Core Texts and Ideas Courses
Core Texts and Ideas: CTI
Lower-Division Courses
CTI 301G. Introduction to Ancient Greece.
Same as Classical Civilization 301. Greatness of Greece as reflected in Greek history, literature, philosophy, art, religion, and politics. No knowledge of Greek is required. Three lecture hours a week for one semester. Only one of the following may be counted: Classical Civilization 301, Core Texts and Ideas 310 (Topic: Introduction to Ancient Greece), 301G.
CTI 302. Classics of Social and Political Thought.
Same as Government 314E. Explores the origins of social scientific thought in the history of political philosophy and traces the development of one or more of the social sciences in modern times. Focuses on fundamental ideas about human nature, civil society, and politics, explored through reading such authors as Aristotle, Aquinas, Locke, Rousseau, Marx, Weber, Durkheim, and Freud. Three lecture hours or two lecture hours and one discussion hour a week for one semester. Only one of the following may be counted: Core Texts and Ideas 302, Government 314 (Topic: Classics of Social and Political Thought), 314 (Topic 10), 314E.
CTI 303. Competing Visions of the Good Life.
Same as Government 314C. Introduces the great rival conceptions of the moral basis and goals of political life as elaborated by revolutionary thinkers throughout the history of political philosophy, including Aristotle, Aquinas, Locke, late modern critics of the Enlightenment, and others. Three lecture hours a week for one semester. Only one of the following may be counted: Core Texts and Ideas 303, Government 314 (Topic 6), 314C.
CTI 304. World Religions: Traditions and Texts.
A study of basic religious texts, including both the Hebrew Bible and New Testament, examined from various perspectives (including comparative, historical, philosophical, and literary), with emphasis on the fundamental questions and ideas raised in those texts. Three lecture hours or two lecture hours and one discussion hour a week for one semester. May be repeated for credit when the topics vary.
Topic 1: The Bible and Its Interpreters. Same as Religious Studies 315C. Seeks to develop a wide-ranging familiarity with the Jewish and Christian Bibles and with the dominant modes of ancient, medieval, and early modern biblical interpretation. Readings include an extensive range of primary sources, including both the Scriptures themselves and some of their most influential exegetes. Three lecture hours a week for one semester. Only one of the following may be counted: Core Texts and Ideas 304 (Topic 1), Religious Studies 315 (Topic 1), 315C.
CTI 305G. Introduction to the Old Testament.
Same as Jewish Studies 311 (Topic 4), Middle Eastern Studies 310C, and Religious Studies 313C. Introduction to the many interpretations of the Hebrew Bible (the Old Testament) and its meaning in the context of its historical and cultural setting in the ancient Near East. Three lecture hours a week for one semester. Only one of the following may be counted: Core Texts and Ideas 305G, Jewish Studies 311 (Topic 4), Middle Eastern Studies 310 (Topic 3), 310C, Religious Studies 313C.
CTI 305N. Introduction to the New Testament.
Same as Classical Civilization 304E and Religious Studies 315N. Examines representative examples of the texts found in the Christian New Testament and selected noncanonical writings. Focuses on historical setting and systematic methods of interpretation. Three lecture hours a week for one semester. Only one of the following may be counted: Classical Civilization 304C (Topic: Introduction to the New Testament), 304E, Core Texts and Ideas 305N, 310 (Topic: Introduction to the New Testament), Religious Studies 315N.
CTI 306D. History of the Religions of Asia.
Same as Asian Studies 301R and Religious Studies 302. Eastern religions: an introduction to the basic forms and the historical development of the religious traditions of India, China, and Japan. Three lecture hours a week for one semester. Only one of the following may be counted: Asian Studies 301R, Core Texts and Ideas 304 (Topic: History of Religions of Asia), 306D, 310 (Topic: History of Religions of Asia), Religious Studies 302.
CTI 307E. Western Civilization in Medieval Times.
Same as Ancient History and Classical Civilization 310 (Topic 2) and History 309K. Survey of medieval Europe from late antiquity to the fifteenth century. Three lecture hours a week for one semester. Only one of the following may be counted: Ancient History and Classical Civilization 310 (Topic: Western Civ in Medieval Times), 310 (Topic 2), Core Texts and Ideas 307E, 310 (Topic: Western Civ in Medieval Times), History 309K.
CTI 307M. Western Civilization in Modern Times.
Same as History 309L. Survey of European civilization since the fifteenth century. Three lecture hours a week for one semester. Only one of the following may be counted: Core Texts and Ideas 307M, 310 (Topic: Western Civ in Modern Times), History 309L.
CTI 310. Topics in Core Texts and Ideas.
Introduction to fundamental texts and questions that have helped shape the world. Three lecture hours or two lecture hours and one discussion hour a week for one semester. Core Texts and Ideas 310 and Western Civilization 303 may not both be counted unless the topics vary. May be repeated for credit when the topics vary.
Topic 3: Introduction to the Philosophy of Religion. Same as Philosophy 305 and Religious Studies 305. A critical examination of various conceptions of God and of the relationship of the human and the divine. Three lecture hours or two lecture hours and one laboratory/discussion hour a week for one semester. Only one of the following may be counted: Core Texts and Ideas 310 (Topic: Introduction to the Philosophy of Religion), 310 (Topic 3), Philosophy 305, Religious Studies 305.
