Max Grober, Director
The mission of the Western Intellectual Tradition program is to promote multidisciplinary inquiry into the development and transmission of western culture from ancient times through the eighteenth century.
The Great Books and great works of art are the foundation of a traditional liberal arts education. The Western Intellectual Tradition minor explores the cultural history of Europe through coordinated study in such fields as history, philosophy, literature, art history, music history, religious studies, and political theory. Approved courses emphasize major works by authors and artists from before the year 1800.
A minor in Western Intellectual Tradition consists of a minimum of six course credit units in at least three disciplines:
- History 133 or an approved substitute
- Philosophy 220 or 225, or an approved substitute
- Four additional approved courses, of which at least one must be at the 300 level or higher
- 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.
- Disciplinary courses approved for the Western Intellectual Tradition minor are listed collectively in the course schedule each term.
250 Intermediate Topics in Western Intellectual Tradition
260 Intermediate Directed Study in Western Intellectual Tradition
(Variable credit course)
350 Advanced Topics in Western Intellectual Tradition
460 Advanced Directed Study in Western Intellectual Tradition
(Variable credit course)
490 Independent Study in the Western Intellectual Tradition
(Variable credit course)
