QUILL & CULTURE ΠΕΝΝΑ & ΠΟΛΙΤΙΣΜΟΣ Elevating the Humanities in the Community.
Consoli, J. T. (Photographer). (2020). View looking up towards the front exterior of McKeldin Library [Photograph]. University of Maryland. McKeldinLibrary_03262020_JC_4554.tif. Canon EOS-1D X, 300 DPI. Retrieved from University of Maryland. Dr. Balachandran on the Life and Journey of an English Professor; A Brief Seminar on Eckermann and Goethe In our first and most recent club gathering, we had the privilege of hosting Professor Balachandran, Associate Professor of English and Comparative Literature at our local University of Maryland, to discuss what it is like to be a Professor of English. In addition, the club engaged in a seminar discussion of the recorded conversations between German poet-playwright Goethe and his student, Johann Peter Eckermann, in Conversations of Goethe with Johann Peter Eckermann. In the near future, we seek to take up Beyond Good and Evil as our text of discussion. Join us for a virtual seminar discussion! - Kevin and Chimwekele Seminar on Goethe and Eckerman In an intellectual gathering that celebrated the literary legacy of Johann Wolfgang von Goethe and his close associate Johann Peter Eckermann, a seminar was held at the renowned cultural center this week. The event drew scholars, literature enthusiasts, and students, providing an insightful exploration of the profound friendship between the two literary figures. The seminar delved into Goethe's profound impact on literature, philosophy, and the arts, showcasing how his works continue to resonate in contemporary society. Participants engaged in vibrant discussions on Goethe's renowned works like "Faust" and "The Sorrows of Young Werther," shedding light on their enduring relevance. Moreover, the spotlight was also on Johann Peter Eckermann, whose intimate and detailed conversations with Goethe were compiled in the famous book "Conversations with Goethe." The seminar highlighted the crucial role played by Eckermann in preserving Goethe's thoughts, anecdotes, and philosophy, providing a unique glimpse into the mind of the literary giant. Overall, the seminar on Goethe and Eckermann was a thought-provoking experience, emphasizing the timeless significance of their literary
contributions and inspiring a renewed appreciation for their works. The Life of an Academic Being an academic is a unique and rewarding journey, filled with intellectual pursuits, teaching, research, and the joy of discovery. This column sheds light on the multifaceted life of an academic professional, offering a glimpse into their daily routines, challenges, and the passion that drives their work. On 5 November 2023 the Renaissance Club had the distinct privilege of hosting, as a guest speaker, Dr. Balachandran, professor of English and Comparative Literature at the local University of Maryland. A Day in the Life Academics often start their day early, fueled by a love for knowledge and a desire to make a difference. Mornings are dedicated to research, writing, and preparing lectures. Engrossed in their subject matter, academics delve into scholarly articles, analyze data, and draft papers that contribute to their field's understanding. Afternoons usually revolve around teaching commitments. Whether in a lecture hall or online classroom, academics share their expertise, guide students, and foster critical thinking. Balancing teaching with research is an art, as educators aim to impart knowledge while staying current with the latest advancements in their domain. The Job: Teaching and Academic Research The heart of an academic's life lies in the duality of teaching and research. Both aspects are intertwined, each feeding into and enriching the other. Teaching offers academics a chance to share their expertise, inspire students, and shape the next generation of thinkers and professionals. It's a responsibility they approach with dedication and enthusiasm. In the classroom, academics strive to create an engaging and intellectually stimulating environment. They design courses, develop curricula, and craft lectures that challenge students to think critically, analyze information, and engage with the subject matter deeply. They encourage discussions, debates, and foster an atmosphere where students can freely express their thoughts and learn from one another. Simultaneously, academics are deeply engrossed in their research. This involves not only individual pursuits but often collaborative efforts with colleagues and students. Research is a dynamic and iterative process, involving literature reviews, data collection and analysis, experimentation, and interpretation of findings. It's a process that demands rigor, creativity, and resilience, as researchers navigate through challenges and celebrate breakthroughs. Courtesy of Dr. Balachandran. Professor of English and Comparative Literature, the University of Maryland, College Park. Publications are a critical aspect of an academic's work. Journals, books, and other publications are the medium through which they contribute their discoveries, insights, and theories to the broader academic community. These publications are often peer-reviewed, ensuring that the research meets rigorous standards of quality and validity. Dr. Balachandran has published _______. Throughout their academic journey, professionals like Dr. Balachandran find fulfillment in inspiring others through their teaching, shaping the academic landscape through their research, and witnessing the growth of knowledge and understanding
