“A journey of a thousand miles begins with a single step.” Beyond books, nature is also our greatest teacher. For 19 years, Eslite Lecture Hall has cultivated creative talent and shared knowledge. At the start of 2016, it steps out of the classroom, inviting leading domestic cultural and creative figure Stan Shih to lead a climb up Hehuanshan’s North Peak. In addition to reading mountaineering literature, participants will experience firsthand the irresistible allure of mountaineering aesthetics. Professor Fu Chaoqing from the Department of Architecture at National Cheng Kung University will guide students on a one-day walking tour of Tainan, the historic capital. Moreover, an unmissable course for film enthusiasts: Teacher Wen Tianxiang will delve into the Oscars, unveiling 88 years of exclusive behind-the-scenes secrets.
Eslite Insight notes that in 2015, sales of outdoor recreation guidebooks grew by 40%, indicating that outdoor leisure activities have become an important way for readers to experience life. Therefore, the 56th season of Eslite Lecture Hall features two outdoor elective activities: veteran media personality Stan Shih will lead a climb up Hehuanshan’s North Peak and a wilderness cooking session, exploring mountaineering aesthetics; Professor Fu Chaoqing from the Department of Architecture at National Cheng Kung University will guide students on a one-day walking tour of Tainan, the historic capital. Moreover, an unmissable course for film enthusiasts: Teacher Wen Tianxiang will delve into the Oscars, unveiling 88 years of exclusive behind-the-scenes secrets.
With over 220,000 participants to date, Eslite Lecture Hall has, for 19 years, invited experts and public figures from various fields to help students deepen their understanding of life and uncover its hidden beauty. The latest courses for the first quarter of 2016 are now open for registration. Friends who enjoy architecture, music, film, style, design, and more are welcome to sign up.
Eslite Lecture Hall Moves from the City to the Mountains: Stan Shih Leads Climb Up Hehuanshan’s North Peak
Every time he descends, he yearns to return. Veteran media personality Stan Shih can hardly conceal his passion for mountaineering: “Climbing is about life repeatedly pushing boundaries and glimpsing new possibilities.” From fearing the dark myths of the wild to falling in love with the epiphanies and rebirth found in nature, Stan Shih discovers a new version of himself with every climb. Eslite Lecture Hall’s 56th season 【Style Living Gallery】course invites Stan Shih to discuss his lifelong love affair with mountains, explore the irresistible allure of mountaineering aesthetics, and will also offer an extracurricular elective activity—climbing Hehuanshan’s North Peak, cooking in the wilderness, and gazing at the endless starry sky.
Fu Chaoqing’s Tainan Walking Tour: Exploring Iconic Architecture
Following the previous 【Urban Architects】course, which visited the Luce Memorial Chapel and Wenli Boulevard at Tunghai University and took students to hidden spots usually off-limits to tourists, this session will see Professor Fu Chaoqing explore Taiwan’s diverse lifestyles across different ethnic groups since the 17th century from the perspective of architectural cultural heritage. The course will also include a one-day walking tour of Tainan, visiting iconic buildings that span the Ming and Qing dynasties to the contemporary era.
The World’s Most Talked-About Film Award: Wen Tianxiang Reveals Oscar Secrets
“Whether you like it or not, the Oscars are the world’s most influential film awards. But the shadows that come with the spotlight also obscure some scars and regrets. It may not be a perfect system, but it offers plenty to reflect on.” Veteran film critic Wen Tianxiang returns to the 【Art Laboratory】to take an in-depth look at the most important annual event in American cinema—the Academy Awards. Though it carries the banner of artistic aesthetics, the Oscars have become a showcase for movie studios’ best marketing efforts. Beneath the glamour, however, lie unspoken rules such as elitism, sexism, and racism. While the film industry revels in the applause of the Oscar ceremony, the 【Art Laboratory】will unveil 88 years of exclusive secrets behind the Academy’s “awarded” and “not awarded” decisions.
Dissecting Japan’s New Sensory Clash of Aesthetics: Yang Zhao Explores East-West Cultural Essence
“In the 20th century, modern Japanese literature shone brightly. The Meiji Restoration brought a huge impact to a new generation of youth, and Natsume Sōseki and Jun’ichirō Tanizaki, riding the wave of new sensory consciousness, unlocked the vast possibilities of modern Japanese culture.” From modes of expression and lifestyles to fundamental values in life, Natsume Sōseki led the charge, bravely transforming the conflicts of the era into literary nourishment. Tanizaki, in turn, used lush, elegant imagery and syntax to stir human sensory desires. This time, Yang Zhao will lead students in the 【Modern Classics Hall】to explore the clash of aesthetics born from Japan’s new sensory consciousness.
Peng Guanglin Discusses The Four Seasons: A Chronological Analysis of Musical Philosophy
In the 【Concert Hall】, Instructor Peng Guanglin takes “I Don’t Want to Be Labeled!” as his theme, discussing the culture of labeling in Western classical music. Composer Vivaldi labeled his Four Seasons violin concertos to make his music more accessible, yet the majority of his over 500 concertos actually had no titles. By the 19th century, Brahms’ “absolute music” and Wagner’s “program music” sparked a century-long debate. Peng Guanglin explores musicians’ personal choices across different musical eras, encouraging audiences to tear off the labels when listening to music.
Learning never ends, and we all need to keep studying and improving. Eslite Lecture Hall keeps a close eye on the changing times, offering updated and comprehensive cultural content. Through accessible lectures, it stimulates readers’ critical thinking skills, helping modern individuals continuously gain new knowledge amid their busy lives. Those interested in learning more about the lecture courses may contact Eslite Lecture Hall at 02-6636-5888. Register before the end of January to enjoy an early bird 25% discount on the full course.