Scene from the film, Far from the Madding Crowd
Please enjoy this *Free Video* of a "perfect paragraph" in Thomas Hardy, from his masterpiece, Far from the Madding Crowd!
Starting this Wednesday, we will be doing a *deep dive* into three of Hardy's most acclaimed novels in our upcoming Thomas Hardy Seminar – I hope you will consider joining me as we explore how, even today more than a century after he wrote, his timeless insights into social life and human psychology remain as relevant as ever – and how and why his gorgeous prose continues to enchant readers worldwide. Learn more below and register here...
Buona lettura / happy reading,
Joseph
WHAT: The Thomas Hardy Seminar: Three Great Novels with Professor JOSEPH LUZZI
WHEN: Begins Wednesday, April 5; Wednesdays 6pm to 7:30pm; April 2, 9, 16
WHERE: The event will be through Zoom. You don't need an account. Once you register for the class, you will be sent a link to each session – all you need is that and an Internet connection to join.
TUITION: $179 for the entire Seminar, which includes all three sessions as well as all the material, such as the Study Guides, Quotes & Videos, that will be part of the Seminar.
What is the refund/cancellation policy? If you register but decide to cancel by March 1, 2025, you will get a full refund. If you cancel after March 1 and before the first day of class, April 2, you will get half back. Unfortunately, after April 2, I can't offer any refund because space in the course is limited and I need to close registration once the course starts (or reaches capacity).
Discover what makes Hardy's groundbreaking novels essential reading today, as together we explore three of the most beautiful works in English literature!
Benefits include:
- Explore the gorgeous prose & narrative brilliance of three works renowned for their piercing psychological insights into human nature:
FAR FROM THE MADDING CROWD
TESS OF THE D'URBERVILLES
JUDE THE OBSCURE
- Study in a small group with Prof. Luzzi, an internationally acclaimed scholar, Asher B. Edelman Professor of Literature at Bard & winner of Yale Teaching Prize
- Unlock the mysteries of Hardy's writing and discover the rich culture and history of his 19th-century English world
F.A.Q.s & more info below
Strang, Thomas Hardy
Film of Hardy's novel
Gemma Atherton as Tess of the d'Urberviles (BBC)
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the *Thomas Hardy Seminar: THREE GREAT NOVELS* and what does it do?
Professor Luzzi's Thomas Hardy Seminar will bring you inside three great and challenging literary works, with fresh insights into Hardy's power of storytelling and linguistic inventiveness that can inspire our everyday lives.How do I join?
Just click "Register Now" and you'll be guided through the quick & easy steps. Remember, space is limited, so if you're interested join now.When does it meet?
All meetings are on Wednesdays from 6pm to 7:30pm Eastern Time, on the following dates:
April 2, 2025: Far from the Madding Crowd (1874)
April 9, 2025: Tess of the d'Urbervilles (1891)
April 16, 2025: Jude the Obscure (1895)
What if I can't make it to one or more of the live classes?
No problem at all...I will record a Video of each class, so you can view it if you can't make it to the live session. You can also watch the Video even if you did attend the live seminar and just want to go back and review the main issues discussed.
What is the format of the Thomas Hardy Seminar?
Highly interactive! Imagine your favorite college class, with students going back and forth with the professor, exchanging ideas and engaged in lively debate. That's our model. I want to hear your ideas on Thomas Hardy and help you understand his work.
Do I need prior knowledge of Thomas Hardy's novels to participate?
Absolutely not. I will assume no prior knowledge or study of these works. If you have read or studied them before, great, that will be a wonderful addition to our course. If not, no worries, I will explain all elements and aspects of them as they arise in class to help you with this first encounter.
What edition should I use?
Whichever one you like! There will be no "standard" version because I know that many of you already have a favorite or "go to" translation that you've been reading. I will be using the Penguin editions of Hardy's novels. You may wish to use these but, again, the choice is yours. The book is available for purchase at my Virtual Book Club page at Bookshop.org, under "VBC Books of Interest."
How long will each session last?
90 minutes – the ideal length for a college seminar!
Will there be "homework"?
Not really. Before each class, I'll go over the reading that we'll cover; but don't feel obliged to do the reading if you don't want to or don't have the time. I will assume that not everyone has done the reading, so you will still learn a lot and be able to join the conversation even if you have not completed all the "homework."
What's the format?
The event will be through Zoom. You don't need an account. Once you register for the class, you will be sent a link to each session – all you need is that and an Internet connection to join.
Will I need special equipment to participate in the class?
No, just a computer/screen.
What do you mean by an "interactive" Seminar?
Well, that means that during Professor Luzzi's sessions, he'll open up the conversation to all participants to get their perspectives.
What does the course cost?
$179 for the entire Seminar, which includes all three sessions as well as all the material, such as the Study Guides, Quotes & Videos, that will be part of the Seminar.
What is the refund/cancellation policy?
If you register but decide to cancel by March 1, 2025, you will get a full refund. If you cancel after March 1 and before the first day of class, April 2, you will get half back. Unfortunately, after April 2, I can't offer any refund because space in the course is limited and I need to close registration once the course starts (or reaches capacity).
How can I contact you with questions or problems?
You can email Joseph Luzzi at josephluzzivbc@gmail.com.
Don’t miss out on this chance to study three great literary works!
