This course provides students with the opportunity for in depth study of central primary texts from classical antiquity, the period from around 600 BC to 500 AD. Plato and Aristotle are the two most central authors from this period, but texts by other authors may also be covered (e.g. the Pre-Socratics, Epicurus, the Stoics, Augustine). Students will become familiar with central philosophical problems of the period, and also obtain an understanding of the special character of its philosophy and its influence on later philosophy. Through secondary literature students will acquire knowledge of different interpretations of the ancient sources.

The course provides a solid foundation for studying the philosophy of later epochs, including contemporary philosophy.

Teaching is offered in the form of lectures and/or seminars.

The number of gatherings may be reduced if the number of students attending the course is less than 4. In that case, the students will be compensated with individual or group tutoring.

An approval of compulsory requirements is valid for three semesters, including the semester in which the approval is given.

• Students must submit a proposal and draft of their semester assignment. Deadlines are set by the department.
• Students must attend a supervision session with the instructor.

A semester assignment paper of 4000- 6000 words (not including table of contents, list of references etc.) The topic of the paper must be approved in advance by the teacher of the course. The semester assignment paper will be assessed at the end of the semester.

The compulsory activities have to be formally approved before one can take an exam in the course.

Exams in the course are held every semester.

Department of Philosophy

Email: studierettleiar@fof.uib.no