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Welcome to another segment of New Ideas for Mother Academia! The purpose of this series is to share five ideas for women to dig deeper into their continued education. I especially like to seek out free resources because I want to prove that you can seek out wisdom without having to spend any money. I hope you’ll share what you’ve been reading and learning too!
1 // A BIOLOGY REVIEW
If it’s been awhile since you’ve taken a science class, Getting Up To Speed In Biology from MIT may be a good fit for you! The course introduction says that this course “will also be useful for anyone preparing to take an equivalent college-level introductory biology class elsewhere. It includes lecture videos, interactive exercises, problem sets, and one exam.” This is the textbook, but you can usually find cheaper used copies on Better World Books or ebay.
2 // GREGORIAN CHANT
Learn Gregorian Chant with Laus in Ecclesia, translated by a monk of Clear Creek Abbey. “Each of the 15 lessons teaches chant theory, assists with practical vocal or rhythmic exercises, and offers a written assignment.” There is even a correspondence course!
3 // A DEEP DIVE INTO OUT OF THE SILENT PLANET
Dive deep into C.S. Lewis’ science fiction novel, Out of the Silent Planet! As you read, you can follow along with commentary from The Literary Life Podcast’s three part series.
4 // FAERIE AND FANTASY
I was excited to discover this unique 14 week lecture series with Corey Olsen, the Tolkien Professor. (I read his book, Exploring J.R.R. Tolkien’s “The Hobbit”, early in 2024 and really enjoyed it.) This goal of this course was to “explore[d] the medieval Faerie-story tradition and examine[d] the modern fairy-tale and fantasy genres that grew from it.” Some of the required readings include:
- “The Wife of Bath’s Tale,” from The Canterbury Tales
- Sir Gawain and the Green Knight
- Andrew Lang’s Fairy Books
- The Princess and the Goblin
- The Lion, the Witch, and the Wardrobe
- Sabriel
5 // MATERNAL ATTACHMENT
How about dabbling in a little psychology? In this five lecture series, “Dr. Emily Burdett…explores psychological theories of attachment as the close emotional bond formed between two individuals.” Sounds intriguing.
You are so resourceful and well read. I aspire to be the level or resourceful that you are. For now, I will enjoy your recommendations. Thanks for these resources.
I’m a big believer in the idea that little steps make a big life. My days are busy, so I fit reading in where I can and intentionally choose to limit how much media I consume. Those ten/twenty/thirty pages eventually add up! I’d love to hear what you’re reading and learning about.
As a grad student, I totally resonate with how ten/twenty/thirty pages add up. I started reading What Money Can’t Buy at your recommendation but recently decided to set it aside. I heard great things about Smart Girls Marry Money by Elizabeth Ford – it’s got a cheeky title but it seems to engage with a viewpoint that is often misunderstood. As someone who is unmarried, I especially appreciate hearing different perspectives.
I totally agree about hearing different perspectives. Our worldviews expand and the new information helps solidify or tweak our existing beliefs…all good things! I haven’t read What Money Can’t Buy yet (my list is getting longer and longer by the day, ha!) and am curious to hear your thoughts on Smart Girls Marry Money.
I just finished reading SGMM, and while it was definitely an interesting read, I found myself disagreeing with many of the author’s points. At times, the thesis of each chapter felt contradictory to the one before, likely due to the catch-22s inherent in many of her arguments. Overall, I wouldn’t say it’s worth the read, but it did help me work through and better understand her line of reasoning and challenge ideas.
Thanks so much for the mini review!