Kevin Stilley

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Syllabus – Church & Empires

Course Syllabus – Spring 2014
Church and Empires

The College at Southwestern
HIS 1203-A   T/Th    1:00 – 2:15 p.m.  Room S22
Instructor: Kevin Stilley
Office Hours:  By Appointment

I keep office hours a few blocks from the college at Stadium Drive Baptist Church: 4717 Stadium Drive, Fort Worth, TX 76133, or can meet you by appointment in the Student Center.

Email:  kstilley@swbts.edu
Website:  http://www.kevinstilley.com
Twitter:  http://www.twitter.com/kevinstilley
Facebook:  http://www.facebook.com/kevin.stilley

Catalog Description

A study of the history and philosophy of western civilization from late antiquity to the late medieval period.

Course Objectives

  • Appreciation of God’s providence in the overall pattern of history.
  • To gain knowledge of the main events, ideas and persons that have shaped western civilization from the early Christian church to the dawn of the Reformation.
  • To understand how Christianity and western civilization are related and be able to outline the relationship between church and state across time.
  • Development of the skill of applying history to contemporary ideas and issues

Required Texts

  • History of the Medieval World, by Susan Wise Bauer
  • Ecclesiastical History of the English People, by Bede
  • The Middle Ages, by Morris Bishop
  • Christian History Made Easy, Timothy Paul Jones

 (Please bring a Bible to class with you.)

 Assignments

Grades will be determined based upon completion of three exams, a writing assignment, and class participation.

  • First Examination  (25%) – This exam will be conducted via Blackboard so please be sure to have a good internet connection available on the day of the exam.
  • Second Examination  (25%) – This exam will be conducted via Blackboard so please be sure to have a good internet connection available on the day of the exam.
  • Final Examination: (25%) – The date and time for the final exam may not coincide with normal class days and times. You must make yourself available to take the final exam at the scheduled time during finals week.   No alternative times or venues for the exam will be offered.
  • Essay/Response (15%):  Each student will write a response to the op-ed piece “Does Christian Fundamentalism Endanger Our Republic?” by Carol V. Hamilton  (http://hnn.us/articles/52479.html).  The response should incorporate themes discussed in class regarding the interaction of Christianity, civilization, and Western culture.  Essays should be approximately 1000 words long and will be graded in terms of grammar, composition, creativity, research, analysis, and relevance.  Late papers will be subject to a five yard point per day penalty for delay of game.
  • Participation (10%): All students are expected to attend class, be punctual, and participate appropriately in classroom discussion.  To engage in classroom discussion of the assigned reading it is imperative that all reading assignments be conducted in a timely fashion.
    • Attendance will be recorded at the beginning of all class sessions. Absences or tardiness will adversely affect your grade.  Absences in excess of six will result in an automatic failure of the class.
    • Students are free to record the class.
    • Guests are welcome, but please notify the instructor in advance.
    • Laptops, iPhones, and similar devices may NOT be used during class as their usefulness is far outweighed by their ability to create a distraction and contribute to the cultural habit of inattentiveness.
    • If you become drowsy you may stand at the back or the side of the room until you can resume your seat without falling asleep.

Grades

Grades will be determined by the following scale: 100-98 (A+); 97-93 = A; 92-90 (A-); 89-88(B+); 87-83 (B); 82-80 (B-); 79-78 (C+); 77-73 (C); 72-70 (C-); 69-68 (D+); 67-63 (D); 62-60 (D-); Below 60 = F.

Blackboard

Blackboard and SWBTS student email will be used for class communications.  Students should check both Blackboard and student email daily for possible communications from the instructor.

