IDE4055 ¨C History of Ideas: Central issues in Antiquity

Course content

The course deals with selected themes from the Greco-Roman philosophical tradition. You read central original texts (in Greek or Latin if you can, in translation if not) from the period and learn different approaches (like...) to the texts. The reading list can contain both literary, political, religious and philosophical texts. You must also read secondary literature that contextualizes the original texts and present different views on the Greco-Roman antiquity. We will also study the impact and reception of antiquity during the medieval period and modern times.

Learning outcome

• knowledge about central ideas in the Greco-Roman antiquity
• insight in the distinct views and perspetives that colour the texts ant their authors - what is common and what is different
• knowledge about newer research on Greco-Roman ideas
• knowlwdge about alternative perspectives on, and compeeting historical views on the antiquity
• to read and discuss texts from the Greco-Roman antiquity (in translation or in Greek and/or Latin) and to place them in a historical context of ideas
• historical interpretation and analysis
• to present the original texts and secondary literature in writing and to comment on other students` texts

Admission to the course

Students who are admitted to study programmes at UiO must each semester register which courses and exams they wish to sign up for in Studentweb.

Students enrolled in other Master`s Degree Programmes can, on application, be admitted to the course if this is cleared by their own study programme.

If you are not already enrolled as a student at UiO, please see our information about admission requirements and procedures.

Recommended previous knowledge

You should have taken introductory courses in early western history of ideas, philosophy or equivalent, before taking this course.

Overlapping courses

• 10 credits overlap with IDE2055 ¨C Fordypning i antikkens tenkning.

Teaching

The teaching is given as seminars throughout the semester (8 lessons together with bachelor level, 4 master level classes).

In order to be able to sit for examination, the teacher must approve (accept as satisfactory) your compulsory tuition activity:

• outline for semester essay (3-4 pages, 2300 characters per page). You submit your outline in Canvas.
• weekly preparation of texts (primary and secondary literature)

Examination

The exam is a seminar paper .The paper should be 8-10 pages long, 2300 characters per page, excl. bibliography and appendixes. If you know latin you are more than welcome to use the original literature in latin.

All compulsory activities must have been approved by the teacher before you can submit your paper for examination.

Language of examination

The examination text is given in English, and you submit your response in English.

Grading scale

Grades are awarded on a scale from A to F, where A is the best grade and F is a fail. Read more about the grading system.

More about examinations at UiO

• Use of sources and citations
• Special exam arrangements due to individual needs
• Withdrawal from an exam
• Illness at exams / postponed exams
• Explanation of grades and appeals
• Resitting an exam
• Cheating/attempted cheating

You will find further guides and resources at the web page on examinations at UiO.