|
|
|
||||
|
|
|
|
|
||
|
Spring 2007 |
|||
|
Prospectus This course examines themes that unite The City of God, Augustine’s central work, and Hobbes’ Leviathan. Topics to be covered include the account of human motivation and the explanation of conflict, the foundations of secular authority and its relationship to religious authority, the nature of heresy, and the place of human achievement in time and the nature of salvation. Both books will be read in their entirety. Requirements Conference participation in good faith. Occasional writing in class or for the following conference. There will be two major assignments, one at midterm and one towards the end of the semester. One will be an exam and another a writing assignment. Readings As this is a small class, the burden of preparation falls heavily on each of you. If two of you have not done the readings, then there won’t be much point in having a discussion. So please come to class prepared to discuss the text and please bring your text so that we can all be on the same page (literally). Please remember that in discussion, it does not matter to me whether you are 'right' or 'wrong' -- there are plausible differences in interpretation -- but what is important is that your answer shows knowledge of the reading or demonstrates growing skill in textual analysis. Texts In addition to the two books assigned for this class, we may explore other texts as they are relevant. One obvious possibility is to read Cicero when we come to Augustine’s discussion of De Republica. Others may occur to you or me as time goes by and our discussion proceeds. Reading Schedule I will distribute one once I know whether we are meeting once a week or twice a week. In general, I planned to spend 4 weeks on each thinker. Contact Information My office is in Eliot 404. My telephone extension is ext 7346. My email is rejali@reed.edu. I am usually available by email and I will post any changes in readings or announcements to your email account so please check your account regularly. My office hours will be announced next week once my schedule has settled down. Reading Schedule Augustine of Hippo, The City of God Thomas Hobbes, The Leviathan Spring Break Week 8: Book 2 (Chapters 17-25)
|
|||
