Former Czech Leader Added to Core

Look out, Aristotle, and move over, Homer. There's a new name on the Core reading list.

Starting in mid-October, Vaclav Havel-famed writer, human rights activist, and first president of the Czech Republic-will be visiting Columbia for 10 weeks.

In honor of his visit, some of his work will be integrated into two major Core classes. One of Havel's plays, The Garden Party, will be taught as a required part of the Literature Humanities curriculum. He will also deliver the annual Contemporary Civilization lecture to sophomores this fall.

Havel is visiting Columbia as part of the Artist-in-Residence program, started last year by Gregory Mosher, director of the University Arts Initiative. Last year, the role was filled by dramatist Peter Brook, who directed Tierno Bokar at Barnard College.

The former Czech leader will not teach classes during his stay, but he is expected to work with students and professors in several Columbia schools, delivering talks, and speaking informally with students.

Born in Prague in 1936, Havel began writing in the early 1960s. He rose to become one of the leading opponents of Communism in Czechoslovakia, helping to run a bloodless overthrow of the Russians.

His works include The Garden Party, The Memorandum, Conspirators, and The Beggars Opera.