Ancient Literary Criticism

Catalog description

Survey of ancient literary theory, with an emphasis on Greek sources. Topics to be covered include the representation of poets, the nature of inspiration, the elements of literary style, the moral and ethical uses (and dangers) of poetry, mimesis, the relationship between poetry and citizenship, literature and education, etc. We will read, in Greek, excerpts from (e.g.) Aristophanes' Frogs, Plato's writings on poetry, Aristotle's Poetics, Plutarch's How a young man should study poetry, and pseudo-Longinus' On the Sublime. Students will be evaluated on the basis of in-class presentations, two translation exams, and a seminar paper.