Philosophy Reading Group: Aristotle's poetics
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- Start Date: 06 May 2025End Date: 03 Jun 2025This course has startedTue (Evening): 19:00 - 20:00OnlineFull fee £69.00 Senior fee £69.00 Concession £45.00
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What is the course about?
In this course we study Aristotle’s text and the issues it raises. We discuss his notion of mimesis (imitation) and his account of tragedy and the tragic hero. We focus on his notions of muthos (‘plot’ or ‘story’) and katharsis or release of negative emotions through drama. How relevant are Aristotle’s views on tragedy today? As this is a reading group, the emphasis will be on class discussion and readers’ response to the text.
What will we cover?
We examine Aristotle’s notion of mimêsis (imitation) and poetry as an art of imitation. We discuss Aristotle’s definition of tragedy and his view on the tragic hero – and the influence of his theory on literary criticism and drama studies. We look into his notions of muthos (plot or story), unity of action, and katharsis. How does tragedy operate? What feelings are aroused by the tragic plot? We assess the effect of tragedy on the audience. Do the spectators feel pity or fear when watching a hero suffer? Finally, we consider the question: is the Poetics still relevant today?
What will I achieve?
By the end of this course you should be able to...
Critically assess the main themes of the Poetics by contributing your own views on Aristotle’s theory of poetry and his account of tragedy, as well as understanding their context.
What level is the course and do I need any particular skills?
Beginners, no previous knowledge of philosophy is required. An open mind and a willingness to listen and respond to ideas with which you may not always agree are more important than particular levels of skill.
How will I be taught, and will there be any work outside the class?
We will be reading the brief text of the Poetics in weekly excerpts of 7-10 pages, with close reading in class. Previous excerpts and topics will be summarised at the start of each class. As we will be reading a translation from the Greek, we will also consider relevant commentaries on – and, depending on learners’ interest, different translations of – crucial passages in class. Guiding questions and further reading materials will be provided if desired.
Are there any other costs? Is there anything I need to bring?
The course will be online via Zoom. You may want to purchase a copy of Aristotle’s Poetics. We will be using this translation:
Aristotle: Poetics, translated by Malcolm Heath. Penguin Classics, London: 1996.
Copies are available on Amazon, Blackwell’s, World of Books or Abe Books.
When I've finished, what course can I do next?
Please check City Lit's website for up-to-date information about forthcoming philosophy reading groups and other philosophy courses.
Anita teaches and writes about philosophical topics. She has taught undergraduate and graduate students at university for many years, as well as adult learners. She uses a cross-disciplinary approach in her teaching and encourages students to examine intersections between philosophy, psychology, and other humanities subjects. She is the author of a book On Autobiographical Memory (Cambridge Scholars Publishing, 2009), and numerous articles on topics in the history of philosophy, various aspects of memory and the role of shame in social media. She also published two poetry collections. She studied at Geneva University, has an MA in English literature, a PhD in Philosophy, and a Bulgarian national scientific habilitation in Philosophy.
Please note: We reserve the right to change our tutors from those advertised. This happens rarely, but if it does, we are unable to refund fees due to this. Our tutors may have different teaching styles; however we guarantee a consistent quality of teaching in all our courses.
