Fall 2009

Famous People in European History, Art and Culture

Join us in exploring the biographies of eight legendary people who by their energy, convictions and accomplishments, left eternal marks on humanity. We will learn about the motivations, emotions, and psychologies of these remarkable individuals, along with the historical and political issues of their times.

  • Christine de Pisan: Celebrated 13th/14th century French author, Europe's first professional woman writer who sparked the beginning of modern feminism.
  • Michelangelo Buonarroti: Legendary 15th Century Italian Renaissance painter, sculptor, architect, poet, and engineer.
  • Francois Voltaire,: 18th century most influential writer and philosopher, known for his witty defense of civil liberties, and religious freedom.
  • Catherine the Great of Russia: 18th century German Princess; powerful Russian ruler; expanded the Empire and furthered its westernization.
  • Empress Josephine: Beautiful Creole, survivor of the French Revolution, first wife of Napoleon Bonaparte and Empress of France.
  • Emile Zola: Great 19th century French novelist, exponent of the Naturalist Movement; major proponent in clearing the Dreyfus Affair.
  • Sarah Bernhardt: 19th/20th century French actress, famous in Europe and the United States; creator new modern acting.
  • Simone de Beauvoir: Renowned Existentialist writer of the 20th century; life partner of French philosopher Jean Paul Sartre.

    • Prerequisite(s):

    EXEDNC; noncredit;

    Instructor: Erika Blatt Harkins

    Erika Blatt Harkins, MA, received her degrees in French Literature at the University of Paris and in Bucharest. Erika is of Hungarian and Romanian origins, and has lived in the United States since 1965. With more than twenty-five years teaching experience, she teaches on the premises that literature and history are interrelated and compliment each other. Presently, Erika is teaching both literature and the history and cultural background of Western and Eastern Europe for Adult Education programs at Dominican University, UC Berkeley and College of Marin. She also has a scientific background with a master's degree in Organic Chemistry, and taught medical residents at UC San Francisco about organic implants. She is fluent in six languages, and traveling around the world, reading and getting acquainted with different cultures remains a passion.

    • 8 mtgs: M, Sept 14-Oct 26, 9:45-11:30am; no class Sept 7 & Sept 28, moved to F, Sept 11 & F, Oct 2
    • Cooperage
    • EXEDNC; noncredit;
    • class# 3920