HC1501: KEY WORKS FOR EUROPEAN CIVILISATION (2019-2020)

Last modified: 25 Sep 2019 09:58

Course Overview

This course offers an introductory survey of foundational works of European culture. Lectures will introduce students to the content, occasion, and influence of texts of exemplary historical importance and contemporary interest. The texts surveyed may vary each year, but will be suggestive of the thematic and formal range of classical thought. Students normally may expect to read selections of classical literary, historical, and philosophical works from such figures as Homer, Virgil, Polybius, Josephus, Plato, and Aristotle. Special attention will be paid to the reception of these figures and their works have informed the western intellectual tradition. See the course guide

Course Details

Study Type	Undergraduate	Level	1
Term	Second Term	Credit Points	15 credits (7.5 ECTS credits)
Campus	Aberdeen	Sustained Study	No
Co-ordinators	Dr Samantha Newington

Qualification Prerequisites

Either Programme Level 1 or Programme Level 2

What courses & programmes must have been taken before this course?

Any Undergraduate Programme (Studied)

What other courses must be taken with this course?

None.

What courses cannot be taken with this course?

None.

Are there a limited number of places available?

Course Description

Course Aims

This course offers an introduction to some of the foundational texts of the European cultural tradition. Its aims to foster knowledge of and critical appreciation for the intellectual legacy of antiquity; to encourage reflection upon the distinctiveness and contingency of modern western culture; and to promote a level of cultural literacy amongst first-year undergraduate students.

Main Learning Outcomes

Students completing the course should gain an enhanced sense of the underpinnings of European culture; an awareness of the range of classical thought as it comes to expression in some especially formative texts; and an appreciation of the complexity and dynamism of the western intellectual tradition. Students will be also gain a broad familiarity with several styles of academic engagement with classical texts (e.g., literary, philosophical, historical, theological).

Course Content

This course offers an introductory survey of foundational works of European culture. Lectures will introduce students to the content, occasion, and influence of texts of exemplary historical importance and contemporary interest. The texts surveyed may vary each year, but will be suggestive of the thematic and formal range of classical thought. Students normally may expect to read selections of classical literary, historical, and philosophical works from such figures as Homer, Virgil, Polybius, Josephus, Plato, and Aristotle. Special attention will be paid to the reception of these figures and their works have informed the western intellectual tradition.

Details, including assessments, may be subject to change until 30 August 2024 for 1st term courses and 20 December 2024 for 2nd term courses.

Summative Assessments

There are no assessments for this course.

Formative Assessment