Class Description
From classics like Dostoevsky’s The Gambler to cult texts like A. Alvarez’s The Biggest Game in Town, this class will explore depictions of gambling in literature (both fiction and non-fiction) and film, with a special emphasis on poker.
We will ask: how does the randomness intrinsic to gambling create narrative suspense, tension, and intrigue? And what are the ethical implications of adopting chance as a guide for living? The second session of the class will culminate in a poker game among the participants.
Harrison Sherrod manages a film production company by day and teaches classes at the Newberry by night. He has led courses on everything from metaphysical detectives and con games to Star Wars and Marxism.
Materials List
Required
- A. Alvarez, The Biggest Game in Town. Chronicle Books, 2002. ISBN: 978-0811834346 (Please Note: This book is out of print, but copies are available at the Chicago Public Library. You can also find used copies for sale at online stores like AbeBooks.)
- Fyodor Dostoevsky, The Double and The Gambler. Vintage, 2007. ISBN: 978-0375719011 (Order from the Newberry Bookshop here!)
First Reading
- Please read A. Alvarez's The Biggest Game in Town before the first session.
Cost and Registration
2 Sessions, $100 ($90 for Newberry members, seniors, and students). Learn about becoming a member.
We now offer our classes at three different price options: Regular ($100), Community Supported ($95), and Sponsor ($105). Following the models of other institutions, we want to ensure that our classes are accessible to a wider audience while continuing to support our instructors. You may choose the price that best fits your situation when registering through Learning Stream.
To register multiple people for this class, please go through the course calendar in Learning Stream, our registration platform. When you select the course and register, you’ll be prompted to add another registrant.
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