within their respective fields. It's a life that requires dedication, passion, and a lifelong commitment to learning and advancement. Questions Having had the privilege of interviewing Dr. Balachandran, the club would like to provide, at the discretion of all related parties, highlights of the conversation. What is it like being a professor? What motivates them? Read on and find out! Q: "What motivates you as an academic?" A: "The pursuit of knowledge and its potential to make a positive impact on society." ~ Q: "How do you handle academic challenges?" A: "I approach challenges with resilience, seeking solutions through collaboration and perseverance." ~ Q: "Advice for aspiring academics?" A: "Stay passionate, embrace learning, and build a strong network in your field." ~ Q: "Favorite part of being a professor?" A: "Inspiring students and contributing to their intellectual growth." ____________________________________ How To Become a Professor Academia is hyper-competitive, and academia is tough. ………. Thoughts: Professorships and Advocacy The profession “Professor” often (and unfortunately) bears an esoteric air which drives some away from considering it. In my experience, it has made my parents cringe - why? a scholar spending his days cooped up in a library, surrounded by dusty volumes, researching - the meaning of a word? Why not pursue something more tangible, as this seems to have little effect? I thought of pursuing an undergraduate education which would enable me to be a philologist, but found myself driven to professorships: how come? The professors whom I have been able to interact with. Friedrich Nietzsche, a prominent 19th-century German philosopher, was a revolutionary thinker whose ideas continue to shape modern philosophical discourse. Nietzsche's works, notably "Thus Spoke Zarathustra," "Beyond Good and Evil," and "Ecce Homo," challenged prevailing moral, religious, and societal norms of his time. He rejected traditional Christian values, asserting that traditional morality stifled human potential and creativity. Instead, he advocated for the "will to power" as a fundamental driving force, urging individuals to embrace their instincts and desires to achieve greatness and self-actualization. Nietzsche's concept of the "Ubermensch" or "Overman" envisioned a being who could transcend societal constraints, crafting their own values and meaning in a world that had moved beyond traditional religious beliefs. However, Nietzsche's writings were often misunderstood and misinterpreted, contributing to a complex legacy. Despite controversies and the potential for misuse of his ideas, Nietzsche's philosophical contributions have had a lasting impact on existentialism, nihilism, postmodernism, and the critique of ideology. His critique of the conventional and his exploration of the human psyche continue to provoke profound discussions about the nature of existence, ethics, and the evolution of society. Friedrich Nietzsche, a prominent 19th-century German philosopher, was a revolutionary thinker whose ideas continue to shape modern philosophical discourse. Nietzsche's works, notably "Thus Spoke Zarathustra," "Beyond Good and Evil," and "Ecce Homo," challenged
prevailing moral, religious, and societal norms of his time. He rejected traditional Christian values, asserting that traditional morality stifled human potential and creativity. Instead, he advocated for the "will to power" as a fundamental driving force, urging individuals to embrace their instincts and desires to achieve greatness and self-actualization. Nietzsche's concept of the "Ubermensch" or "Overman" envisioned a being who could transcend societal constraints, crafting their own values and meaning in a world that had moved beyond traditional religious beliefs. However, Nietzsche's writings were often misunderstood and misinterpreted, contributing to a complex legacy. Despite controversies and the potential for misuse of his ideas, Nietzsche's philosophical contributions have had a lasting impact on existentialism, nihilism, postmodernism, and the critique of ideology. His critique of the conventional and his exploration of the human psyche continue to provoke profound discussions about the nature of existence, ethics, and the evolution of society. Friedrich Nietzsche, a prominent 19th-century German philosopher, was a revolutionary thinker whose ideas continue to shape modern philosophical discourse. Nietzsche's works, notably "Thus Spoke Zarathustra," "Beyond Good and Evil," and "Ecce Homo," challenged prevailing moral, religious, and societal norms of his time. He rejected traditional Christian values, asserting that traditional morality stifled human potential and creativity. Instead, he advocated for the "will to power" as a fundamental driving force, urging individuals to embrace their instincts and desires to achieve greatness and self-actualization. Nietzsche's concept of the "Ubermensch" or "Overman" envisioned a being who could transcend societal constraints, crafting their own values and meaning in a world that had moved beyond traditional religious beliefs. However, Nietzsche's writings were often misunderstood and misinterpreted, contributing to a complex legacy. Despite controversies and the potential