Location:

New York City, United States

Program Type:

Full Degree

Degree Level:

Master

Specialty:

Liberal Arts & Sciences

Program Overview

Program Description:

MALS Track in Western Intellectual Traditions The MALS track in Western Intellectual Traditions explores bedrock historical, cultural and literary expressions that contribute to shaping a mindset known as “western.” In a world increasingly interested in global ties and world histories, the track in classical through enlightenment contributions reinserts the western intellectual tradition, a tradition sometimes exalted, sometimes attacked, sometimes adapted to other societies. Core Courses: MALS 70500: Classical, Medieval, or Renaissance Culture is an intense survey of selected pieces of ancient literature and legend that have subsequently influenced Western civilization. The chosen literary works are analyzed from an interdisciplinary perspective, combining literature, history, archaeology, religion, culture, politics and philosophy. Certain universal issues are considered as they are conveyed through the literary genres. The class mainly concentrates upon a thorough examination and discussion of the following primary sources: The Epic of Gilgamesh, Hesiod’s Theogony, Homer’s Odyssey, Aeschylus’ Oresteia, Sophocles’ Oedipus Cycle (the Theban plays), Euripides’ Iphigeneia in Aulis, Aristophanes’ The Clouds, Plato’s Apology and Symposium and Virgil’s Aeneid. MALS 70600: Enlightenment and Critique offers an exploration of the transition to modern forms of critical analysis, features selected authors whose works critiqued the unexamined assumptions of their own periods, assesses the novelty of “the scientific revolution” both in itself and in its impact on socio-political and cultural norms and explores the way revolutionary movements and the ideologies of modern life (the “isms”) derived from these new modes of thinking as well as new modes of economic and social organization. Readings will vary each semester.

Additional Program Information

Accreditation:

All of CUNY’s campuses are accredited by the Middle States Commission on Higher Education. All of CUNY’s degree programs are registered with the New York State Department of Education.

Financial Aid:

No