shirl    stuff    unrequired reading
 
Philosophy and other topics
Science
Literature
History

The Texas List of Unrequired Reading

composed by the College of Liberal Arts, The University of Texas at Austin

    This is not a list of the books we think every student should read.  Rather, its purpose is to encourage reading and to provide a good starting point and plan for future reading.  Alternate titles are provided because we recognize the vast differences among individuals in reading experience and taste.  We encourage you to start by following your own inclinations.
    The topics covered in these volumes are a good sampling of the most important ideas and events responsible for intellectual life and struggle in Western Civilization.  A serious effort to examine at least selected topics in history, literature, philosophy, and science is an essential beginning in your education beyond secondary school.  And this effort does not have to constitute a great burden.  Only one book per month completes the reading program.
    After you get well into the list, we believe you will want to explore other perspectives and opinions.  If you do, we will conclude that this reading project has been a success.