ROOTS WESTERN CIV: The Roots of Western Civilization

Classics R44 Section 1 (5 units)

OLIENSIS and SAILOR

Fulfills the L&S breadth requirements in Arts & Literature, Historical Studies and Social and Behavioral Sciences as well as Reading and Composition A or B.

In this reading- and writing-intensive class, we will explore a set of literary works from the four traditions of the ancient Mediterranean world-Greek, Jewish, Roman, and Christian-that exerted the strongest influence on that later complex of cultural, intellectual, political, and religious traditions often described by the term "Western civilization." At the same time, we will be using this rich and interesting group of works as material on which to develop and practice higher-level reading and writing skills. Lectures will offer historical context, identify significant recurring themes, and provide examples of ways of making arguments about literature. Sections will provide a forum both for discussion of the readings and for the development of practical strategies for effective and interesting writing. Although there will be a final exam and various in-section written exercises, the heart of your graded written work will be a series of drafts and revisions of short, sharp essays.

Texts

Location: 3 LECONTE
Times: MW 1200 -200P

section times and locations in the Schedule of Classes