Often in the background of a painting, the garden has generally played the role of décor to the main scene taking place in the foreground. But these green microcosms have lives of their own, and are rich with meanings and symbolism reflecting the tastes and aesthetics of successive centuries. In this discussion-based literature and art history course, we will read about and discuss how gardens have evolved from Antiquity to the 19th century, both historically and as seen in paintings. This juxtaposition will allow us to ask how and why gardens have been so important to human experience. They’ve brought us grandeur, escape, and solace among many other sensations.
We will also consider how gardens are presented in literature, as gardens have also been fruitful settings for stories ever since Adam and Eve were ejected from Paradise. Why do they evoke such strong memories of place and time for so many authors? We will read a collection of wide-ranging stories featuring secret gardens, enchanted gardens, gardens public and private, grand and humble. Readings will include Virginia Woolf’s “Kew Gardens,” Katherine Mansfield’s “The Garden Party,” and Doris Lessing’s “Flavours of Exile” among many entrancing others.
New Participant: $140.00
Returning Participant: $200.00
Day: Mondays
Time: 1:30 to 3:30 PM
Location: 3405 Atwater, Montreal
Course leaders: Joan Machnik, Kathryn McMorrow and another
First session: March 2 2026
Course length: 12 weeks
Degree credit: 3 credits
Maximum number of participants: 18
Please note that the Thomas More Institute does not allow participants to audit courses for free.
About the Thomas More Institute: The Thomas More Institute has been providing adults with stimulating lifelong learning opportunities in Montreal since 1945. A secular and non-profit academic institution, TMI offers an ever-evolving choice of university-level courses in the liberal arts, including discussion-based courses, lecture-style courses, writing workshops, and more. Our courses are held in small groups, offering an alternative learning environment to that of traditional university courses. You can take individual courses that interest you, or work toward a structured bachelor of arts degree or comprehensive certificate that involve additional coursework. Share Your Curiosity at TMI!
About course fees: all prices displayed include Tuition and the Administrative fee.
Leaders of another course, and anyone else wishing to register by phone, should call (514) 935-9585 to register.
Refund Policy