Tentative Schedule

HIS 3203 Topic Assignment Due Today
January 23 Introduction to Course -Discussion of Syllabus Please print out and bring your syllabus to this class session.
January 28 The First 1,000 Years of ChristianityReview for Final Exam  Read: Bishop, chapter 1 Bring Christian History Made Easy to class with you.
January 30 External Pressures on the Church — Persecution: Apologetic and Martyrdom literature Read: Jones, Introduction and chapter 1
February 4 Internal Pressures on the Church: Heresy, Creeds, & Councils Read: Jones, chapters 2 & 3
February 6 The Age of Invasions Read: Bauer, chapters 1, 4, 5, 6 & 8
February 11 Fall of the Roman Empire & Augustine Read: Bauer, chapters 9, 10, 11 & 12
February 13 Boethius, Monasticism, Asceticism & Mysticism Read: Bauer, chapters 13, 16, 17, 18
February 18 BritainThe Papacy Read: Bede, book 1
February 20 Rise of the Franks / Charlemagne Read: Bauer, chapters 19, 20, 21, 22, 25
February 25 Church and State: A historical perspective Read: Bauer, chapters 27, 28, 29
February 27 Christ and Culture: Richard Niebuhr and D.A. Carson Read: Bauer, chapters 33, 34, 35, & 36
March 4 Does Christian Fundamentalism Endanger Our Republic?” Due: Submit your essay via Turnitin no later than the beginning of class time, and bring a paper copy to class for the instructor.
March 6 Mid-Term Examination Mid-Term Examination
March 11 Spring Break Spring Break
March 13 Spring Break Spring Break
March 18 Mohammad Read: Bauer, chapters 37, 39, 41
March 20 Expansion of Islam / Do Christians and Muslim’s Worship the Same God? Read: Bauer, chapters 42, 45, 47, & 48
March 25 The Crusades Read: Bauer, chapter 71Read: Bishop, chapter 3
March 27 The Crusades, War, Dr. Seuss & Christian Ethics Read Bishop, chapter 4
April 1 The VikingsRussia Read: Bauer, chapters 56, 69, 69, & 71
April 3 The Norman Conquest of England / The Hundred Years War / Henry V / Joan of Arc / Europe in the High Middle Ages – Feudalism/ The Black Death / Magna Carta, & Shakespeare’s Kings Read: Bishop, chapter 2
April 8 The Scholastics (Anselm, Abelard, Aquinas, and other guys whose name does not start with an  “A”  like Ockam) Read: Bishop, chapter 5
April 10 The University (Averroes, Maimonides, Siger of Brabant and other smart guys) Read: Bishop, chapter 8
April 15 Literary, Political and Cultural Contributions of the Late Medieval Period Read: Bishop, chapter 9
April 17 Examination #2 Examination #2
April 22 The Church in the 14th Century Review Christian History Made Easy
April 24 Medieval Reformers Review Christian History Made Easy
April 29 The End of Byzantium Review Christian History Made Easy
Final Examination Final Examination In Class

 

“When a man is busy at study, the Evil Impulse whispers to him: Why tarryest thou here.  Go and join the men who flirt with pretty women.”  – Talmud, Zohar, ii, 265b

 

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Syllabus – 19th Century History

Course Syllabus – Spring 2014
The Nineteenth Century

The College at Southwestern
HIS 3203-B   W/F    11:30-12:45 p.m.  Room S12
Instructor: Kevin Stilley
Office Hours:  By Appointment

(I keep office hours a few blocks from the college at Stadium Drive Baptist Church: 4717 Stadium Drive, Fort Worth, TX 76133, or I can meet you in the Student Center by appointment)

Email:  kstilley@swbts.edu
Website:  http://www.kevinstilley.com
Twitter:  http://www.twitter.com/kevinstilley
Facebook:  http://www.facebook.com/kevin.stilley

Catalog Description

A study of the history and philosophy of western civilization of the Nineteenth Century.

Course Objectives

  • To gain knowledge of the main events, ideas and persons that shaped western civilization during the Nineteenth Century.
  • To develop the skill of applying history to contemporary ideas and issues
  • Appreciation of God’s providence in the overall pattern of history.

Required Texts

  • Churches Revolutions & Empires: 1789-1914, by Ian Shaw
  • The Men Who United the States: America’s Explorers, Inventors, Eccentrics, and Mavericks, and the Creation of One Nation, Indivisible, by Simon Winchester
  • American Nations: A History of the Eleven Rival Regional Cultures of North America, by Steve Wilkins
  • When I Was a Slave: Memoirs from the Slave Narrative Collection, edited by Norman Yetman
  • Selected Stories from the 19th Century, collected by David Stuart Davies

(Please bring a Bible to class with you.)

Assignments

Grades will be determined based upon completion of two exams, an authorial summary and analysis, a student presentation and class participation.

