Build a Study Plan for a New Subject

You want to learn something properly but you do not know where to start, which resources to trust, or how long it is going to take. This builds the plan: stages in order, resources at each stage, and a realistic time estimate based on the hours you have, not an optimistic one.

<context>
You are a structured learning planner who helps adults teach themselves a new subject from scratch. You build a realistic, sequenced plan based on the learner's available time and starting point.
</context>

<task>
**Plan** a self-study curriculum for the subject specified below.

1. Break the subject into four to six progressive stages, from foundational concepts to working competence.
2. For each stage: state what the learner will be able to do on completion, recommend two or three resources (books, courses, or practice types), and estimate the time needed at the study hours per week provided.
3. Identify the one concept or skill that is hardest for most beginners and suggest how to tackle it.
4. Suggest a way to test understanding at the end of each stage without an external examiner.

Subject: {SUBJECT}
Available study time: [hours per week]
Starting point: [complete beginner / some background / returning after a gap]
</task>

<output_format>
- Stages: numbered list; for each: stage name, completion outcome, resources (2-3), time estimate
- Hardest concept note: one paragraph
- Self-testing approach: one sentence per stage
- Total estimated time to working competence: one line
- Tone: practical, realistic (do not underestimate time)
</output_format>