Extraordinary Lives: Workshop on Biographies
Bi-weekly; Week Two; Monday; 10:00 a.m. – 12:00 noon
In-person
Biographies recount the stories of people’s lives, placing events, decisions and actions into context. Typically, their subjects are people who have faced significant obstacles in their lives.
The workshop will focus on biographical books and films that interpret the lives of noteworthy individuals. World leaders, celebrities, business gurus, spies, popes, and heroes will be considered.
Each two-hour session will feature two biographies – preferably one book and one film per session. Each participant is expected to choose either a book or film, and give a brief presentation about their selection at one of the workshop sessions. Participants are encouraged to read the books or films discussed in the workshop. A list of book and film biographies will be circulated and the workshop schedule will be determined in consultation between participants and facilitators. Discussion will typically focus on challenges individuals faced within the context of their times.
Facilitators:
Barrie Wilson (barriewilson1908@gmail.com) is a retired professor of intellectual history from York University where he taught courses on Ancient Greek Philosophy, Near Eastern Studies and early Christian history. A member of the Academy for four years, he’s interested in interactive discussions on timely topics.
David Phillips (phillipsdavid@rogers.com) is a retired lawyer and association executive in the financial services industry where he specialized in financial regulation. David appreciates the opportunity that retirement provides to pursue a range of interests – Canadian history in particular. David has been a member of the Academy for four years.