The course is an introduction to some currents, seminal thinkers, and texts of the Western philosophical tradition from the Ancient Greeks to Medieval, Modern, and 19th and 20th Century Philosophy. The course includes both classical text and readings traditionally excluded from the canon.
Grading Options:
Optional; see degree guide or catalog for degree requirements
Process a complete drop (100% refund, no W recorded)
April 5:
Drop this course (100% refund, no W recorded; after this date, W's are recorded)
April 5:
Process a complete drop (90% refund, no W recorded; after this date, W's are recorded)
April 6:
Process a complete withdrawal (90% refund, W recorded)
April 6:
Withdraw from this course (100% refund, W recorded)
April 7:
Add this course
April 7:
Last day to change to or from audit
April 13:
Process a complete withdrawal (75% refund, W recorded)
April 13:
Withdraw from this course (75% refund, W recorded)
April 20:
Process a complete withdrawal (50% refund, W recorded)
April 20:
Withdraw from this course (50% refund, W recorded)
April 27:
Process a complete withdrawal (25% refund, W recorded)
April 27:
Withdraw from this course (25% refund, W recorded)
May 18:
Withdraw from this course (0% refund, W recorded)
May 18:
Change grading option for this course
You can't drop your last class using the "Add/Drop" menu in DuckWeb. Go to the “Completely Withdraw from Term/University” link to begin the complete withdrawal process. If you need assistance with a complete drop or a complete withdrawal, please contact the Office of Academic Advising, 101 Oregon Hall, 541-346-3211 (8 a.m. to 5 p.m., Monday through Friday). If you are attempting to completely withdraw after business hours, and have difficulty, please contact the Office of Academic Advising the next business day.
Expanded Course Description
This course is a general introduction to the history of Western philosophy. We will begin with Ancient Greek philosophers and then read some philosophers from Medieval Europe. Then we will read texts from the Modern European Enlightenment and conclude with texts written by 19th and 20th century philosophers. In this course, you will gain insight into some major questions and themes in the history of Western thought. We will concentrate on some of the most influential texts in the tradition but will also read texts that have been excluded from the tradition. There will be weekly lectures and in-class writing assignments in this course. You will give one short presentation on a text to help start discussion and learn how to write philosophical essays addressed to major themes in Western philosophy. Together, we will attempt to learn how to think philosophically and discover what it meant to think philosophically to some major figures in the history of Western philosophy. The texts we read will be our guides and our discussions will serve as attempts to bring philosophy to life for ourselves.
