ONLINE LEARNING
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.
Sign up for multiple seminars and save! Learn more about our Frequent Reader program.
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Online Seminars
A Motherlode of Tales: Jan Potocki’s Manuscript Found In Saragossa
$400.00 Learn More
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 Classical Pursuits director Melanie Blake or 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.
- 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.
