The Fine Art of Conversation

The practice of "salon-going" dates back to the seventeenth century when many of the intellectual leaders of the day congregated in private homes to discuss the latest thinking and artistic development.  These early salons were said to be breeding grounds for social movements and revolutions because they attracted political activists promoting social agitation and reform.

Today's salons are just as interesting, albeit less explosive.  Usually about twenty people per salon meet in a private home to learn and exchange ideas.  Lively discussion fills the air, time flies, and people leave feeling energized, enriched, and connected in a truly human way.

The registration fee is $55 per person for a two-session series unless otherwise indicated.

Click on the icon for a complete Salon description.

Call the Humanities Institute at 303-871-2466

to register for any session.

The "Literacy Crisis?"  200 Years of Intrigue and Shifting Definitions
Sessions:  Mondays, October 22, 29; 7-9 p.m.
Facilitator:  Doug Hesse
Cost:  $55 per person for both sessions

The Conspiracy in Plain Sight:  How Political Parties Nominate Their Candidates
Sessions:  Thursdays, November 1, 8; 7-9 p.m.
Facilitator:  Seth Masket
Cost:  $55 per person for both sessions

Cooking Andalusian Style
Sessions:  Mondays, November 5, 12; 7-9 p.m.
Facilitator:  Paul Schutt
Cost:  $90 per person for both sessions including food costs

Inequality and the American Dream
Sessions:  Wednesdays, January 16, 23, 2008; 7-9 p.m.
Facilitator:  Spencer Wellhofer
Cost:  $55 per person for both sessions

Religion's New "Cultured Despiser":  Christopher Hitchens      SOLD OUT!

Takes on God
Sessions:  Thursdays, January 31, February 7; 7-9 p.m.
Facilitator:  Greg Robbins
Cost:  $55 per person for both sessions

Modern Islamic Political Thought    SOLD OUT!
Sessions:  Mondays, February 4, 11; 7-9 p.m.
Facilitator:  Liyakat Takim
Cost:  $55 per person for both sessions

Reconciliation:  A Path to Social and Political Healing
Sessions:  Tuesdays, February 19, 26; 7-9 p.m.
Facilitator:  Nancy Wadsworth
Cost:  $55 per person for both sessions

Inspiring Impressionism:  An Inside Look     SOLD OUT!
Sessions:  Monday, March 3, Friday, March 7; 7-9 p.m.
Facilitator:  Gwen Chanzit
Cost:  $70 per person including Denver Art Museum admission

Harry Potter in Perspective
Sessions:  Mondays, March 31, April 7; 7-9 p.m.
Facilitator:  M.E. Warlick
Cost:  $55 per person for both sessions

Cosi fan tutte:  Mozart's "Problem Opera"      SOLD OUT!
Sessions: Thursdays, April 10, 17; 7-9 p.m.
Facilitator:  Steve Seifert
Cost:  $77 per person for both sessions including opera performance

" . . . just a shape to fill a lack":  Faulkner's As I Lay Dying
Sessions: Tuesdays, April 15, 22; 7-9 p.m.
Facilitator:  Margaret Whitt
Cost:  $55 per person for both sessions

Woody Allen's Annie Hall, the Problem of Anti-Semitism, and the Question of Jewish Identity in a non-Jewish World
Sessions:  Thursdays, May 1, 8; 7-9 p.m.
Facilitator:  Sarah Pessin
Cost:  $55 per person for both sessions

The Art of the Pioneer Cemetery
Sessions: Tuesday, May 6, 7-9 p.m; Saturday, May 10, 9-11 a.m.
Facilitator:  Annette Stott
Cost:  $55 per person for both sessions

Salon sessions sell out quickly, so call a friend and sign up for the 2007/2008 Denver Salon season!