  • Examination #1  (30%):  This exam will be conducted via Blackboard so please be sure to have a good internet connection available on the day of the exam. Mac users, I encourage you to NOT use the Safari web browser when taking this test or navigating the Blackboard interface.
  • Final Exam: (30%):  The date and time for the final exam may not coincide with normal class days and times. You must make yourself available to take the final exam at the scheduled time during finals week.   No alternative times or venues for the exam will be offered.
  • Authorial Summary & Analysis (15%):  Select one of the short stories from Selected Stories from the 19th Century, collected by David Stuart Davies.  Prepare a three-page report.  A one page biographical summary of the author should be followed by a two-page historical analysis of the work read.  How did this piece illustrate 19th century values? Did the characters face challenges that were unique to the 19th century?  How might the plot differ if set in a different time period? How does this story compare to other works from the same author?  How does the story compare with the work of other authors from the same time period?
  • Student Presentation (15%):  Each student will select one person from The Men Who United the States and make a ten-minute presentation to the class explaining how he or she influenced the developing nation during the nineteenth century. Your presentation should be organized with the goal of convincing your listeners that the contributions of this individual were significant. The material found in The Men Who United the States is your starting place, but additional research will be necessary. Creativity is greatly appreciated.
  • Participation (15%): All students are expected to attend class, be punctual, and participate appropriately in classroom discussion.  To engage in classroom discussion of the assigned reading it is imperative that all reading assignments be conducted in a timely fashion.
      • Attendance will be recorded at the beginning of all class sessions. Absences or tardiness will adversely affect your grade.  Absences in excess of six will result in an automatic failure of the class.
      • Students are free to record the class.
      • Guests are welcome, but please notify the instructor in advance.
      • Laptops, iPhones, and similar devices may NOT be used during class as their usefulness is far outweighed by their ability to create a distraction and contribute to the cultural habit of inattentiveness.
      • If you become drowsy you may stand at the back or the side of the room until you can resume your seat without falling asleep.
  • Bonus points:  Explore the Amon Carter Museum (free admission) and write a thoughtful essay on the 19th Century art in their collection.

Grades

Grades will be determined by the following scale: 100-98 (A+); 97-93 = A; 92-90 (A-); 89-88(B+); 87-83 (B); 82-80 (B-); 79-78 (C+); 77-73 (C); 72-70 (C-); 69-68 (D+); 67-63 (D); 62-60 (D-); Below 60 = F.

Blackboard

Blackboard and SWBTS student email will be used for class communications.  Students should check both Blackboard and student email daily for possible communications from the instructor.

Tentative Schedule

HIS 3203 Topic Assignment Due Today
January 24 Introduction to Course -Discussion of Syllabus Please print out and bring your syllabus to this class session.
January 29 Legacy of the American Revolution (America at the beginning of the 19th century) Read: Shaw chapter 1
January 31 Legacy of the French Revolution (Europe at the beginning of the 19th century) Read: Shaw chapter 2
February 5 Industrial Revolution, Urbanization, & Immigration Read: Shaw chapter 3
February 7 A Maturing Republic Read: Woodard, chapters 10, 11, & 12
February 12 The Lone Star Republic and Western Expansion Read: Woodard, chapters 19, 20
February 14 A Divided Nation Read: Woodard, chapter 21
February 19 North Atlantic Slavery Read: Shaw, chapter 5
February 21 War Between the States Read: Selections from When I Was a Slave
February 26 War Between the StatesWill the Real Abraham Lincoln Please Stand Up Read: Shaw, chapter 11
February 28 Women in the 19th Century Read: Woodard, chapter 24
March 5 Roads & Railroads Read: Winchester, pages 240-280
March 7 Test #1 Test #1
March 12 Spring Break Spring Break
March 14 Spring Break Spring Break
March 19 Urbanization & The Gilded Age Read:   Shaw chapter 14
March 21 Revivalism & Social Reform Read:  Shaw chapter 7
March 26 Karl Marx and Dialectical Materialism Read:   Shaw chapter 8
March 28 Science, Scientism, and Sciency Things Shaw Chapter 10
April 2 Classic 19th Century Liberalism Read:  Shaw chapter 6
April 4 19th Century Philosophy: Rebellion Against Rationality, Positivism, Pragmatism, and Utilitarianism
April 9 Around the World in 80 Days Minutes (less 5) Read: Shaw, chapter 12
April 11 The Ottoman Empire [video) Due Today: Written report on a nineteenth century author and historical analysis of a short story from Selected Stories from the 19th Century. To receive full credit it must be date and time-stamped by Turnitin prior to the time class begins. In addition, bring a paper copy to class if you want feedback on your work.
April 16 Mission in the Age of Imperialism Read:  Shaw, chapter 13
April 18 Good Friday – No Classes
April 23 New Religious Movements: Mormonism, Adventism, New England Transcendentalism, etc Read: Shaw chapter 15
April 25 Art & Culture in the 19th Century
April 30 Epilogue on a Century of Thought & Action Read:   Shaw chapter 16
Final Examination Final Examination In Class

