This is our catalog of courses. We will occasionally adjust the course listing to reflect the addition of new courses and the retirement of others.
Plato wrote the most important works of philosophy in the ancient world. He presents his ideas as a series of dialogues between his teacher Socrates and various characters of opposing viewpoints, who argue with Socrates. Plato’s dialogues are mini-plays – and in this course we will read adaptations of the dialogues aloud in class.
Total classes: 8
Prerequisite: None
Suggested grade level: 9th to 12th
Suggested credit: 1-semester Philosophy or Drama
Description
Plato wrote the most important works of philosophy in the ancient world. He presents his ideas as a series of dialogues between his teacher Socrates and various characters of opposing viewpoints, who argue with Socrates. Plato’s dialogues are mini-plays – and in this course we will read adaptations of the dialogues aloud in class, with Kevin O’Brien (playwright and lead actor of Socrates Meets Jesus) playing the role of Socrates – and students (if they wish) playing the various characters. This will be a fun and engaging way of learning Plato, Socrates – and the perennial philosophy that St. Augustine saw as pointing to Christ.
Materials and Homework
Course Materials: PDF files of the dialogues provided by the instructor.
Homework: Readings and quizzes and reflection papers. Plan on about two hours of homework per week.
