OVERVIEW

Erasmus Academy Spring ‘21

Ancient Philosophy for Modern Life (Online)

Instructor: Nick Romeo

March 23 – June 8, 2021

Thursdays, 1:00 to 4:00 PM EST

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Course Description

Ancient Greek and Roman philosophers sought to answer many of life’s most fundamental and practical questions: What does it mean to be a good person? Does being good make you happy? How can you know who your true friends are? What distinguishes love from lust? These questions are deeply relevant to everyone’s life today, but our culture largely neglects the insights of antiquity. In this course, we will read and discuss foundational texts such as Plato’s Republic, Aristotle’s Nichomachean Ethics, and Marcus Aurelius’ Meditations. You will develop familiarity with ancient philosophical ideas through Socratic-style discussion, receive individual coaching on analytical writing skills through multiple writing assignments, and gain useful insights into some of life’s most important questions.

By the end of the course, you will understand how to apply principles from Stoicism, Epicureanism, and Platonism to the dilemmas of daily life. Learn from the ancient world’s greatest philosophers how to manage anger and unruly passions, how to cultivate ethical habits, how to think about death, politics, friendship, and much more. You also receive extensive coaching and feedback on your own writing assignments, which depending on your preference will involve analysis, essays, or philosophical dialogues. The course is perfect for anyone interested in learning about ancient philosophy and considering how to live a full and flourishing life.

Course Structure

Students may take this class from any location or from the convenience of their home. They will need to have access to the Internet. The course meets in “real time” and participants are expected to attend all the scheduled sessions. The 12- week course meets once a week on Thursdays, 1:00 pm-4:00 pm EST. The class includes 36 hours of live instruction, equivalent in scope to semester courses at colleges or graduate schools. Each 3-hour session includes a brief lecture, close analysis of one or more philosophical passages, discussion of ideas, and periodical student presentations and writing clinics. Presuming 6 hours of outside preparation for each class, 9 hours a week should be available for study.

Ancient Philosophy for Modern Life

Course Fee: $1650

For inquiries, please contact the Erasmus Academy Register’s Office:

erasmusacademyregistrar@gmail.com

Or call 718-499-0077 (leave message for a return call)

You may register and make payments online:

www.erasmusacademy.com