The Western Tradition & its Discontents

This subject is not offered in 2011.

Since the Renaissance many scholars and scientist have considered themselves as part of a tradition based on principles set out in Greek and Roman antiquity and reestablished in early modern Europe. While this tradition is still prevalent both in academic and in broader culture as providing the identity of 'the West', it has drawn substantial criticism as it is often connoted with the idea of a supposed superiority of the Western civilization over others, not the least because it was within this tradition that modern science emerged. This subject will study the history of this tradition and its different interpretations. It will focus on different images and references in both 'West' (or 'Occident') and 'East'(or 'Orient'), how different developments (from the role of Islamic culture in transmission of Greek knowledge to the role of oriental studies for early modern science) have been ignored in interpretations of the Western tradition and whether the concept of the Western Tradition inherently contains a notion of superiority. On completion students will gain an historically founded understanding of the role of the Western tradition in contemporary scholarship and politics in shaping cultural identities.

Students who successfully complete this subject should

• have developed research skills.
• have developed critical thinking and analysis.
• be able to think in theoretical terms.
• be able to understand social, ethical and cultural contexts.
• be able to communicate knowledge intelligibly and economically.

One 5000 word essay (due during examination period)

Hurdle Requirement: Students are required to attend a minimum of 80% of classes in order to qualify to have their written work assessed. Students who fail to meet this hurdle requirement will be deemed ineligible to submit the final piece of assessment for this subject. Regular participation in class is required.

Assessment submitted late without an approved extension will be penalised at 2% per working day. In-class tasks missed without approval will not be marked. All pieces of written work must be submitted to pass this subject.

A subject reader will be available from the University Bookshop at the beginning of semester.

This subject is not available as a breadth subject.

Students who successfully complete this subject should

• have developed written communication skills.
• have developed public speaking skills.
• have developed good time management and planning.
• be able to work as a team