Join Michael Sugrue, Ph.D. for an ongoing webinar series reflecting on the classics of our world. From Philosophy, to fiction; from biographies, to theatre, we will explore many great titles and their lasting impact.
The Book of the Courtier by Castiglione
A 16th century book of manners that has become a snapshot of what it was to be an ideal courtier. More than that however, Casiglione’s The Book of the Courtier is an open-ended philosophical discussion representing a nostalgic look at the disappearing courts of the High Renaissance. It is a fun, witty piece that explores a period less familiar from a writer of the age. Please join us for Professor Sugrue’s lecture and a live Q&A after.
Tuesday, December 8, 2020 at 11:00 AM ET
“I am loving these discussions! Makes me feel like I am back in college but without the homework!”
– Classics Revisited discussion attendee
Measure for Measure by Shakespeare
One of Shakespeare’s darker and underrated comedies, Measure for Measure dives into mistaken identity, blackmail, hypocrisy and deception. It continues to be classified as comedy, but seems to defy typical classification conventions. It is one of Shakespeare’s more complex plays with layers that still astound readers today. Listen to Professor Sugrue’s lecture on this famous comedy and join us for lively Q&A after.
“Such a privilege to hear this lecture, especially as it relates to our times.“
– Classics Revisited discussion attendee
Blood Meridian by Cormac McCarthy
We are back to offer you a great chance to take a break with a modern classic, Cormac McCarthy’s Blood Meridian. What some would say a gruesome tale, we will look at the depths of McCarthy’s writing, including his images, decisions made by the characters and the long-lasting realization of life choices and some may say divine intervention. Please join us for Sugrue’s lecture and a live Q&A after.
“Loved this! The food for my soul these days!”
– Classics Revisited discussion attendee
History of the Peloponnesian War by Thucydides
Thucydides’ History of the Peloponnesian War recounts the War between Sparta and Athens 428-404 from the perspective of an Athenian general. It is the first work of political science in the Western tradition. It is the great statement of Realpolitik in the ancient world. Students beginning graduate studies in International Relations usually begin their reading with Thucydides, who offers tough minded observations on political order and change which he thought permanent truths because human nature was fixed.
His History treats the history of Athens as a giant collective tragedy. He created speeches for the addresses of which he only knew the outcome and the foibles of the speaker. This borrowing from Greek drama makes his History as much art as science and his work is fatalistic about politics and ethics. “The strong do what they can, the weak do what they must.” Join Professor Sugrue for his lecture on Thucydides’ History of the Peloponnesian War and a live Q&A after.
“The three classics webinars have been absolutely wonderful!.“
– Classics Revisited discussion attendee
Meditations by Marcus Aurelius
Take a break for an hour as Professor Sugrue discusses Meditations, the private Greek writings of Marcus Aurelius, the last of the “Five Good Emperors.” A stoic Roman Emperor who ruled from 161-180, Aurelius was a conscientiously moral man who sought to avoid the temptations of absolute power, which he treated as absolute responsibility. His seriousness and self-discipline and courage are beautifully put in his observation: “Even in a palace it is possible to live well.” Join Professor Sugrue for a lecture on Meditations and a live Q&A after.
“This was my first to attend and I thoroughly enjoyed it. The Q&A after added a richness to the content presented.“
– Classics Revisited discussion attendee
The Misanthrope by Moliere
Moliere’s The Misanthrope is one of the wittiest and simultaneously the deepest reflection on comedy by a comedian. It contains the clever repartee of Jane Austen or Oscar Wilde (in French verse) combined with the self-conscious defense of comedy like Shakespeare’s defense of drama in Measure for Measure. Very thoughtful reflections on human nature are combined with reflections on comedy in the moral economy of the court. White lies make social life possible and sincerity has its limits.
Moliere knows only too well the temptations of brutal honesty and sees the falsity of politesse at Versailles, yet he is wise enough to understand that the mild inclusive philanthropic comedy of Horace is the only one compatible with life at court. A century later, Rousseau was baffled when his fellow theatregoers found Alceste, the misanthrope, funny, since he was so clearly right. Join Professor Sugrue for a lecture on Moliere’s The Misanthrope and a live Q&A after.
“It has made a bright spot to these days and helped to reflect that while we have advanced in ways, many truths of life discovered ages ago as still relevant today in the world in which we are living. These have given me thoughts for proceeding forward to improve more.“
– Classics Revisited discussion attendee
