Good Omens...And Bad: Prophecy in Theory and Practice, Class Two

[a-phale.livejournal.com]

Monday, September 11, Period 1

This morning the table is set with scones, tea and coffee, just as it was last week. Once the class is settled in, Aziraphale begins to speak.

“Today’s discussion is on the major historical figures associated with prophecy. As I am only familiar with Earth history of my own world, I apologize if I leave out someone you feel ought to be on the list. You are welcome, however, to add to the discussion and introduce the class to anyone you feel has been overlooked. And also, do keep in mind that this is only a listing of the most notable figures. A discussion of everyone throughout history who has been considered a seer of some sort would take far longer than a single class period. Please also keep in mind that I am not attempting to put any sort of seal of approval on these people. Whether or not they were ‘true’ prophets is not the point of this discussion.”

LECTURE:
Deganawidah
Delphic Sibyl
Edgar Cayce
Jesus of Nazareth
John of Patmos
Madame Blavatsky
Merlin
Mother Shipton
Muhammad
Nostradamus
Saint Malachy
Shirdi Sai Baba

In-class assignment:
If you haven't already done so outside of class, form groups of three or four and begin discussing ideas for your group project. Your proposals are due on Friday of next week.

Homework assignment:
Write a brief essay about an experience you had with a person who was connected in some way with prophecy – a seer, a fortune-teller, the subject of a prophecy, etc. This person does not have to be a “professional” prophet, neither do you have to have believed in the truthfulness of the prophecy. For example, you could write about the time you had your palm read at the fair, or the time you met the author of a book on prophetic dreams, or about an oracle you once visited, or a religious seer whose prophecy affected you personally. You have two weeks to complete this assignment, as it will not be due until September 25.

Before the class departed, Aziraphale informed them that he had two announcements to make. "First..." He looked a bit disappointed. "I will need some form of written excuse from Mr Constantine, in order to excuse his absence last week. Second, and this is much better news: we will be embarking on a field trip with another class in November, to Las Vegas. You'll be receiving permission slips to be signed within the next couple of weeks."

Syllabus
Class Roster
Classes Linkdrop

[ooc: Please wait for the OCD is now up.]

Comments

Re: TALK AMONGST YOURSELVES

[likethegun]

Sam was taking a good deal of notes, although a lot of them were more notes to himself of things to look up later than specific notes from the class.

Re: TALK AMONGST YOURSELVES

[saltandammo.livejournal.com]

Dean had been surprised to see his brother walk into class and the first chance he got he sat down near him and poked him. "You're here."

Re: TALK AMONGST YOURSELVES

[likethegun]

"Yeah. I couldn't let you get away with taking the same number of classes as me," he teased, smirking.

Re: TALK AMONGST YOURSELVES

[saltandammo.livejournal.com]

"Yeah, can see where that might threaten your geekboy title," Dean said. "So prophecy huh?"

Re: TALK AMONGST YOURSELVES

[likethegun]

Sam nodded. "I started thinking about it when Dawn showed me her notes for the class, with the dream journal and all. And then you were talking about it, and I just figured, why make you do all the work when I could join the class and help too?"

Re: TALK AMONGST YOURSELVES

[saltandammo.livejournal.com]

"Have to admit, the thought of trying to get you to write down your dreams for the dream journal part of the class work instead of doing my own did cross my mind," Dean said.

Re: TALK AMONGST YOURSELVES

[likethegun]

"That struck me as a pretty smart idea, even if I don't like thinking about my dreams after I have them. And now you can focus on your own dreams." Sam smirked softly. "Just try not to traumatize the teacher with how dirty your mind can get."

Re: TALK AMONGST YOURSELVES

[saltandammo.livejournal.com]

"I'll do my best to keep my homework G-rated." Dean grinned suddenly. "And speaking of dreans and your roommate, I hear you finally told her."

Re: TALK AMONGST YOURSELVES

[likethegun]

Sam didn't even try to fight against grinning as he thought of Dawn. "Yeah, I did. If I thank you for giving me the final kick in the ass, you're never going to let me forget it, are you?"

Re: TALK AMONGST YOURSELVES

[saltandammo.livejournal.com]

"I'm probably going to be pulling this out and reminding you to listen to me for a while yeah," Dean said with a smirk. "And you're welcome."

Re: TALK AMONGST YOURSELVES

[likethegun]

Sam rolled his eyes, but smiled nonetheless. "Yeah, I guess I deserve that. I really should have said something sooner."

Re: TALK AMONGST YOURSELVES

[lilpunkinbelly.livejournal.com]

Dawn sat down near Sam and Dean and tried not to smile too dopily. "Can I join your group, or is this a Winchester thing?"

Re: TALK AMONGST YOURSELVES

[saltandammo.livejournal.com]

"Oh, I think we can manage to make room for a Summers," Dean said, smirking at her expression.

Re: TALK AMONGST YOURSELVES

[lilpunkinbelly.livejournal.com]

"Yay," Dawn said, then told Dean, "and you know, you're really kind of obnoxiously smug."

Re: TALK AMONGST YOURSELVES

[saltandammo.livejournal.com]

"I'm just happy for you two, that's all," Dean protested, but he didn't quite lose the smirk.

Re: TALK AMONGST YOURSELVES

[lilpunkinbelly.livejournal.com]

"You're happy you're right," Dawn teased, unable to be really upset with Dean over this. "Admit it. You're such an older brother."

Re: TALK AMONGST YOURSELVES

[saltandammo.livejournal.com]

"You say that like it's a bad thing."

Re: TALK AMONGST YOURSELVES

[lilpunkinbelly.livejournal.com]

"Not bad. Just predictible." She made a face at him.

Re: TALK AMONGST YOURSELVES

[saltandammo.livejournal.com]

Dean smirked. "I think I've done enough unpredictable things lately to not worry about falling into a rut."

Re: TALK AMONGST YOURSELVES

[lilpunkinbelly.livejournal.com]

"What unpredictible things have you done, other than dating Alec?" Dawn asked.

Re: TALK AMONGST YOURSELVES

[saltandammo.livejournal.com]

"I would've thought that alone would be enough," Dean said dryly.

Re: TALK AMONGST YOURSELVES

[bridge-carson.livejournal.com]

"Hey," Bridge looks at the three of them. "Need anyone else for your group?"

Re: TALK AMONGST YOURSELVES

[likethegun]

"Sure," Sam replied with a nod. "We can have up to four, right?"

Re: TALK AMONGST YOURSELVES

[bridge-carson.livejournal.com]

"That's what Mr. Phale said, yeah."

Re: TALK AMONGST YOURSELVES

[likethegun]

Sam grinned. "Great. Then I guess we've got our four people."