News from the Division of Languages and Literature

Gustave Flaubert’s collection of satirical definitions, The Dictionary of Received Ideas, was a complaint against clichés and unreflective thinking. Teju Cole recently presented a similar, updated project on Twitter.

Bard writer in residence Teju Cole's novel Open City is Book One for first-years at Simon's Rock, and it's made The Choice's list of best college orientation program books.

Daniel Mendelsohn's translation "reveals the sensual and cerebral pleasures of a 20th-century master."

Naomi LaChance '16 spoke with Hannah Arendt Center director Roger Berkowitz, previewing the new Hannah Arendt film as part of her Community Action Award internship at the Berkshire Eagle.

Francine Prose examines director Woody Allen's treatment of his heroine in Blue Jasmine, and reflects on women's roles in his earlier films.

Teju Cole looks at a power struggle in Nigeria, and author Wole Soyinka's criticism of First Lady Patience Jonathan's involvement.

Bard faculty member Daniel Mendelsohn is one of two runners-up for the PEN/Diamonstein-Spielvogel Award for the Art of the Essay. Professor Mendelsohn was recognized for his collection Waiting for the Barbarians.

"[W]hen I look up from my e-reading, I realize that the physical books are serving a new purpose—as constant reminders of what I’ve read," writes Verlyn Klinkenborg.

Bard alumnus, performer, screenwriter, and playwright Nick Jones '01 talks about how the Netflix approach of making an entire series available at once enables a different kind of viewing experience.