the start. Students are encouraged to bring eye protection (goggles or face shield) and to avoid loose sleeves or fancy clothes-casting can get messy. Kit fee: $5.00. Class limited to twelve 12 students. (2 hours)

303-Advanced Lampworking: Making Millefiori, Custom Filigrana, Cased Stringer, Latticino Cane, and Examples of their Applications (Deborah la Viaggiatrice). In this class you will learn how to create: a simple millefiore cane for cutting into millefiori slices; custom filigrana and cased stringer, a colored core encased by a clear layer or a colored core encased with a transparent second color; and latticino, a multi-color, twisted cane made from two or more rods of different colors allowing the creation of stringer with delicate barber pole patterns which can then be applied to the surface of a bead. This will be followed by applications of these different techniques. (2 hours).

304-A 1577 English Beer (Thomas Longshanks). Researching, documenting, developing and brewing the 1577 beer recipe in William Harrison's Description of England. For the average homebrewer, doesn't require ability to produce cask-conditioned beer. Covers interpretation of the original recipe, medieval weights and measures, recipe formulation, approximating period ingredients, achieving a period-style beer without special equipment, documentation, and evaluating the result. By the end of the course, the student will have a better understanding of how to read and interpret period brewing recipes, how to scale and formulate a modern recipe for a period-style brew, and how to document for competition. Novice brewers welcome. (2 hours).

305-Elizabethan Embroidery (Beatrice LaGrave). For beginning needleworkers, this class will teach the basic stitches used in the 16th century-including back, braid, chain, coral, couching, French Knots, long and short, running, satin, seed, split, and stem stitches, as time allows-and some suggestions for their application. Materials fee: $1.00. Class limited to 10 students.

306-Double-Face/Double-Turn Tablet Weaving (Megan O'Donnelly and Herveus d'Ormonde). The double-face/double-turn tablet weaving technique allows the weaver to create arbitrary patterns in two colors. This class will discuss the technique as well as drafting patterns. This will be followed with hands-on practice. Students should be familiar with basic tablet weaving. For the hands-on portion, students will need a short warp (one yard is sufficient) of twenty cards or so (more is OK). The instructors can provide weaving materials if contacted in advance (herveus@ radix.net, 301-464-8375). Class limited to 6 participants. (2 hours).

307-Kennings: Sea Steeds and Swan Roads (Aileen McDonagh). Have fun with twisty metaphors! Learn the verbal equivalents of Viking gripping beasts!! Practice retelling your war stories so no one can understand what you are saying!!! We will discuss the metaphors used in 13th century Icelandic poetry, and come up with some of our own.

308-The Gothic Cathedral: A Prayer in Stone (Minowara Kiritsubo). The aim of this class is to give the student a feeling for what it is like to walk through a Gothic Cathedral and sense the strong feeling of spirituality that the architecture, sculpture, stained glass and altar fittings convey. We will, through a multi-media presentation, examine the aspects of the Cathedral, looking at examples from France, Germany, and Italy, where the Gothic Cathedral was at its best. (2 hours).

309-Inspection of Archery Equipment (Mika Longbow). Class will consist of bow and crossbow inspections, how to conduct inspections, with samples of what to look for.

310-Conflict Checking (Evan da Collaureo) This is a class for heralds interested in improving their submission skills by learning how to check the SCA Ordinary and Armorial for conflicts. Class meets at the Heraldic Consulting Table.

2:30 PM

401-The Geometry of Celtic Design: Spirals (Margaret Cameron). One of the more fantastic and complex methods of Celtic design, the spiral, is actually quite simple to draw. Learn how to use a compass to draw your own spirals. Discover the trick of mapping out spirals within spirals. Although there will be a brief discussion of the spiral as it is incorporated into historical manuscripts, this class for beginners is primarily hands-on. All materials will be furnished by the instructor. Class limited to 8 students.

405-Italian Renaissance Clothing Defined (Cassandra Dubhlachlen). The Renaissance lasted for over 300 years, from before 1300 to 1600. So when we talk about Italian Renaissance clothing, what are we really looking at? This class will define the different clothing styles for both men and women, their periods, and the differences between the Republics and city-states of the area now known as Italy. A brief over view of styles from surrounding countries will also be presented.

407-Latin for Rank Beginners (Caitlin ni h'Arrachtain). No prior knowledge of Latin required! Learn some basic Latin grammar and vocabulary, and pick up a few new things to say at events.

409-What Archers Wore (Gwynhefar Ywein and Ursula d'Arcy). An historical look at what archers wore. as well as a look at what works in the Society today.

410-Introduction to SCA Horsemanship (Lora Greymare). A general survey of the various equestrian activities offered by the SCA.

411-Heraldic Consulting Practicum (Evan da Collaureo). Learn what actually goes on at the heralds' table by helping do it! Get hands-on experience under the guidance of several of the kingdom's heralds. Class limited to 4 students, meets at the Heraldic Consulting Table. (1 hour).

