An introduction to some of the most important works of classical antiquity that theorize about literature. Please note, then, that we will not be reading poetry in this course; rather, we will be reading what our ancient authors thought about poetry (and about literature more generally). We will also read some influential works by post-classical authors who wrote on similar themes under the influence of their classical predecessors. Ancient authors to be read: Plato, Aristotle, Horace, Longinus, Plutarch, and Augustine. Post-classical authors to be read: Sidney, Pope, Corneille, Hume, and Lessing.

Requirements: regular participation in class, including groupwork, discussion, and formal debates (roll will be taken); one take-home midterm (passages for comment); one take-home final exam at semester's end (choice of quiz-type questions). No essays or term-papers will be required. The course is participation-intensive rather than writing-intensive.

Prerequisites: one introductory course in Greek culture such as AGRS 10A or AGRS 44 or one introductory course in Greek philosophy such as AGRS 36 or Philosophy 25A. Similar courses taken in other departments or universities may count instead. Please confirm with instructor before enrolling.

The course counts as the equivalent of an AGRS 130 course within the various AGRS majors. It satisfies the Arts and Literature or the Philosophy and Values breadth requirements of the College of Letters and Science.