Upper-Division Courses
CTI 320. The Classical Quest for Justice.
Same as Government 351C. Introduces students to classical political thought through a study of seminal works of antiquity, focusing on those of Plato and Aristotle. Three lecture hours a week for one semester. Only one of the following may be counted: Core Texts and Ideas 320, 335 (Topic: Classical Quest for Justice), Government 335M (Topic: Classical Quest for Justice), 351C. Prerequisite: Completion of at least thirty semester hours of coursework.
CTI 321. The Theoretical Foundations of Modern Politics.
Same as Government 351D. Examines competing foundations of the ongoing development of political and social modernity. Examines a selection of major authors from Machiavelli to Nietzsche. Three lecture hours a week for one semester. Only one of the following may be counted: Core Texts and Ideas 321, 335 (Topic: The Theoretical Foundations of Modern Politics), Government 335M (Topic: The Theoretical Foundations of Modern Politics), 351D Western Civilization 320 (Topic: The Theoretical Foundations of Modern Politics). Prerequisite: Completion of at least thirty semester hours of coursework.
CTI 321F. Spinoza and Modernity.
Same as European Studies 346 (Topic 21), History 362P, Jewish Studies 364 (Topic 9), and Religious Studies 357M. Introduction to the core of Spinoza's writings and the diverse reactions they have elicited. Examines Spinoza's refusal of mind-body dualism, as well as a transcendent god or ideal as a way of understanding Spinoza's concepts and ideas. Three lecture hours a week for one semester. Only one of the following may be counted: Core Texts and Ideas 321F, European Studies 346 (Topic 21), 347 (Topic: Spinoza and Modernity), History 362P, Jewish Studies 364 (Topic 9), Philosophy 354 (Topic 7), Religious Studies 357 (Topic 8), 357M. Prerequisite: Upper-division standing.
CTI 322. Critics of Modern Liberalism.
Same as Government 351G. Selected critics of the philosophy of the Enlightenment from both the Left and the Right, and from the time of Rousseau to the present. Three lecture hours or two lecture hours and one discussion hour a week for one semester. Only one of the following may be counted: Core Texts and Ideas 322, Government 335M (Topic: Liberalism and its Critics), 351G. Prerequisite: Upper-division standing.
CTI 323. Might and Right among Nations.
Same as Government 351J. Major alternative approaches to the question of the moral character of international relations, as elaborated by some of the greatest political thinkers. Three lecture hours or two lecture hours and one discussion hour a week for one semester. Only one of the following may be counted: Core Texts and Ideas 323, 335 (Topic: Might and Right among Nations), Government 335M (Topic: Might and Right among Nations), 351J, Western Civilization 320 (Topic: Might and Right among Nations). Prerequisite: Upper-division standing and six semester hours of lower-division coursework in government.
CTI 324. Politics and Literature.
Same as Government 335O. Explores the "old battle between the poets and philosophers," in which the two sides battle for recognition as the deepest source of wisdom about politics and ethics. Includes readings from great works of political philosophy and literature. Three lecture hours or two lecture hours and one discussion hour a week for one semester. Only one of the following may be counted: Core Texts and Ideas 324, Government 335M (Topic: Politics and Literature), 335M (Topic 15), 335O. Prerequisite: Upper-division standing and six semester hours of lower-division coursework in government.
CTI 325. Morality and Politics.
Same as Government 351L. Interdisciplinary readings from major works exploring issues of ethics and leadership. Three lecture hours or two lecture hours and one discussion hour a week for one semester. Only one of the following may be counted: Core Texts and Ideas 325, Government 335M (Topic: Morality and Politics), 351L. Prerequisite: Upper-division standing.
CTI 326C. Constitutional Interpretation.
Same as Government 357C. Designed to improve reasoning and communication skills through constitutional interpretation. Determining what the Constitution means, how to determine what it means, and who should determine what it means. Three lecture hours a week for one semester. Only one of the following may be counted: Core Texts and Ideas 326 (Topic: Constitutional Interpretation), 326 (Topic 1), 326C, Government 357C, 357M (Topic 5). Prerequisite: Upper-division standing and six semester hours of lower-division coursework in government.
CTI 326J. African American Social and Political Thought.
Same as African and African Diaspora Studies 351M, American Studies 321J, and Government 335G. Examines the speeches and writings by major theorists and critics of the prophetic tradition of black political thought. Three lecture hours a week for one semester. Only one of the following may be counted: African and African Diaspora Studies 351M, 374D (Topic 21), American Studies 321J, Core Texts and Ideas 326 (Topic 3), 326J, Government 335G, 335M (Topic 10). Prerequisite: Upper-division standing and six semester hours of lower-division coursework in government.
CTI 326L. Civil Liberties.
Same as Government 357D. Explore the United States constitution and Supreme Court with a focus on civil rights and liberties. Three lecture hours a week for one semester. Only one of the following may be counted: Core Texts and Ideas 326 (Topic: Civil Liberties), 326L, Government 357D, 357M (Topic 4). Prerequisite: Six semester hours of lower-division coursework in Government.
CTI 326R. Regime Perspectives on American Politics.
