Arts, Society and Literature (ASL):
- Helps students develop an understanding of Western cultural references.
- Allows easy access to Western arts, literature and ideas especially for those brought up in a non-Western culture.
- Explores the evolution of Western ideas and thought as they find expression in art, architecture, literature, music, philosophy and the humanities.
- Asks some of humanity’s most enduring questions.
- Will pique your interest so you will take this interest with you throughout your life.
Our Book List:
Our first reading of fiction is Homer's "The Odyssey" in translation by Robert Fagles, perhaps the most accessible translation in English. ISBN 978-0140-268-867
We will be reading Alain de Botton's "The Consolations of Philosophy", a highly readable account of Western philosophy. ISBN 978-0679-779-179
In the Spring, we will read Dante's "Inferno" from "The Divine Comedy" ISBN 978-0451-531-391
... and
"Hamlet". ISBN 978-0521-618-748
"Hamlet". ISBN 978-0521-618-748
We will also be reading a compendium of supplementary texts, all online, ranging from pre-Socratic philosophers through Pliny through Michaelangelo's poem about why he is not a painter ...