Literature Classes

Classes have no set fee. Donations are appreciated (write checks to Northland Words).
To register, E-Mail or call Kristi Elker at 287-0555

Class Registration Form

Please register by September 1

Galatians, Ephesians, Philippians, Colossians

Tuesdays 6:30 - 8:30, September 7 - November 23
Location: 2647 59th St. NW, Rochester, Home of Elker Family

This is not "Bible Study" in the sense that there is a formulated curriculum from a prescribed doctrinal standpoint. We assume that people in the room will hold widely divergent views about the Bible in general and about these books in particular.

We want to look at these letters simply for what they say--fully aware that even if we can really do that, what the letters "simply" say is hardly their only merit. This is neither scholarly exegesis nor a remotely exhaustive survey of what's been said about these books. It's an opportunity to read the books as simply as we can and talk with others about what we hear. In fact, the main reason we're having this class in the evening is the hope that more parents will join us to talk through these books with their kids and in a group. It's certainly not necessary that parents participate--but it would be wonderful!

Squirrel! Flying with Style to Pixar and Beyond: The literary and philosophical significance of the Pixar Movie

Fridays 3:30 - 5:30, September 10 - November 19
Location: 1430 Pahama Ct. NW, Rochester, Home of Slater Family

We'll examine the literary and philosophical significance of each Pixar film, as well as the difference between our taste and any objective realities that transcend that taste. We'll also talk about--and practice--how to articulate our thoughts, both orally and in writing. We'll expect participants to write literary essays.

When Henry Fielding published England's first full length work of fiction in 1742, the new form was criticized by many serious literary types. It was, they said, devoid of artistic style, it was "mere entertainment." They could prove it was entertaining, of course. But it's hard to find proof about the "mere" part.

The new style was so revolutionary, that it came to be called simply (and dismissively) a "new." (Well, we use a Latinate version of the word: novel.) Yet in the 258 years since its beginning, the novel has become the normative art form for written art, as the great literary novels of Dostoevsky, Tolstoy, Faulkner and Joyce attest.

It probably won't take 258 years from the 1903 release of The Great Train Robbery for important literary opinion to take movies just as seriously as we take Dostoevsky's novels today. More people may (unfortunately) wonder whether Disney's 1937 Snow White will be seen as a serious landmark in literary development. But some of us can't see why the fact that a story is drawn (like the Mona Lisa or the Sistine Chapel ceiling?) rather than written, is a reason to dismiss it as a "mere" children's story.

Our discussions will not be opportunities to simply assert that Pixar movies are great or congratulate each other about how well we like them or quote our favorite lines. Nor will this provide trivia game fodder for the fan-mag minded. Rather, we will try to understand why we like them. And whether we "should."