A few iconic references come to mind when one mentions the 1960s – the moon landing, J.F.K., Woodstock, Vietnam and of course, the Beatles.
Although few students have personally experienced the British Invasion, it is not uncommon to still find many who share a love for these musicians. It’s because of this enduring legacy that the University of Calgary is offering a course for fans, followers and even critics of the Beatles.
“They are a unifier of generations,” said professor James Istvanffy, who is teaching the course alongside his brother, professor Robert Istvanffy.
As part of the continuing education program, the course does not count for credit but James Istvanffy would be the first to vouch that what students might get out of it is worth much more. If anything, the course breaks up a hectic student life.
Istvanffy said the type of people who usually register for his class truly love the material and love to learn.
“In non-credit courses there is a lot of flexibility and in that sense it is more fun for the instructor as well as the students,” said Istvanffy.
The brothers hope to bring activities like the Rock Band video games into class to lighten the mood and as a learning technique.
James Istvanffy said learning about the Beatles is beneficial not solely on a musical and amusement level, but historically and socially as well. There are many implications in the group’s music modern audiences may not have a grasp on.
The course’s main purpose is analyzing the Beatles’ albums and songs to look at the context of their work. Many of the homework assignments see students analyzing certain albums and specific songs in depth, as well as finding relevance between past world events and how they influenced and the Beatles’ music.
“If you want to understand the ’60s, listen to the Beatles,” said Istvanffy.
Although many Beatles’ songs vocalize themes of love, their lyrics reveal political undertones and thought provoking statements about life.
“They tell the story of what’s going on in the world,” said Istvanffy.
This is the brothers’ first time teaching this course and though James’ background is in military history, the material of HUM 128 has been a passion of his for over 20 years. His brother Robert shares an identical adoration.
Istvanffy compared the study of the Beatles to the study of Shakespeare.
“They both have the ability to convey thoughts of your mind and heart into words,” James Istvanffy states.
He admitted that this is a difficult feat to achieve, an ability that makes the Beatles so special.
“They just deserve a course,” James simply stated.