This course is the first in a series of survey courses on the history of literary criticism and theory in the West. It will concentrate on ancient literary theory from Plato to Augustine by way of Aristotle, ancient rhetoricians, Horace, Plutarch, Longinus and Plotinus. Students will be asked to give one presentation in class and to write one substantial term paper.

This course fulfills the Theory and Criticism Ph.D. Program requirements.