Same as Government 379C and Liberal Arts Honors 351J. Explore American politics and culture and examine how the parts of America fit together as a whole. Three lecture hours a week for one semester. Only one of the following may be counted: Core Texts and Ideas 326R, 335 (Topic: Regime Persp Amer Poltc-Honors), Government 379C, 379S (Topic 3), Liberal Arts Honors 350 (Topic: Regime Persp on Amer Politics), 351J. Prerequisite: Upper-division standing, six semester hours of government coursework, and a grade point average of at least 3.50.
CTI 326S. Structure of Individual Liberties.
Same as Government 357G. Explore the ways in which the Constitution protects individual rights while accommodating the often competing claims of state, groups, and communities. Three lecture hours a week for one semester. Only one of the following may be counted: Core Texts and Ideas 326 (Topic: Structure of Indiv Liberties), 326S, Government 357G, 357M (Topic 8). Prerequisite: Six semester hours of lower-division coursework in Government.
CTI 326T. The Tragicomedy of American Democracy.
Same as African and African Diaspora Studies 351D and American Studies 370 (Topic 44). Examines the foundational ideas and practices essential to the unfolding of American democracy by focusing on founding documents, public speeches, major political conflicts, and canonical texts of political philosophy. Three lecture hours a week for one semester. Only one of the following may be counted: African and African Diaspora Studies 351D, 372F (Topic 15), American Studies 370 (Topic 44), Core Texts and Ideas 326 (Topic 2), 326T. Prerequisite: Upper-division standing.
CTI 327C. Archaic Greece: Society and Culture.
Same as Classical Civilization 348K. Three lecture hours a week for one semester. Only one of the following may be counted: Classical Civilization 348 (Topic: Archaic Greece: Soc/Culture), 348K, Core Texts and Ideas 327C. Prerequisite: Upper-division standing.
CTI 327D. The History of Rome: The Republic.
Same as Ancient History and Classical Civilization 325 (Topic 1) and History 321M. A survey of Roman history from the founding of Rome to the death of Julius Caesar. The equivalent of three lecture hours a week for one semester. Only one of the following may be counted: Ancient History and Classical Civilization 325 (Topic 1), Core Texts and Ideas 327D, 375 (Topic: Hist of Rome: The Republic), History 321M. Prerequisite: Upper-division standing.
CTI 328D. Death and the Afterlife in Graeco-Roman Antiquity.
Same as Classical Civilization 348G and Religious Studies 365G. Explore the afterlife from Near Eastern myths and Homer through Greek and Roman antiquity to the early Church Fathers. Three lecture hours a week for one semester. Only one of the following may be counted: Classical Civilization 348 (Topic: Death/Afterlife Graeco-Roman), 348G, Core Texts and Ideas 328D, Religious Studies 365G. Prerequisite: Upper-division standing.
CTI 329. The Ancient Historians.
Same as Ancient History and Classical Civilization 325 (Topic 13), Classical Civilization 322D, and Comparative Literature 323 (Topic 59). Examines the main works of ancient historiography, and provides grounding in the central issues with which these works engage. Three lecture hours a week for one semester. Only one of the following may be counted: Ancient History and Classical Civilization 325 (Topic 13), Classical Civilization 322 (Topic 13), 322D, Comparative Literature 323 (Topic 59), Core Texts and Ideas 329. Prerequisite: Upper-division standing.
CTI 330J. Jerusalem and Athens.
Same as Government 379G and Liberal Arts Honors 351M. Examine the age-old confrontation between the teaching of the Bible and the politics and philosophy of the ancient Greeks. Three lecture hours a week for one semester. Only one of the following may be counted: Core Texts and Ideas 330J, 335 (Topic: Jerusalem and Athens-Honors), 375 (Topic: Jerusalem and Athens-Honors), Government 379G, 379S (Topic: Jerusalem and Athens-Honors), 379S (Topic 4), Liberal Arts Honors 350 (Topic: Jerusalem and Athens), 351M. Prerequisite: Upper-division standing, six semester hours of coursework in government, and a grade point average of at least 3.50.
CTI 330M. Machiavelli: Politics and Culture.
Same as Ancient History and Classical Civilization 330 (Topic 6), History 344R, and Religious Studies 357C. Through Niccolo Machiavelli's chief writings, consider the local, regional, Mediterranean, European, and global aspects of his work. Three lecture hours a week for one semester. Only one of the following may be counted: Ancient History and Classical Civilization 330 (Topic: Machiavelli), 330 (Topic 6), Core Texts and Ideas 330M, 375 (Topic: Machiavelli), European Studies 346 (Topic: Machiavelli), History 344R, 350L (Topic: Machiavelli), Liberal Arts Honors 350 (Topic: Machiavelli), 351P, Religious Studies 357 (Topic: Machiavelli), 357C. Prerequisite: Upper-division standing.
CTI 330R. The Political Thought of the Reformation.
Examine the thought of the Reformation, especially of Martin Luther and John Calvin, including both their chief theological ideas and the implications of these ideas for politics and ethics. Explore the themes of justification; free will and predestination; original sin; the doctrine of the two kingdoms; the roots and nature of political authority; the question of toleration; the relationship between divine, natural, and civil law; and the status of the papacy. Three lecture hours a week for one semester. Prerequisite: Upper-division standing.
