Reading Plato

In this introductory philosophy course we will be exploring one of Plato's dialogues. Start your day with the right kind of question: What is knowledge? What is virtue? What is a good life?

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Key course information

Dates
17/01/12 - 21/02/12

Day(s)
Tue

Duration
6 weeks

Time
08:15 - 09:45

Fees
Full fee: £54^NC

Venue
KS - Keeley Street

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Course code
HP057

Availability
This course has finished

^NC: No concessionary fees available as there is no government funding for this course.

This course has finished

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Still got questions?
humanities@citylit.ac.uk or call 020 7492 2652

Course outline

What is the course about?

Plato said that philosophy begins with wonder. Then life steps in. Come and rediscover that genuinely philosophical feeling in these early-bird classes. How can we keep hold of it throughout the day?
This course is an introduction to philosophy through Plato. We’ll be reading and discussing three short texts: ‘The Apology’, ‘Crito’ and ‘Phaedo’.

What topics will we cover?

We’ll be discussing some of the central questions of Plato’s philosophy: What is wisdom? What is justice? How should we live? And what can we hope for, if not in this life, then in a life hereafter?

By the end of this course you should be able to:

choose between different interpretations of Plato’s texts
defend your own interpretation
accurately predict Plato’s answers to a range of philosophical questions
produce examples of ‘aporia’
experience wonder.

What level is the course and do I need any particular skills?

You don’t need to know anything about philosophy to do this course, but you will need to be ready to read to and discuss Plato’s texts.

How will I be taught, and will there be any work outside the class?

Classes will run in a reading group style. At the end of each session, you’ll be given some reading questions to think about before the following week. Between classes, you’ll be expected to read approximately 20 pages of Plato. (Be warned that 20 pages of philosophy goes a long way!).

Are there any other costs? Is there anything I need to bring?

You’ll need to buy a copy of The Last Days of Socrates (Penguin Books; trans. Hugh Tredennick), which is priced at around £7.

Do I need to have an interview before I can enrol?

No.

What feedback will I get?

You will receive regular feedback from your tutor throughout the course, as and when appropriate. At the end of the course you and your tutor are asked to assess the progress you have made.

How will I be able to give my views on the course?

Please complete the evaluation form at the end of your course. These are monitored and help us to continually improve our courses.

How do I find out if I can get some support for my learning?

You may be interested in: education and careers advice; financial and childcare support; disability support; support for Deaf and hearing-impaired students; dyslexia support; English and maths support; counselling, and library services (supported learning centre). To find out what may be available to you, and how to apply, see page 213 of the 11/12 course guide, or visit www.citylit.ac.uk/students

When I've finished, what course can I do next?

General information and advice on courses at City Lit is available from the Information and Advice Shop, open Monday to Friday 12:00 – 19:00 during term time, and Monday to Friday 12:00 – 17:00 out of term time. See the course guide for term dates and further details.

Who can I contact for further information?

Tel: 020 7492 2652

humanities@citylit.ac.uk

Advice times:

During term-time Monday 12.30–13.30 and 17.30–18.30 Thursday 12.30–13.30 and 17.30–18.30

Non term-time Monday 17.30–18.30 Thursday 12.30–13.30.

To enrol on a course, call 020 7831 7831.