The University of Texas at Austin
Fall 2009
Introduction to Western Civilization: Ancient Philosophy and Literature
HMN 316 (40460) / WCV 301 (48545)
MWF 9:00 – 10:00, Waggener 208
Dr. Benjamin Lorch
Email: benjamin.lorch@gmail.com
Office: Waggener 401
Office hours: W 10:00-11:00, F 11:30-12:30 and by appointment
PREREQUISITES
None. This is an introductory course.
DESCRIPTION
This course will explore the confrontation in Ancient Greek thought with the fundamental
and enduring problems of human existence. We will study and compare the two
preeminent Ancient Greek models of outstanding human virtue, the hero Achilles and the
philosopher Socrates, and the insights that they afford into human nature; happiness and
the good life; justice and morality; and the place of humanity in the cosmos. In the last
part of the semester, we will examine the way in which Aristotle transformed these
insights about virtue into the first systematic philosophical treatise about human affairs
ever written.
REQUIREMENTS
Class discussion (25% of course grade)
This is a seminar course. The most important requirement is for each student to commit
to completing the reading before each class, attending every class and participating
actively in class discussions. Students who are not willing to make this commitment
should not take the course. Class participation (and therefore attendance) will be an
important part of your grade.
Papers (75% of course grade, 15% each).
This course contains a substantial writing component. Learning to compose clear,
concise and compelling written arguments is a key part of this class. Five papers on
assigned topics will be due in class on the following dates: September 14, October 5,
October 25, November 16 and December 4. The assignments will vary in length between
2 and 5 pages. You will not be required to do any additional reading for the papers. Each
paper will count for 15% of your final grade. Late papers will be penalized one full letter
grade if they are not submitted in class, and an additional full letter grade per day.
All students are encouraged to use the Undergraduate Writing Center (FAC 211, 4716222, http://uwc.fac.utexas.edu/). The Writing Center offers free, individualized, expert
help with writing for any UT undergraduate, by appointment or on a drop-in basis. Any
undergraduate enrolled in a course at UT may visit the UWC for assistance with any
writing project.
Grading policy
There will be no final exam. Plus/minus grades will be assigned for individual papers but
not for the final grade.
TEXTS
The following texts are available for purchase at the University Co-op. Please be sure to
get the precise editions that are listed below.
1) The Iliad of Homer, translated by Richmond Lattimore (University of Chicago
Press).
2) The Republic of Plato, translated by Allan Bloom (Basic Books).
3) Four Texts on Socrates, translated by Thomas G. West and Grace Starry West
(Cornell University Press).
4) The Politics of Aristotle, translated by Peter L. Phillips Simpson (University of
North Carolina Press).
WEB SITE
The syllabus, study questions, paper assignments and other course documents will be
posted on Blackboard (courses.utexas.edu).
STUDENTS WITH DISABILITIES
The University of Texas at Austin provides upon request appropriate academic
accommodations for qualified students with disabilities. Students with disabilities may
request appropriate academic accommodations from the Division of Diversity and
Community Engagement, Services for Students with Disabilities, 471-6259.
ADDITIONAL NOTICES
Please turn off all cellphones, laptops and other electronic devices before the
beginning of each class.
Please bring the assigned reading to every class so that you can refer to it in the
discussion.
SCHEDULE OF READINGS AND PAPERS
Week 1
8/26
8/28
Introductory class
Homer, Iliad, Books 1 and 2
Week 2
8/31
9/2
9/4
Iliad 3-6
Iliad 7-10
Iliad 11-14
Week 3
9/9
9/11
Iliad 15-18
Iliad 19-22
First paper due on Monday, September 14
Week 4
9/14
9/16
9/18
Iliad 23-24
Plato, Republic Book 1
Republic, Book 1
Week 5
9/21
9/23
9/25
Republic 2
Republic 2
Republic 3
Week 6
Please note that there will be no class on Monday, September 28
9/30 Republic 3
10/2 Republic 4
Second paper due on Monday, October 5
Week 7
10/5
10/7
10/9
Republic 4
Republic 5
Republic 5
Week 8
10/12 Republic 6
10/14 Republic 6
10/16 Republic 7
Week 9
10/19 Republic 7
10/21 Republic 8
10/23 Republic 8
Third paper due on Monday, October 25
Week 10
10/25 Republic 9
10/27 Republic 9
10/29 Republic 10
Week 11
11/2
11/4
11/6
Week 12
Republic 10
Plato, Apology of Socrates (in West and West, Four Texts on
Socrates), p.63-78 (sections 17a-28b)
Plato, Apology of Socrates, p.78-end
11/9 Plato, Apology of Socrates
11/11 Aristotle, Politics Book I Chapters 1-3
11/13 Aristotle, Politics Book I Chapters 4-13
Fourth paper due on Monday, November 16
Week 13
11/16 Politics II 1-5
11/18 Politics III 1-6
11/20 Politics III 7-18
Week 14
11/23 Politics IV 1-6
Week 15
11/30 Politics IV 7-12
12/2 Politics V 13-17
12/4 Politics V
Final paper due on Friday, December 4