CTI 331. Origins of Liberalism.
Same as Philosophy 342L. Examine the theory of liberal democracy through a study of its development in historical, religious, and political contexts. Three lecture hours or two lecture hours and one discussion hour a week for one semester. Only one of the following may be counted: Core Texts and Ideas 331, 335 (Topic: Origins of Liberalism), 335 (Topic 4), European Studies 346 (Topic: Origins of Liberalism), Philosophy 342L, 354 (Topic: Origins of Liberalism), 354 (Topic 5). Prerequisite: Upper-division standing.
CTI 332. The Sacred and the Secular in Modern European Thought.
Same as European Studies 346 (Topic 32), History 361G, and Religious Studies 357S. Introduces key themes and methodologies of intellectual history and social theory by exploring the dueling approaches to secularization and sacralization in modern European thought. Three lecture hours a week for one semester. Only one of the following may be counted: Core Texts and Ideas 332, 335 (Topic: Sacred and Secular in Modern European Thought), 335 (Topic 7), European Studies 346 (Topic: Sacred and Secular in Modern European Thought), 346 (Topic 32), History 361G, 362G (Topic: Sacred and Secular in Modern European Thought), 362G (Topic 19), Religious Studies 357 (Topic: Sacred and Secular in Modern European Thought), 357 (Topic 20), 357S. Prerequisite: Upper-division standing.
CTI 333. Rousseau and His Legacy.
Examine Rousseau's complex legacy through the reading of his essential political texts and reading contemporary responses to his thought. Three lecture hours a week for one semester. Core Texts and Ideas 333 and 375 (Topic: Rousseau and His Legacy) may not both be counted. Prerequisite: Upper-division standing.
CTI 335C. History of Christian Philosophy.
Same as Philosophy 356D. Examines the history of Christian philosophy through classic Christian thought, concerning what can be known and how people should live. Three lecture hours or two lecture hours and one discussion hour a week for one semester. Only one of the following may be counted: Core Texts and Ideas 335 (Topic: History of Christian Philosophy), 335 (Topic 2), 335C, Philosophy 354 (Topic: History of Christian Philosophy), 354 (Topic 2), 356D. Prerequisite: Upper-division standing.
CTI 335E. Hegel and the Formation of Modern European Identity.
Same as European Studies 348 (Topic 6) and Government 335E. An in-depth study of how Hegel identifies the social conditions necessary for personal self-realization but also for freedom by means of political community. Three lecture hours a week for one semester. Only one of the following may be counted: Core Texts and Ideas 335 (Topic: Hegel and the Formation of Modern European Identity), 335 (Topic 3), 335E, European Studies 348 (Topic: Hegel and the Formation of Modern European Identity), 348 (Topic 6), Government 335E, 335M (Topic: Hegel and the Formation of Modern European Identity), 335M (Topic 13). Prerequisite: Upper-division standing and six semester hours of lower-division coursework in government.
CTI 335M. Marx and Marxist Theory.
Same as European Studies 346 (Topic 30), History 332R, and Philosophy 342M. Introduction to the writings of Karl Marx as well as to those of his intellectual successors in Europe and around the globe in the nineteenth and twentieth centuries. Three lecture hours a week for one semester. Only one of the following may be counted: Core Texts and Ideas 335 (Topic: Marx and Western Marxism), 335M, European Studies 346 (Topic: Marx and Western Marxism), 346 (Topic 30), History 332R, 362G (Topic: Marx and Western Marxism), Philosophy 334K (Topic: Marx and Western Marxism), 342M. Prerequisite: Upper-division standing.
CTI 335W. Women in the History of Political Thought.
Same as Government 335F and Women's and Gender Studies 345 (Topic 32). Examines the themes of women, the family, and the private sphere in the history of political theory. Three lecture hours a week for one semester. Only one of the following may be counted: Core Texts and Ideas 335 (Topic: Women in Hist of Polit Thought), 335 (Topic 5), 335W, Government 335F, 335M (Topic: Women in History of Political Thought), 335M (Topic 17), Women's and Gender Studies 345 (Topic: Women in History of Political Thought), 345 (Topic 32). Prerequisite: Upper-division standing and six semester hours of lower-division coursework in government.
CTI 338. The Question of Relativism.
Examine the idea of relativism: what relativism is, what the fact and value distinction is, how the idea of moral relativism has shaped modern political thought, and what the arguments for and against relativism are. Explore the philosophic roots of the position in authors like Max Weber and Friedrich Nietzsche, as well as critics of relativism like Leo Strauss. Three lecture hours a week for one semester. Prerequisite: Upper-division standing.
CTI 340. Ancient Epic.
Same as Classical Civilization 322C. Explore epic poems of Greece and Rome in translation. Three lecture hours a week for one semester Only one of the following may be counted: Classical Civilization 322 (Topic 4), 322C, Core Texts and Ideas 340, 345 (Topic: Ancient Epic), 345 (Topic 9). Prerequisite: Upper-division standing.
CTI 341. Moral Agency In Greek Tragedy.
