The hardest thing about writing a syllabus is the editing down. Last semester, I had the gall to actually edit the Iliad (and I questioned throughout the course whether I'd done the right thing, though I'm happy I included all the supporting texts I did).
But this time it's even worse. There are stacks of texts I consider essential to a course in Classical Philosophy, and only a finite number of classes in the semester. Must I sacrifice the pre-Socratics in order to include Seneca and Epicurus? But the pre-Socratics are so nutty and fun! And how can we read the Republic in its entirety if it means sacraficing either the Crito or the Apology? And what about the Phaedrus (my absolute favorite)? Aaaaugh!
So, brilliant readers: what texts do you think are absolutely essential readings in Classical philosophy? What shouldn't students be allowed to live without?
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8 comments:
"The Complete Idiot's Guide" Series? For instance, I am reading a book my sister gave me called "Parenting for Idiots" and I really don't think I ever could have understood the Illiad without it...or, uh...sumpin'.
Ahhh, my brilliant friend, how I miss thee.
xoxoxox
I'm having trouble posting, this is a test
arg! this is giving me trouble. What to do with 800 years of smart people>
okay, trying one more time. Classical philosophy covers at least 800 years, two cultures and at least 2 religions. They were all smart guys with fascenating and relavent points of view. You know its a survey, give them a taste of each, try to be fair and hope they keep reading. You can always assign Zen and the art of motorcycle maintenance for extra credit
Momeester
oh...did i have a great comment for you...all sorts of intelligent, i was...then, i couldn't post it.
this is a test
yeeha!
ok...let's see if i can sum it up.
i said:
when i'm trying to narrow the scope of a rather broad topic in the curriculum, i focus on things that influence my own thinking. i also tend to include the sort of 'gateway ideas' that will get kids interested in learning more on their own.
that's why anthologies are good. which, in turn, is why you shouldn't feel bad about editing.
grr...much more eloquent it was the last time.
wow...i had to check out the protein sythesis...and i'm left speechless.
i don't know what i liked more: the groovy soundtrack, or the excellent jaberwock references...
rarely have so many bio-chem majors and modern dance majors gathered together in such peace and harmony.
the 60s, they were a crazy time...
Ha! Phlogiston Productions! That's brilliant. And I might even understand protein synthesis now.
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