Workshops
Workshops / courses are held on a wide range of topics including the arts, science, history, current affairs, and film. They are developed and led by Academy members who act as facilitators. Some workshops operate as discussion groups where a member may lead a discussion on a chosen topic. In other workshops, members research and deliver presentations on the subject of their choice and lively discussion follows. Workshops are offered in-person at Tartu College, 310 Bloor Street West, Toronto or online via Zoom. Academy members may register for up to 4 workshops.
For questions, to register for another workshop, remove or change a workshop, or request to be added to a waiting list, email registerattheacademy@gmail.com.
In accordance with current health guidelines, masks are encouraged but not required for in-person events.
Week 1 Start (Winter Term / Week Starting January 8, 2024), Week 2 Start (Winter Term / Week Starting January 15, 2024)
Workshop Details
Bi-weekly; Week Two; Monday; 12:15 p.m. – 2:15 p.m.
In-person **NEW**
1848 was a pivotal year for the development of modern Europe. The aftermath of the French Revolution and the Napoleanic Wars was playing out in almost every aspect of society. Certainly we see this in politics, with reform movement leading to civil disturbances of different levels of violence even up to actual revolutions in many countries. We also see radical changes in governance, education, finance and economic systems, science and technology, music, theater, architecture, indeed virtually in every human endeavor. It’s true that some of the changes started before, and some of the ramifications didn’t become clear until long after, but the Revolutions of 1848 will be a handy way of referring to these changes.
We expect that every participant will prepare a brief (20-30 minute) presentation, given about 20-24 members in the class. A lower number of participants would allow for longer presentations or more than one presentation per member.
Find out moreBi-weekly; Week Two; Tuesday; 10:00 a.m. – 12:00 noon
Online via Zoom
Small group workshop therefore membership will be limited
Join us as we continue our exploration of various artists’ lives, artwork, influences, challenges, themes, philosophies, and legacies. Using various texts (e.g. novels, biographies, films, podcasts, interviews), we’ll also analyze representations of these lives. Possible artists include Yinka Shonibare, Suzanne Valadon, Barbara Hepworth, Käthe Kollwicz, Prudence Heward, Niki de Saint Phalle, Katsushika Oi/Katsushika Hokusai, Daphne Odjig, Vilhelm Hammershøi, Amrita Sher-Gil, Egon Schiele, and Maira Kalman. Members are expected to read, watch, or listen to each session’s text/s and present once. Presentations should include interesting research findings, thought-provoking discussion prompts, and, ideally, some images. Note: this is a smaller-group workshop with one in-depth presentation and extensive discussion per session.
Find out moreBi-weekly; Week Two; Friday; 12:15 p.m. – 2:15 p.m.
Online via Zoom **NEW**
Songs are a vital part of our lives. First, participants will give presentations on their choice of performers (e.g., Tiny Tim, the Beatles, Mel Torme), composers (e.g., Cole Porter, Jim Webb, Lennon & McCartney), historical period or favourite songs. Second, we can choose to sing the songs we discuss acapella or with accompaniment. Just listening is welcome as well. Third, we explore what makes music appealing. It’s relaxing, fun and informative.
Find out moreBi-weekly; Week Two; Monday; 10:00 a.m. – 12:00 noon
Online via Zoom **NEW** **Workshop Waitlisted**
Small group workshop therefore membership will be limited
We will read twelve novels, each substantially situated in a different global metropolis. Our focus will be on lives lived in the current era within these urban conglomerates and the particular way urban social political and economic forces can both bring people together and separate them, based on classifications of citizenship, economic class, race, gender and sexuality.
We will read novels set in Rio de Janeiro, Paris, Seoul, Naples, London, New York, Dublin, Istanbul, Lagos, Mumbai, Beirut, and Dubai. Click on Find Out More for the reading list and schedule.
Each participant will select one of the readings to present to the group. Everyone is expected to read every book and be prepared to participate in the group discussion.
Find out more