Friends of the Heyman Center
The Friends of the Heyman Center, under the direction of James V. Mirollo, Parr Professor Emeritus of English and Comparative Literature, is made up of people who help ensure the advancement and vitality of the Heyman Center for the Humanities. For more than twenty years, the Friends have contributed to the support of the myriad activities of the Center, including its superlative lecture series, which continues to be free and open to the public.
The Friends of the Heyman Center offers discussion courses led by Columbia's most renowned teachers and scholars to alumni and friends of the University who wish to continue organized education without the need for academic credit. These colloquia are planned as active discussions rather than lectures, and the faculty leaders are among the best teachers in the University. No papers or examinations are required. We charge only a small fraction of normal tuition, and after expenses these funds help both to improve our programs and maintain the building -- one of the most congenial on campus.
Fall 2013 Colloquia
This Colloquium will be led by James V. Mirollo, the Harry Parr Professor Emeritus of Comparative Literature, Chair of the Friends of the Heyman Center and Director of the Carl Hodve Colloquia. We will revisit the complete QUIXOTE in the most recent translation by Edith Grossman, which has been highly acclaimed. We will begin with several sessions devoted to the different fictional kinds that flowed into the Cervantes text—epic, chivalric romance, historical, picaresque. We will then be able to focus on how Cervantes made use of these contexts in shaping his novel and the complex relationship he had with them.
Download The Syllabus
Download Syllabus and ScheduleFraming elements from the simple to the complex shape the viewing experience of works of visual art, often profoundly, if equally often unacknowledged. As a strategy and mode of presentation, framing established boundaries which manifest the distinction of such works and their separate existence, while drawing special attention to themselves in the visual field as esthetic objects. The arrangement of such special objects in museums and galleries may be planned to enhance the viewer’s perception, or desire; thematic, or stylistic, or chronological, or cultural, or media-determined groupings may induce the viewer to look beyond the immediate object in view to others in an extended visual field, often effected by covert agendas of display. The development of a critical analysis of a variety of framing experiences and their influence will constitute the practicum of the course.
Download Syllabus and ScheduleGeneral Colloquia Information
We offer two courses each term, typically one dealing with East/West topics, and another about some aspect of Western thought. Classes meet from 5:30-7:30 every other week for six sessions. This fall and spring the charge is $500 for one course and $800 for both - and at this higher level, spouses are welcome without further charge. You would pay far more for courses carrying academic credit, and at the Heyman Center, you will be studying with Columbia's finest teachers.
Books for both courses can be purchased at Book Culture (formerly Labyrinth Books), located on 112th St. between Broadway and Amsterdam Ave, and can be reached by phone at 212-865-1588. These courses are not listed in the regular University Bulletin; if there is confusion, ask for the text-book department.
Additional support beyond our fees is very much appreciated and brings notices of the Lunchtime Lecture Series at the Heyman Center. All support beyond the course charge is fully tax-deductible. A gift of $25 or more also brings a subscription to the Columbia University Record. Acceptance is on a first come, first served basis, and you will be notified of your registration status upon the Heyman Center's receipt of your registration form with payment.
To register for one or both of this semester's colloquia, download, complete, and return the
Please contact Christina Dawkins at 212-854-4631 with any questions. Classes are held in the Second Floor Common Room at the Heyman Center.