Classics of Western Thought
Course 7.5 credits • ILHB33
This course gives you the opportunity to properly acquaint yourself with a selection of the main theoretical works in the Western tradition. At the same time, you will acquire a basic understanding of intellectual developments in the West from classical antiquity to the modern era.
The readings introduce some of the most important ideas in the history of thought, including contributions to philosophy, religion, politics, and science. And, as you will discover, these texts are in many cases also wonderful pieces of writing and a pleasure to read.
During the course, different approaches to the reading of theoretical texts will be discussed and evaluated, including close reading, historical contextualization, and various critical interpretations. Hence, the concept of the “classic” will be dealt with from both a critical and historical perspective.
The ideas contained in these classics have been hugely influential and in many ways remain with us – which serves as a good reason why we should understand where they came from originally, and what problems they were intended to solve. These and other questions will be treated during the course.
Study period:
autumn semester 2024
Type of studies:
part time, 75 %,
evening
Study period:
2024-09-02 – 2024-10-15
Language of instruction:
English
Application code:
LU-E1003
Eligibility:
General requirements for university studies in Sweden
Application code:
LU-31208
Eligibility:
General requirements for university studies in Sweden
Introductory meeting: Tuesday, 3 September at 17.00 – 20.00 in LUX:B129
Teachers:
David Dunér,
Bruno Hamnell,
Jimmy Jönsson,
Matthew Norris,
Disa Runeby
First Admission Round
Internationell ansökan
Spring semester 2026
Last application date
15August 2025
Second Admission Round
Nationell ansökningsomgång
Spring semester 2026
Application opens 15 September
15October 2025
Second Admission Round
Nationell ansökningsomgång
Autumn semester 2025
Late application
Open for late application