Same as Classical Civilization 348 (Topic 16). Subjects include the masterpieces of Greek tragedy, the social and cultural background of the texts, and questions posed by the texts. Three lecture hours a week for one semester. Only one of the following may be counted: Classical Civilization 348 (Topic 16), Core Texts and Ideas 341, 345 (Topic 3). Prerequisite: Upper-division standing.
CTI 342. Satan and the Idea of Evil.
Same as Religious Studies 356D. Explore the history and breadth of Satan's role as a character (or background presence) in literature while developing close-reading techniques for literary analysis that can be applied across diverse eras, forms, and genres. Three lecture hours a week for one semester. Only one of the following may be counted: Core Texts and Ideas 342, 345 (Topic: Satan and the Idea of Evil), 345 (Topic 2), Religious Studies 356D, 357 (Topic: Satan and the Idea of Evil). Prerequisite: Upper-division standing.
CTI 343. Love in the East and West.
Same as Comparative Literature 323 (Topic 36), Middle Eastern Languages and Cultures 321 (Topic 25), and Middle Eastern Studies 342 (Topic 33). Three lecture hours a week for one semester. Only one of the following may be counted: Comparative Literature 323 (Topic 36), Core Texts and Ideas 343, 345 (Topic 10), Middle Eastern Languages and Cultures 321 (Topic 25), Middle Eastern Studies 342 (Topic 33). Prerequisite: Upper-division standing.
CTI 344. Epics and Heroes of India.
Same as Ancient History and Classical Civilization 330 (Topic 2), Asian Studies 373G, and History 350L (Topic 54). Focus on India's classical epics, the Mahabharata and the Ramayana, with emphasis placed on understanding the epic characters in relation to the heroic traditions of premodern India, as well as on the role of the epics in contemporary Indian political and religious culture. Three lecture hours a week for one semester. Only one of the following may be counted: Ancient History and Classical Civilization 330 (Topic 2), Asian Studies 372 (Topic 40), 373G, Core Texts and Ideas 345 (Topic 11), 344, History 350L (Topic 54). Prerequisite: Upper-division standing.
CTI 344D. Dante.
Same as English 366D, European Studies 347 (Topic 23), and Italian Civilization 348. Three lecture hours a week for one semester. Only one of the following may be counted: Core Texts and Ideas 344D, 345 (Topic: Dante), English 322 (Topic 23), 366D, European Studies 347 (Topic: Dante), 347 (Topic 23), Italian Civilization 348, 349 (Topic 2). Prerequisite: Upper-division standing.
CTI 344M. Italian Masterpieces.
Same as European Studies 347 (Topic 52) and Italian Civilization 337. Study of representative texts in visual arts, film, literature, and opera, from the Renaissance to the present, in their historical context. Three lecture hours a week for one semester. Only one of the following may be counted: Core Texts and Ideas 344M, 375 (Topic: Italy Masters: Lit/Film/Art), European Studies 347 (Topic: Italy Masters: Lit/Film/Art), 347 (Topic 52), Italian Civilization 337, 349 (Topic: Italy Masters: Lit/Film/Art). Prerequisite: Upper-division standing.
CTI 345L. Leadership: King Arthur to Queen Elizabeth.
Explores major works of English literature, poetry, and drama from the 14th-16th century and European philosophy, with special attention to the universal question: what makes a good leader? Historical and current analysis of how authors model the duties of good citizens in idealized and critical depictions of fictional leaders--like King Arthur and his knights--and real leaders--like Richard II, Henry V, and Elizabeth I, as well as works written to advise rulers on good governance. Three lecture hours a week for one semester. Core Texts and Ideas 345 (Topic: Arthur-Elizabeth: Leadership) and 345L may not both be counted. Prerequisite: Upper-division standing.
CTI 346. The Major Works of Dostoevsky.
Same as Comparative Literature 323 (Topic 30) and Russian, East European, and Eurasian Studies 325 (Topic 10). Explores the dilemmas of homicide, suicide, patricide, and redemption in the novels of Fyodor Dostoevsky. Three lecture hours a week for one semester. Only one of the following may be counted: Comparative Literature 323 (Topic 30), Core Texts and Ideas 345 (Topic 5), 346, European Studies 347 (Topic 10), Russian 360 (Topic 1), Russian, East European and Eurasian Studies 325 (Topic 10). Prerequisite: Upper-division standing.
CTI 347. The Russian Novel.
Same as Comparative Literature 323 (Topic 29) and Russian, East European, and Eurasian Studies 325 (Topic 9). A survey of classic Russian authors as well as experimental works from the nineteenth through the twenty-first century. Three lecture hours a week for one semester. Only one of the following may be counted: Comparative Literature 323 (Topic 29), Core Texts and Ideas 345 (Topic 6), 347, English 322 (Topic 37), European Studies 347 (Topic 22), Russian 356 (Topic 1), Russian, East European, and Eurasian Studies 325 (Topic 9). Prerequisite: Upper-division standing.
CTI 348. War and Revolution in Russian Literature and Culture.
Same as Comparative Literature 323 (Topic 31) and Russian, East European, and Eurasian Studies 325 (Topic 18). Examines Russian narratives of war and revolution as represented in fiction, cinema, and journalism. Three lecture hours a week for one semester. Only one of the following may be counted: Comparative Literature 323 (Topic 31), Core Texts and Ideas 345 (Topic 8), 348, Russian 356 (Topic 3), Russian, East European, and Eurasian Studies 325 (Topic 18). Prerequisite: Upper-division standing.