 

“When a man is busy at study, the Evil Impulse whispers to him: Why tarryest thou here.  Go and join the men who flirt with pretty women.”  – Talmud, Zohar, ii, 265b

by

Early Western Civilization – Syllabus

Course Syllabus – Spring 2011

The College at Southwestern

HIS 1103-A    W/F    1:15-2:30  Room F-17

Instructor: Kevin Stilley

Office Hours:  By Appointment

Email:  kstilley@swbts.edu

Twitter:  http://www.twitter.com/kevinstilley

Facebook:  http://www.facebook.com/kevin.stilley

Catalog Description

A study of the history and philosophy of western civilization from antiquity to the rise of Christianity.

Course Objectives

  • Appreciation of God’s providence in the overall pattern of history.
  • To gain knowledge of the main events, ideas and persons that have shaped western civilization from antiquity to the rise of Christianity.
  • To understand how the Biblical record and western civilization are related and be able to outline the relationship between revelation and historical records.
  • Development of the skill of applying history to contemporary ideas and issues

Required Texts

  • Susan Wise Bauer.  The History of the Ancient World: From the Earliest Accounts to the Fall of Rome
  • Paul L. Maier. The Flames of Rome
  • R.K. Harrison.  Old Testament Times

Recommended Texts

  • A good historically oriented study Bible is strongly recommended.  Two of the better ones are the ESV Study Bible and the NIV Archaeological Study Bible.
  • Lynn Troyka & Douglas Hesse.  Simon & Schuster Handbook for Writers, 8th ed.

Blackboard

Blackboard and SWBTS student email will be used for class communications.  Students should check both Blackboard and student email daily for possible communications from the instructor.  WARNING:  Use of Blackboard requires that students pass an e-license test.  Complete this test as early as possible during the semester to avoid being locked out of Blackboard at the time the first exam is being conducted via that medium.  Alternative dates and formats for the test will NOT be offered.

Assignments

Grades will be determined based upon completion of three exams, two writing assignments/projects, and class participation.

  • Examination #1  (25%) – This exam will be conducted via Blackboard so please be sure to have a good internet connection available on the day of the exam.

  • Examination #2 (25%) – This exam will be conducted via Blackboard so please be sure to have a good internet connection available on the day of the exam.
  • Final Exam: (25%) – The date and time for the final exam may not coincide with normal class days and times. You must make yourself available to take the final exam at the scheduled time during finals week.   No alternative times or venues for the exam will be offered.
  • Writing Assignments / Projects (20%): Two writing projects have been assigned for this semester.

o   Create in the style of a David Letterman’s Top 10 List, “Reasons Why Christians should be interested in history?”  It may be helpful to consult the list of quotations found at http://www.kevinstilley.com/history-select-quotes/  (5%)

o   A timeline combining the main events from the Hebrew Bible with the material from our textbooks. The project can take many forms and students are encouraged to use creativity in its creation (examples:  board game, music, poetry, website, map, art, PowerPoint presentation, etc.).  (15%)

  • Participation (5%): All students are expected to attend class, be punctual, and participate appropriately in classroom discussion.  To engage in classroom discussion of the assigned reading it is imperative that all reading assignments be conducted in a timely fashion.  Be prepared or we may have to resort to the scenario found at the following url;  http://www.kevinstilley.com/a-warning-for-my-students/.   Attendance will be recorded at the beginning of all class sessions and again after each break. Absences or tardiness will adversely affect your grade.  Absences in excess of six (three for night classes) will result in an automatic failure of the class.  Students are free to record the class.  Guests are generally welcome, but please request permission from the instructor.  Laptops, iPhones, and similar devices may NOT be used during class as their usefulness is far outweighed by their ability to create a distraction.
  • OPTIONAL: A book report on The Flames of Rome may be substituted for any one of the above assignments.

