HONOR 2101 - Honors Core in Intellectual Traditions I: Antiquity and the Beginning of the Common Era

This course examines a variety of texts and thinkers from earliest times to the beginnings of the Common Era, with a focus on the ideas that have had an enduring, foundational influence on our understanding of both ourselves and the world in which we live, and that have thereby become canonical works. Topics covered will vary by individual instructor, but may include: the idea of the hero, fate and death, the development of Christian and non-Christian religious traditions, the nature of the state, and the roles of men and women. Some typical readings are the Epic of Gilgamesh, Homer, Sappho, Greek tragedy, the philosophy of Plato and Aristotle, Chinese Daoist (Taoist) texts, the Bible, and early Church fathers. The course stresses careful reading, critical thinking, and good writing. Students interested in knowing more about authors and themes to be covered are urged to attend the Honors Preview or contact the instructors directly.