Unit name | History of Thought |
---|---|
Unit code | CLAS12366 |
Credit points | 20 |
Level of study | C/4 |
Teaching block(s) |
Teaching Block 1 (weeks 1 - 12) |
Unit director | Dr. Lampe |
Open unit status | Not open |
Pre-requisites |
None |
Co-requisites |
None |
School/department | Department of Classics & Ancient History |
Faculty | Faculty of Arts |
This unit introduces students to several foundational traditions of thought in Greek and Roman philosophy. Authors or movements covered may include the pre-Socratics, Plato, Aristotle, Stoicism, and Epicureanism. Among its themes will be the nature of reality, its relation to human thought and language, the purpose of life, and the way to happiness.
Unit aims:
To introduce students to some of the most influential thinkers of Greek and Roman antiquity, both in their own time and ours; to develop students’ sophistication and enjoyment in discussing themes of enduring interest.
On successful completion of this unit, all students should:
2 x 1 hour lecture and 1 x 1 hour seminar
One continuous assessment essay (Level 1: 2000 words, Level 2: 2500words): 50 marks
One written examination of 90 minutes, consisting of:
(a) Comment on two out of four passages (2 x 15 marks)
(b) Write on one out of four essays (20 marks)
Total: 50 marks
Brennan, Tad. 2005. The Stoic Life (Oxford: Oxford UP).
Hadot, P. 2005. What is Ancient Philosophy? trans. by Michael Chase (Harvard: Belknap)
Leonard, Miriam. 2008. How to Read Ancient Philosophy (London: Granta).
Warren, James. 2009. The Cambridge Companion to Epicureanism (Cambridge: Cambridge UP)