Through lecture and discussion, through attention to careful reading and writing, it aims to help students come to an understanding of main currents in the Western Tradition from antiquity until the present century and to an appreciation of literary, religious, philosophical, and artistic monuments of the past. A staff of six faculty members, usually representing as many departments or disciplines, is responsible for each of the four semesters.
Lectures help to provide guidance for discussions in sections of about sixteen students each.
The course, when completed, counts toward core distribution requirements in Literature, History, Religion, and Philosophy. It further satisfies the College's requirement in composition.