CTI 350. Masterworks of World Drama.
Studies major tragedies, comedies, and historical plays from various epochs, including at least one of Shakespeare's plays. Explores themes related to ethics, politics, and human nature, as well as the craft of the playwright. Students attend and discuss at least one play performance. Three lecture hours or two lecture hours and one discussion hour a week for one semester. Prerequisite: Upper-division standing.
CTI 351. The Idea of the Beautiful.
Classical philosophical discussions of the idea of the beautiful (or noble or sublime), illustrated through selected works of art, drama, and literature. Explores the human perception of and response to beauty and its relation to such ideas as happiness and the promise of happiness, moral nobility or selflessness, and the divine. Philosophical works are studied in connection with examples drawn from the arts and are considered in their historical contexts. Three lecture hours or two lecture hours and one discussion hour a week for one semester. Prerequisite: Upper-division standing.
CTI 352D. Early Italian Renaissance Art to 1470.
Same as Art History 331K and European Studies 347 (Topic 29). Traces the beginnings of the "rebirth" (renaissance) of the visual arts, from the end of the Middle Ages to the heyday of the Medici. Works of art are analyzed both in formal terms and in relation to contemporary society, religion, philosophy, economics, statecraft, gender, and other significant issues. Three lecture hours a week for one semester. Only one of the following may be counted: Art History 331K, Core Texts and Ideas 352D, 375 (Topic: Early Italian Renaissance Art to 1470), European Studies 347 (Topic: Early Italian Renaissance Art to 1470), 347 (Topic 29).
CTI 354. Abraham and Abrahamic Religions.
Same as Jewish Studies 363D, Middle Eastern Studies 342 (Topic 52), and Religious Studies 353G. Examines the figure of Abraham as portrayed in the Bible and the reception of that portrayal in Judaism, Christianity, and Islam. Three lecture hours a week for one semester. Only one of the following may be counted: Core Texts and Ideas 354, 375 (Topic: Abraham & Abrahamic Religions), Jewish Studies 363 (Topic: Abraham & Abrahamic Religions), 363D, Middle Eastern Studies 342 (Topic: Abraham & Abrahamic Religions), 342 (Topic: 52), Religious Studies 353 (Topic: Abraham & Abrahamic Religions), 353G. Prerequisite: Upper division standing.
CTI 354F. The Five Books of Moses.
Same as Jewish Studies 364 (Topic 15), Middle Eastern Studies 342 (Topic 68), and Religious Studies 353R. Study the socio-historical circumstances that gave shape to the first five books of the Bible: Genesis, Exodus, Leviticus, Numbers, and Deuteronomy. Examine how these five books achieved the status of sacred literature. Three lecture hours a week for one semester. Only one of the following may be counted: Core Texts and Ideas 354F, 375 (Topic: The Five Books of Moses), Jewish Studies 364 (Topic: The Five Books of Moses), 364 (Topic 15), Middle Eastern Studies 342 (Topic: The Five Books of Moses), 342 (Topic 68), Religious Studies 353 (Topic: The Five Books of Moses), 353R, 361 (Topic: The Five Books of Moses). Prerequisite: Upper-division standing.
CTI 354J. The Book of Job.
Same as Jewish Studies 363 (Topic 29), Middle Eastern Studies 342 (Topic 67), and Religious Studies 365J. Three lecture hours a week for one semester. Only one of the following may be counted: Core Texts and Ideas 354J, 375 (Topic: The Book of Job), Jewish Studies 363 (Topic: The Book of Job), 363 (Topic 29), Middle Eastern Studies 342 (Topic: The Book of Job), 342 (Topic 67), Religious Studies 361 (Topic: The Book of Job), 365 (Topic: The Book of Job), 365J. Prerequisite: Upper-division standing.
CTI 354L. Law and Justice in the Bible.
Same as Jewish Studies 363 (Topic 30), Middle Eastern Studies 342 (Topic 66), and Religious Studies 353K. Examine the legal traditions of the Torah (Pentateuch) and what they reveal about the practice of law and justice in ancient Israel and the wider biblical world. Three lecture hours a week for one semester. Only one of the following may be counted: Core Texts and Ideas 354L, Jewish Studies 363 (Topic 30), Middle Eastern Studies 342 (Topic: Law/Justice in the Bible), 342 (Topic 66), Religious Studies 353 (Topic: Law/Justice in the Bible), 353K. Prerequisite: Upper-division standing.
CTI 354P. Biblical Prophecy.
Same as Jewish Studies 363 (Topic 28), Middle Eastern Studies 342 (Topic 37), and Religious Studies 353N. An introduction to the diversity of prophetic literature in the Old Testament, its historical development, social context, and Near Eastern parallels. Three lecture hours a week for one semester. Only one of the following may be counted: Core Texts and Ideas 354P, 375 (Topic: Biblical Prophecy), Jewish Studies 363 (Topic: Biblical Prophecy), 363 (Topic 28), Middle Eastern Languages and Cultures 321 (Topic 24), Middle Eastern Studies 342 (Topic 37), Religious Studies 353 (Topic: Biblical Prophecy), 353N, 361 (Topic: Biblical Prophecy). Prerequisite: Upper-division standing.
