This seminar will discuss such topics as the textual transmission of Lucretius, the state of completion of the poem and in particular the status of the concluding description of the Athenian plague, the question of interpolations, the nature of the prologues to the individual books, the relationship of Lucretius' poem to that of Empedocles and to contemporary Alexandrian influences on literature, etc. The aim of this course is to give a survey of the history of philosophy from its origins up to the 15th century. We shall read and discuss major works of such philosophers as Plato, Aristotle, St. Augustine and St. Thomas Aquinas. The emphasis will be on those writings and ideas which have been formative influences in the history of western civilization. The course is well suited for students who want a basis for more advanced work in philosophy, as well as for those who are not planning to take further courses in philosophy but believe that some knowledge of the history of philosophy is essential to a liberal arts education.
Requirements are five short quizzes and two papers.
The James S. Constantine annual lectureship was established in 1987 by the colleagues, friends, and former students of James S. Constantine, in recognition of his contributions to the teaching and study of the Classics. The Arthur F. Stocker Endowment Fund for Classical Lectures was established in 1984 by the colleagues, friends, and former students of Arthur F. Stocker, in recognition of his contributions to the field of Classics. Each year the graduate students of the Department of Classics sponsor a colloquium with lectures by distinguished scholars of their own choosing. Annual Fall Meeting of the Classical Association of Virginia Each year, the Classical Association of Virginia holds its autumn meeting at the University of Virginia. At this meeting, attended by secondary school teachers and faculty from colleges and universities throughout the state, papers by members and by a distinguished guest lecturer are read and, also, a luncheon and reception are held.