for misuse of his ideas, Nietzsche's philosophical contributions have had a lasting impact on existentialism, nihilism, postmodernism, and the critique of ideology. His critique of the conventional and his exploration of the human psyche continue to provoke profound discussions about the nature of existence, ethics, and the evolution of society. Friedrich Nietzsche (1844-1900) was a German philosopher, cultural critic, poet, philologist, and philosophe. He is renowned for his profound and often controversial ideas on topics such as morality, religion, culture, art, and the nature of existence. Here's a brief biography of Nietzsche: Early Life and Education: Friedrich Nietzsche was born on October 15, 1844, in Röcken, a small village in Prussia (present-day Germany). His father, Carl Ludwig Nietzsche, was a Lutheran pastor, and his mother, Franziska Oehler, was a devout housewife. Nietzsche showed exceptional intellectual abilities from a young age and began studying theology and philology at the University of Bonn and later at the University of Leipzig. Career and Academic Achievements: Nietzsche quickly gained recognition for his scholarly work in philology (the study of language and its historical development). He became a professor of philology at the University of Basel at the age of 24. Throughout his academic career, Nietzsche published several influential works on classical philology, including "The Birth of Tragedy" (1872) and "Untimely Meditations" (1873-1876). Health Issues and Change in Focus: Nietzsche's life took a turn when he started experiencing health problems, including severe migraines and eyesight issues. These health challenges compelled him to reconsider his academic career and focus more on philosophical writing. He left his teaching position at the University of Basel in 1879 due to health concerns and spent much of his life traveling and writing. Philosophical Works and Ideas: Nietzsche's philosophical thought covers a wide range of themes, including the rejection of traditional Christian morality, the concept of the "will to power," the eternal recurrence, and the idea of the Übermensch (Overman or Superman). Some of his notable works include "Thus Spoke Zarathustra" (1883-1885), "Beyond Good and Evil" (1886), "On the Genealogy of Morality" (1887), and "Ecce Homo" (1888), among others. Nietzsche critiqued the prevailing moral and religious values of his time, advocating for a reevaluation of these values based on individualism, creativity, and the affirmation of life. Later Years and Legacy: Nietzsche's mental
health deteriorated, and he experienced a mental breakdown in 1889. He spent the last years of his life under the care of his sister, Elisabeth Förster-Nietzsche. He passed away on August 25, 1900, in Weimar, Germany. Nietzsche's works have had a lasting impact on philosophy, literature, psychology, and various other fields. He is often cited as a precursor to existentialism and has been influential in modern philosophical thought. Despite his controversial views and challenging writing style, Nietzsche's ideas continue to provoke thought and discussion to this day UMD Photographs. https://brand.umd.edu/photography-guidelines
Ozymandias Percy Bysshe Shelley I met a traveller from an antique land, Who said—“Two vast and trunkless legs of stone Stand in the desert. . . . Near them, on the sand, Half sunk a shattered visage lies, whose frown, And wrinkled lip, and sneer of cold command, Tell that its sculptor well those passions read Which yet survive, stamped on these lifeless things, The hand that mocked them, and the heart that fed; And on the pedestal, these words appear: My name is Ozymandias, King of Kings; Look on my Works, ye Mighty, and despair! Nothing beside remains. Round the decay Of that colossal Wreck, boundless and bare The lone and level sands stretch far away.”
Apollo and The Graces all answer John Keats. APOLLO Which of the fairest three Today will ride with me? My steeds are all pawing on the thresholds of Morn: Which of the fairest three Today will ride with me? Across the gold Autumn’s whole kingdoms of corn? THE GRACES all answer I will, I – I – I – O young Apollo let me fly along with thee, I will, I – I – I – The many, many wonders see – I – I – I – I – And thy lyre shall never have a slackened string. I – I – I – I – Thro’ the whole day will sing.
The Dance Class Nathaly Valasquez. In a dimly lit ballet studio, dozens of young dancers prepare and practice. They wear knee-length tutus, tight bodices, and canary yellow, rose pink, or royal blue costumes. The room is lit from windows on the opposite wall, casting shadows on the dancers. On the left, two dancers descend a spiral staircase, while to the left of center, a group of dancers stand en pointe. Closer to us, four dancers gather around a bench with ballet slippers. In the background, more dancers practice in a room with parchment-yellow walls. The painting is signed "Degas" in the lower right corner.
Contributors Reporting Almonte, Christian. (1) The Life of an Academic. Lopez-Cruz, Kevin. (1) Seminar on Goethe and Eckermann. (2) Thoughts on Professorships, and Advocacy. Okoro, Chimwekele. (1) Thoughts on a Literary Friendship Creative Writing Percy Bysshe Shelley. (1) “Ozymandias,” poem. Visual Art Nathaly Valasquez. (1) “Humaneness”
Editorial Staff Kevin Lopez-Cruz. Prime Editor Chimwekele Okoro. Editor