Spring 2023 Honors College 'Retro Readings' Seminars to Examine Affirmative Action and Ancient Customs

Peter Aaron

Honors College Retro Readings courses focus on seminal texts viewed through a contemporary lens. Past and current offerings have invited close readings of Tolkien, the Bible and Presidential speeches, but the course isn't limited to internationally recognized authors. Next semester, honors students will dig into the history and evolution of affirmative action on college admissions, as well as examine how ancient Greeks perceived the different cultures they encountered throughout the world.

"This semester's offerings are particularly good examples of why we read classic texts," said John Treat, director of interdisciplinary and curricular learning. "Herodotus shows students how tenacious ideas of race and ethnicity have been over the millennia while Affirmative Action and Diversity on Campus will give students the full history of the legal development of these concepts."

These weekly 75-minute, seminar-style discussions were designed to fit into even the busiest schedules. Though the courses no longer require an application, interested students must register as early as possible to ensure they get a seat.

The Spring 2023 Honors College Retro Readings Seminars are:

Affirmative Action and Diversity on Campus: Affirmative action—along with diversity, equity and inclusion—has become one of the most pervasive and misunderstood issues in society today. The concept originates from the notion that all aspects of our society should be open to individuals without regard to characteristics like race or ethnicity. Professor Mark Killenbeck, Wylie H. Davis Distinguished Professor of Law, will lead students in taking a closer look at what affirmative action was intended to be, what it has become, and what it can appropriately offer in an increasingly diverse society where lingering economic, political and social issues continue to place artificial barriers in the paths of many individuals.

Custom Is King: Africans, Asians, and Greeks in Herodotus' Histories: Herodotus, the ancient Greek "Father of History" not only documented the battles at Marathon and Thermopylae, but also left detailed accounts about the customs of many ancient societies. His Histories offer insight into the diverse cultures of the 6th and 5th centuries BCE, from the great Asian empires of Babylon and Persia to the Egyptians along the Nile, from the steppes of Asia to the jungles of Ethiopia, from the dry deserts of Libya to the gold-bearing sands of India and the pleasant-smelling Arabian peninsula.

In this course led by Daniel B. Levine, University Professor of classical studies, part of the Department of World Languages, Literatures and Cultures, students will read Herodotus' Histories one book at a time and discuss its cultural information. Students will compare and contrast the cultural information about different regions and ask why he chose to concentrate on certain topics in the various countries. Did this depend on his own interests? The demands of his audience? The state of his sources? 

About the Honors College: The University of Arkansas Honors College was established in 2002 and brings together high-achieving undergraduate students and the university’s top professors to share transformative learning experiences. Each year the Honors College awards up to 90 freshman fellowships that provide $80,000 over four years, and more than $1 million in undergraduate research and study abroad grants. The Honors College is nationally recognized for the high caliber of students it admits and graduates. Honors students enjoy small, in-depth classes, and programs are offered in all disciplines, tailored to students’ academic interests, with interdisciplinary collaborations encouraged. All Honors College graduates have engaged in mentored research.