BPMSSYM1 - Ancient Greek and Roman Ideas about Diversity

Course Description

Have you ever considered what the ancients had to say about diversity? Or how the value of diversity is reflected in literature throughout the ages? The 2019-20 UnCommon School at Morningstar, offered by The University of Chicago's Basic Program of Liberal Education for Adults will explore how the notion of diversity has evolved through discussing excerpts of major works of philosophy and literature. Students can choose to participate in all or some of the offerings, which include half-day symposia which meet once, and 3-week courses that meet once a week. We’ve designed the sessions so that preparation isn’t burdensome and Zoom sessions are available for those outside of Chicago. 

Our first offering is a half-day Symposium: Ancient Greek and Roman Ideas about Diversity. We will meet to read and discuss an array of works from Ancient Greece and Rome that approach the idea of diversity form several different angles. All reading will be done in class on the day of the Symposium, so no advance reading is required. The day will be divided into two 2-hour sessions with a 15 minute break. Readings will include works by Sappho, Aristotle, Plato, and Livy. 

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