3:30 PM

501-Aunt Addie's Basic Sewing Tips (Adelicia of Cumbria). This class is for the absolute beginner or someone who would like a refresher on the basic concepts of sewing. We will talk about types of fabric, seams and seam allowances, ironing, choosing the right needle, etc.

502-Casting Practicum (James Byrum, Kyneburh Boithuile et al). Another session of the casting practicum-see description for Class 302 above. Students may take either or both sessions. (2 hours)

503-How to Carve an Atlantian Pearl Medallion out of Soapstone: An Introduction to Soapstone Carving and Finishing (Deborah la Viaggiatrice). In this class you will learn how to carve and finish soapstone. The pattern and materials provided will be for an Atlantian Pearl medallion. Tools will be provided for use during the class. Materials fee: $3.00 materials fee. Class limited to 6 participants. (2 hours).

504-A 14th Century Catalan Cookbook: Le Libre de Sent Sovi (Thomas Longshanks). An introduction to this cookbook and to Catalan cuisine of 1323. Places the cookbook relative to other medieval western European cookbooks. Covers contents of the cookbook, techniques, utensils, ingredients, and service of the cuisine. At the end of the course, the student will have an overview of the cookbook and general understanding of the 14th century Catalan cuisine and its place in food history. Will include a demonstration and tasting. (2 hours).

505-The Fencing Doublet (Margaret Cameron). Learn how to construct a "period" fencing doublet from scratch. This course will explore fencing armor specifications, choices of materials and using period patterns. Students will learn how to get a custom fit by draping, working from patterns in Janet Arnold and Juan de Alcega. Please bring two yards (preferably heavy) 45" wide fabric for a pattern, pins, sewing scissors, needle and thread. Fee: $1.00. Class limited to 6 students.

506-The Atlantian Pages Program (Ceridwen ferch Owain). This class is for parents and young people alike who are interested in the new Pages program. It will be an overview of what the program has in store for the young people of Atlantia, as well as how parents and other interested parties (chatelains and others) included fit in.

507-Women as Patronesses of the Poetic Arts (Anastasia di Firenze). A discussion of the female patron-poet relationship and how such patronage determined the subjects of poetry, the relationship of the poet to the court and even the language used.

508-Hosting the Equestrian Event (Quenthryth of Laure). Equestrian activities add a whole new dimension to planning an event. The equestrian marshal is responsible for almost all aspects of equestrian activities the day of the event and must be included in many aspects of planning. However, the autocrat is ultimately responsible for any event. This class outlines a typical equestrian event with specifics that directly affect event planning, including finding a site and the additional costs and paperwork of insurance.

509-Beginning Archery (Collum Maxwell). Hows and whys for the beginning archer. Will cover how to shoot from the ground up.

510-Basic Heraldic Devices (Peter Hawkyns). This class will provide a brief introduction to the materials and tools that people in the SCA have at their disposal for the construction of their devices. It will become as advanced as time and understanding allow. By the end of the class, a viable device will be constructed on the board by the class that, if one of the class members wishes, may be claimed as his or hers.

4:30 PM

601-Aunt Addie's Garb Refurbishment (Adelicia of Cumbria). Are you tired of that old garb? Are you poor and don't want to buy new cloth? Come to this class and learn how to turn that old Anglo-Saxon into a cotehardie and other amusing topics. Also, do you have design disasters? Bring them for a way to fix common problems.

606-History of Dolls (Assar merch Owen). Overview of the history of dolls in Europe from Classical Antiquity throughout period with emphasis on the15th and16th centuries. Some discussion of the development of European doll houses in late 16th century. Lecture includes showing reproduction examples. Handout fee: $0.50.

607-Dost Thou Know Thy Neighbor? A look at Serial Murder in the Middle Ages (Caterina de Forza D'Agro). Is Serial Murder a 20th century phenomenon? Current experts in Forensic Psychology speculate that serial killings in early and medieval history gave rise to superstitions and myths about werewolves, vampires, and other supernatural predators. This lecture examines some of the evidence available to support this theory. WARNING: CONTAINS STRONG LANGUAGE AND GRAPHIC DESCRIPTIONS, SUITABLE FOR ADULTS ONLY. You must be at least 18 years of age to attend this class.

608-The SCAdian Equine (Beatrice von Staufen). An overview of the type of horse, equipment, and training suitable for SCA equestrian activities

609-How to Run an Archery Event (Lorenzo il Confuso). Planning, setup, rules, and scoring of an archery tourney.

610-Basic Name and Beginning Order of Precedence (Eogan Mac Alpein). Learn how to choose a period name and document it for submission; also learn about how the Order of Precedence works


"And gladly wolde he learn, and gladly teach." -Geoffrey Chaucer


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