| Unit name | Thought |
|---|---|
| Unit code | CLAS10040 |
| Credit points | 20 |
| Level of study | C/4 |
| Teaching block(s) |
Teaching Block 2 (weeks 13 - 24) |
| Unit director | Dr. Ben Folit-Weinberg |
| 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, students will:
(1) be able to explain key teachings in the texts they have read;
(2) be able to evaluate those key ideas critically and to apply those ideas to issues in current affairs;
(3) be able to write a formal essay at a higher level than their coursework for teaching block 1;
(4) be able to demonstrate key skills of collaborative working and peer review.
This unit will involve a combination of independent investigative activities, long- and short-form lectures, and discussion. Students will be expected to engage with materials and participate on a weekly basis. Feedback will be provided for both formative and summative assessments, and this will be supported by meetings with tutors.
Peer-reviewed essay with reflection on the peer-review process (1800 words (100%).
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)