CTI 355. The Bible in the Colonial Americas.
Same as History 363F, Latin American Studies 366 (Topic 34), and Religious Studies 366C. Varied perspectives on the central role played by the Old Testament in the construction of colonial cultures in the Americas. Three lecture hours a week for one semester. Only one of the following may be counted: Core Texts and Ideas 355, 375 (Topic 6), History 363F, 363K (Topic 5), Latin American Studies 366 (Topic 34), Religious Studies 366 (Topic 3), 366C. Prerequisite: Upper-division standing.
CTI 355R. The Age of Reformation.
Same as History 343 and Religious Studies 344. Examines late medieval religion, the rise of Protestant movements, and the Catholic response in their cultural, political, and social contexts. Three lecture hours a week for one semester. Only one of the following may be counted: Core Texts and Ideas 355R, 375 (Topic: The Age of Reformation), History 343, Religious Studies 344. Prerequisite: Upper-division standing.
CTI 355T. Debating the Bible in the Twenty-First Century.
Same as American Studies 327J and Religious Studies 346S. Examine the ways in which individuals, primarily in the United States, have regarded the Bible as relevant or irrelevant to contemporary life. Discuss contemporary controversial issues in which the Bible has played a role and how these relate to earlier controversies, such as the position of the Bible on slavery. Three lecture hours a week for one semester. Only one of the following may be counted: American Studies 327 (Topic: Debating the Bible in 21st Century), 327J, Core Texts and Ideas 355T, 375 (Topic: Debating the Bible in 21st Century), Religious Studies 346 (Topic: Debating the Bible in 21st Century), 346 (Topic 11), 346S. Prerequisite: Upper-division standing; introductory courses in the Hebrew Bible and/or New Testament recommended.
CTI 357. Islamic Theology.
Same as Middle Eastern Languages and Cultures 321 (Topic 27), Middle Eastern Studies 342 (Topic 35), and Religious Studies 358U. Three lecture hours a week for one semester. Only one of the following may be counted: Core Texts and Ideas 375 (Topic 2), 357, Islamic Studies 340 (Topic 7), Middle Eastern Languages and Cultures 321 (Topic 27), Middle Eastern Studies 342 (Topic 35), Religious Studies 358 (Topic 14), 358U. Prerequisite: Upper-division standing.
CTI 363. The French Revolution and Napoleon.
Same as European Studies 346 (Topic 25) and History 353. Analysis of the social, political, and economic origins and outcomes of the French Revolution and Napoleon's empire. Three lecture hours a week for one semester. Only one of the following may be counted: European Studies 346 (Topic: French Revolution and Napoleon), 346 (Topic 25), Core Texts and Ideas 363, 375 (Topic: French Revolution and Napoleon), History 353. Prerequisite: Upper-division standing.
CTI 365. Classics of Social Scientific Thought.
Same as Government 335P. Studies a selection of foundational modern classics in economics, psychology, sociology, political science, and anthropology, drawn mainly from the nineteenth and twentieth centuries. Three lecture hours or two lecture hours and one discussion hour a week for one semester. Only one of the following may be counted: Core Texts and Ideas 365, Government 335M (Topic: Classics of Social Scientific Thought), 335P. Prerequisite: Upper-division standing.
CTI 371. Einstein in the Age of Conflict.
Same as History 350L (Topic 64: Einstein in the Age of Conflict). Following the life and work of Albert Einstein, course examines the rise of the theories of relativity and quantum mechanics upon the stage of international political upheaval. Three lecture hours a week for one semester. Only one of the following may be counted: Core Texts and Ideas 370 (Topic: Einstein in the Age of Conflicts), 371, History 350L (Topic 64). Prerequisite: Upper-division standing.
CTI 371D. Darwin on Origin of Species.
Explore Darwin's argument for evolution in its original context. Three lecture hours a week for one semester. Only one of the following may be counted: Core Texts and Ideas 370 (Topic: Darwin on Origin of Species), 371D, 375 (Topic: Darwin on Origin of Species), History 362G (Topic: Darwin on Origin of Species). Prerequisite: Upper-division standing.
CTI 371M. History of Mathematics.
Survey major mathematical developments beginning with the ancient Greeks and tracing those developments through Hindu-Indian mathematics, Arabic mathematics, and European mathematics up to the nineteenth century. Three lecture hours a week for one semester. Only one of the following may be counted: Core Texts and Ideas 371M, 375 (Topic: History of Mathematics), Mathematics 375T (Topic: History of Mathematics). Prerequisite: Upper-division standing.
CTI 371N. Newton's Principia.
Same as History 366Q. Examine key sections of Newton's Principia Mathematica Philosophiae Naturalis. Three lecture hours a week for one semester. Only one of the following may be counted: Core Texts and Ideas 371N, 375 (Topic: Newton's Principia), History 366Q, 366N (Topic: Newton's Principia). Prerequisite: Upper-division standing.
CTI 371S. Science and Religion to Newton.
