Course Overview
This comprehensive survey explores the foundational texts of Western civilization, examining the literary and philosophical traditions that have shaped human thought for over two millennia. Students will engage with primary sources ranging from Homer's epic poetry to Augustine's theological treatises, developing critical analysis skills while gaining deep appreciation for the enduring relevance of classical wisdom.
Through careful textual analysis, comparative studies, and reflective writing, participants will trace the evolution of key themes including heroism, justice, love, mortality, and the nature of the divine. The course emphasizes the interconnectedness of literature and philosophy, demonstrating how great works of art continue to illuminate fundamental questions about human existence.
Weekly Curriculum
Epic Foundations: Homer's Odyssey
Introduction to epic poetry and heroic narrative. Exploration of themes including hospitality, divine intervention, and the hero's journey.
- Homer, The Odyssey (Books I-XII)
- Secondary: Nagy, "The Ancient Greek Hero"
Tragic Wisdom: Sophocles & Aeschylus
Analysis of Greek tragedy as philosophical inquiry. Examination of fate, free will, and moral responsibility.
- Sophocles, Oedipus Rex
- Aeschylus, Oresteia (Agamemnon)
Philosophical Foundations: Plato's Republic
Introduction to systematic philosophy through Plato's ideal state. Discussion of justice, truth, and the examined life.
- Plato, Republic (Books I-IV, VII)
- The Allegory of the Cave
Practical Ethics: Aristotle's Nicomachean Ethics
Exploration of virtue ethics and the concept of eudaimonia. Application of classical ethics to contemporary moral dilemmas.
- Aristotle, Nicomachean Ethics (Books I-II, X)
- Doctrine of the Mean
Roman Stoicism: Seneca & Marcus Aurelius
Study of Stoic philosophy and its practical applications. Examination of reason, emotion, and spiritual discipline.
- Seneca, Letters from a Stoic (selections)
- Marcus Aurelius, Meditations (Books II-III)
Epic Poetry: Virgil's Aeneid
Analysis of Roman epic and imperial ideology. Comparison with Homeric traditions and examination of cultural adaptation.
- Virgil, Aeneid (Books I-VI)
- The Underworld Journey
Early Christianity: Augustine's Confessions
Exploration of spiritual autobiography and the synthesis of classical and Christian thought.
- Augustine, Confessions (Books I-VIII)
- The Problem of Evil
Synthesis & Final Projects
Integration of course themes and presentation of independent research projects on classical influence in modern literature.
- Student-selected contemporary works
- Final paper presentations
Dr. Elizabeth Morrison
Professor of Classical Studies
Dr. Morrison specializes in ancient Greek literature and philosophy, with particular expertise in tragic drama and Platonic dialogues. She has published extensively on the intersection of literature and moral philosophy in classical antiquity.
Dr. James Richardson
Associate Professor of Philosophy
Dr. Richardson's research focuses on ancient ethics and political philosophy. His recent work examines the reception of Aristotelian virtue theory in contemporary moral psychology and its applications to modern ethical dilemmas.
Course Enrollment
Join a community of scholars dedicated to exploring the timeless wisdom of classical antiquity. Limited enrollment ensures personalized attention and meaningful discussion.