Course Schedule and Catalog

Department: Humanities Division

Grade Mode: Standard Letter

Course Type: Seminar

Credit Hours: 3

Description: FIRST YEAR SEMINAR: SOCRATES: THE MAN AND HIS PHILOSOPHY ***** Socrates is often considered the first moral philosopher. Yet he was tried for impiety, convicted, and executed by his fellow citizens. His influence on Western thought and literature has been immense, even though he left no writings of his own. In this discussion-style seminar we wil consider how Socrates practiced philosophy, how Plato represented Socrates and Socratic philosophy in writing, and what effect Socrates had on Athens and his fellow Athenians. Readings will consist mainly of Plato's Socratic dialogues, with emphasis on the Apology and Gorgias. In addition to papers, each participant will make one presentation and lead one discussion. ***** Also offered as CLAS 101. ***** Enrollment is limited to 15.