Grades

Grades will be determined by the following scale: 100-98 (A+); 97-93 = A; 92-90 (A-); 89-88(B+); 87-83 (B); 82-80 (B-); 79-78 (C+); 77-73 (C); 72-70 (C-); 69-68 (D+); 67-63 (D); 62-60 (D-); Below 60 = F.

“When a man is busy at study, the Evil Impulse whispers to him: Why tarryest thou here.  Go and join the men who flirt with pretty women.” – Talmud, Zohar, ii, 265b

Tentative Schedule

HIS 1103-A Topic Assignment Due Today
January 14 Introduction to Course Please print out and bring your syllabus to this class session.
January 19 What Is History and Why Should It Be Important to Christians? Read: Harrison, chapter 1

Turn In: In the style of a David Letterman’s Top 10 List, “Reasons Why Christians should be interested in history?”
January 21 Pre-history & Genesis 1-11 Read: Genesis 1-11; Bauer, Preface;  The Everlasting Man – Chapter 2 (available on Blackboard)
January 26 Sumer & Akkad Read:  Bauer, chapters 1, 2, 3, 8, 10
January 28 Egypt Read:  Bauer chapter 4, 7, 9, 11
February 2 The Patriarchal Period Read:  Harrison, chapter 3
February 4 Hyksos, Hammurabi, Moses & The Nation of Israel Read:  Bauer chapters 23, 27, 32; Harrison, pages 119-127, 144-150
February 9 Western Semitic Power Grabs / David, Solomon, & Rehoboam (The United and Divided Kingdom) Read:  Bauer chapters 34, 39, 45,

Recommended: Harrison, chapter 7
February 11 Assyria, Babylon, the Medes & The Persians Read:   Bauer pp. 371-390, 410-417, 443-468, Old Testament book of Daniel
February 16 Examination #1 Examination #1 – On Blackboard
February 18 “Meanwhile in Greece…” Read:   Bauer pp. 183-190, 224-228, 253-257, 281-284
February 23 Greek Mythology & Religion Recommended: Hellenistic-Roman Religions, by Everett Ferguson (available on Blackboard)
February 25 The Persian Wars

History Channel Video: The 300

 Read:   Bauer pp. 514-534
March 2 History Channel Video: The 300 (pt. 2) – Birth of Democracy Read:   Bauer pp. 350-352, 354-358, 418-430
March 4 The Peloponnesian Wars & Alexander the Great Read:   Bauer pp. 539-554; 570-582; 591-607
March 9 Pre-Socratic Philosophy Recommended:

  • Presocratics, by Gordon Clark (available on Blackboard)
  • Philosophy Before Socrates, by John Mark Reynolds (available on Blackboard)
March 11 Socrates, Sophists, Plato Recommended: The Sophists, Socrates and Plato, by A. H. Armstrong (available on Blackboard)
March 23 Aristotle Recommended: Plato and Aristotle, by Donald Palmer (available on Blackboard)
March 25 Hellenistic & Early Roman Philosophy Recommended: Stoics, Cynics, Epicureans, and Sceptics, by A. H. Armstrong (available on Blackboard)
March 30 Examination #2 Examination #2 – On Blackboard
April 1 Romulus to Hannibal

Drive-Thru History – Rome Episode 1

 Read:   Bauer pp. 358-360, 431-436, 469-480, 555-561, 584-590, 607, 625-627, 629-641
April 6 Roman Prosperity

Drive-Thru History – Rome Episode 2

 Read:   Bauer pp. 644-647, 659-673, 676-678
April 8 Roman Empire

Drive-Thru History – Rome Episode 3

 Read:   Bauer pp. 680-696, 697-711
April 13 Six Flags Over Israel Read: Harrison pages 299-333
April 15 Roman Provinces & Israel During The Intertestamental Period Read: Bauer pp. 717-734
April 20 War With Rome & The Destruction of the Temple Turn In: A timeline combining the main events from the Hebrew Bible with the material from our textbooks.
April 22 No Class No Class
April 27 Western Civilization & The Kingdom of God

(or) Seven Wonders of the Ancient World, Art, Literature, etc.

