Honors

For over a millennium the study of classic texts has formed the foundation of education in the western world. During the Renaissance these canonical texts derived almost exclusively from one particular tradition – that of ancient Greece and Rome. This practice has persisted for hundreds of years, and students have studied the classics for two primary reasons: (1) such works of genius represent, in Matthew Arnold’s phrase, “the best that is known and thought in the world”; and (2) they create a common ground for thoughtful discourse in the western world. Similarly, other cultures also value “classic” texts – works that endure the test of time, provide the foundation of education, and inspire further thought and creativity.

In the Honors Program we strive to continue this venerable tradition, though we have adapted it to meet the demands of a later, more multicultural and multidisciplinary age. First, we have broadened the notion of a classic to include works in other media and a variety of disciplines, including music, theater, the visual arts, film, and science and technology. Second, we have included examples from cultures throughout the world and from diverse historical periods while retaining some of the most notable works from ancient Greece and Rome. Notwithstanding these modifications, the fundamental goals of our Great Works requirement remain the same: (1) to expose students to works that represent “the best that is known and thought in the world” and (2) to allow students to gain familiarity with primary works of literature, theatre, visual art, film, music, and science and technology in western and other cultures. These are works that have influenced – and continue to influence – our basic assumptions about the world. In addition, we hope that this requirement will help students develop a life-long habit of seeking out the greatest and most influential works of human history.

Students must meet this requirement while they are undergraduates. (They may not count works they studied in high school.) Students will find it easiest to meet this requirement if they spread it out over four years, rather than attempting to fit it in one year alone.

BYU proffers multiple opportunities to meet this requirement both within its course offerings and through the numerous concerts, plays, exhibits, films, and lectures that are sponsored every semester and term. The Honors Program also provides a Great Works card that entitles enrolled Honors students to discounts to many campus performances. In addition, many recitals and exhibitions are free and open to the public.

The Honors Program has produced a packet that provides detailed information about the Great Works Requirement as well as a log that will enable students to keep track of their progress in completing it. The packet is available through the Honors Advisement Center (102A MSRB). It may also be downloaded as an electronic document (in pdf format) by clicking on the link below.

Download/view Great Works materials:

Great Works

Great Works Packet
Great Works List
Great Works Experience Logs 
Great Works Response Guidelines Form 
Great Works Response Cover Sheet 

For students pursuing the Pre-Fall 2007 Great Works Program, please use the following links:

Pre-2007 Great Works Packet 
Pre-2007 Great Works Response Cover Sheet

Great Works Online Resources: 
Went to an event, but can't remember the title or date? To view past on-campus performing arts schedules, please go to: http://artcom.byu.edu/honors/ or check directly at http://moa.byu.edu; http://ic.byu.edu; http://performances.byu.edu.