What? A course all about The Lord of the Rings??? Hobbits, Orcs, wizards, dashing knights, and powerful elves are all part of the magic created in J.R.R. Tolkien’s famously epic tale, The Lord of the Rings. For years, the vivid characters within this beloved story could exist only in the readers’ minds—until it was adapted into a movie that allowed fans to finally see, through the eyes of Hollywood magic and brilliant technology, the manifestation of these characters onscreen. What does it take to transport these well-known images like Gollum and the Shire from dusty pages to the giant screen? In The Lord of the Rings: An Exploration of the Films & Its Literary Influences, you will see first-hand how classic literature can become modern film and bring the fantasy alive for a whole new generation of believers.
College Essay Writing Workshop
Would you like a last minute pair of expert eyes on your college application or scholarship essay? NWLS College Application Essay Workshop will provide you with the pointed feedback, increased confidence and fine-tuned revisions that will make your application essay stand out from the crowd.
In this workshop you will meet one-on-one with an AP English, National Board Certified teacher who has years of expertise sharpening college application essays. In the two-hour session, you will have the opportunity to receive two rounds of specific feedback and suggestions, plus work time to actually implement the comments. Before you leave, you will email your “final” draft to the teacher, who will provide one final round of commentary/proofreading via email. And then–Poof!! Your college entrance/scholarship essay is ready to be uploaded–no additional proofing required. You will also have an opportunity to read some top-notch essays that have garnered their authors’ entrance into dream schools.
If you are struggling to get started, to clarify, or to revise your essay, this is the workshop for you. All stages of essays are welcomed, and essays for college entrance or scholarships may be workshopped.
Featured Course of the Week!
This week we will be showcasing journalism.
Do you have a passion for current events? If keeping the public informed sounds interesting, consider taking this informative course! Have you been following certain journalists throughout the election process? What makes them a good journalist? Explore the fascinating work of journalism. As always please call us if you have any questions.
Journalism: Investigating the Truth
Are you always the first one to know what’s going on at school or in your town? Maybe your Facebook or Instagram accounts are the reliable place to find the latest breaking news? If so, you are just the kind of person every online, print, and broadcast news outlet is searching for, and Journalism: Investigating the Truth is the perfect course for you! Learn how to write a lead that really “grabs” your readers, interview sources effectively, and write engaging news stories. You will explore the history of journalism and how the modern world of social media can provide an excellent platform for news. Turn your writing, photography, and collaborative skills into an exciting and rewarding journalism career.
This course pairs well with these two companion courses:
Digital Photography I
Have you ever wondered how photographers take such great pictures? Have you tried to take photographs and wondered why they didn’t seem to capture that moment that you saw with your eyes? The Digital Photography I course focuses on the basics of photography, including building an understanding of aperture, shutter speed, lighting, and composition. Students will be introduced to the history of photography and basic camera functions. Students will use the basic techniques of composition and camera functions to build a portfolio of images, capturing people, landscapes, close-up, and action photographs.
Creative Writing
Literature has long been one of our greatest art forms and continues to give voice to our emotions, create imaginary worlds, express ideas, and allow us an escape from the confines of reality. The process of creative writing gives us the opportunity to understand ourselves and the larger world more clearly through personal expression and imagination. As a course, Creative Writing will give you solid footing in the writing process—from finding inspiration, to building a storyline, to utilizing literary techniques, to creating unusual forms of poetic prose. You will learn how to tap in to your own creative process, eventually turning your own ideas into well-developed pieces of original writing.