Courses
Read along and learn with Dr. SJ Murray’s Spring 2025 course in Great Texts at Baylor University, “Ancient Intellectual Tradition.” This term, SJ has organized the course around the theme of “Meaning, Morality, and Purpose.” Below, you’ll find links to daily readings and reflections to help guide you through some of the most influential works of the ancient intellectual tradition. Resources are free and it’s a wonderful opportunity to read in community. You’ll also find lessons on SJ’s socials, where you can ask her questions.
Art: Ulysses and the Sirens is an 1891 painting by the Pre-Raphaelite artist John William Waterhouse. It is currently held in the National Gallery of Victoria, Melbourne, Australia.
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Ancient Mesopotamia: Enheduana
Discover the first named author in the world, over 1500 years before Homer: the high priestess and princess Enheduana.
Discover the first named author in the world, over 1500 years before Homer: the high priestess and princess Enheduana.
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Ancient Mesopotamia: Gilgamesh
Rediscovered in the 19th century during excavations, the Epic of Gilgamesh, recorded on clay tablets, includes the story of a great flood, and a quest for immortality.
Rediscovered in the 19th century during excavations, the Epic of Gilgamesh, recorded on clay tablets, includes the story of a great flood, and a quest for immortality.
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Ancient Egypt: The Book of the Dead
Learn about moral judgment and the afterlife according to the ancient Egyptian Book of the Dead.
Learn about moral judgment and the afterlife according to the ancient Egyptian Book of the Dead.
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Plato's Myth of Er in the Republic
At the end of the Republic, Plato shares a vision of Judgment and Justice in the afterlife: the Myth of Er.
At the end of the Republic, Plato shares a vision of Judgment and Justice in the afterlife: the Myth of Er.
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Homer's Odyssey, Book 1
Embark with Homer into one of the greatest epics of the Western tradition. In Book 1, the stage is set.
Embark with Homer into one of the greatest epics of the Western tradition. In Book 1, the stage is set.
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Telemachus takes charge of the assembly and sets sail.
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Homer's Odyssey, Book 3
Mentor and Telemachus enter Nestor’s court, in search for news about Odysseus. Athena reveals herself.
Mentor and Telemachus enter Nestor’s court, in search for news about Odysseus. Athena reveals herself.
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Homer's Odyssey, Book 4
As Telemachus and Pisistratus visit Menelaus & Helen, and the suitors plot to ambush Telemachus and kill him upon his return, Book 4 builds towards a suspenseful cliffhanger.
As Telemachus and Pisistratus visit Menelaus & Helen, and the suitors plot to ambush Telemachus and kill him upon his return, Book 4 builds towards a suspenseful cliffhanger.
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Homer's Odyssey, Book 5
Zeus himself decrees that it’s time for Odysseus to journey home and sends Hermes to instruct Calypso to let him go. But Poseidon isn’t happy.
Zeus himself decrees that it’s time for Odysseus to journey home and sends Hermes to instruct Calypso to let him go. But Poseidon isn’t happy.
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Homer's Odyssey, Book 6
The tide turns as we cross the threshold into Act 2 of The Odyssey, and Odysseus begins the homeward journey on fresh footing at last.
The tide turns as we cross the threshold into Act 2 of The Odyssey, and Odysseus begins the homeward journey on fresh footing at last.
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Odysseus presents himself to the court of King Alcinous of Phaeacia.
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Odysseus weeps for his fallen comrades as the bard sings.
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Odysseus and his men encounter the great cyclops, Polyphemus.
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Trials, betrayals, and the lure of Circe, the great enchantress…
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