On ne peut pas parler de la culture iranienne sans évoquer la poésie et la littérature persane. Lors de ce CaféLitt Francophone, nous vous invitons à découvrir ou à redécouvrir Omar Khayyam (1048-1122). Ce mathématicien, astronome, philosophe, mais aussi poète, est principalement connu pour ses célèbres quatrains qui furent popularisés en Occident par Edward Fitzgerald au XIXème siècle.  Il est également connu des mathématiciens occidentaux pour ses travaux sur les équations du troisième degré, le triangle arithmétique de Pascal, et pour sa réforme du calendrier - astronomiquement plus précis que le calendrier grégorien- qui est toujours utilisé aujourd'hui en Iran et en Afghanistan. Paul Dumais explorera les travaux scientifiques de Khayyam à travers la place des mathématiques arabes et persans... more >>

Following last week's talk, tis presentation provides an introduction to genocide as both a historical phenomenon and an analytical-legal concept, including a discussion of the concept of genocidal intent, and dynamism and contingency of genocidal processes.  The concept of genocide is a political and social tool in modern world, not only reconciled with modernity, but as what maybe an integral component.  Modernity, however, is closely linked with the enlightenment. This presentation sheds light upon the inherent contradictions of modernity between enlightenment and genocide, using the Jewish Holocaust as a testimony to this contradiction.... more >>

This presentation provides an introduction to genocide as both a historical phenomenon and an analytical-legal concept, including a discussion of the concept of genocidal intent, and dynamism and contingency of genocidal processes. The concept of genocide is a political and social tool in modern world, not only reconciled with modernity, but as what maybe an integral component. Modernity, however, is closely linked with the enlightenment. This presentation sheds light upon the inherent contradictions of modernity between enlightenment and genocide, using the Jewish Holocaust as a testimony to this contradiction.... more >>

you can find the video of the session at the bottom of the page.Quebec is the only region in North America with a French-speaking majority and it's also one of the only two provinces in Canada where French is constitutionally recognized (the other one is New Brunswick).  That singular geopolitical condition makes its culture unique and distinct in North America.  Although most of the newcomers will soon be acquainted with the outline of Quebec's culture, to master and decode its day-to-day intricacies takes time.  From Céline Dion to  Mes Aïeux, from une poutine to un pâté chinois, from CEGEP to CLSC, we will help you to answer those aching questions : who is who, and what is what, in Quebec... more >>

CaféLitt is not a place; it is a gathering of minds. We are a group of mostly Persian young students, scholars and professionals who gather every Thursday evening around 19h00 in a café to discuss various subjects and share different ideas, ranging vastly from history to science, from literature to fine arts. We started these gatherings on Jan 18th, 2007. Each week, one of us takes the responsibility of presenting a topic (in Persian, English or French) for about an hour in a subject s/he is intimately familiar with or has an expertise in. Afterwards, the evening turns into a discussion forum and all members of the audience will have an opportunity to ask their question(s) and share their points of view.
CaféLitt is open to all comments, suggestion, collaboration and new ideas. CaféLitt provides an unparalleled opportunity for learning about culture, science and philosophy in a relaxed and friendly environment, and for sharing your knowledge and expertise with like-minded members of your community.
CaféLitt is officially registered as a non-profitable group and is a nonpartisan, nonreligious and nonpolitical entity.