Biographies of the Imaginative (ID 030) January, 1998 INSTRUCTOR: Sunhee Choi COURSE DESCRIPTION: In this course, we will read about people being intelligent with their imagination and their hearts, using all of themselves. Readings will include biographies of a composer, an artist, and a scientist: Beethoven, Chagall, and Marie Curie. We will specifically focus on the human and personal aspects of these people as well as their work. What is the connection between personal experience and creativity? What kind of person was Madame Curie? Why did Beethoven have reputation for grumpiness? We will read selections from a variety of biographies and compare various biographical techniques. We will also listen to the music, look at the paintings, and learn some basic principles of the scientific discoveries. Students will write reaction papers, lead discussions, make presentations, write a final essay, and participate in occasional field trips to woods, concerts, exhibitions and laboratories. MEETING TIME: MTWH 9-11 AM (SCC 420) TEXTS 1. Beethoven, Biographies of a Genius by George Marek (Funk & Wagnalla, New York, 1969 Libraray of Congress Catalog Card #: 72-85745) Music Lib. ML410 B4 M227, 1969 2. Chagall by Marc Chagall 3. Marie Curie by Eve Curie READINGS 1. Beethoven and human destiny by Burnett James 2. Beethove; a critical biography by Vincent dÕIndy 3. Beethoven, the man and the artist, as revealed in his own words by Beethoven 4. Chagall by Susan Compton 5. Chagall, biographical and critical study by Lionello Venture 6. Grand Obsession; Madame Curie and her World by Rosalynd Pflam 7. Marie Curie by Susan Quinn REQUIREMENT 1. Attendance 20% 2. Participation 20% 3. Journal (Response) 30% 4. 3 essays 30% Beethoven Chagall Madame Curie Return to the Course Homepage Return to the Main Page