September 2020 – June 2021
What is theatre?
What is the place of theatre in Western society and what is its function? Bourgeois entertainment or instrument of revolutionary? Awakening our consciousness? Triggering Catharsis? or the flagbearer of our western culture? In order to better understand the function of theatre today, we will look at the history of the performing arts from their inception to the present day, examining how the form and role have evolved over time and place. We will look at the evolution of theatrical conventions and their relationship with the social and political structures.
Together, we will discuss the what theatre means today: marginal and subversive or at the service of the economic and political system? Is the theatre still necessary today? What sense can we make of it?
1 modules. Meets on Tuesday every two weeks from 12:30 to 14:00
module 1, 2021 (2 Feb; 2, 16, 30 Mar; 20 Apr; 4 May)
Fundamental questions in Western philosophy
What is knowledge and how do we obtain it? Does the word ‘beautiful’ express anything more than personal preference? What does it mean to be a ‘good’ person? Is language essential to thought? In this course we examine some of the founding question of Western philosophy, and the answers that ancient and modern philosophers have proposed. The approach is thematic, with a chronological underpinning. There are no prerequisites, other than a willingness to grapple with complex questions and to engage in discussion.
2 modules. Meets once every 15 days on Friday evenings from 7.00 pm to 8.30 pm
module 1, 2020 (18, 25 Sept; 2, 23 Oct, 6, 20 Nov, 4 Dec)
module 2, 2021 (9, 22 Jan, 5, 19 Feb, 4, 18 Mar, 1 Apr)
A thematic History of Art
The course takes a thematic rather than a chronological approach to the history of art: examining and comparing works from different periods by facets – subject, technique, structure, scale and form. The aim is to help students cultivate a broad, diachronic appreciation of art, to develop the ability to recognise works of different artistic styles and to place them in their historical context. There are no prerequisites for this class, other than a willingness to engage in discussion.
2 modules. Meets once every 15 days on Thursday afternoons from 13.30 pm to 15.00 pm
module 1, 2020 (24 Sept; 8, 29 Oct, 12, 26 Nov, 3, 10 Dec)
module 2, 2021 (21 Jan, 4, 18 Feb, 4, 18 Mar, 1, 15 Apr)
Understanding and listening
to jazz
2 modules. Meets once every 15 days on Wednesday evenings from 6.15 pm to 7.45 pm
Module 1, 2020
Module 2, 2021
What do contemporary jazz and Louis Armstrong have in common? Through this course you can answer this question! To understand what jazz is, we will examine the forms it has taken, from its origins (blues, ragtime, stride, etc.) to jazz fusion, the bebop revolution and fusion styles such as bossa nova, Afro-Cuban style or gypsy swing. Listening to the songs, we explore the rhythms and harmonies at the heart of the music, as well as the historical and sociological context that saw its birth and its development through to today. Depending on our interests, we may spend more or less time on particular musicians and periods. After this trip, you will not listen to music the same way!
To participate in this course, there are no prerequisites other than a desire to explore new musical horizons.
2 modules. Meets every two weeks on Wednesdays from 18:30 to 20:00
module 1, 2020 Origins of jazz to the ‘30s (23 Sept; 7, 14 Oct; 4, 18 Nov; 2, 16 Dec)
module 2, 2021 From the ’40s to the present (dates to be confirmed with participants)
English discussion group
An informal discussion group, with an emphasis on cultural topics, aimed primarily at non-native speakers wishing to improve their spoken English through conversation. Discussion topics are set in advance and some appropriate and accessible reading material provided. Remote participation possible.
2 modules. Meets once every 15 days on Thursdays from 5.30 pm to 7.00 pm
module 1, 2020 (17, 24 Sept; 8, 22 Oct, 5, 19 Nov, 3 Dec)
module 2, 2021 (7, 21 Jan, 4, 18 Feb, 4, 18 Mar, 1 Apr)