ONLINE LEARNING
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Online Seminars
Emily Wilson’s Iliad
$250.00 – $500.00 Learn More This product has multiple variants. The options may be chosen on the product page -
Online Seminars
Poetry of World War I
$175.00 – $350.00 Learn More This product has multiple variants. The options may be chosen on the product page
Seminars
Our seminars are everything you love about learning with Classical Pursuits — focus on the text, emphasis on exploring meaning together, and a leader who asks questions to get you thinking — in virtual form. Online or in person, you’re part of a convivial community that gathers to read, watch, listen to and discuss compelling literature, art, music and film. Study works that move, unsettle and inspire.
Classical Pursuits offers a rare experience in continuing education. We deliberately differ from courses where a lecturer is teaching you about a topic. While our practiced leaders give context and help participants “think out loud”, the real teacher is the book, poem, painting or piece of music you’re studying.
At Classical Pursuits, we are always learning in community. We work together toward deeper understanding. If this kind of learning is new for you, know that you are not alone! We are always welcoming first-time participants, and can offer extra support to help you get started. Click here for more tips on preparing for seminar discussion.
You don’t need any previous study or specialized knowledge to participate in any of our seminars. The only prerequisites are to do the reading and come with a sense of curiosity.
Free Presentations
Flash Fiction | Fridays at 5 p.m. Eastern | Free!
Join longtime San Francisco Great Books Council leaders Louise DiMattio or Louise Morgan for a one-hour discussion of a classic or contemporary short story, with a selection that changes weekly. Explore a range of authors and genres. Bring your favourite drink and enjoy chatting with other readers.
How to join Friday Flash Fiction: To receive the recurring Zoom link email Susan at info@classicalpursuits.com. Please keep the Zoom link handy.
- June 27: “Switzerland” by Nicole Krauss.*this is the last session before summer break!
- June 20: “The Queer Feet” by G. K. Chesterton
- June 13: “Where the Water’s Deepest” by Claire Keegan
- June 6: “About Love” by Anton Chekhov
- May 30: “Gooseberries” by Anton Chekhov
- May 23: No session this week. Enjoy your weekend!
- May 16: “The Man in a Shell” by Anton Chekhov
- May 9: “The Hermit’s Story” by Rick Bass
- May 2: “Men and Women” by Claire Keegan
- April 26: “The First Seven Years” by Bernard Malamud
- April 18: No session this week. Enjoy your Easter weekend.
- April 11: “Home Sickness” by George Moore
- April 4: “The Surrogate” by Tessa Hadley
- March 28: “Community Life” by Lorrie Moore
- March 21: Three stories by Kate Chopin
- March 14: “The Fix” by Percival Everett
- March 7: “Wilhelmina” by Constance Fenimore Woolson
- February 28: “A Thousand Years of Good Prayers” by Yiyun Li
- February 21: “Patriotism” by Yukio Mishima
- February 14: Friday Flash Fiction is “on pause” this week. We’ll be back February 21.
- February 7: “The Boat” by Alistair MacLeod
- January 31: “Airmail” by Jeffrey Eugenides
- January 25: “Foster” and here as well, by Claire Keegan with guest leader, Wendy O’Brien
- January 17: “The Bouquet” by Charles W. Chesnutt
- January 10: “Victory Lap” by George Saunders
- December 20: “Everything That Rises Must Converge” by Flannery O’Connor
- December 13: “Absolution” by F Scott Fitzgerald
- December 6: “Big Blonde” by Dorothy Parker
- November 29: No session this week. Enjoy your Thanksgiving weekend!
- November 22: “The Midnight Zone” by Lauren Groff
- November 15: “Fleur” by Louise Erdrich
- November 8: “Written in Stone” by Catherine Brady
- November 1: “The Facts in the Case of M. Valdemar” by Edgar Allan Poe
- October 26: “Everyday Use” by Alice Walker
- October 18: “A Priest in the Family” by Colm Toibin
- October 11: Friday Flash Fiction will be taking a break this week. We’ll be back Friday, October 18
- October 4: “What Was It?” by Fitz-James O’Brien
- September 20: “Silent Snow, Secret Snow” by Conrad Aiken
- September 13: “Shingles for the Lord” by William Faulkner
By participating in any Classical Pursuits program, you are agreeing to abide by our code of conduct.
