|
The Augustine and Culture Seminar is a two-semester seminar
which introduces all first-year students to significant texts of western
culture. In the first half (Traditions in Conversation), texts include
readings from the Hebrew Scriptures, the Gospels, the Greeks, Augustine (often
either Confessions or City of God), the Middle Ages, and a Shakespearian
play. In the second half (Modernity and Its Discontents), readings will
include representative texts in the Humanities from the 16th through the 20th
centuries. (See below for sample syllabi). In addition, each Mods class will
develop an Augustinian theme during the course of the semester.
The Augustine and Culture Seminar is not, however, a survey course. Our aim is to explore
questions with our students about life, humanity, God, and truth, through texts
which over the centuries continue to challenge us. We teach students to be
better and more reflective readers, able to engage texts through thoughtful
discourse and reasoned writing. The Core classroom is discussion-oriented, with
critical attention paid to reading primary texts and interacting with them
through the spoken and written word.
All Augustine and Culture Seminar students can expect their classes to be:
- Writing intensive- serving as the required introductory writing
course at Villanova
- Discussion intensive- allowing our students to participate
actively in the life of the mind even at this introductory level
- Reading intensive- exposing all undergraduates in the University
to deep and important books
- Geared to the Augustinian Catholic heritage- requiring students
to encounter the Bible and the thought of Augustine.
Course Descriptions
ACS 1000 Traditions in Conversation (Trads)
Traditions in Conversation introduces all first-year Villanova students
to the thought traditions of classical antiquity, the Hebrew Scriptures, early
Christianity, the medieval world, and the Renaissance. In this way, our students
are drawn into the common intellectual conversation which marks a community of
scholars. In this course, students can expect to read primary texts from the
ancient Greeks, the Hebrew Scriptures, the New Testament, the Middle Ages, and
the Renaissance, along with significant texts from the works of Saint Augustine
and William Shakespeare. Click here for a sample syllabus [hyperlink]
ACS 1001 Modernity and its Discontents (Mods)
Modernity and Its Discontents continues the conversation started in the
Trads course (ACS 1000). In this theme-driven course, students will explore
representative texts from a variety of eras and genres, starting with the early
Modern period (17th century), going through the Enlightenment (18th Century),
and proceeding to the present day. Students will be asked to consider how the
ancient traditions studied in the first semester undergo radical changes in the
modern era. Mods classes also explore the influence of Augustinian themes on
modern thought. Click here for a sample syllabus. [hyperlink]
ACS 1000 -
Traditions in Conversation
Description: A Humanities seminar based principally on texts and readings drawn from primary sources up to 1650. Extensive written work and seminar discussions. Required readings: Hebrew and Christian scriptures, selections from the works of Augustine, Greek and Renaissance works. Readings from different genres and disciplines. Themes developed by the instructor in accordance with the selected readings.
Prerequisites:
Corequisites:
Credit Hours: 3.0
Last Offered: Fall 2008, Summer 2008, Spring 2008, Fall 2007
ACS 1001 -
Modernity & Its Discontents
Description: A Humanities seminar based principally on texts and readings drawn from primary sources 1650 to the present. Extensive written work and seminar discussions. Readings from each of the following five historical eras: Early Modern, Enlightenment, Romantic, Modernist, Contemporary. Readings will also reflect different genres and disciplines. Themes developed by the instructor in accordance with the selected readings, including a specific Augustinian theme.
Prerequisites:
Corequisites:
Credit Hours: 3.0
Last Offered: Fall 2008, Summer 2008, Spring 2008, Fall 2007
|
