In this ongoing seminar exploring how the arts affect us and why they matter, this term the course will reprise a sampler of topics involving the visual, verbal and performing arts. What these otherwise diverse arts have in common is that their “meanings” more often than not are emotional rather than intellectual. The term will begin with Greek lyric poetry, featuring the modern poet C.P. Cavafy in the context of ancient ancestors Archilochus, Mimnermus, Sappho, Solon, and Theognis. Subsequent classes will include topics such as valuation in the arts; the nature of children’s literature; the fusion of poetry and music in song; the low threshold for unpleasantness in music; imitation and abstraction in the arts; and experiencing the plastic vs. occurrent arts. The only extra expense might be the purchase of a theater ticket (<$30) if a play suitable for class discussion is in production during the term. For receiving class assignments and discussion materials, an email address is a must. Limit 24.

Joseph Longino, PhD
10:00—Noon Tuesday, Starts Sept. 16
Westover Hills Church of Christ, Room 201
8332 Mesa Drive (78759)