Survey of Classical Literature at
The Lukeion Project: the Muse Series
Why study Classical literature in translation?
One would never ask a child to start working on algebra before he's mastered addition, subtraction, multiplication and division. That would be silly. The child may intuitively make sense of a few problems but most of the algebraic complexities would be lost on his unprepared mind. This isn't too different from asking a person to complete his education without any ideas about where he came from and what the many generations before him thought, fought and feared. The complexities of human existence will be lost on him and he'll be stuck focused on the trivialities that have become so popular among others stranded in the same generational boat.
Classical literature is the foundation of Western civilization. It has inspired how we have thought and behaved for the past 2700 years. The current generation is among the first to forego the benefits of this essential topic and the results? A mentally impoverished generation will soon become our future leaders, thinkers and lawmakers. A study of Classical literature is not only a practical course but a requirement for any learner in need of a well-rounded education.
The Lukeion Project takes a balanced interdisciplinary approach to Classical literature
No student can understand literature without also gaining an appreciation for the life and culture of the people portrayed inthat literature. An interdisciplinary approach features not only a study of primary literature but also art, architecture, culture, poetry, history and philsophy.
**The Greeks portrayed male heroes in the nude. I will be selective and never show anything intentionally obscene, but I will not use “fig leaves” either--so be forewarned.
College Preparatory
Our literature survey courses are both college preparatory. They promote time management and encourage critical analysis in exam essays and research projects. They prompt good note taking and study skills. Good candidates for this course must be confidently reading and writing at the high school level since both courses require robust weekly reading assignments. The instructor will provide suggestions and pointers for first time research writers and note takers.
Survey of Greek Literature:
Muse on the Loose
We introduce the 5 major genres of Greek literature that are so foundational to Western literature. Muse students read selections in translation from poetry, history, philosophy, drama and science/mathematics. Readings span from the time of Homer down to Hellenistic writers such as Polybius, Callimachus and Galen. We give special attention to the plays of Aristophanes & Euripides, the philosophy of Plato & Aristotle and the historical accounts of Herodotus, Thucydides & Xenophon. Expect an exam and 4 writing assignments . Excellent transition course between essay writing & research papers.
Prerequisites: Recommended for grades 9-12. Students should be reading and writing at the high school level. Suggested companion course: Survey of Latin Literature: Muse Re-Loosed.
Required texts
The Norton Book of Classical Literature
by Bernard MacGregor Walker Knox, 1993 (Norton).
Time:
We offer a single time slot for this course which is strictly limited in size:
- Autumn semester, Thursdays at 11:30 am ET -- instructor S. Fisher
Register for 2016-2017 classes
Survey of Roman Literature:
Muse Re-Loosed
We introduce the literature of the Romans from the earliest interpretations of Greek dramas to the writings of the Imperial Age. Through drama, poetry, history, philosophy, and satire students will follow the history and thought life of the Roman people through the eyes of its poets and statesmen. Authors include Plautus, Terence, Lucretius, Cicero, Catullus, Horace, Vergil, Ovid, Petronius, Livy and Tacitus in translation. Expect a quiz and 4 short writing assignments. Excellent transitional course between essay writing and research papers.
Prerequisites: Recommended for grades 9-12. Students should be reading and writing at the high school level. Suggested companion course: Survey of Latin Literature: Muse Re-Loosed.
Required texts
The Oxford Anthology of Roman Literature
, by Knox and McKeown, 2013.
ISBN-13: 978-0195395167
We offer a single time slot for this course which is strictly limited in size:
- Spring semester, Thursdays at 11:30 am ET -- instructor S. Fisher