Watch a video featuring the summer 2020 Beaurepaire group discussing an Alice Munro story via Zoom here.
Each year, the Thomas More Institute develops and delivers an original 18-week discussion course designed specifically for seniors. Led by volunteers trained in TMI’s approach to discussion, the course is offered on-site at various residences and seniors’ centres in the Greater Montreal area. The goal of the Program is to foster socialization and intellectual reflection by creating a welcoming environment in which participating seniors can engage with selected readings and with one another.
The 2020/21 academic year presents us with a greater challenge. For the Autumn Term, at least, we will be required to offer all our courses online. The program will remain the same but will be offered using the Zoom platform. For those seniors who do not have the necessary technology, you may access the course via telephone. Through these efforts we hope to maintain our goals of providing lively discussion and, as much as possible, allow for socialization.
“Every country has its Chekhov.”
—Literary Hub
“It’s not a matter of old or new forms; a person writes without thinking about any forms, he writes because it flows freely from his soul.”
—Anton Chekhov
A recognized master of the short story, Anton Chekhov has been embraced as a writer who articulates the meaning of Russian-ness during the specific era he wrote about. His stories capture a particular time and place so lucidly and with such vividness that they have become accepted as privileged windows into that cultural moment. A number of other writers enjoy similar reputations as spokespersons for a unique time, place, and culture.
During this 18-week course, we will examine the works of Chekhov, Alice Munro, and Tennessee Williams. We will also read stories from China, India, Ireland, Israel, and other places. Why have these authors been compared to Chekhov? How do they infuse universal experiences with colour and life, yet make them subtle and specific, too? What Chekhovian influence is reflected in their works? Using short stories, plays, and films to spark our discussions, we will explore how these writers capture the essence of their own time and place and make them come alive for readers with vastly different experiences.
Each group has a maximum capacity of 14 participants.
For more information, please contact Seniors Program Coordinator Jennifer MacGregor directly at jmacgregor@thomasmore.qc.ca or (514) 935-9585.
Scroll down for details for 2020/21 programming
Click a location near you for more information:
Address: 4695 de Maisonneuve Blvd. W, Westmount
Day/Time: Fridays, 11 a.m. to 12 p.m. and Fridays, 1:30 to 3:00 pm
First Session: 9 October 2020 (afternoon session), 16 October 2020 (morning session)
How to Register: Pay at Contactivity Centre
Leaders: Ron Fitzgerald and Patricia Sikender
Address: 666 Woodland, Verdun
Day/Time: Wednesdays, 10 a.m. to 11:15 a.m.
First Session: 14 October 2020
How to Register: Pay at Dawson Boys and Girls Club
Leaders: Murray Shugar
Address: 574 Notre-Dame St., St-Lambert
Day/Time: Fridays, 2:00 to 3:30 p.m.
First Session: 16 October 2020
How to Register: Pay at Maison Desaulniers
Leaders: Irene Menear and Erika Podesser-Romwalter
Address: 4646 Sherbrooke St. W., Westmount
Day/Time: Wednesdays, 2 to 3 p.m.
First Session: 14 October 2020
How to Register: Pay at Manoir Westmount
Leaders: Sara Pistolesi and Bob Enright
Address: 4430 Saint-Catherine St, Westmount
Day/Time: Thursdays, 10:45 a.m. to 12 p.m.
First Session: 22 October 2020
How to Register: TBA
Leaders: Rina Kampeas and Sharon Poissant
Address: 25 rue Lakeview, St-Bruno
Day/Time: Wednesdays, 1:00 to 2:30 p.m.
First Session: 21 October 2020
How to Register: Pay at this link.
Leaders: Joan Machnik, Michelle Gaudreault, and Heather Stephens
Address: 394 Main, Hudson
Day/Time: Tuesdays, 1:30 to 3:00 p.m.
First Session: 13 October 2020
How to Register: Pay at this link.
Leaders: Silvia d'Apollonia and Sheryl Mendritzki
Address: 2901 St. Joseph Blvd, Lachine
Day/Time: Thursday, 10:30 a.m. to 12 p.m.
First Session: 22 October 2020
How to Register: Pay at The Teapot
Leaders: Jennifer MacGregor and Barbara Miller
Address: 23 Fieldfare Ave., Beaconsfield
Day/Time: Tuesdays, 2:30 to 4:00 p.m.
First Session: 15 October 2020
How to Register: Pay at this link.
Leaders: Jennifer MacGregor and Robin Little