A Deep Dive into Sophocles’ Antigone
Clare Pearson
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Deadline December 28, 2026
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Modality In-Person, Online
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Tuition $580
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Next Start Date January 5, 2027
Course Description
TThe winter quarter seminar looks at Aristotle’s enormous influence on medieval thought. Aristotle’s De Anima was a central text for both Christian and Muslim thinkers, as they struggled to reconcile rationalism with religious belief. The protagonist of Hayy bin Yaqzan, considered the first Arabic novel, is raised by a deer on a desert island and gains an understanding of the world around him in total isolation from other human beings, making his way to faith through both reason and mystical experience. Thomas Aquinas, whose work is indebted to the Muslim scholar ibn Rushd (Averroes), is the quintessential Christian apologist for Aristotle’s centrality to any reasoning about the nature of the world, both human and divine.
The tutorial continues to explore the relationship between the European, Christian world and the variety of cultures and people with which it was in contact and conflict. Usama Ibn Munqidh’s 12th century autobiography offers a nuanced reaction to encounter with the cultural other, and Villehardouin’s account of the Fourth Crusade demonstrates the surprising turns that the crusading “spirit” could take. We will then explore Marco Polo’s fascinating account of his travels across the Middle East and into China, and end with Italo Calvino’s Invisible Cities, which reimagines the world of Marco Polo’s journey and his interactions with Kublai Khan.
Prerequisites:
At least 2 years of the Basic Program Core Curriculum
Required Texts
Required Texts:
- Aristotle On the Soul and other Psychological Works, trans. Fred Miller Oxford World's Classics 978-0199588213
- Ibn Tufayl Hayy Ibn Yaqzan, trans. Lenn Evan Goodman Chicago 978-0226303109
- Aquinas Summa Contra Gentiles, Book Two: Creation, trans. Anderson Notre Dame 978-0268016807
- Ibn Munquidh The Book of Contemplation, trans. Cobb Penguin 978-0140455137
- Villehardouin Chronicles of the Crusades Penguin 978-0140449983
- Marco Polo The Description of the World Hackett 978-1624664366
- Italo Calvino Invisible Cities Mariner Books Classics 978-0156453806
Available Course Sections
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Frequently Asked Questions
Review common questions about our courses. You can also contact us for more information.
Do we take assessments in these courses?
Graham School non-credit courses are not graded and therefore have no tests. They focus on nourishing a love of learning, allowing you to immerse yourself in topics and discussions you find interesting.
How can I best prepare for class?
Complete any assigned reading and come prepared to participate actively in classroom discussion. While not required, we offer an optional course to prepare students to engage with challenging works: How to Read Classic Texts. While this is presented as an introductory course for the Basic Program, students in other programs or open enrollment courses are also welcome to participate and grow their skills.
Do I have to complete an application?
Applications are not required for our open enrollment courses.
Who is best suited to take a course at the Graham School?
Anyone who is interested in immersing themselves in these topics and engaging in deep discovery with others is welcome to take part in this course.
UChicago has a reputation for academic rigor. Will I be able to meaningfully participate in the classroom discussions?
Yes. Our non-credit courses are built for adults who have life experience and want to learn. Our instructors create an inclusive learning environment by encouraging all students to participate, regardless of their academic background.
What happens if I have to miss a class?
Our online classes are recorded and shared with the registered students through the Canvas site for the course. For in-person courses, you can ask a fellow student to take notes for you if you have to miss a session.
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Will this course be offered online or in person?
The Graham School offers both online and in-person class experiences. The description for each course section specifies whether it will be offered online through Canvas or in person at the Gleacher Center in downtown Chicago.
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While our courses are driven by live discussions, we do record the online sessions. If you miss a class, you can watch the recording to catch up. Please note that students may only access recordings for the sections in which they are registered. In-person classes are not recorded.
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Courses dropped before the first day of class are eligible for a full refund. Courses dropped after the first class are subject to a 10% cancellation fee. No refund will be issued for courses dropped after the first week of classes.
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Graham School programs have received national and international attention, with coverage in Forbes, The New York Times, The Wall Street Journal, the Financial Times, The Atlantic, and other leading publications.
Are any scholarships or financial assistance available for Open Enrollment or Basic Program courses?
Beginning with the Winter 2027 registration period, a limited number of partial scholarships are available to students who would otherwise face barriers to enrollment in Graham School courses. Applications will be reviewed on a rolling basis throughout the academic year, and decisions are released every other month. Those interested in being considered can apply for a partial tuition scholarship here.
