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Home » Western Intellectual Tradition

Western Intellectual Tradition

Updated on: January 1, 2023

Printable PDFDirector: Thomas Blake

The Great Books and great works of art are the foundation of a traditional liberal arts education. The Western intellectual tradition minor explores these materials through coordinated study in such fields as history, philosophy, literature, art history, music history, religious studies, and political theory. Major works by authors and artists from ancient times through the eighteenth century are emphasized.

A minor in Western intellectual tradition consists of:

Foundation Courses (2 courses)

             HIST 133 Europe and the World to 1500 (or an approved substitute)
             PHIL 220 Ancient and Medieval Philosophy or PHIL 225 Early Modern Philosophy

Electives* (3 courses; at least one of which is neither in history nor philosophy)

             ARTH 231 Western Art: Ancient to Medieval
             ARTH 232 Western Art: Renaissance to Modern
             ARTH 345 Italian Renaissance Painting and Sculpture
             ARTH 347 Baroque Painting and Sculpture
             CLAS 106 Classical Mythology
             CLAS 110 Greek Literature in Translation
             CLAS 306 Advanced Study in Classical Mythology
             ENG 331 Studies in Medieval British Literature
             ENG 332 Studies in 16th-Century British Literature
             ENG 341 Studies in 17th-Century British Literature
             ENG 342 Studies in 18th-Century British Literature
             FR 353 French Literature to the French Revolution
             GER 354 Studies in Literature and Society through the 18th Century
             HIST 333 Enlightenment and Revolutions
             LAT 404 Latin Lyric and Elegiac Poetry
             LAT 406 Latin Prose Authors
             LAT 410 Roman Drama
             LAT 412 Roman Epic
             LAT 414 Studies in Medieval Latin
             LAT 416 Roman Philosophers
             MUS 240 Music History Through 1700
             PHIL 220 Ancient and Medieval Philosophy (if not already taken)
             PHIL 225 Early Modern Philosophy (if not already taken)
             PSCI 420 Political Theory
             PSCI 425 Political Philosophy and Religion
             PSCI 428 The Origins of Modern Liberalism
             REL 135 The Biblical Heritage
             REL 235 Images of Jesus and Early Christian Identity
             REL 270 Development of Catholic and Protestant Thought
             REL 435 Early Christian Texts
             THEA 142 Development of Dramatic Art I
             WIT 250 Intermediate Topics in the Western Intellectual Tradition
             WIT 260 Intermediate Directed Study in the Western Intellectual Tradition
             WIT 360 Advanced Topics in the Western Intellectual Tradition
             WIT 460 Advanced Directed Study in the Western Intellectual Tradition
             WIT 490 Independent Study in the Western Intellectual Tradition

*This list of courses is not exhaustive, so search for relevant courses on WebHopper by selecting “WIT” as a search criterion.

Other Considerations When Planning for the Minor:

  • Competence in a European language other than English is highly recommended, but not required.
  • A January term, semester, or year abroad in Europe also is highly recommended, but not required.
  • January term courses may not be used to satisfy the requirements for the minor.
  • Other courses may be appropriate and relevant to students’ specific interest and may be included with director’s approval.

Total Credits Requirement = 5 course credits

COURSES

WIT 250 Intermediate Topics in Western Intellectual Tradition

A study of selected topics for beginning students based on faculty and student interests. Offered on an occasional basis. Course may be repeated when topic varies.  1 course credit.

WIT 260 Intermediate Directed Study in Western Intellectual Tradition

Student investigation of topic of interest working in collaboration with a faculty member resulting in significant oral and written work. See On-Campus Learning Opportunities for more information. PREQ: Freshman January term or Sophomore standing. Special permission required. Offered in variable course credit from 0.25-1.00.

WIT 350 Advanced Topics in Western Intellectual Tradition

An investigation of selected topics for more advanced students based on faculty and student interests. Offered on an occasional basis. Course may be repeated when topic varies. Prerequisites vary. 1 course credit.

WIT 360/460 Advanced Directed Study in Western Intellectual Tradition

Student investigation of topic of interest related to the major or minor working in collaboration with a faculty member resulting in significant oral and written work. See On-Campus Learning Opportunities for more information. PREQ: Junior or Senior standing. Special permission required. Offered for variable course credit from 0.25-1.00.

WIT 490 Independent Study in the Western Intellectual Tradition

Student-driven independent work to produce a high quality body of work such as paper, report, art project, etc. See On-Campus Learning Opportunities for more information. PREQ: Junior or Senior standing. Special permission required. Offered in variable course credit from 0.25-1.00.

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