LITR 231 / Ancient Western Literature

Course Objectives

In this class, you will

• be introduced to many of the foundational texts of Western Civilization;
• be asked to apply primary sources to your world via outside secondary sources;
• be introduced to literary discourse and be asked to demonstrate competence via discussion, writing, and class participation.

In addition, we tackle the larger goals of the Union College program, in which students will

• communicate clearly and persuasively, using effective listening, speaking, reading, and writing skills;
• demonstrate a knowledge of global issues and an appreciation of diverse cultures;
• think critically, including knowing how to access, use, and evaluate information;
• connect learning to one’s character, spirituality, work, and society.

Course Rational

Once upon a time, every educated individual would have had a working knowledge of the great works of literature. Sadly, it is possible today at many schools to graduate from college without having read Homer, Sophocles, Ovid, Dante, or even Shakespeare. That will not be true of you—and that’s a good thing!

While you will not enjoy everything we read (nor will you agree with everything you read), you will, I trust, gain a better understanding of the world and your own personal view of that world by reading classic texts. If you find one text that excites you, your teacher will feel personally gratified and will get a better night’s sleep.

Oedipus solves the riddle of the Sphinx