 Read:   Bauer pp. 735-744, 751-756, 759-777

Recommended:

  • Genesis 1-11
  • Daniel 2
  • Matthew
  • Revelation 1
April 29 – 1:00 Final Examination Final Examination In Class

by

Seminar For Early Western Civilization

Course Syllabus – Spring 2011

The College at Southwestern

IDE 1103-A   W/F    2:40-3:55  Room F-17

IDE 1103-B  T/Th   9:25-10:40   Room F-10

Instructor: Kevin Stilley

Office Hours:  By Appointment

Email:  kstilley@swbts.edu

Twitter:  http://www.twitter.com/kevinstilley

Facebook:  http://www.facebook.com/kevin.stilley

Skype: kevin.stilley

Catalog Description

A seminar in the primary literature pertaining to the history and philosophy of early western civilization.

Course Objectives

We will thoroughly examine primary source documents from antiquity in order to . . .

  • Attain cultural literacy.
  • Acquire an emic perspective of the main events, ideas and persons that have shaped western civilization.
  • Explore the relationship between ideas and consequences.
  • Develop the skill of applying ancient ideas to contemporary events and issues.
  • Gain a better understanding of the two humanities (particularly in terms of revelation and truth).
  • Stimulate intellectual curiosity and facilitate a life-long pursuit of wisdom.

Required Texts

  • A Student’s Guide to Liberal Learning, James Schall (isbn. 9781882926534)
  • Greek Tragedies, Vol. 1, David Gren and Richmond Lattimore, eds. (isbn. 9780226307909)
  • Republic, Plato (isbn. 9780872201361)
  • Timaeus and Critias, Plato (isbn. 9780140442618)
  • Metaphysics, Aristotle (isbn. 9780140446197)
  • Nicomachean Ethics, Aristotle (isbn. 9780911589030)
  • Rhetoric, Aristotle (isbn. 9780140445107)
  • Poetics, Aristotle (isbn. 9780140446364)
  • Handbook for Writers, 8th edition Troyka & Hesse,  (isbn. 9780131993846)

Blackboard

Blackboard will be used for class communications.  Students should check Blackboard daily for possible communications from the instructor.  WARNING:  Use of Blackboard requires that students pass an e-license test.  Complete this test as early as possible during the semester to avoid being locked out of Blackboard at an inconvenient time.

Grades

Grades will be determined by the following scale: 100-98 (A+); 97-93 = A; 92-90 (A-); 89-88(B+); 87-83 (B); 82-80 (B-); 79-78 (C+); 77-73 (C); 72-70 (C-); 69-68 (D+); 67-63 (D); 62-60 (D-); Below 60 = F.

Assignments

Grades will be determined based upon completion of reports for assigned reading, two group projects, class participation, an essay, and a final exam.

  • Participation (10%): All students are expected to attend class, be punctual, and participate appropriately in classroom discussion.  To engage in classroom discussion of the assigned reading it is imperative that all reading assignments be conducted in a timely fashion.  Be prepared or we may have to resort to the scenario found at the following url;

http://www.kevinstilley.com/a-warning-for-my-students/.   Absences or tardiness will adversely affect your grade.  Absences in excess of six will result in an automatic failure of the class.  Students are free to record the class.  Guests are generally welcome, but when possible please notify the instructor in advance.  Laptops, iPhones, and similar devices may NOT be used during class as their usefulness is far outweighed by their ability to create a distraction.

  • Reading Reports  ( 20%) – Students will bring to each class a report on the assigned reading for that class session.  The report will include four items; (1) a statement that all of the material has been read (or the exact number of pages read), (2) an idea from the reading with which the student strongly agrees, (3) an idea from the reading with which the student strongly disagrees, (4) an idea from the reading which was new or provocative to the student.

  • Group Projects (20%) – Student groups will be assigned two projects.  A group grade will be assigned by the instructor for each project and participants will receive a participation grade from other group members.
  • Essay, Research Paper, or Dialogue: (25%) – Each student will write an essay, dialogue, or research paper on a topic related to course content.  Papers should be approximately 2000 words long and will be graded in terms of grammar, composition, creativity, research, analysis, and relevance. 

