What are the Great Books? In this introductory lecture, Professor Jiang explains that the Great Books are meant to help us achieve our true human potential by revealing the secrets of the universe. This semester, Professor Jiang will discuss five Great Books: 1. The Iliad by Homer 2. The Odyssey by Homer 3. The Republic by Plato 4. The Aeneid by Vergil 5. The Divine Comedy by Dante