Explore the complex relationship between science and religious faith in medieval and early modern Europe beginning with Galileo Galilei's trial before the Roman Inquisition. Examine themes including the understanding of God and nature, authority (classical and scriptural) versus observation, the wide range of knowledge-making practices, the persistence of magic, and the influence of power and patronage. Three lecture hours a week for one semester. Prerequisite: Upper-division standing.
CTI 372. Darwin and the Politics of Evolution.
Same as Government 353D. A careful reading of Darwin's influential Origin of the Species by Means of Natural Selection, together with an examination of the religious, political, and scientific controversies the book has inspired from its first publication to the present day. Three lecture hours or two lecture hours and one discussion hour a week for one semester. Only one of the following may be counted: Core Texts and Ideas 370 (Topic: The Politics of Evolution), 372, Government 335M (Topic: The Politics of Evolution), 353D. Prerequisite: Upper-division standing and six semester hours of lower-division coursework in government.
CTI 373. Great Works In Medicine.
Same as Ancient History and Classical Civilization 330 (Topic 7). Examine signature works in the history of medicine. Three lecture hours a week for one semester. Only one of the following may be counted: Ancient History and Classical Civilization 330 (Topic: Great Works In Medicine), 330 (Topic 7), Core Texts and Ideas 373, 375 (Topic: Great Works In Medicine). Prerequisite: Upper-division standing.
CTI 374. Biology, Behavior, and Injustice.
Same as History 322R. Explores questions about human behavior related to biological factors as compared with personal experiences and societal standards. Three lecture hours a week for one semester. Only one of the following may be counted: Core Texts and Ideas 370 (Topic 2), 374, History 322R, 366N (Topic 16). Prerequisite: Upper-division standing.
CTI 375. Topics in Core Texts and Ideas.
Study of classic texts, connected historically or thematically. Three lecture hours or two lecture hours and one discussion hour a week for one semester. Core Texts and Ideas 375 and Western Civilization 320 may not both be counted unless the topics vary. May be repeated for credit when the topics vary. Prerequisite: Varies with the topic.
Topic 1: The Qur'an. Same as Comparative Literature 323 (Topic 37), Middle Eastern Languages and Cultures 321 (Topic 9), Middle Eastern Studies 342 (Topic 16), Religious Studies 325G, and Women's and Gender Studies 340 (Topic 54). The history, language, style, and themes of the Qur'an. Only one of the following may be counted: Comparative Literature 323 (Topic 37), Core Texts and Ideas 375 (Topic 1), Islamic Studies 340 (Topic 2), Middle Eastern Languages and Cultures 321 (Topic 9), Middle Eastern Studies 342 (Topic 16), Religious Studies 325G, Women's and Gender Studies 340 (Topic 54). Additional prerequisite: Upper-division standing.
Topic 3: Enlightenment and Revolution. Same as European Studies 346 (Topic 14) and History 350L (Topic 81). Examines the relationship between the intellectual project of the Enlightenment and the political and social transformations that unfolded in western Europe and North America from the beginnings of the Dutch Revolt in the 1560s to the decade following the Paris Commune of 1871. Only one of the following may be counted: Core Texts and Ideas 375 (Topic: Enlightenment and Revolution), 375 (Topic 3), European Studies 346 (Topic: Enlightenment and Revolution), 346 (Topic 14), History 350L (Topic: Enlightenment and Revolution), 350L (Topic 81). Additional prerequisite: Upper-division standing.
Topic 4: Art and the City in Renaissance Italy. Same as Art History 331P and European Studies 347 (Topic 33). Art, architecture, and emerging civic identity in Florence, Siena, Venice, and other Italian Renaissance city-states. Three lecture hours a week for one semester. Only one of the following may be counted: Art History 331P, 364 (Topic: Art and the City in Renaissance Italy), Core Texts and Ideas 375 (Topic: Art and the City in Renaissance Italy), 375 (Topic 4), European Studies 347 (Topic: Art and the City in Renaissance Italy), 347 (Topic 33), Italian Civilization 349 (Topic: Art and the City in Renaissance Italy), Western Civilization 320 (Topic: Art and the City in Renaissance Italy).
Topic 7: Archaic and Classical Greece. Same as Ancient History and Classical Civilization 325 (Topic 7) and History 354E. Survey of Greek history from the emergence of the city-states to the rise of Macedonia. Two lecture hours and one discussion hour a week for one semester. Only one of the following may be counted: Ancient History and Classical Civilization 325 (Topic 4), 325 (Topic 7), Classical Civilizations 354C, Core Texts and Ideas 375 (Topic: Archaic and Classical Greece), 375 (Topic 7), History 354C, 354E. Additional prerequisite: Upper-division standing.
Topic 8: Values and Leadership in Ancient World. Same as Classical Civilization 348 (Topic 23). Only one of the following may be counted: Classical Civilization 348 (Topic: Values and Leadership in Ancient World), 348 (Topic 23), Core Texts and Ideas 375 (Topic: Values and Leadership in Ancient World), 375 (Topic 8), History 350L (Topic: Values and Leadership in Ancient World). Additional prerequisite: Upper-division standing.
CTI 379. Conference Course.
Intensive tutorial study of selected major texts. Individual instruction. May be repeated for credit. Prerequisite: Upper-division standing and consent of the director of the Jefferson Center and instructor.