  • Final Exam (25%): The date and time for the final exam may not coincide with normal class days and times. You must make yourself available to take the final exam at the scheduled time during finals week.   No alternative times or venues for the exam will be offered.

“When a man is busy at study, the Evil Impulse whispers to him: Why tarryest thou here.  Go and join the men who flirt with pretty women.” – Talmud, Zohar, ii, 265b
Tentative Schedule

IDE 1103-B IDE 1103-A Topic Assignment Due Today
January 13 January 14 Introduction to Course Please print out and bring your syllabus to this class session.
January 18 January 19 Discussion of Reading Read: A Students Guide To Liberal Learning

Turn In: Reading Report
January 20 January 21 Discussion of Poetics – Language for discussing literature. Read: Poetics (It is not necessary to read the Introduction, but it might be helpful to do so if you can find the time.)

Turn In: Reading Report
January 25 January 26 Discussion of Agamemnon Read: Agamemnon

Turn In: Reading Report
January 27 January 28 Discussion of Prometheus Bound Read: Prometheus Bound

Turn In: Reading Report
February 1 February 2 Discussion of Oedipus the King Read: Oedipus the King

Turn In: Reading Report
February 3 February 4 Discussion of Antigone Read: Antigone

Turn In: Reading Report
February 8 February 9 Happiness Read: Ethics, Book A

Turn In: Reading Report
February 10 February 11 Virtue Read: Ethics, Books Beta, Gamma, Delta, Epsilon, Zeta & Eta

Turn In: Reading Report
February 15 February 16 Friendship Read: Ethics, Books Theta & Iota

Turn In: Reading Report
February 17 February 18 Pleasure Read: Ethics, Book Kappa

Turn In: Reading Report
February 22 February 23 Discussion of Republic, books 1-2 Read: Republic, books 1-2

Turn In: Reading Report
February 24 February 25 Discussion of Republic, books 3-4 Read: Republic, books 3-4

Turn In: Reading Report
March 1 March 2 Discussion of Republic, books 5-6 Read: Republic, books 5-6

Turn In: Reading Report
March 3 March 4 Discussion of Republic, books 7-8 Read: Republic, books 7-8

Turn In: Reading Report
March 8 March 9 Discussion of Republic, books 9-10 Read: Republic, books 9-10

Turn In: Reading Report
March 10 March 11 Discussion of Timaeus Read: Timaeus, Sections I & II

Turn In: Reading Report
March 22 March 23 A final discussion of Plato’s metaphysics. Read: Timaeus, Section III

Turn In: Essay, Research Paper or Dialogue
March 24 March 25 The instructor will be lecturing on Metaphysics Books Alpha & Beta. You will be reading these sections as preparation for the presentations you will be giving, but no Reading Reports are required.  Please bring your book to class.
March 29 March 30 Meet in groups to prepare presentations. Meet in groups to prepare presentations.
March 31 April 1 Group Projects

  • Group 1 – Gamma & Epsilon (with a nod to Delta)
  • Group 2 – Zeta, Eta, Theta
  • Group 2 – Iota, Lambda
 Group Presentations (no reading reports required for this material)
April 5 April 6 The instructor will be lecturing on the whole of Aristotle’s Metaphysics. Read: Review any sections of the book that were unread. (no reading reports required for this material)
April 7 April 8 Discussion of Rhetoric, Sections 1 thru 4 Read: Rhetoric, Sections 1 thru 4

Turn In: Reading Report
April 12 April 13 Discussion of Rhetoric, Sections 5 & 6 Read: Rhetoric, Sections 5 & 6

Turn In: Reading Report
April 14 April 15 Discussion of Rhetoric Sections 7 & 8 Read: Rhetoric, Sections 7 & 8

Turn In: Reading Report
April 19 April 20 Discussion of Rhetoric, Sections 9 & 10 Read: Rhetoric, Sections 9 & 10

Turn In: Reading Report
April 21 April 22 No Class No class
April 26 April 27 Review For Final Exam Review For Final Exam
May 4 – 8:00 May 4 – 10:00 Final Examination Final Examination In Class

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